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?

127 unique answers with expert feedback

What other gifts have you received that you cherish?

Apart from the smartwatch from my brother, I have received several other gifts that I cherish. For instance, my parents gifted me a camera on my graduation, which has allowed me to capture beautiful moments. Each gift holds a special memory, but the smartwatch stands out for its practicality.

How do you feel about giving gifts to others?

I believe giving gifts is a wonderful way to express love and appreciation. I enjoy selecting gifts that reflect the recipient's interests. It brings me joy to see their happiness when they receive something thoughtful. I often choose personalized gifts to make them feel special.

Do you think receiving gifts has an impact on relationships?

Yes, I think receiving gifts can strengthen relationships. It shows that someone cares and values you. Gifts can create lasting memories and foster a sense of connection. However, the thought behind the gift is more important than its monetary value, as it reflects the giver's feelings.

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

How do you feel about receiving gifts from strangers?

Receiving gifts from strangers can be a heartwarming experience. It often reflects the kindness of people and can create a sense of connection. However, it can also feel a bit awkward, depending on the context. Overall, I appreciate such gestures as they remind me of the goodness in humanity.

Have you ever given a gift without expecting anything in return?

Yes, I have given gifts without expecting anything in return. I believe that the joy of giving is its own reward. It feels fulfilling to make someone happy, and I find that these acts strengthen relationships and create a sense of community.

What do you think is the importance of handmade gifts?

Handmade gifts often carry more sentimental value than mass-produced items. They reflect the time, effort, and creativity of the maker, making them unique. Such gifts can foster a deeper appreciation for craftsmanship and the personal touch behind each creation.

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

How do you feel about receiving gifts from family?

Receiving gifts from family always brings a sense of joy and connection. It shows that they care and think of you, which makes the gift even more special. I cherish these moments and appreciate the thought behind each gift.

What other gifts have you received that you cherish?

Apart from the Fossil Smart Watch, I have received a few other cherished gifts, like a camera from my parents and a book collection from my best friend. Each of these gifts holds sentimental value and reminds me of the special moments shared with those people.

Do you think receiving free gifts influences relationships?

Yes, I believe receiving gifts can strengthen relationships. It shows thoughtfulness and appreciation, fostering a deeper bond. However, the value lies not just in the gift itself but in the love and care behind it.

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 strengthens my bond with family and friends, and I cherish those moments. Gifts symbolize thoughtfulness, and they remind me of the support I have from my loved ones.

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

Apart from the iPhone, I have received various meaningful gifts, like a watch from a friend and personalized items from family. Each gift holds a special memory, and they often reflect the thought and care behind them, making them even more valuable.

How do you think receiving gifts impacts relationships?

Receiving gifts can positively impact relationships by showing appreciation and thoughtfulness. It can strengthen bonds and create lasting memories. However, it's important that gifts are given with genuine intentions rather than as obligations.

Band 7

00:00

For my last birthday, I received a car as a gift, a six-seater, air-conditioned, trunk-based auto-geared Innova car. It was presented by my uncle. I really felt happy about that car because I always wanted a car. So having a private car is a dream for most of the peoples, I believe. Even I also had that same kind of a wish. The car I received, I took a ride in that day itself. It was amazing, that just ride was amazing. I felt satisfied while driving that car. It felt like a ship moving on water.

Follow up questions

How did you feel when you first saw the car?

When I first saw the car, I was overwhelmed with joy and excitement. It was exactly what I had hoped for, and seeing it in person made it feel even more special. I couldn't believe that my uncle had actually gifted me such a wonderful vehicle.

What do you plan to do with your new car?

With my new car, I plan to go on road trips with my family and friends. I also want to explore new places and create memories. Having a car gives me the freedom to travel whenever I want, which is something I've always looked forward to.

Do you think receiving gifts like this can strengthen relationships?

Absolutely! Receiving a thoughtful gift like a car can strengthen relationships. It shows that the giver understands your desires and cares about your happiness. Such gestures create lasting bonds and memories, making the relationship more meaningful.

Show all 127 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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Reported by Leap students who gave IELTS

Describe your favourite food at a traditional festival or a special event in your country

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

Pitampura Test Centre, New Delhi

Answer

I like to taste different types of cuisine. Here I would like to talk about my favorite dish at my traditional festival of Onam which is Sadya. Sadya is popular in my city. We are experimenting these cuisines on Onam festival day. Onam is a famous festival in my city. All family members get together in my home and we make a delicious Sadya. There are many ingredients includes that Sadya. Moreover, we make a big feast that day as well as we create a lot of memories together and we wear that day the traditional dress called Sari and men wear the Dhotis. That festival is really important to us because the whole day we are conducting different kinds of games at our homes and all the family members came together. It's a memorable day in my life. This is the festival. We are making the Sambar and Aviyal. These all the kinds of foods are making with the vegetables.

Talk about a toy you liked in your childhood

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 8

Sector 34 Test Centre, Chandigarh

Answer

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

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 6.5

Whitefield Test Center, Bengaluru

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

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7

Begumpet Test Centre, Hyderabad

Answer

When I was a kid, I had a little pencil box which had these four buttons which gave the pencil box an operative use. When you press the button, the box would open up. When you press the second button, a little part of it would slide out. Basically it was just a little electronical and a fun thing to have and I owned it when I was in 6th. One day after break, I was standing and talking there with one of my friends and another friend of mine was running through the hallway and accidentally she pushed my shoulder and my pencil box hit the ground and it broke into multiple pieces to the point that it was not functional anymore.

Describe a book you recently read

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

CBD Belapur Test Centre, Navi Mumbai

Answer

It Ends With Us is a book I read recently. It's by the author Colleen Hoare. It's mainly a story about two teenagers, Atlas and Lily, and how they just handle their life going through high school, adolescence, and just domestic violence at home. Both of them come from very, very different families. However, they have one common determining factor between them, which is domestic violence. The abuse that they've seen their moms go through is just insane, and they connect through that on a different level. They're actually in the same high school, but they never speak to each other until Atlas actually crashes into an empty house next to Lily's villa. When Atlas is homeless and he doesn't have anywhere to go, he just comes and breaks into the house next to Lily's, and Lily helps him with all the daily necessities like clothes and food, medicines and stuff. Furthermore, their friendship blossoms into love, but it doesn't really fructify as Atlas has to leave. This book really gave me a lot of knowledge about domestic abuse and how to deal with it.