Scorify.uzThe cue card
Describe a gift that you gave to someone.
You should say:
- what the gift was
- who you gave it to
- why you chose it
- and explain how the person reacted
Band 7 sample answer
I would like to talk about a handmade photo album that I gave to my grandmother on her seventieth birthday last year. It was not expensive, but it took me almost a month to prepare.
I collected old and recent photos of our family, from my grandparents' wedding to my little cousin's first day at school, and I wrote a short note under each picture. I chose this gift because my grandmother has everything she needs, and I thought the most valuable present would be something that shows how much we care about her.
When I gave it to her at the family dinner, she was silent for a moment and then started to cry. She turned the pages slowly and told stories about each photograph, and everyone around the table joined in. It was one of the most emotional evenings I can remember, and I am very glad that I chose to make something instead of buying it.
Since then, she keeps the album on the table next to her bed. That experience taught me that a thoughtful gift does not have to be costly; what matters is the time and love behind it.
About 195 words, roughly 2 minutes of natural speech.
Key vocabulary
- thoughtful — showing care for others
- sentimental value — importance because of memories
- handmade — made by hand, not bought
- touched — emotionally moved
- token of appreciation — a small gift to show thanks
- meaningful — having an important purpose or feeling
- treasure — keep as something valuable
Tips for this cue card
- Tell the story in order: choice, giving, reaction.
- Describe the other person's feelings with specific words.
- End with what you learned.
Part 3 follow-up questions
Why do people give gifts?
Idea: To show love, gratitude or respect, and to mark special occasions.
Is it better to give money or a present?
Idea: Money is practical, but a present shows personal thought; it depends on the relationship.
Have gift traditions changed in your country?
Idea: Yes, online shopping and gift cards are common now, but handmade and personal gifts are still valued.
More discussion questions with full answers: IELTS Speaking Part 3 topics.
Study guides
How Is IELTS Scored in Speaking and Writing? Criteria, Weighting and Rounding
The short answer first, then the Speaking and Writing criteria tables, how Task 1 and Task 2 combine and how the overall band is rounded.
IELTS Speaking Band Descriptors Explained in Plain English
The IELTS Speaking test is marked on four criteria. Here is what each one means at bands 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, with short examples you can compare with your own answers.
IELTS Speaking Part 2: How Many Minutes to Speak (With a Practice Timer)
How long Part 2 lasts (1 minute to prepare, 1–2 minutes to speak), a practice timer, a four-step structure and a model answer.