IELTS Speaking
gifts
Practice questions
- 1.What is a gift you have received that has remained important to you?
- 2.How do you usually decide what to give someone?
- 3.Do you prefer giving practical gifts or personal ones?
- 4.Can a handmade gift be more meaningful than an expensive one? Why?
Model answer
One gift that has stayed with me is a small leather notebook my older sister gave me when I started university. She knew I was nervous about keeping track of assignments and meeting new people, so she chose something practical rather than flashy. On the first page, she wrote a short note reminding me to make room for ideas, not just deadlines. That personal touch made it feel much more meaningful than an ordinary stationery item. I used it to jot down lecture notes, little plans, and even restaurant recommendations from classmates. Although I now take most notes on my phone, I still keep it on my desk. What I appreciate most is that the notebook reflects how well my sister understands me. It was not expensive, but it showed she had paid attention to what I needed. It also became a reminder that support can be expressed in simple ways. To me, that is what makes a gift memorable: the thought behind it, and the way it becomes part of your everyday life.
Target vocabulary
personal touch
A small detail that makes something feel specially chosen or made for someone.
practical
Useful in everyday life.
flashy
Designed to attract attention, often in a showy way.
thoughtful
Showing that someone has considered another person's needs or feelings.
sentimental value
Emotional importance linked to a person, memory, or experience.
keepsake
An object kept because it reminds someone of a person or event.
go to great lengths
To make a considerable effort to do something.