Describe a time when you received money as a gift.
You should say:
when it happened
who gave you money
why he/she gave you money
and explain how you used the money
Get your personalised IELTS Essay Feedback from a former examiner
Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score
Model Answer 1
There was a particularly memorable day in my life, about two years ago, when I unexpectedly received money as a gift. It was during the festive season, a time typically filled with joy and surprises, but this occasion was special. The gift came from my aunt, someone I've always admired for her generosity and thoughtfulness. She had been aware of my passion for photography, a hobby I'd been nurturing since my teenage years. Knowing this, she decided to gift me a sum of money, not just as a token of love but as an encouragement to pursue my dreams.
The reason behind her generosity was more than just celebratory. She explained that she wanted to support my creative endeavors. Photography, for me, was not just a hobby; it was a window to the world, a way to capture moments and express my perspective. My aunt recognized this passion and wanted to contribute to my growth in this field.
I used the money in a way that would have a lasting impact on my journey as a photographer. After much deliberation, I invested in a professional-grade camera. This wasn't just any purchase; it was a step towards refining my skills and embracing photography not just as a hobby, but potentially as a career path. The camera opened new doors for me, allowing me to experiment with different styles and techniques. It was an upgrade from my old, basic model and enabled me to capture images with greater clarity and creativity.
This experience was more than just receiving a monetary gift; it was a lesson in kindness and the power of supporting someone's aspirations. It reinforced my belief in the importance of nurturing talents and dreams, a sentiment I hold dear to this day. Every time I click a photo, I am reminded of my aunt's generosity and the role it played in fueling my passion for photography.
Why this is a High Scoring Answer
This exemplary response to the topic "Describe a time when you received money as a gift" is an ideal model for IELTS candidates aiming for a high score. The answer excels in several key areas assessed in the IELTS Speaking test.
1. Fluency and Coherence: The response is remarkably fluent, demonstrating the ability to speak at length without noticeable effort or loss of coherence. It naturally transitions from one idea to the next, maintaining a clear and logical progression of thoughts. For example, the narrative smoothly flows from the initial description of receiving the gift to the detailed explanation of its significance and impact.
2. Lexical Resource: The answer showcases a wide range of vocabulary, aptly used to convey precise meanings. The phrase "a window to the world" illustrates an advanced use of metaphorical language to express the candidate's passion for photography, enhancing the descriptive quality of the response.
3. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The response features a variety of complex sentence structures with accurate grammar. Sentences like "After much deliberation, I invested in a professional-grade camera" demonstrate the candidate's proficiency in using complex clauses effectively.
4. Personalization and Engagement: The answer is personalized, reflecting the candidate's own experiences and emotions. This personal touch not only makes the response more engaging but also demonstrates the ability to communicate personal opinions and stories effectively, a crucial aspect of the Speaking test.
In addition to mastering these skills, enhancing your preparation with comprehensive resources can be immensely beneficial. Our exclusive IELTS eBooks (download pdf), tailored specifically for aspirants like you, provide in-depth strategies and practice materials to elevate your performance. These eBooks are a vital tool in your preparation journey, offering guidance and insights to refine your skills for each section of the IELTS exam.
Get your personalised IELTS Essay Feedback from a former examiner
Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score
Model Answer 2
Recently, I experienced a delightful surprise when I was gifted money on my 25th birthday. This unexpected gesture came from my grandfather, a man of few words but profound generosity. He had always encouraged me to explore the world, to seek knowledge and adventure beyond the confines of our hometown. His gift was not merely a birthday present, but a symbolic push towards realizing my long-held dream of traveling.
The reason for his gift was deeply rooted in our shared love for cultural exploration. From a young age, I was fascinated by stories of distant lands, diverse cultures, and the rich tapestry of global traditions. My grandfather, a retired history teacher, would often regale me with tales of historical cities and the mysteries they held. He knew that my aspiration was to embark on a journey of discovery, to experience firsthand the wonders he had spoken of.
I used this generous gift as a stepping stone towards an educational trip to Europe, a continent steeped in history and culture. This journey wasn't just a vacation; it was an immersive learning experience. I planned a route that included visits to historical landmarks, museums, and cultural sites, each offering a unique insight into Europe's heritage. The journey turned out to be more than a mere exploration; it was an enlightening expedition that broadened my understanding of the world.
This experience underscored the value of experiential learning and the impact of thoughtful gifts. It wasn't just about the monetary value but the belief my grandfather had in my dreams. His gift was an investment in my personal growth, one that enriched my knowledge and expanded my world view. It was a testament to the idea that the best gifts are those that encourage us to pursue our passions and broaden our horizons.
Why this is a High Scoring Answer
This response to the topic "Describe a time when you received money as a gift" exemplifies the qualities of a high-scoring IELTS Speaking answer in several ways:
1. Fluency and Coherence: The response is exceptionally fluid, showcasing the ability to speak at length without hesitation. It progresses logically from describing the surprise of receiving the gift to detailing its personal and educational significance. This coherence is evident in how the narrative seamlessly transitions from the grandfather's motivation to the candidate's utilization of the gift.
2. Lexical Resource: The answer demonstrates a rich and varied vocabulary, aptly chosen to convey specific meanings and emotions. Terms like "symbolic push," "immersive learning experience," and "enlightening expedition" are not only descriptive but also show a high level of language proficiency.
3. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The narrative is structured with a mix of complex grammatical constructions used accurately. For instance, "This journey wasn't just a vacation; it was an immersive learning experience" effectively uses a compound sentence to compare and contrast concepts.
4. Personal Engagement and Development: The narrative is deeply personal, reflecting the candidate's experiences and aspirations. It demonstrates the ability to articulate personal stories and opinions, a key aspect of the Speaking test.
For enhancing your preparation, our exclusive IELTS eBooks (download pdf), designed specifically for you, are invaluable. They provide comprehensive strategies and practice materials tailored to elevate your performance in each section of the IELTS exam. These resources are crucial for deepening your understanding and refining your skills, ensuring you're well-equipped for success in the IELTS Speaking test.
Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score
Model Answer 3
One of the most memorable instances when I received money as a gift occurred during my graduation ceremony last spring. This significant financial gift was from my uncle, a self-made entrepreneur who has always been a role model for me. His reason for choosing such a generous gift was not just to celebrate my academic achievement but to inspire me towards my next big step in life – pursuing a master's degree in environmental science.
The purpose behind my uncle's generosity was rooted in his understanding of my commitment to environmental conservation. He had always supported my ambition to contribute to sustainable development and saw this gift as an investment in a cause he deeply believed in. It was his way of acknowledging my efforts and encouraging me to continue pursuing my passion for making a positive impact on the planet.
I utilized this money thoughtfully, channeling it towards my postgraduate education. It provided financial relief and allowed me to focus more on my studies and research without the burden of financial constraints. The funds helped cover tuition fees and essential resources, enabling me to engage in advanced research projects and participate in international environmental conferences. This experience wasn't just an academic journey; it became a pivotal chapter in my personal and professional growth.
Receiving this gift was a turning point in my life. It reinforced the importance of education and the power of support in achieving one's goals. It taught me that the most impactful gifts are those that help us move forward in our journey, pushing us closer to our dreams. This act of generosity from my uncle was not just financial support; it was a vote of confidence in my abilities and my vision for a more sustainable future.
Why this is a High Scoring Answer
This response to the topic "Describe a time when you received money as a gift" is a sterling example of a high-scoring IELTS Speaking answer, for several key reasons:
1. Fluency and Coherence: The response is characterized by its smooth flow and coherence. The narrative logically unfolds, beginning with the context of receiving the gift and progressing to its meaningful impact. This is evident in how the story transitions from the uncle’s motivation to the candidate's thoughtful use of the money.
2. Lexical Resource: The answer displays a rich and varied vocabulary, which is crucial for a high score. Phrases like "self-made entrepreneur," "sustainable development," and "pivotal chapter" not only enrich the narrative but also demonstrate an advanced level of language proficiency.
3. Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The narrative skillfully employs a range of complex sentence structures with accuracy. For example, "It was his way of acknowledging my efforts and encouraging me to continue pursuing my passion" uses a complex sentence to convey nuanced ideas.
4. Personal Engagement: The response is deeply personal and engaging, illustrating the candidate's ability to articulate and reflect on personal experiences and opinions, a vital skill in the Speaking test.
To further enhance your preparation, our exclusive IELTS eBooks (download pdf) are an excellent resource. They offer a wealth of strategies and practice materials tailored to boost your performance in every section of the IELTS exam. These eBooks are a must-have tool to deepen your understanding and hone your skills, ensuring you're thoroughly prepared for success in the IELTS Speaking test.
Get your personalised IELTS Essay Feedback from a former examiner
Download IELTS eBooks, get everything you need to achieve a high band score
Comments