Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe a gift you recently gave to someone - Cue Card # 88
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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 gift you recently gave to someone.
You should say:
- what the gift was
- whom you gave it to
- how you felt about it
and explain why you chose this gift for this person.
[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.]
[Examiner: All right? Remember you have one to two minutes for this, so don't worry if I stop you. I'll tell you when the time is up. Can you start speaking now, please?]
Model Answer 1:
Recently, my younger sister came to visit us from the UK where she is living with her husband. I hadn’t seen her in a long time, and because of that, she thought that I wasn’t being a good brother to her. So, to prove her wrong, I decided to buy her an expensive gift. I'd like to thank you for the chance you have given me to talk about this gift that I gave to my sister.
The gift - a bit expensive for me - was a wristwatch from one of the most prestigious watchmaking companies in the world. Made in Switzerland, it was one of the most feminine, elegant and classy watches I have ever seen. It is a blued-steel watch (not just a blue colour watch) with a unique bracelet, and it is also waterproof.
Of course, it was a luxury watch all the way, but it was made with such a master-class touch of artwork that anybody would make the mistake of thinking of it as a fashion watch. Anyway, the case of this watch is round, and it has only an hour hand and a minute hand. Having a very beautiful and contrasting dial/face colour, the watch would surely attract anybody’s admiration and attention with its metallic gold and bright bezel. Finally, it is a 24-jewel, natural ruby watch, and it has a beautiful golden colour chain, which is in perfect harmony with the colour of the rest of the watch.
After buying this precious gift for my sister, I felt really great because I had searched for such a beautiful gift for a long time. In fact, I have visited at least 2 dozen shops before deciding to buy this attractive-looking gift for the only sister I have.
Anyway, I chose this precious gift, mainly because I wanted to show my little sister how much I really cared for her as a brother. Besides, I also feel that the gift would perfectly match her overall style and fashion, no matter on whatever occasion she would use it. Finally, I also wanted to make my little sister happy. After all, I don’t think that there would be any greater happiness for a brother than to see an expression of joy and happiness on the face of his little sister.
Sample Answer 2:
A gift that holds a very special place in my heart is the one I recently gave to my father which is a brand-new Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra smartphone. It brings me immense joy to share this story, not just because of the gift itself, but because of the emotions attached to it. Thank you very much for the opportunity that you have given me to talk about it here.
For a long time, I had noticed that my father was still using an old, outdated phone with limited features. As someone who always supported my dreams without expecting anything in return, I had made a silent promise to myself that once I started earning, I would gift him something meaningful. After working for a few months at my very first job, I finally felt ready to fulfil that promise. Although my salary was modest, I managed to purchase the latest Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra by opting for a Credit Card EMI plan.
I remember the day I surprised him vividly. It was a quiet Sunday evening when I handed over the neatly wrapped box. As he unwrapped it and realised what it was, his face lit up with a mixture of disbelief and overwhelming happiness. He smiled warmly, and for a moment, he was almost speechless. Watching him hold the sleek device in his hands, exploring its vibrant screen and powerful camera, made me feel an indescribable sense of fulfilment. It wasn’t just a phone; it was my way of saying thank you for all the sacrifices he had made for me over the years.
I chose this gift because I knew how much he would benefit from it. He loves photography, and the S24 Ultra's professional-grade camera was perfect for capturing his garden, family gatherings, and scenic walks. Moreover, with its strong battery life and user-friendly interface, I was confident it would make his daily activities much easier. Above all, seeing his excitement while trying out new features and proudly showing the phone to relatives was a memory I will treasure forever.
Idea generation for this Candidate Task Card / Cue Card topic:
Giving a gift is a thoughtful gesture that often reflects emotions, celebrations, or special bonds. Here are some ideas you can choose and expand on when answering this cue card:
1. A handmade photo album for my best friend:
I made a customised photo album filled with memories and gifted it to my best friend on her birthday. I felt emotional seeing her smile, and I chose this gift because it represented our years of friendship and unforgettable moments.
2. A wristwatch for my father:
I gifted a classic wristwatch to my father on Father’s Day. It was a moment of pride for me, and I chose it because he had once mentioned wanting a stylish yet simple watch for work.
3. A Kindle for my sister:
I bought a Kindle for my sister who loves reading. She had been struggling to carry books everywhere. I felt really happy giving her something so useful, and I chose it because it suits her passion for literature perfectly.
4. A handmade scarf for my grandmother:
I knitted a soft woollen scarf for my grandmother during winter. It felt very special because it was handmade with love, and I wanted her to feel warm and cherished during the cold months.
5. A perfume set for my colleague:
I gave a set of perfumes to a colleague on her promotion day. I felt delighted to celebrate her achievement, and I chose it because perfumes symbolise elegance and success, just like her professional journey.
6. A football jersey for my younger brother:
I gifted an official football jersey of his favourite team to my brother on his birthday. He was overjoyed, and I felt thrilled too. I chose it because he’s passionate about football and supports that team wholeheartedly.
7. A painting for my mother:
I gave my mother a beautiful painting that depicted a serene countryside scene. She loves nature, and I felt grateful to present her with something that would brighten her living room and her mood.
8. A music playlist and headphones for my friend:
I curated a special playlist and bought a set of premium headphones for my friend who loves music. I was excited to see her reaction, and I chose it because music always lifts her spirit.
9. A book on entrepreneurship for my cousin:
I gifted a popular entrepreneurship book to my cousin who was starting his business. I felt proud supporting his dream, and I selected this gift because it would inspire and guide him in his journey.
10. A cooking class voucher for my wife:
I booked a cooking class for my wife, who recently developed an interest in baking. I felt joyful surprising her with an experience, and I chose this because it would allow her to follow her new passion creatively.
Sample Answer 3:
Introduction:
Thank you for giving me the chance to talk about a gift that I recently gave to someone special. I have always believed that gifts are a beautiful way to express our feelings and appreciation for others, and I’d like to share a memorable experience of giving a heartfelt present to my best friend.
What the gift was:
Recently, I gifted "a painting" to one of my closest friends on her birthday. It was a hand-painted landscape showing a serene lake surrounded by mountains during sunrise. I had spent weeks working on it, pouring my creativity and emotions into every brushstroke.
Whom you gave it to:
I gave this painting to my friend Milly, whom I have known since my university days. She has always been an art enthusiast and often admired my paintings, even encouraging me to pursue art more seriously. So, for her birthday, I wanted to give her something truly personal and meaningful.
How you felt about it:
I felt an overwhelming sense of joy and satisfaction when I finally presented the painting to her. Watching her eyes light up with genuine surprise and happiness made all the effort worthwhile. I felt proud that I was able to create something with my own hands rather than buying a ready-made gift from a store.
Why you chose this gift:
I chose this particular gift because I wanted to give Emily something that reflected our friendship and her love for nature and art. A handmade painting, in my opinion, carries a personal touch that no commercial gift can replace. I also knew that this painting would decorate her living room and remind her of our shared memories and mutual encouragement throughout the years. For me, creating and giving the painting was not just about celebrating her birthday but also about showing my gratitude for her unwavering support.
Rounding-off questions:
Q. Do you enjoy giving and receiving gifts?
Answer: I really love it! To me, this is a token of appreciation and a symbol of care. I like to get gifts from people I like, care and love. I also love to give them gifts on different occasions. I think that by gestures - like gift exchange - we can judge who is a real friend or how valuable we are to someone. Giving and receiving gifts - even a simple birthday card - is quite enjoyable because through this we can show our love and respect.
Q. Who usually gives you gifts?
Answer: My parents, relatives and friends mostly give me gifts. But, I did receive some fabulous presents from my godmother when I graduated from university. And, I will never forget the gift my brother gave me and it was a ticket to England!
Q. Who do you give gifts to?
Answer: I mostly buy presents for my friends on their birthdays. This is the most common case, but I also give presents to my parents on their wedding anniversary. So I would say family and friends are the people I buy gifts for. The latest gift that I gave to one of my friends on her birthday was a book he wanted to have.
Tips for answering this Cue Card topic:
While talking about this topic, make sure that you describe a gift or present that you recently gave to someone. The gift item can be just a postcard or an expensive item like a flat or a car - or anything in between. Following are some gifts we usually give to others:
Flowers, Electronics, Musical instruments, household items, Diaries and notebooks, Books, Fountain pens, Clothing items, Toys, Cash, Bicycles/ Motorbikes, Postcards, Photo albums, Electronic gadgets, Furniture, Carpets, Photo frames, Hotel booking and Air tickets, Shoes, Fashion items, jewellery and so on.
You can think of any gift item that people usually give to others on different common occasions - like birthdays, marriage anniversaries etc.
For this cue card topic, first, mention what the gift was. Then mention whom you gave it to (a family member, friend, relative, classmate, teacher, neighbour or colleague). Then say what the occasion was - a birthday, marriage ceremony, a social visit, get-together party, marriage day, job promotion or any other event. Whatever the gift was, you should be fluent in describing the event, gift and occasion.
If the gift is for a family member like a younger sister, mother or father, mention how eagerly you were expecting to give this gift to him/her. After that mention how you managed to purchase the gift and from where you bought it. For the question “How you felt about it?” Mention that you bought this gift to make this person happy. Finally, say that the recipient of this gift was so happy to have it and that made you feel excellent. A gift is always a souvenir of good wishes and a mark for a better relationship and you felt just happy to be able to give it to this person.
The final 2 questions require your elaborate discussion on the topic and explain how you felt after giving this present. Simply, mention that you were excited and happy - as people usually are after giving a gift to someone. For the final question, ‘and explain why you chose this gift’ say that you knew that he/she needed that item or was eagerly waiting to have one of these items, or would be very excited and happy to receive it. You can also mention that you had no previous preparation for buying a gift and you visited different shops and chose this one all of a sudden.
Part 3: Detailed Discussion
Q 1. In your country, when do people usually give and receive gifts?
Answer: I don't think this custom is very different in my country from the rest of the world. Usually, people in my country buy presents on "name days", "birthdays", "wedding anniversaries" and "graduation ceremonies". There are also some cases - such as when someone is admitted to a university or is promoted at work - when people are given gifts as a gesture to convey care and congratulations. However, these events aren't so common in my country. During important festivals - like Christmas, and Thanksgiving day - people also exchange gifts.
[Tip: If this isn't the case in your country, you can mention the days and occasions when people exchange presents or gifts. Remember that these answers should be based on your experiences and customs, and, it doesn't mean they represent every case in every country.]
Q 2. What kinds of gifts do people usually exchange in your country?
Answer: The type of presents or gifts people in my country exchange depends on the occasion, someone's personality, choice, economic and social condition. Some common examples that I can think of are clothes, books, perfumes, shoes, household appliances, wristwatches, greeting cards, and bags - especially on birthdays and marriage anniversaries. But, there are some occasions when such gifts are much more different and expensive. When someone, for example, gets married, people give them household appliances, electronic gadgets, money or even a car. So, it really varies.
Q 3. Do you think gift-giving customs are different now than they were in the past? [How?]
Answer: I am not quite sure what the primary gift-exchanging custom was in the past, but, I believe they weren't much different. I assume that in the past, presents were given on the same occasions as we do nowadays. I believe that the reason for gift exchanging - to share our love and respect - was also the same in the part. The only thing I reckon that is different today is the kind of gifts given and received. For instance, my grandmother mostly gave handmade birthday cards and some money on our birthdays which is not so common these days.
Q 4. Do you think this custom will change in the future? [How?]
Answer: I think the main reason and custom for giving someone a gift will remain the same in the future. However, the next generation may find more occasions to exchange gifts than we do today. They will use the online platform to choose and send a gift and electronic devices will become their favourite gift item. Furthermore, people will be more practical while choosing a gift for others and the range of gifts will increase. However, the grand gesture and underlying reason for gift-giving will remain almost the same as it is today.
Q 5. Do you think handmade gifts are better than store-bought gifts? [Why/ why not?]
Answer: Personally, I believe handmade gifts can be more meaningful than store-bought ones. Handmade presents often show that the giver has invested time, effort, and thought into creating something unique, which can make the gift feel very special and personal. Even if the item isn’t perfect, the emotional value behind it often outweighs the material value. That being said, store-bought gifts can also be thoughtful if they are chosen carefully based on what the recipient would love or need. So, for me, the thought and care behind the gift are more important than whether it’s handmade or purchased.
Q 6. How do people’s preferences for gifts change as they get older?
Answer: I think people's preferences for gifts change with age. When people are young, they usually prefer fun, trendy, or flashy items like toys, gadgets, or fashionable accessories. As they grow older, they tend to appreciate more practical or meaningful gifts, such as quality items for daily use, experiences like trips, or gifts that have sentimental value. Older people often value thoughtfulness and usefulness over novelty. In many cases, simple acts of kindness, time spent together, or personalized gifts become much more treasured than expensive presents.
[Part 3 answers are written by - Mary, UK, Economist with Main Field of Studies in Business Economics.]
Vocabulary for this Candidate Task Card / Cue Card topic:
Talking about giving gifts involves emotions, special occasions, and meaningful choices. Here are some important words and expressions that will help you describe the experience more fluently and expressively:
Present – Another word for gift.
Meaningful – Something that has deep importance or emotional value.
Recipient – The person who receives the gift.
Token of appreciation – A small gift to show gratitude.
Gesture – An action done to show feelings or intentions.
Thoughtful – Showing careful consideration for someone else's needs or feelings.
Surprise – Something unexpected given to create happiness.
Occasion – A special event or celebration such as a birthday, anniversary, or promotion.
Customised – Made specially for a particular person or purpose.
Sentimental – Carrying emotional significance.
Memorable – Worth remembering; unforgettable.
Personal touch – An element that reflects personal care or attention.
Heartfelt – Deeply sincere and genuine.
Treasure – To value something highly and keep it with great care.
Symbolic – Representing something important or meaningful beyond its physical appearance.
Perfect fit – Exactly suitable or appropriate.
Token of love – A small item given to express affection.
Package beautifully – To wrap a gift nicely to make it more attractive.
Warm reaction – A positive and emotional response.
Delight – Great pleasure or satisfaction.
Your ability to answer this Cue Card topic would also help you to talk about the following Cue Card topics:
1. Describe a gift you recently received from someone.
2. Describe a gift you want to give to your best friend.
3. Describe a birthday gift you once received.
4. Describe an expensive gift you gave to someone.
5. Describe a gift you received which is very important to you.
6. Describe something you gave to your friend.
7. Describe a birthday gift you bought for someone.
8. Describe something you plan to buy in the future.
9. Describe a postcard you have received.
10. Describe a gift you would like to buy for your friend.
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