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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?
Show all 142 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.

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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.

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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.

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Tip

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

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IELTS Cue Cards asked last week

Reported by Leap students who gave IELTS

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

Anonymous student Band 7.5

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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
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Reported by

Anonymous student Band 8

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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
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Reported by

Anonymous student Band 6.5

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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
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Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7

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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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Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

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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.

All Answers

Here are all the answers by real-users practicing speaking for IELTS Cue Cards on our IELTS Prep App.

Band 8

One memorable thing I received for free was a collector's edition of Ruskin Bond's short stories, which I unexpectedly won during a literary conclave in New Delhi last year. I had attended the event simply to listen to panel discussions on contemporary Indian fiction, but towards the end, there was a lucky draw, and to my astonishment, my name was announced. The organizers handed me this exquisite boxed set, and to my sheer delight, every volume was personally signed by Ruskin Bond. The collection itself was stunning. Each book had embossed covers with intricate illustrations of the hills of Missouri where the author lives. Moreover, the books were placed in a finely polished wooden case that gave the entire gift a touch of elegance. Furthermore, inside the box was a small handwritten note from Bond thanking readers for keeping storytelling alive, which made the gesture feel deeply personal. Receiving it filled me with an overwhelming sense of joy and gratitude. As an avid lover of literature, I considered it far more than a material gift. It felt like a symbolic token of creative inspiration. In essence, that unexpected reward reminded me how small serendipitous moments can reignite one's passion for art and learning.

Band 8

I would like to talk about a complimentary item that I received quite unexpectedly. A premium leather-bound diary that was given to me during a professional seminar I attended last year. So, the event was organized by a renowned educational institution and at the registrar's desk, every participant was presented with a gift bag. Among the usual items such as brochure and pens, there was an elegantly crafted diary which immediately caught my attention. The quality of the material, the smooth texture of the pages and a minimalistic design made it feel more like a luxury product than a simple giveaway. I found it particularly useful as I often prefer to jot down ideas, reminders and reflections by hand rather than relying solely on digital devices. Receiving it at no cost not only saved me from purchasing one but also motivated me to maintain a more structured routine in terms of planning and goal setting. What made it even more memorable was the fact that it was not just a material gift but also a symbolic gesture of professionalism and thoughtfulness. On the part of the organizers, it reminded me that sometimes small complimentary items can carry immense practical as well as sentimental value.

Band 8

When I was a young child, my beloved grandfather gifted me a soft, adorable panda toy that became my most cherished companion the moment I was instantly captivated by its beautiful black and white fur button size and gentle smile. This panda wasn't just a toy, it was a symbol of my grandfather's love and affection. I would carry this special toy everywhere, to school, on family vacations, to relatives' house. Every adventure became more exciting with my panda by my side, and I would spend countless hours playing, imagining incredible stories, and creating magical worlds together. The toy became my constant friend, providing comfort during uncertain moments and bringing joy to my childhood. Whenever I hugged the panda, I could almost feel my grandfather's warm embrace and hear his loving voice. Even now, years later, this toy remains a treasured possession, presenting not just a childhood memory but the beautiful, unbreakable bond I shared with my grandfather. The panda toy is a tangible reminder of his love, kindness, and the precious moments we shared during my childhood.

Band 7

The gift I would like to talk about is a ring. I received it from a friend. It was a birthday gift and it was the most beautiful ring I had ever seen. It was handmade. It was made of copper wires that were twisted together and interspersed with blue beads. I hold this gift so dear to my heart especially because it was made by the person themselves. I think that handmade gifts are certainly way more special than store bought gifts. I have so far received so many gifts in all my life but none as stunning as this blue beaded ring. I think gifts are a great way to show appreciation. Random gifts received for no reason just because feel like such delightful surprises. I think that people who are not very vocal about their emotions consider gift giving as a form of love language where they do not need to speak and at the same time the job of conveying your feelings is getting done so I think that it is such a win-win situation. I personally belong to this category of people who do not like to speak their emotions out loud but would just like to create something, who feel like their art needs an outlet as well. So I think that gift giving combines the best of both these worlds where you can make the receiver happy and you can also feel like you are doing something valuable and worthwhile with your time.

Band 7

I would like to share a story about a hand bound journal I received for free about six months ago. It happened quite unexpectedly when I was visiting a small independent bookstore in the city center. The shop was celebrating its 10th anniversary and they were running a special promotion where the first 50 customers received a mystery gift. As I am a vicarious reader, I happened to be there right when the door opened. To my surprise, the owner handed me this beautifully crafted notebook with a leather cover. What makes this item special is its exquisite quality. The pages are made of recycled paper and it has a very vintage aesthetic. Usually a high quality journal like this would be quite extravagant and pricey, so receiving it for free felt like a real stroke of luck. Since then, I have been using it as a daily planner to track my goals and reflections. It has actually helped me become much more organized and mindful. I find that writing by hand is far more therapeutic than typing on a screen. I am particularly grateful for this gift because it wasn't just a random piece of plastic, it was something functional and meaningful. It serves a constant reminder of that lovely afternoon and the importance of supporting local business. Even though it cost me nothing, it's one of the most cherished items on my desk. Thank you.

Band 7

This year in the month of May, I got the chance to attend the cricket match between Mumbai and Chennai. I was fortunate enough to get free tickets to this match via my close school friend. His dad actually works in the company which sponsors the Mumbai Indians cricket team. He actually gave us two tickets and they were also of great standards. The view was great. I took my college friend with me to go for the match. We both were overjoyed of hearing the occasion of watching the Mumbai Indians vs Chennai match as Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Rohit Sharma play in either of those teams. It was always kind of a dream to watch both of those players against each other. It was a very good match, I must add. I feel that the opportunity which we got to watch the match with the help of those free tickets was essentially due to the close friend and person I have in my friend.

Band 7

Something that I received for free or more precisely as a gift that is close to my heart is a hand-painted clay pendant that I received from my friend. My dearest friend gave it to me for Valentine's Day in the year of 2025. The pendant has two sides, it's an octagonal pendant and on the one side she painted the pattern of her kimono, the one that she wore when we went to the Japan food festival. And on the other side is a cat that's shaped like a mountain. The reason that this pendant feels special is because she made herself a matching one but on hers she painted the kimono pattern that I was wearing that day. It is one of the most thoughtful gifts that I've ever received. It is so heartfelt and beautiful. It captures the essence of our friendship and also the type of person she is. Her love language is gift-giving and she managed to make me feel so special as a friend to her on Valentine's Day and that's why this free item is one that stays close to my heart and I try to wear it as often as I can to show her how much she means to me.

Band 7

One of the things that I received for free recently was this pair of denim jeans from a friend. This particular set of jeans was my personal favourite because of its texture, the way it sits on my hips and how comfortable I am wearing it. Although it was not my jeans, it was my friend's. I often borrowed it from her especially when we were in college for different events and dance practices. I would go over to her house and ask to borrow the jeans and she would be very happy to share it with me. Her kindness and her openness to sharing her things with me even though we were very recent friends, was really admirable. I truly was grateful for every time she lent me that pair of jeans. However, last year we graduated from college and she had to leave to another country for her master's degree. While the whole ordeal was very sad and I was upset seeing my friend leave, it was a great journey for her. One thing that I didn't realize or what surprised me about this whole last interaction was that she gave me the pair of jeans that I borrowed from her so often. She said it would represent our friendship and I am grateful that she gave it to me.

Band 7

The last gift I received was a customized hoodie with my favorite Disney character on it. My friend gave it to me not for my birthday or any special occasion but just a random gift because I kept on ranting about how much I loved that character and I wanted something having that character on it. I had no idea I was going to get it. When I received it, I felt overwhelmed just to see that even my slightest mention of something I like and they got it for me. In that moment, I was not thinking about the gift but about the people, about the friends I've made who care so much about what I like, what I want. I believe friends like these are hard to find and I feel extremely delighted that I have people who genuinely care for me and who would do anything to make me feel happy. Expensive or not, that gift is the closest to my heart because I did not even ask for it. I just mentioned how much I liked it and a few days later, there it was in my hands.

Band 7

This is an interesting topic. My first thought came to me that there are several gifts which I have got in my life. However, today I would like to talk about a garment watch which was gifted to me by my fitness organization that is the Indian Navy after I have won a major event in the squadron points table. So coming to this, I would like to explain this using a story. So coming to the story, my squadron which is Eagle Squadron is famously known for winning cross countries. There are about 1300 total cadets in the academy and I secured a position, I secured a third position in cross country. Post winning the event, I was presented with a garment watch by the commandant of the academy. With regards to the feeling I had while it was gifted to me, I would say that it was a very overwhelming feeling with all your juniors, your subordinates and your seniors looking at you, you standing on the podium and receiving a watch from the highest seniority post in the academy that is the commandant is a feeling of pride. I cannot explain that feeling in words. That day my chest was swollen with pride. So this watch has many features which has further helped me in recognizing my talent and making me a good runner. In the next cross country which happened in the near future, with the help of the gift which I received from the commandant, I was able to secure runner up position for my squadron and was named the best cadet in the standing positions.
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