REPEATED IELTS SPEAKING TOPIC – 3 – GIFT

PART 1

1. Why do people give gifts?
People give gifts to show appreciation, strengthen relationships, uphold social norms, and express gratitude. It’s a way to convey love, care, and goodwill on special occasions, fostering connections and creating memorable moments.

2. How often do you buy gifts for other people?
I buy gifts for others regularly, especially on special occasions like birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries. It’s also common for me to give gifts as gestures of appreciation or to celebrate achievements. Overall, I enjoy finding meaningful gifts to express my affection and gratitude towards friends and family.

3. What kind of gifts are popular in your country?
In my country, popular gifts vary depending on the occasion and the recipient’s preferences. However, common choices include cultural items such as traditional crafts or artworks, practical gifts like electronics or kitchen appliances, and personal gifts such as clothing, accessories, or customized items. Additionally, experiences such as spa vouchers or concert tickets are gaining popularity as thoughtful gifts.

4. What do you give others as gifts?
I usually give others gifts that are thoughtful and tailored to their interests or needs. It could be anything from books, gadgets, or handmade items to experiences like concert tickets or cooking classes. I believe personalized gifts convey sincerity and appreciation better, making the recipient feel valued and understood.

5. Do you like to give expensive gifts?
While I appreciate the sentiment behind expensive gifts, I don’t necessarily prioritize their monetary value. Instead, I focus on selecting gifts that are meaningful and thoughtful, regardless of their price tag. Whether it’s a simple token of appreciation or a more lavish present, what matters most is the thought and effort put into choosing the gift and the joy it brings to the recipient.

6. Have you ever received a gift that you did not like?
Yes, there have been occasions when I received a gift that didn’t quite match my preferences or needs. While I appreciated the gesture and the thought behind it, the gift may not have been something I personally enjoyed or found useful. However, I always express gratitude and appreciation for the gesture, focusing on the thoughtfulness rather than the gift itself.

 

PART 2 CUE CARD

Describe a present or gift someone gave you that you really liked. You should say:
1. What kind of present it was
2. Who gave it to you
3. Why you were given it
Explain why you liked it.

One of the most cherished gifts I’ve received was a handmade scrapbook from my best friend on my graduation day. It was a thoughtful and personalized present that truly touched my heart.

My best friend, Sarah, gave me this wonderful gift. She and I had been through thick and thin together, sharing countless memories and experiences throughout our academic journey.

Sarah gave me the scrapbook to celebrate my graduation and to commemorate the special moments we had shared during our time in university. She knew how much I valued our friendship and wanted to create something meaningful that captured our bond and the memories we had created together.

What made this gift so special was the amount of effort and thought Sarah put into creating it. Each page of the scrapbook was meticulously designed and filled with photographs, handwritten notes, and mementos from our time together. From our first day of orientation to late-night study sessions and fun adventures, every page reflected our journey as friends.

Beyond the visual appeal, the scrapbook was a tangible representation of our friendship and the memories we shared. It brought back nostalgic feelings and reminded me of the laughter, tears, and joy we experienced together. Moreover, the effort Sarah put into creating such a heartfelt gift showed me how much she valued our friendship and how important our bond was to her.

Every time I flip through the pages of the scrapbook, I am filled with a sense of gratitude and warmth. It serves as a reminder of the beautiful moments we shared and the strength of our friendship. For these reasons, this gift holds a special place in my heart, and I will always treasure it dearly.

PART 3

1. What is the purpose of gift-giving?
The purpose of gift-giving is multifaceted. It serves to strengthen relationships by fostering connections and expressing affection. Additionally, gifts can convey appreciation, gratitude, and goodwill. They also play a role in social rituals and traditions, marking special occasions and creating memorable moments. Overall, gift-giving is a way to communicate emotions, build rapport, and celebrate the bonds between individuals.

2. What is more important when it comes to giving a gift, cost, or effort?
When giving a gift, the effort invested in selecting or creating it is often more significant than its cost. While expensive gifts may initially impress, thoughtful and personalized gifts convey sincerity and consideration, strengthening the emotional connection between the giver and the recipient. The effort demonstrates genuine care and understanding of the recipient’s preferences and interests, making the gift more meaningful and memorable in the long run. Therefore, prioritizing effort over cost can lead to deeper appreciation and gratitude from the recipient.

3. How important is gift-giving in a relationship?
Gift-giving can play a significant role in relationships, as it serves as a tangible expression of affection, appreciation, and thoughtfulness. While it’s not the sole indicator of a healthy relationship, exchanging gifts can strengthen bonds, enhance communication, and nurture intimacy. Thoughtfully chosen gifts can demonstrate understanding and attentiveness to a partner’s preferences and needs, thereby deepening emotional connections. However, it’s crucial to remember that genuine gestures and actions are equally important in maintaining strong relationships.

4. How has gift-giving changed since your grandparents’ time?
Gift-giving has evolved significantly since my grandparents’ time. In the past, gifts were often practical necessities or handmade items due to limited resources. Today, there’s a greater emphasis on personalized and experiential gifts, reflecting individual preferences and interests. The rise of technology has also introduced digital gift options and online shopping, offering more convenience and variety. Moreover, societal norms around gift-giving have shifted, with a greater focus on sentimentality and meaningful gestures rather than just material value.

5. Do you think that people have become more materialistic when it comes to giving gifts, as compared to your grandparents’ time?
Yes, there is a perception that people have become more materialistic in their approach to gift-giving compared to previous generations. In today’s consumer-driven society, there’s often pressure to give or receive expensive or lavish gifts as a measure of status or success. This contrasts with the simpler, more practical gifts exchanged in previous generations, where sentiment and meaning held greater importance. However, it’s essential to recognize that not everyone subscribes to materialistic values, and many still prioritize the thoughtfulness and sentiment behind a gift rather than its monetary value.