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?

137 unique answers with expert feedback

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

I have received several meaningful gifts over the years, such as a handmade scrapbook from my best friend and a guitar from my parents. Each of these gifts holds sentimental value and reminds me of the special moments and relationships in my life.

How do you feel about giving gifts to others?

I believe giving gifts is a wonderful way to express love and appreciation. It brings joy not only to the recipient but also to the giver. I enjoy selecting thoughtful gifts that reflect the recipient's personality and interests, making the experience special for both of us.

Do you think receiving gifts has an impact on relationships?

Yes, I think receiving gifts can strengthen relationships. It shows that someone cares and has put thought into making you happy. However, the value of the gift is not as important as the sentiment behind it. Meaningful gifts can create lasting memories and deepen connections.

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 did receiving the wallet change your perspective on generosity?

Receiving the wallet made me realize that true generosity often comes without expectations. It taught me that small acts of kindness can have a significant impact, encouraging me to be more generous and appreciative of the people around me.

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

Yes, I have given gifts to friends and family just to show my appreciation. It felt rewarding to see their happiness, and it reinforced my belief in the joy of giving without expecting anything back.

What other items have you received for free that left an impression on you?

I once received a handmade scarf from a friend who was learning to knit. It was special not just because it was free, but because it represented her effort and thoughtfulness, reminding me of the value of handmade gifts.

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 makes me feel loved and appreciated. It strengthens our bond and shows that they care about my interests. Each gift carries a personal touch and memories associated with it, making it even more special.

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 scrapbook from my sister. It contained memories from our childhood, photos, and notes. It was heartfelt and reminded me of our special moments together, making it a cherished possession.

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

I believe it's better to give gifts. The joy of seeing someone happy and surprised by a thoughtful gift is unmatched. It creates a sense of fulfillment and strengthens relationships. However, receiving gifts is also delightful, especially when they are 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. Each gift carries a special meaning and reminds me of those moments.

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

Apart from the iPhone, I have received various gifts that hold sentimental value. For instance, a handmade scrapbook from my best friend, which captured our memories together, and a book from my parents that inspired me to pursue my passions.

Do you think it's important to give gifts? Why or why not?

Yes, I believe giving gifts is important as it strengthens relationships and expresses gratitude. It doesn't have to be expensive; even small, thoughtful gifts can convey love and appreciation, making the recipient feel valued and cherished.

Band 7

00:00

I am a big fan of BTS, a boy band from South Korea. I was gatekeeping this urge to buy their latest album for a long time. And for my last birthday, which was on November 14th, my husband gifted me their latest album, which felt like a huge surprise. I was head over toes and I was in the cloud nine when I received it because I was, as I was waiting for Seoul so long to buy that album. It had almost every member's signature, a handwritten message and signature that was a cherry on the top, a cherry on the cake. Because if you are a true worshipper or a fan of someone or something and you get something related to it from your close one, it feels really, really special. And that gift made my special day more precious and memorable. I was so happy and grateful for the gift that my husband, which I should mention very clearly because he gifted what I needed the most.

Follow up questions

How do you feel about receiving gifts from loved ones?

Receiving gifts from loved ones makes me feel cherished and appreciated. It shows that they understand my interests and care about my happiness, which adds a personal touch to the gift. It strengthens our bond and creates lasting memories.

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

I've received several meaningful gifts, but one that stands out is a handmade scrapbook from my best friend. It contained memories of our friendship, photos, and notes. It was special because it showed the effort and thought she put into it, making it a treasured keepsake.

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

I believe both giving and receiving gifts have their own joys. Giving a thoughtful gift brings happiness to the giver, knowing they made someone else smile. Receiving a gift, especially one that resonates with you, brings joy and appreciation. It's a beautiful exchange of love.

Show all 137 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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Describe your favourite food at a traditional festival or a special event in your country

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Anonymous student Band 7.5

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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

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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

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Anonymous student Band 7.5

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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.