Describe the best gift you have ever received – IELTS Cue Card

In the IELTS Speaking section, one of the most common question types is the Cue Card Speaking prompt. The IELTS Cue Card topics will prompt you to formulate a response and speak on the given topic. To attempt this question, you must narrow down the essential questions on the given topic to answer within the given time.

Consider the sample Cue Card ‘Describe the Best Gift You Have Ever Received’ below. Study the types of questions that have been formulated based on the cue card and how to go about with your response:

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Describe the Best Gift You Have Ever Received - IELTS Cue Card Sample Answer 1

Gifts are always prized by everyone who receives them. Many people would argue that gifts are an essential part of almost every special occasion. Gifts are a symbol of gratitude and never fail to uplift a person. One gift that always comes to my mind when I think of gifts is the birthday present I received for my 13th birthday. I had my heart set on a particular bicycle, and I received it for my 13th birthday.

This gift was given to me by my father. I had asked him for a bicycle to ride in the evenings around the neighborhood for a long time, and he finally agreed to give me one for my 13th birthday. When he asked me what kind of bicycle I would like, I told him I would love a bicycle with multiple gears. Although an expensive gift, my father bought it for me.

I received this gift on May 26th, 2013, and it was a Friday. I distinctly remember that day when my father agreed to take me to the bicycle showroom. I accompanied him on his bike, and we went to a specific bicycle shop on the other side of the city since bicycles with multiple gears were rare.

After we reached the shop and my father had a talk with the store manager, he asked me to pick a color from the available options. I was elated, and my cheeks blushed with joy as I started to judge which bicycle color was the best looking. I finally settled on the color black, and my father made the purchase. After the bicycle arrived at our residence, I wasted no time before I started riding it around our house. That bicycle made my 13th birthday truly memorable and is one of the most cherished gifts I have ever received.

Describe the Best Gift You Have Ever Received - IELTS Cue Card Sample Answer 2

Gifts speak volumes about the love and care somebody has for you. Although, since childhood, I’ve received plenty of gifts from my relatives and family, one of them that I can never forget was a huge, orange-colored doll and a battery-operated doll that was sitting on a cake and playing the piano. Just with the click of a button, the cake began revolving, and the doll sang a happy birthday song.

These gifts were given to me by my elder sister on my 12th birthday. To begin with, it was the first time when my sister had planned a surprise birthday party for me. She had decorated the room, placed these beside a huge cake, and had invited all of my friends – without my knowledge. Although she was merely two years older than me, I still hadn’t expected anything from her because she never used to express her emotions. However, that day, with such a grand gesture, she said a lot of things without expressing herself verbally. Another reason why all of these gifts and the party were special to me was that I didn’t know it was going to be my last birthday with her. She passed away after a few months because of a brain hemorrhage. So, the gifts remained memorable to me.

Describe the Best Gift You Have Ever Received - IELTS Cue Card Sample Answer 3

Gifts are the most endearing thing one can receive. They are a proclamation of love, and they symbolize a feeling shared by the giver. As human beings, we have two ways of expression – Words and Action. When words aren’t enough to describe your emotions, they turn to action. Through gifting, a human being tries to express what words cannot encapsulate.

The best gift I have received is my pup, Bruno. He is a German Shepherd and the cutest furball I have ever seen. Dogs are simply the most loyal companions one could ask for. They don’t love you for any worldly possessions of yours, they don’t love you for your wealth, they love you for you, and that is a beautiful thing. Dogs don’t care if you’re rich or poor, they just want to be happy, and they want to see you happy. Dogs are simply phenomenal.

I received Bruno as a gift around 11 months ago. It was a surprise and the minute I saw his ecstatic little face, I knew we had an instant bond. Bruno is the kindest and most pleasant dog I have ever met. He loves to take walks and play fetch. The minute he hears someone opening a snack, his ears perk up, and he comes running to get a piece too! He loves sweets and will definitely bring you a ball if he sees you upset. He’s the best gift I’ve ever received because he makes me happier than I thought I could be. He’s my best friend.

Vocabulary You Can Use For IELTS Speaking Part 2 Questions on ‘Describe the Best Gift You Have Ever Received’

Here are the vocabularies for “Describe the best gift you have ever received” with examples:

• Endearing

Meaning: inspiring affection.
Ex: Amanda was endearing to nearly everyone she met because of her kind heart.

• Proclamation

Meaning: a clear declaration of something.
Ex: The authorities issued a proclamation forbidding public meetings

• Encapsulate

Meaning: express the essential features of (something) succinctly.
Ex: It was very difficult to encapsulate the story of the revolution in a single one-hour documentary.

• Phenomenal

Meaning: remarkable or exceptional, especially exceptionally good.
Ex: California had experienced a phenomenal growth in population.

• Ecstatic

Meaning: feeling or expressing overwhelming happiness or joyful excitement.
Ex: Sally was ecstatic about her new job.

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Describe the Best Gift You Have Ever Received – IELTS Cue Card Part 3 Follow-Up Questions

1. Do you think the tradition of gift-giving is changing in modern times?

Yes, I believe gift-giving traditions are evolving. With the rise of digital platforms, people are increasingly opting for e-gifts or gift cards. There's also a growing trend towards experiential gifts rather than material objects, as people value memories over possessions.

2. How do gift-giving customs differ across cultures?

Gift-giving customs can vary significantly across cultures. For instance, in some Asian cultures, it's customary to give money in red envelopes on special occasions. In contrast, Western cultures often emphasize personalized gifts. The act of opening gifts also differs - some cultures prefer opening gifts in private, while others make it a social event.

3. What are your thoughts on regifting?

Regifting can be a practical solution if done thoughtfully. If someone receives a gift they can't use but knows someone else who would appreciate it, regifting can be acceptable. However, it's crucial to be discreet and ensure the original giver won't find out to avoid hurt feelings.

4. How important do you think the monetary value of a gift is?

I believe the thought and effort behind a gift are far more important than its monetary value. A heartfelt, personalized gift, regardless of its price, often carries more emotional significance than an expensive but impersonal one. The value lies in how well the gift reflects the giver's understanding of the recipient.

5. Do you think children should be taught about giving gifts as well as receiving them?

Absolutely. Teaching children about giving gifts helps develop empathy, generosity, and thoughtfulness. It's important for kids to understand the joy of making others happy through giving, not just receiving. This can help foster a more balanced and altruistic approach to gift-giving as they grow older.

Vocabulary You Can Use to Answer IELTS Speaking Part 3 Questions on ‘Describe the Best Gift You Have Ever Received’

• Altruistic

Meaning: Showing selfless concern for others

Example: Her altruistic nature led her to volunteer at the local shelter every weekend.

• Consumerism

Meaning: The preoccupation with buying consumer goods

Example: The holiday season often highlights the rampant consumerism in our society.

• Sentimental

Meaning: Characterized by or exhibiting sentiment or emotion

Example: The old family photograph held great sentimental value for her.

• Reciprocate

Meaning: To respond to an action by making a corresponding one

Example: After receiving a thoughtful birthday gift, she felt compelled to reciprocate when her friend's birthday came around.

• Etiquette

Meaning: The customary code of polite behavior in society

Example: Gift-giving etiquette varies widely between different cultures.

• Thoughtful

Meaning: Showing consideration for the needs of other people

Example: His thoughtful gift of a rare book showed how well he knew her interests.

• Materialistic

Meaning: Excessively concerned with material possessions

Example: Some argue that excessive gift-giving can promote materialistic attitudes in children.

• Gesture

Meaning: An action performed to convey a feeling or intention

Example: The small gift was a kind gesture that meant a lot to her.

• Appreciation

Meaning: Recognition of the quality, value, or significance of people and things

Example: She expressed her deep appreciation for the handmade gift.

• Meaningful

Meaning: Having great value or significance

Example: The most meaningful gifts are often those that create lasting memories.

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