Describe an item of clothing that someone gave you.: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

What was it?
Who gave it? When & why did this person give it?
How did you feel?

58 unique answers with expert feedback

What other gifts have you received from friends?

I've received various gifts from friends, like jewelry and books. Each one holds a special memory, reflecting our friendship and the thought behind the gift. For instance, a friend once gave me a personalized bracelet that I cherish deeply.

How do you feel about giving gifts to others?

I love giving gifts! It brings me joy to see the happiness on my friends' faces when they receive something thoughtful. I believe that gifts should reflect the recipient's personality and interests, making the gesture even more meaningful.

Do you think clothing gifts are better than other types of gifts?

Clothing gifts can be very personal and meaningful, especially if they match the recipient's style. However, I think the best gifts are those that show thoughtfulness, regardless of the type. It's the sentiment behind the gift that truly matters.

Band 7

00:00

The piece of clothing which is very special to me was this beautiful Anarkali suit which was gifted to me by my mother last year on my birthday. It is a very special Anarkali dress with a v-neck and half sleeves and a beautiful full flares around it. I was filled with joy as the surprise was very special to me. In addition to that I have used it in my Kathak classes and other programs as well. As it is in black color and I also love black color, it was very beautiful and it is one of the items which I will always cherish.

Follow up questions

What other clothing items do you cherish?

I cherish a few other items, like a traditional saree my grandmother gave me and a jacket from my best friend. Each piece has a story and emotional value attached to it, reminding me of special moments and people in my life.

How do you feel when you wear this Anarkali suit?

Wearing the Anarkali suit makes me feel elegant and connected to my culture. It boosts my confidence, especially during performances, and reminds me of my mother's love and support, making it even more special.

Do you think clothing can hold sentimental value?

Absolutely! Clothing can carry memories and emotions. Items gifted by loved ones often remind us of special occasions or relationships, making them much more than just fabric; they become a part of our personal history.

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Band 7

00:00

An item of clothing that I received from my elder brother is a hoodie. I love hoodies. I got this hoodie in 2023, which was last year. During my birthday, my brother brought it to me and surprised me because it was of my favorite brand called Saints. This particular brand has these unique patterns and designs and is quite costly. So, I wore this Saints hoodie and I loved it. It's quite unique because nobody has it but only celebrities.

Follow up questions

What do you like most about hoodies?

I love how comfortable and versatile hoodies are. They can be worn in various settings, whether it's casual outings or lounging at home. Plus, they keep me warm during colder months, and I appreciate the style they add to my outfits.

How do you feel when someone gives you a gift?

Receiving a gift makes me feel appreciated and loved. It shows that the person has thought about me and my preferences. It creates a special bond, and I always cherish the memories associated with the gifts I receive.

Do you think clothing can reflect a person's personality?

Absolutely! Clothing is a form of self-expression. The styles, colors, and brands we choose often reflect our tastes, interests, and even our mood. For instance, someone who loves bright colors might be seen as more outgoing and cheerful.

Practice other cue cards

Band 7

00:00

You know, throughout my life many people have gifted me clothing as a gesture of caring or of goodwill, especially on my birthdays and such, though there is perhaps only one piece that stands out to me in the whole lot, and that would be the piece of clothing gifted to me by my good friend Aditya on my 18th birthday. I remember it being the April of 2019, and the Avengers Endgame movie had just come out. In that movie, they have these time travel suits in red, black, and white that I just thought looked absolutely brilliant. Now, my birthday was exactly one month after this, and the jacket had released precisely five days before my birthday, so I had no hope of getting this Avengers-themed jacket for my birthday as I thought it would be sold out. But somehow, in some way, through online marketplaces and third-party sources, my good friend Aditya was able to secure one and surprise me on my birthday. It is the one piece of clothing that I still tend to hold on to, even to this day, even though it is torn and tattered and probably should be discarded. But what it means to me is significantly more valuable than its actual purpose, and I'll always be grateful for having a friend who understands me the way he does and gives thought

Follow up questions

How do you feel about receiving gifts like clothing from friends?

Receiving clothing as gifts makes me feel appreciated and valued. It shows that my friends pay attention to my interests and preferences, which strengthens our bond. Each piece carries memories and emotions, making them special beyond their material value.

What other gifts have you received that hold special meaning?

I have received various gifts over the years, but one that stands out is a handmade scrapbook from my sister. It contains memories from our childhood, and every time I look through it, I feel nostalgic and grateful for our shared experiences and the effort she put into creating it.

Do you think clothing gifts are better than other types of gifts?

I believe clothing gifts can be very personal and meaningful, especially if they reflect the recipient's style or interests. However, other gifts like experiences or handmade items can also hold significant value. It really depends on the thought and effort behind the gift.

Band 7

00:00

It was on my 27th birthday that I received a beautiful evening gown as a gift from my husband. It was a silk gown that had a wonderful embroidery and the thing that I liked the most about the gown was not just its appearance but the feelings associated with it because it was gifted by my husband. So I couldn't wait to wear it. I wore it and I was shocked by how beautiful it looked. I looked gorgeous in that dress. I felt as if I was on cloud nine after wearing that dress. I felt deeply for my husband and I wanted to utter some words of gratitude to him. It was one of the best gifts that I had ever received.

Follow up questions

What occasions do you think are best for wearing that gown?

I believe that gown is perfect for formal events like weddings, anniversary parties, or elegant dinners. Its silk fabric and beautiful embroidery make it suitable for occasions where one wants to look their best and feel special.

How do you feel when you wear clothes that have sentimental value?

Wearing clothes with sentimental value makes me feel connected to the person who gifted them to me. It brings back memories and emotions associated with that moment, making me feel loved and cherished.

Have you ever given someone a piece of clothing as a gift? What was it?

Yes, I once gifted my sister a cozy sweater for her birthday. It was a soft, warm piece that I knew she would love. I chose it because I wanted her to feel comfortable and stylish, just like I felt when I received my gown.

Show all 58 answers

Cue 1:What was it?

Begin by describing the item of clothing in detail, including its type, color, and any unique features.
Mention how you came to possess this item and its significance to you.

Example

The item of clothing I received was a beautiful blue kurta. It had intricate white embroidery on the sleeves and a comfortable fit, making it perfect for festive occasions.

Cue 2:Who gave it? When & why did this person give it?

Identify the person who gifted you the clothing and explain your relationship with them.
Provide context about when and why they decided to give you this item, such as a special occasion or a personal reason.

Example

My aunt gave me this kurta during Diwali last year. She wanted me to have something special to wear for the celebrations, as she knows how much I love traditional attire.

Cue 3:How did you feel?

Share your emotional response upon receiving the gift and how it made you feel about the giver.
Reflect on any memories or thoughts that the item evokes when you wear it.

Example

I felt incredibly touched and grateful when I received the kurta. It reminded me of the close bond I share with my aunt, and wearing it during Diwali made the celebrations even more special.

Conclusion

Summarize your overall feelings about the gift and its importance in your life.
Mention how this item of clothing represents your relationship with the giver.

Example

In conclusion, this blue kurta is not just a piece of clothing for me; it represents love and tradition in my family. Every time I wear it, I feel a sense of connection to my roots and cherished memories with my aunt.

Following this structure will ensure you cover all the essential points while providing a clear and engaging response to the cue card topic.

Tips to answer this Cue Card

1: Vague Descriptions

Using vague language can make your answer less engaging and informative. Avoid general terms that do not provide a clear picture of the clothing item.

Tip

Be specific about the item, including its color, style, and any unique features that make it special.

2: Neglecting Emotional Impact

Failing to express your feelings about receiving the item can make your response less personal and relatable. Emotions add depth to your story.

Tip

Share how the gift made you feel, whether it was happiness, nostalgia, or gratitude, to connect with the listener.

Ignoring Context and Story

Not providing context about the giver and the occasion can lead to a disjointed answer. Context helps the listener understand the significance of the item.

Tip

Include details about who gave the item, when it was given, and the reason behind the gift to create a complete narrative.

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