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IELTSTM CUE CARD

Describe When Someone Gave You Something You Really Wanted

Updated on Oct 08, 2024, 15:06

Overview

An IELTS Speaking cue card is a prompt used in the speaking section of the IELTS exam to encourage candidates to discuss a specific topic or task. It's a crucial part of the speaking test, aiming to assess your ability to communicate fluently and coherently in English within a limited time frame.
 

One such topic is: “Describe When Someone Gave You Something You Really Wanted”. Today's topic is about sharing a memorable experience of receiving something you deeply desire. This could be a cherished gift, a surprise, or an awaited item. Think about what the item was, when you received it, who gave it to you, why it meant so much to you, and the emotions it evoked.

 

On this page, we'll explore the sample answers for this topic to help you effectively prepare and address this cue card topic.

 

Cue Card/Topic: Describe When Someone Gave You Something You Really Wanted

You should say

  • What was the thing?
  • When it was?
  • Why you needed it?
  • How did you feel about it?
Sample Answer 1

Introduction ( Covers: What was the thing?)

 

  • A few years ago, my elder brother, Rajesh, gave me a laptop that I had been longing for. 
  • It was a surprise gift on my 18th birthday. I had been wanting this laptop for my college studies and personal projects. 
  • The moment I saw it, I felt a rush of excitement and gratitude.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest  ( Covers: When it was?)

 

  • On my birthday, we had a small family gathering at our home in Mumbai. 
  • After cutting the cake, Rajesh handed me a wrapped box with a big smile.
  •  As I unwrapped the gift and saw the laptop, I couldn't believe my eyes.
  •  I had been saving up for this laptop, but he knew how much I needed it and decided to surprise me.

 

Key Highlights ( Covers: Why you needed it?)

 

  • The laptop was a sleek, silver model with all the features I needed for my studies and hobbies. 
  • It had a fast processor, plenty of storage, and a high-resolution screen. 
  • This was essential for my computer science course, as well as for editing videos, which is my hobby. 
  • Receiving this laptop meant I could finally work efficiently without relying on the old, slow computer at home.

 

Conclusion (Covers: How did you feel about it?)

 

  • This gift significantly impacted my academic and personal life. 
  • It made my studies more enjoyable and less stressful, allowing me to explore my interests further. 
  • I felt incredibly grateful to Rajesh for understanding my needs and supporting me in such a meaningful way. 
  • To this day, the laptop remains one of the best gifts I've ever received, reminding me of my brother's thoughtfulness and generosity.
Sample Answer 2

Introduction  (Covers: What was the thing?)

 

  • Last year, my best friend, Priya, gave me a smartwatch that I had been wanting for months. 
  • It was a special gift for my 21st birthday. I had been eyeing this smartwatch to help me keep track of my fitness goals and stay organised. 
  • When I received it, I felt thrilled and deeply appreciated.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: When it was?)

 

  • On my birthday, Priya organised a surprise party at my favourite café in Bangalore.
  • After the initial celebrations, she handed me a beautifully wrapped box. 
  • As I unwrapped the gift and saw the smartwatch, I was overjoyed. 
  • I had mentioned wanting this watch a few times, but I never expected her to get it for me.

 

Key Highlights ( Covers: Why you needed it?)

 

  • The smartwatch was a sleek, black model with various useful features. 
  • I needed it to help me stay on top of my fitness goals, as I had been working hard to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
  •  It could track my steps, monitor my heart rate, and even receive notifications from my phone, which was crucial for my daily runs and workouts. 
  • Having this smartwatch meant I could easily monitor my progress and stay organised, making it an invaluable tool for managing both my fitness and my busy schedule.

 

Conclusion (Covers: How did you feel about it?)

 

  • This gift greatly enhanced my daily routine and motivated me to achieve my fitness goals. 
  • I felt incredibly grateful to Priya for her thoughtful and generous gesture. 
  • The smartwatch not only helped me stay organised but also reminded me of Priya's friendship and understanding. 
  • To this day, it stands out as one of the most meaningful gifts I've ever received.
Sample Answer 3

Introduction (Covers: What was the thing?)

 

  • Two years ago, my cousin, Anjali, gifted me a guitar that I had been dreaming of for a long time. 
  • It was a surprise present for my 20th birthday. I had always wanted to learn how to play the guitar and join a local band. 
  • Receiving it made me feel ecstatic and deeply valued.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: When it was?)

 

  • On my birthday, my family organised a small celebration at our home in Chennai. 
  • After dinner, Anjali handed me a large, wrapped box with a knowing smile.
  •  As I unwrapped it and saw the guitar, I was overwhelmed with joy. 
  • I had often talked about wanting to learn to play the guitar, but I never imagined she would actually get one for me.

 

Key Highlights  (Covers: Why you needed it?)

 

  • The guitar was a stunning acoustic model with a beautiful wooden finish. 
  • I needed it to start learning how to play and to pursue my passion for music.
  •  The instrument was perfect for a beginner like me, with smooth strings and a rich sound. 
  • Owning this guitar meant I could finally take lessons and practice at home, making my dream of playing music a reality.

 

Conclusion (Covers: How did you feel about it?)

 

  • This gift had a profound impact on my life, inspiring me to follow my musical ambitions. 
  • I felt incredibly grateful to Anjali for her thoughtful and encouraging gesture. 
  • The guitar not only helped me develop a new skill but also strengthened my bond with my cousin. 
  • It remains one of the most cherished gifts I have ever received, constantly reminding me of her support and belief in my dreams.

When the cue card section starts, the examiner will hand you a card with a topic and some guiding points. You’ll have one minute to prepare your response and then speak for up to two minutes.

 

The best way to answer a cue card is to break it down into smaller pieces: introduction, describing your experience, key highlights, and conclusion. Here’s how you can approach the topic "Describe When Someone Gave You Something You Really Wanted:

 

Introduction:

 

  • Briefly introduce the gift and the context.
  • Mention who gave it to you.
  • State why you wanted it so much.

 

Describing Your Experience:

 

  • Detail the moment you received the gift.
  • Describe your immediate reaction.
  • Explain the significance of the gift to you.

 

Key Highlights:

 

  • Highlight specific features or aspects of the gift.
  • Discuss why it was important or valuable to you.
  • Share any memories or emotions associated with the gift.d.

 

Conclusion:

 

  • Summarise how the gift impacted you.
  • Reflect on your feelings about the person who gave it to you.
  • Conclude with a final thought on why this gift remains special to you.

 

By following this structure, you can ensure your response is clear, organised, and within the two-minute limit.

 

Also read: IELTS Speaking Questions with Answers 2024 

 

Pace Up Your IELTS Preparation With Our Expert Masterclass!

Follow-Up Questions

In the IELTS Speaking Test, after you finish speaking about your cue card topic, the examiner will ask follow-up questions. This part of the test helps the examiner assess your ability to discuss the topic in more depth, providing detailed answers and expanding on your initial response. 

 

You should expect to answer questions related to the topic you just discussed, allowing you to demonstrate your language skills and critical thinking.


 

Q1: Do you like surprises?

Answer 1: Shopping plays a vital role in India's economy. Consumer spending drives economic growth by boosting sales and generating revenue for businesses. This, in turn, leads to job creation and increased production. When people shop more, it stimulates the market and helps in the overall development of the economy.

 

Answer 2: In India, shopping significantly impacts the economy. High consumer demand encourages businesses to expand and innovate, contributing to GDP growth. Retail sectors, from small vendors to large malls, thrive on consumer purchases, which support employment and increase government tax revenues, fostering economic stability and growth.

Q2: What do you think is the most surprising thing about you?

Answer 1: My friends greatly influence my shopping choices. They often recommend products they have tried and liked, which helps me decide what to buy. We also go shopping together, and their opinions and suggestions guide me towards making better purchasing decisions, ensuring I choose items that are trendy and good value for money.

 

Answer 2: My friends have a significant impact on my shopping habits. We share information about sales and new products, and their feedback often helps me choose items that I might not have considered. Their tastes and preferences sometimes inspire me to try different styles or brands, broadening my shopping horizons.

Q3: What has been the biggest surprise in your life?

Answer 1: Young people in India love to buy the latest gadgets, such as smartphones and laptops. Fashionable clothing and accessories are also very popular, as they like to keep up with current trends. Additionally, they spend on entertainment, like movies, music, and gaming, reflecting their lifestyle and interests.

 

Answer 2: In India, young people are keen on purchasing trendy clothes and footwear. They also invest heavily in technology, such as the newest smartphones and smartwatches. Another popular category is fitness-related products, including gym memberships and sports equipment, as staying fit is increasingly important to them.

Q4: Do you think surprises are always positive, or can they sometimes have negative consequences?

Question 4: Do you think surprises are always positive, or can they sometimes have negative consequences?

 

Answer 1: Consumption is crucial to a country's economy. It drives demand for goods and services, leading to business growth and job creation. High levels of consumption indicate a healthy economy, as people have the financial means to spend, which in turn stimulates production and economic expansion.

 

Answer 2: Yes, consumption is vital for a country's economic health. It fuels production and encourages businesses to innovate and expand. When people spend money, it generates revenue for companies and taxes for the government, supporting infrastructure and public services, thus promoting overall economic development.

FAQs

Q. How to crack the Cue Card task?

Ans. To excel in the Cue Card task, practice speaking on various topics, develop a clear structure for your responses, and focus on fluency and coherence. Use the one-minute preparation time wisely to brainstorm ideas and organise your thoughts effectively.

Q. How to make notes for cue card IELTS?

Ans. Make brief, bullet-point notes during the one-minute preparation time, focusing on key ideas and supporting details. Use keywords or phrases to prompt your memory when speaking, but avoid writing full sentences to save time.

Q. Is eye contact important in IELTS speaking?

Ans. Yes, maintaining appropriate eye contact with the examiner during the speaking test demonstrates confidence and engagement. However, don't force eye contact; aim for a natural and relaxed manner while speaking.

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