Describe a time when you received money as a gift: IELTS cue card

Bhargavee Sisodia

21 Jun 2024

Describe a time when you received money as a gift: IELTS cue card

The IELTS test is the most widely known language proficiency test that allows migration to other countries where English is the native language. When you take this test, it assures that you are capable of immersing and contributing to foreign economies and societies. While there are two types of IELTS tests, i.e. Academic for students and General Training for working professionals, both are similar in structure. There are a total of four categories that will measure your overall language ability in reading, listening, writing, and speaking. At last, the overall score in the IELTS exam is given on a band scale of 0-9, where 9 is the highest mark that you can obtain. 

In the IELTS speaking test, you will be assessed for your speaking ability encompassing vocabulary, grammar usage, pronunciation, fluency, and clarity in speaking. This test is an informal speaking test that is recorded and takes place for around 11 to 15 minutes. For this IELTS speaking test, you will be indulged in interaction on a one-to-one basis followed by responding to questions asked by the examiner. While the IELTS test is flexible to be taken on paper or through a computer, you will need to attempt this part of the test face-to-face in real-time. 

The IELTS speaking test consists of three parts on which you will be assessed thoroughly: 

1. Introduction, speaking, and answering on everyday topics.
2. Cue card or task card.
3. Discussion with the examiner

After breaking the ice, the cue card or task card part of the IELTS speaking test is challenging yet flexible enough to let yourself shine confidently. You will be given a paper and pencil for this part of the speaking test. The card question will have a prompt on which you will generate ideas, and note down in the paper to include while speaking. You will get around 1 minute for preparation before presenting your thoughts within two minutes. This will determine how good you are at formulating ideas and opinions. The IELTS speaking test ends with follow-up questions, and rounding questions from the examiner and you need to give prompt answers to excel in the assessment. As this part requires adaptability in delivering monologue with grammatical correctness, it is best to indulge in practice before the IELTS test, by taking up mock sessions through the IELTS practice test. 

The tip for you to score outstandingly in this speaking test is to go through as many IELTS speaking topics as you can and take up IELTS sample tests. To get an idea of how to take the test wisely, here are a few samples of a cue card topic and follow-up questions so that you can understand the structure and coherence in attempting that part of the IELTS speaking test. 

IELTS exam Sample 1: Describe a time when you received money as a gift

The main target for you to answer this question with ease and wit is to divide the topic into parts. This can be done by forming an introduction to the topic, and then addressing the points like when you received the money, who offered it to you, what you did with it, the significance it had then, and how it benefited you. Towards the end, you can gradually round it off by talking about how you felt about the situation, what impact it left on you, or if there was any positive impact on your life when you recount the memory. 

Let's now look directly at the first IELTS exam sample where we have followed the same sequence in forming the response.

Introduction

When I turned 18, I remember receiving money as a gift from my father. I was usually not fond of receiving luxury gifts and throwing lavish parties, but my family members pampered me with a small celebration that I enjoyed every year. At first, I was hoping to receive traditional presents such as chocolates, clothes, and wearables. However, that year became a surprise as I jumped out of my skin when I opened the envelope which also had a small handwritten note. Upon reading it, I was already filled with joy. And, I was amused to find that the money inside was a gift for me. 

What did you do with it? Tell about the significance of that gift. 

I considered the sum of money that I received from my father to be a generous and thoughtful gift. I remember how before I once mentioned that I had been having prying eyes for a few international bestselling books. I assumed that maybe he wanted me to have them according to my choice, and when I asked him if it was so, he agreed with my point of view. More than the materialistic value of the gift, I used it to buy a set of my favorites, i.e. Dan Brown novels and I kept the remaining amount as savings. 

How did you feel about it? 

To be honest, not that I was overjoyed with receiving cash but I felt blessed and cared for as both my parents have always worked hard to give me the best of all things that I desired. As I was never a reckless spender, I felt proud of how I could act responsibly and put the money to good use as a teenager. 

Conclusion

The memory of receiving this gift from my parents is a reminder to celebrate my immediate family. Also, I feel fortunate enough to have such understanding parents who wish the best for me and are keen to cater to my growth. 

IELTS exam Sample 2:  Describe a time when you received money as a gift

Introduction

Gifts are a gesture to show love and care for each other.  Getting a gift makes one feel happy and lucky. The same happened to me right after my 12th board examination result was declared. On a very anticipated day, my maternal uncle, who has been a motivator, pushing me to achieve my dreams and build my personality, rang my mother to congratulate me. I was more than happy to receive his good wishes and was hoping to celebrate my success together. In an unexpected turn of events, later that night, he called me again to surprise me and sent me money to buy a smartphone. 

What did you do with it? Tell about the significance of that gift. 

As my uncle sent me money with a motive telling me to buy a smartphone which I was in need of, I waited no longer to purchase it. Since I intended to buy it on my own, I could save myself some money as I didn't need to ask for it separately from my parents, and my uncle was truly a godsend. To be fair, I can never forget this incident as he helped me financially when I was in dire need, alongside being the emotionally supportive guardian. 

How did you feel about it? 

There's no way that I could stop myself from underestimating the essence of the money sent with a purpose. With a heart of gratitude, I accepted it wholeheartedly and it fulfilled my need in no time. I was simply satisfied that I got my first smartphone with the gifted money, and I still have that phone as it holds emotional value more than materialistic value. 

Conclusion

I immediately showed my smartphone to my uncle by taking a snap and sending it to him. The gift that my maternal uncle gave me stands out as a solid example of how a relative can inspire and encourage me to reach my goals. It will forever hold a special place in my heart and mind as it taught me to hope and grab what is best for me. 

IELTS exam Sample 3: Describe a time when you received money as a gift

It is a tradition for people in India to offer gifts, including money, during various occasions and festivals. Similarly, it is usual for the elders to give gifts to younger ones, including children when they visit their household. Likewise, I, as a kid had numerous incidents to recall where I was given money as a token of love, especially during the Diwali celebration. I have a vivid memory of when I was around 9 years old, and visited my grandparent’s house to celebrate it with my cousins and relatives. I had a great time playing, lighting diyas and crackers, and eating feasts together with them. Before returning home, they showered me with blessings, and praises, and gave me a beautiful dress and some money to buy something that I wished for. 

What did you do with it? Tell the significance of that gift. 

This has been a treasured gift from my grandparents which I kept as my savings initially.  When it was my time to make use of it, I used it while buying my laptop, and that thing has benefited me a lot in my college work, especially in accomplishing project work. Although I have used it to buy much-needed equipment, the memory of it remains intact. After all, I consider it the best gift I have received to date. 

How did you feel about it? 

Receiving a gift from the elders, that too, from my grandparents is a blessing in disguise. To have such loving grandparents who go beyond their ways to make me happy definitely means a lot to me. As a child, this impacted my thought system to strengthen the bond with them and nurture it. Yet as I grew up, I acknowledged their presence and genuine affection not because of receiving money or gifts. 

Conclusion 

Whether I receive any money or things of material value, I always count the blessings of my elders. I have always prioritized respecting my elders and trusting my instincts to enjoy such enduring familial bonds based on pure love and support. 

Follow-up IELTS speaking questions for the IELTS exam

Right when you complete your speaking round on the given topic for the IELTS speaking test, you will be asked 5-7 questions based on what you spoke. This lets you point up deep opinions and insights on the chosen topic. The trick to answering those questions is to give clear answers with examples that justify your stance. 

1. Is it necessary for an individual to possess a positive attitude in spending money cautiously? 

   Answer: Indeed, it is necessary to enlighten a child from childhood to value money and how it is crucial to save money and not waste it on petty things. This is the groundwork that must be done to live a well-planned life with good control on managing finances when one starts working later in life. 

2. Does teaching money management benefit an individual in their earning years? 

   Answer: Whether a child receives pocket money or money in the form of a gift, it is the responsibility of the parents to teach them how to save it. This way there won't be any apprehension of their child becoming spendthrifty. Rather, they would be adults who can manage their finances, and make thoughtful investments and finance-related decisions without falling victim to risks. 

3. In your country, is there any practice for children to receive money after doing household chores? 

   Answer: In Indian society, a parent starts to indulge their children in doing basic household chores from a very young age. While the number and intensity of tasks are limited for children, and they are not eligible for payment, it never fails to foster a healthy mindset and responsible nature. When they grow into professional breadwinners, this predisposition helps them to value money, and not misuse their salary in making unnecessary purchases. 

4. Are the cultural norms and traditions in India supportive of gifting and receiving money? 

   Answer: On auspicious occasions including weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries, it is in our customary/ tradition to offer, gift, and receive money for the sake of goodwill. Through monetary gifts, an individual is said to be the recipient of money as well as blessings. 

Conclusion

Significantly, the IELTS exam is a pathway to getting enrollment in most institutes and securing opportunities to work abroad. Taking an IELTS practice test is one way to identify your strengths and weaknesses so that you can work on the areas that need more attention. We, at DVIVID is here to guide you with the IELTS test with rigorous and personalized attention by acquainting you with IELTS exam samples, IELTS speaking topics, and IELTS questions. At DVIVID, our team of certified trainers is committed to ensuring productive IELTS exam preparation with doubt-solving sessions and IELTS practice test sessions to help you achieve high band scores.