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IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.

[The topic for your talk will be written on a card which the examiner will hand over to you. Read it carefully and then make some brief notes.]

Describe a time when you gave someone some money as a gift.

You should say:

• when it was
• whom you gave it
• what occasion it was

and explain why you gave some money to this person as a gift.

[Instruction: You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]

Model Answer 1:
I have always preferred to buy gift items for my friends and families on different kinds of occasions, but I had to make an exception when it came to offering some “gifts” to one of my nieces a couple of years ago on the occasion of her 16th birthday. I actually had to offer some “money” as a gift instead of some other popular gift items on that occasion.

At that time, my niece had just passed her “O” level examination with top results, and I was supposed to surprise her with a perfect gift. But that didn’t happen because I couldn’t simply make up my mind on the type of gift items which would make her happy even though I searched everywhere in all kinds of shops and markets. I even asked my niece to help me with some kinds of “clues” in order to make my “gift-choosing” job easy, but my “plea” didn’t receive any sympathy from my “mischievous” niece. So, I just told my niece that I was going to postpone searching for her gift until her next birthday, and my niece gladly accepted my proposal.

However, when her birthday actually arrived, I simply decided to offer my niece a “substantial” amount of money instead of some gift items mainly because I was really busy with my work and a few other urgent family matters, and I just didn’t have enough time to search for a perfect gift, like the last time I searched, even though, I really wanted to do it. Besides, she was kind enough that time around to tell me what kind of gift, she exactly liked, and where she would get it from. She also told me that she would rather choose her gift with her friends instead of having me choose one for her (perhaps realizing the fact that I wasn’t probably very good at choosing a “gift”).

So, when I asked to offer her the money (a rather “substantial” amount of money in that), needed to buy her ‘precious’ gift, she simply obliged.  And, guess what, it worked perfectly well for both of us at the end of the day!

Model Answer 2:
Thank you for the time you have allowed me to describe an event when I gave someone some money as a gift or present. In fact, I vividly remember a time when I decided to give my younger sister some money as a gift, which turned out to be a heartwarming gesture that brought us closer together. For this wonderful topic, I will share the event with you.

It was during my younger sister, Emily's, graduation ceremony from high school, which took place in June last year. I gave the money to Emily, who had just completed her high school education with outstanding grades. Her high school graduation ceremony was a milestone that marked the culmination of her years of hard work and dedication. As I wanted to give her something that would make her happy. 

Well, I decided to give her money as a gift because I wanted her to have the freedom to choose something meaningful for herself as she embarked on the next chapter of her life. Knowing that she had plans to pursue higher education, I thought that the money could be useful for purchasing textbooks, and supplies, or even as a contribution towards her tuition fees. Additionally, I wanted to express my pride and admiration for her academic achievements and to offer her some financial support as she transitioned into adulthood. Although it may seem like a conventional gift, I believe that the gesture carried with it a sense of love, support, and encouragement for her future endeavours.

Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:

This topic asks you to describe a situation when you gave "money" to someone as a gift. You are expected to talk about when it happened, who the recipient was, what the occasion was, and why you chose to give money instead of a traditional gift. A good response will explain the context, your thoughts behind giving money, how the person reacted, and why this decision was meaningful or practical. Here are a few ideas to help you structure your response. Hope you find them useful.

1. For my cousin’s university admission fees:
Last year, my cousin got accepted into a prestigious university, but his family was struggling financially. I decided to gift him a portion of the admission fee as a congratulatory gift. It wasn’t a large sum, but he was so grateful, and I felt proud to support his education.

2. For a friend’s wedding ceremony:
During my friend’s wedding, I wasn’t sure what to buy that would be both useful and appreciated. So, I gave him an envelope with money and a heartfelt card. Weddings are expensive, and I knew cash would help more than any decorative item.

3. For my younger sister’s birthday:
On her birthday, instead of buying something random, I gave her money so she could choose exactly what she wanted. She had been saving up for a smartwatch, and my contribution helped her finally buy it. She was thrilled, and it felt good to let her decide.

4. For my nephew’s graduation:
When my nephew graduated from high school, I gifted him some cash so he could spend it during his college orientation trip. He later told me he used it to buy a backpack and some books, which made me happy because it was both thoughtful and practical.

5. For a co-worker’s baby shower:
At a baby shower for a colleague, I wasn’t sure what baby items she needed. So, I gave her some money in a decorated envelope. She later said it helped her buy some extra baby essentials that were missing from her list.

6. For a friend facing a financial emergency:
A close friend once lost his wallet during a trip, and he was in a tough spot. I gave him some money as a gift, not as a loan, to help him out. He was overwhelmed with gratitude, and it made me realise how meaningful such gestures can be.

7. For my domestic helper’s daughter’s birthday:
Our domestic helper once mentioned that her daughter’s birthday was coming up, but she couldn’t afford anything special. So, I gave her some money so she could celebrate. She used it for a small party and was very emotional about the gesture.

8. For my younger brother’s school project:
My brother needed supplies for a science project but didn’t have the budget. Instead of buying the items myself, I gave him money and let him buy what he needed. It gave him a sense of independence and made him more invested in the project.

9. For a charity fundraiser at school:
During a school event, we were encouraged to support a local charity. Instead of buying trinkets or raffle tickets, I directly gave some money to a friend who was collecting donations. It was a gift for a cause, and it felt purposeful.

10. For my cousin’s wedding anniversary:
I wanted to gift my cousin and her husband something useful for their first wedding anniversary, but they already had most household items. So, I gave them money and encouraged them to use it on a weekend getaway or something they’d both enjoy together.

Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:

When describing a time you gave someone money as a gift, using specific vocabulary can effectively convey the timing, the recipient, the occasion, and your reasons for choosing this particular form of present. Thoughtful word choices will help you articulate your generosity and the practical benefits for the recipient, making your response both warm and clear. Here are some relevant words and phrases:

Generous gesture: – A kind and open-handed act.
Example: It was a generous gesture to help them out during a difficult time.

Practical gift: – A present that is useful or sensible rather than decorative or frivolous.
Example: I decided the money would be the most practical gift for their new apartment.

Financial assistance: – Help given in the form of money.
Example: It was a small form of financial assistance to support their new venture.

Discretionary funds: – Money that can be spent as one chooses, without restriction.
Example: I wanted to give them discretionary funds so they could buy exactly what they needed.

Thoughtful consideration: – Careful and considerate thought given to a situation or person.
Example: After much thoughtful consideration, I realized money was the best option.

Celebratory occasion: – An event marked by festivities or rejoicing.
Example: It was a celebratory occasion, and I wanted my gift to contribute to their joy.

Mark a significant milestone: – To commemorate an important stage or event in life.
Example: I gave the money to mark a significant milestone in their academic career.

Empower them to: – Give them the authority or power (or confidence) to do something.
Example: I hoped the money would empower them to pursue their dreams without financial constraints.

Avoid duplication: – To prevent giving the same thing as someone else.
Example: Giving money was a way to avoid duplication, ensuring they got what they truly desired.

Provided much-needed flexibility: – Offered a lot of adaptability and options that were greatly required.
Example: I knew the money would provide much-needed flexibility for their travel plans.

Felt good to contribute: – Experienced satisfaction from giving or helping.
Example: It felt really good to contribute to their happiness and ease their burden.

Expressed gratitude: – Showed thanks or appreciation.
Example: They expressed immense gratitude, which made me feel my decision was right.

Understood their needs: – Had a clear comprehension of what they required.
Example: I felt I truly understood their needs, which is why money seemed appropriate.

A gesture of support: – An action that indicates help or encouragement.
Example: More than just a gift, it was a gesture of support for their new chapter in life.

If you prepare for the topic "Describe a time when you gave someone some money as a gift", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:

1) Describe a gift that you recently gave to someone.
2) Describe a gift that someone gave to you that you really wanted.
3) Describe a useful gift that you received and were happy about it.
4) Describe a birthday gift you received that you remember well.
5) Describe a handmade gift or present you gave to someone.
 

• IELTS Cue Card
• IELTS Speaking
• Candidate Task Card
• Speaking Part 2

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