Describe something you received for free.: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

What was it?
When and from whom did you receive it?
How did you feel?

132 unique answers with expert feedback

How do you feel about receiving gifts in general?

I feel that receiving gifts is a wonderful experience. It shows that someone cares about you and values your relationship. Gifts can bring joy and strengthen bonds between people. However, I also believe that the thought behind the gift is more important than its material value.

What other gifts have had a significant impact on your life?

Apart from the smartwatch, I received a book from my parents that inspired me to pursue my career. It opened my eyes to new ideas and possibilities. Additionally, a handmade gift from a friend reminded me of the importance of creativity and personal touch in relationships.

Do you think it's better to give or receive gifts?

I believe that giving gifts can be more fulfilling than receiving them. The joy of seeing someone happy because of a thoughtful gift is priceless. It creates a sense of connection and happiness. However, both giving and receiving have their own unique joys and significance.

Band >7

00:00

One memorable item I received for free was a beautiful handcrafted leather wallet from a local artisan. I had visited a market during the traditional festival and while browsing through various stalls, the vendor offered me the wallet as a gift. Simply because I had admired his craftsmanship for quite some time. The wallet was not only practical but also exuded a sense of artistry with intricate stitching and a rich deep brown color. Furthermore, it was clear that a great deal of skill and attention to detail had gone into its creation. I felt incredibly grateful not just because of the quality of the gift but also it symbolized the kindness and generosity of the artisan. Nevertheless, what really stood out to me was the fact that the gift was given without any expectations of something in return, which made it even more meaningful. Receiving this thoughtful gift for free left a lasting impression on me as it reminded me that sometimes acts of kindness are not just driven by material value but by joy of giving. The experience also deepened my appreciation for the craftsmanship behind everyday objects. And how something as simple as a wallet can carry so much sentimental value. It made me reflect on how smallest gestures can have a profound impact not only on the recipient but also on the giver. Such experiences have shaped my perspective on life, teaching me to appreciate tangible rewards of kindness and human connection. It made me realize that true generosity is often expressed in most unexpected and heartwarming ways.

Follow up questions

What other gifts have you received that were meaningful to you?

I have received several meaningful gifts, but one that stands out is a handmade scarf from my grandmother. It was made with love and care, and every time I wear it, I feel her warmth and presence. It reminds me of the bond we share and the memories we've created together.

How do you think receiving gifts for free affects people's relationships?

Receiving gifts for free can strengthen relationships by fostering a sense of gratitude and appreciation. It shows that the giver values the recipient without expecting anything in return, which can deepen trust and connection. Such gestures can create lasting memories and enhance emotional bonds.

Do you believe that giving gifts is more rewarding than receiving them?

Yes, I believe giving gifts can be more rewarding. The joy of seeing someone's face light up when they receive a thoughtful gift is priceless. It creates a sense of fulfillment and happiness, knowing that you have made a positive impact on someone else's life through your generosity.

Band >7

00:00

So, my elder brother, who lives in Ireland, came to India last year to visit us and he is quite older to me and he is a scientist, a crop scientist, so when he came to India he bought a few gifts for me. Among those gifts, one of the things that I liked the most was Fossil Smart Watch. So, I am a tech enthusiast and buying new tech gadgets and exploring the tech buzz and news and everything, I like to try new gadgets and technologies. So, getting that watch was very exciting for me. When he gave it to me, I felt amazing and I was super happy and joyful and I started, the moment I received it, I unpacked it and then I started checking out all the features it had and all the cool things it can do like setting alarms, playing music, counting steps, heartbeat. So, it was a very featureful gift and one of the most precious gadgets of mine and one of the most cherished things that I have received as a present from anyone in my whole life and I still wear it every day and it is an amazing watch and I love exploring it and I felt so happy when he gave that watch to me, even though it has been quite old now, like I have been using it regularly and wearing it daily on daily basis from past one year and due to wear and tear and all those things and there were some mishaps as well.

Follow up questions

What other gifts have you received from your brother?

Apart from the Fossil Smart Watch, my brother has given me books and gadgets in the past. He knows my interests well and often chooses gifts that align with my hobbies, like tech gadgets or science-related books, which I always appreciate.

How do you feel about receiving gifts from family?

Receiving gifts from family is always special to me. It shows their love and thoughtfulness. Each gift carries a memory or a sentiment, making it more valuable than just the item itself. I cherish these moments and the connections they strengthen.

Do you think receiving gifts influences relationships?

Yes, I believe receiving gifts can enhance relationships. It shows that someone cares and has put thought into choosing something special for you. It can create lasting memories and strengthen bonds, making the relationship more meaningful.

Practice other cue cards

Band >7

00:00

During the course of my life, I have received many gifts. But today I would like to talk about one such gift which is very close to my heart. The name of the gift is iPhone. There is an interesting story associated with this. A couple of months back, when I cleared my 12th standard with flying colours, my family gave me a surprise party on my birthday at Nishuraj. After that, I went to Nishuraj Headless Greenway with ample space for parking. I entered that and saw a huge chandelier there. After that, my family, my friends and all my relatives were there. There was a huge cake in front of me. I was surprised and shocked. After that, I cut the cake and my father gifted me an iPhone. I was over the moon because I was collecting money for that iPhone. It was very helpful for me because now I can do my online class on that phone. I can click many pictures over there. I clicked many pictures with my family and posted it on their Instagram. My Instagram was flooded with likes and comments. I feel like a pseudo celebrity. After that, we enjoyed many rich varieties of cuisine like Italian, Mexican and others. After that, my friend also gifted me a watch. The watch cost 10,000. My family members also gifted me scenery and other things which helped me a lot. That was the one thing which was really helpful for me.

Follow up questions

How do you feel about receiving gifts on special occasions?

Receiving gifts on special occasions makes me feel appreciated and loved. It shows that my family and friends care about me and want to celebrate my achievements. It adds joy to the occasion and creates lasting memories.

What do you think is the most meaningful gift you've ever received?

The most meaningful gift I've received is the iPhone because it symbolizes my hard work and my family's support. It not only serves as a tool for my studies but also helps me stay connected with loved ones and capture memories.

How do you usually express gratitude when you receive a gift?

I express my gratitude by thanking the person who gave me the gift, either in person or through a message. I also try to show appreciation by using the gift and sharing my experiences with them, which makes them feel valued.

Band 7

00:00

Recently, I received a gift from my best friend who visited Vietnam last month. He brought lots of souvenirs from there and decided to gift me a water bottle. It was a very unique water bottle. Additionally, it was very handy, compact and useful. I am using it for going to the gym as well as everyday usage. Furthermore, the bottle is very artistic in nature and made from eco-friendly environments. In addition to that, this bottle had a reminder to drink water after every 2 hours, so it helped me to stay hydrated throughout the day. I really enjoyed using it and I felt really grateful to my friend for bringing it and gifting it to me. It means a lot to me. Also, he engraved my name i.e Meet Mehta on the water bottle, so it was a very special and customized gift for me. It was very thoughtful of him to think about that. It is said that as every coin has its two sides, so the one side is he brought a gift for me and the second side will be I will also gift him something when I travel or see something very enticing.

Follow up questions

What other gifts have you received that were meaningful to you?

I have received several meaningful gifts over the years. One that stands out is a handmade scrapbook from my sister. It contained memories from our childhood, including photos and notes. It was very touching and reminded me of our bond, making it a cherished gift.

How do you feel about giving gifts to others?

I believe giving gifts is a wonderful way to express love and appreciation. It shows that you care about someone and have put thought into their interests. I enjoy selecting gifts that are personal and meaningful, as it brings joy to both the giver and the receiver.

Do you think receiving gifts can strengthen relationships?

Absolutely! Receiving gifts can strengthen relationships as it demonstrates thoughtfulness and consideration. It creates shared experiences and memories, making the bond between friends or family members even stronger. It's a way to show appreciation and love.

Show all 132 answers

Cue 1:What was it?

Begin by clearly stating what the item or service was that you received for free.
Provide a brief description of its significance or usefulness to you.

Example

I received a beautiful handmade scarf from my grandmother. It was made from soft wool and had intricate patterns that reflected our cultural heritage.

Cue 2:When and from whom did you receive it?

Mention the occasion or event during which you received the item.
Specify who gave it to you and their relationship to you.

Example

I received the scarf last winter during my birthday celebration. My grandmother, who is very dear to me, gifted it to me as a surprise.

Cue 3:How did you feel?

Share your emotional response upon receiving the gift.
Explain why this feeling was significant to you.

Example

I felt incredibly touched and grateful when I received the scarf. It reminded me of the love and care my grandmother puts into everything she makes, making it even more special.

Conclusion

Summarize the importance of the gift in your life.
Reflect on how receiving this free item impacted your relationship with the giver.

Example

In conclusion, receiving the scarf from my grandmother not only warmed me physically during the cold months but also strengthened our bond. It serves as a constant reminder of her love and our family traditions.

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: Giving Vague Answers

Avoid being too general or vague in your response. Specific details make your answer more engaging and memorable. Vague answers can lead to a lack of clarity.

Tip

Include specific details about the item you received, such as its appearance, purpose, and significance to you.

2: Neglecting Emotional Impact

Failing to express your feelings can make your answer less impactful. Emotions help to connect with the listener and make your story more relatable.

Tip

Share how receiving the item made you feel at the moment and how it affects you now, using descriptive language.

Ignoring the Context

Not providing context about when and from whom you received the item can leave your answer feeling incomplete. Context adds depth to your story.

Tip

Clearly explain the situation surrounding the gift, including the occasion and the relationship with the giver.

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The toy which I liked in my childhood was a panda doll, which makes me pleasant and makes me more blush. The pandas are the most beautiful creatures of the world, which looks gigantic and has pooshy cheeks and they are like stars in the clouds and they dream in me. Furthermore, these have been given by my father. My father is a very very beautiful artistic person, who makes me think of that. Every day you will face every difficulties and make you suffer and move forward. Pandas are always seen in Japanese countries. It is my lifelong dream to visit a Japanese country and click a photo with the original pandas, which makes sounds better.

Describe a time you were in a place where you didn't know the local language

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Anonymous student Band 6.5

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Answer

As India is a very large country full of diversity, so there are many places which have their own language and speak their native language. The place which I visited and I didn't know about their language was Leladakh, which is about 300 km away from my hometown and it is a very good place as it consists of different kind of trees, animals and have many scenic views and I visited over there last year in summers as it was the best time to visit because it has many, it was cold over there and we had summers in our area so it was the best time to visit over there and I went over there with my whole family.

Describe a time when your friend damaged something you owned

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