Cue Card Sample

When you received an unexpected gift - Cue Card # 741

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

Describe a time when you received an unexpected gift.

You should say:

  • when it was
  • who gave it to you
  • what gift item it was

and explain why it was an unexpected gift.

[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've always enjoyed receiving gifts, and I still do. On some occasions, like on a birthday, I know that I'd get some gifts, but on some rare occasions, I am completely clueless about receiving a gift item. Thank you for this topic that reminds me of an occasion when I got a long-desired gift totally unexpectedly. Since it happened when I was just 10 years old, it took me by surprise and I was so happy that my brain has saved it in its special memory cells!

Back then, when I was around 9 years old, almost all of my playmates had a bicycle. I could ride a bicycle, and I was pretty passionate about it, but I did not have one. I asked my parents to purchase me a gorgeous-looking bicycle but they were not much interested. So at a time, when I turned 10, I slowly abandoned my hope of owning a bicycle, ever.

Then one morning, I found a great-looking bicycle at our house which my mother told me was mine!  I couldn't believe what I heard and saw! But that was it! I was officially the owner of a splendid-looking latest-model bicycle.

My father purchased that bicycle for me. I later learned that my parents were a bit too worried about my safety and that's why they waited for me to be at least 10 years old to have my own bicycle.

This was a totally unexpected gift because I had no clue that my parents would eventually agree to buy me a bicycle. I was not even told beforehand about their plan as they wanted to surprise me. It was also unexpected because I was given a bicycle just when I had abandoned all hope to get one.



Model Answer 2:

Introduction:
For this wonderful topic, I'd like to share a heartwarming experience that left an indelible mark on me - the time when I received an unexpected gift.

When it was:
It happened on my birthday a couple of years ago. Birthdays, for me, had become relatively low-key affairs, and I hadn't expected anything out of the ordinary.

Who gave it to you:
To my surprise, my childhood friend, whom I hadn't met in years, showed up at my doorstep. We had lost touch due to life's various twists and turns, so her unexpected presence was a gift in itself.

What gift item it was:
She handed me a beautifully wrapped package. Upon opening it, I found a vintage watch inside. It was a classic timepiece that exuded elegance and craftsmanship. The thoughtful choice of the gift struck me deeply.

And explain why it was an unexpected gift:
What made it truly unexpected was the fact that my friend remembered a passing comment I made about my fondness for vintage items years ago. She went out of her way to find something meaningful and nostalgic, transforming a simple birthday into a memorable reunion.

Receiving this unexpected gift wasn't just about the material item but the effort and consideration behind it. It symbolized the enduring nature of our friendship and the significance of shared memories.

1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating 4.38 (8 Votes)

Utsha
Good job :)