Describe a Time When You Received Money as a Gift - IELTS Cue Card Sample Answers

For the IELTS Cue Card topic, ‘Describe a time when you received money as a gift’, you will have exactly one minute to prepare and two minutes to speak. 

To help you prepare, we have put together cue card answers created by our IELTS experts. These answers will give you an opportunity to share about a gift that you got in the form of money and guide you to learn how to communicate clearly and successfully. 

In the IELTS Speaking Part 2, you will be assessed based on your coherency of speech, fluency, vocabulary, and grammar usage. To do well in this section, it is integral to set aside time for practicing regularly. Make note of your performance over time so you are able to see your progress and evaluate the most crucial areas that need work!

Question

Sample Answer 1 - Describe a Time When You Received Money as a Gift

I’m going to tell you about my college graduation gift from my grandparents. They have four grandchildren, so they made a pact to give us all the same graduation gift. With this said, they decided to gift all of us $2,000 upon completion of our Bachelor’s Degree. I graduated back in May 2015 and received the gift about a month after, since they live 12 hours away.

I had a late graduation party in my backyard in June since some family members were busy during the month of May with their own children. My grandparents suffered through a 12-hour car ride to make it to my special day- I was so very grateful! So, they slipped me a card while I was opening my other cards and gifts, and I could not believe my eyes! I had heard that he gave all of us a generous gift, but I didn’t expect the gravity of just how much. When Monday came, I immediately deposited it into my savings account, as I’m quite a frugal person. However, months later, I decided to treat myself to a solo trip to Prague. Considering I had always dreamt of going to Prague, I felt that I used my money well.

Since I had never received a gift quite like this, I felt extremely excited. I thought that this money gave me new opportunities to travel and enjoy my future, especially if I save it. Moreover, apart from the money, I felt very appreciative that my grandparents traveled all that way for me. All in all, I felt almost in disbelief, along with delighted!

Sample Answer 2 for IELTS Cue Card Topic on Describe a time when you received money as a gift

Giving and receiving gifts on certain occasions, such as weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, and more, is quite a prevalent custom. I have received gifts on varying occasions. Talking about a specific time when I received money in the gift would be my 20th birthday.

My parents had organized a huge party for me and had invited friends and family. Most of my family members had already told me the gifts they were getting for me. However, my grandparents were a bit confused as they didn’t know what product would fascinate me the most. Thus, instead of getting me a gift, they gave me Rs. 5,000.

After the party had ended and everybody had left, my grandparents came to my room in the night and handed me the money envelope. At first, I was a bit hesitant as I didn’t want to bother them with such a huge amount. But, after their consistent persistence, I had to give up and receive it. I touched their feet and took their blessings. I believe their blessings were more valuable than any amount.

Anyway, I shopped for clothes with that money and was very excited. When I showed them what I had bought, they seemed happy too.

Vocabulary for IELTS Cue Card Topic: Describe a time when you received money as a gift

• Made a pact : made a promise
  Example: Both of them made a pact to help each other during their hard times

• Frugal : careful about spending anything to avoid wastage
  Example: Cara is frugal and doesn’t like spending on unnecessary things.

• Delighted : extremely happy and proud
  Example: We are delighted to have Tom with us for Christmas. 

• Prevalent : very common
  Example: Social media has become a prevalent addiction among teenagers nowadays.

• Persistence : determination to continue doing something
  Example: He was persistence to achieve a good score despite the challenges he faced during his project.

With the right strategies with a clear structure and consistent practice, you will be able to build confidence and achieve a band 8+. By practising on a regular basis, this will help you to be fluent while ensuring to have logically organized responses. Remember to note the areas of improvement to achieve a higher IELTS Band Score. So, check out more topics to continue with your preparation and hone those speaking skills.

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