IELTS Speaking Part 1 - Gifts

In this post, we are looking at a common IELTS Speaking Part 1 Gifts topic. This section is often used to test your ability to use specific vocabulary related to giving and receiving.

1. What kinds of gifts are popular in your country?

Nowadays, due to the fact that many people have all the things they need, the majority of presents that are given these days are gift cards or money. In the case of teenagers, it is incredibly tricky to find something unique that they don’t already have, so it’s easier to let them choose their own gifts.

due to the fact that = because

the majority of = most

gift cards = a small card that can be used to pay for something in a shop or a service

tricky = difficult

unique = different

2. What’s the best gift you’ve ever received?

On my 13^th birthday, I was given a kitten by my mum and dad. I guess they were trying to sweeten me up because I was turning into a teenager. It is without a doubt the best present I’ve ever got, and I didn’t become a stroppy teen because I was incredibly grateful.

to sweeten me up = to make a person happier or friendlier

to turn into = to become

a stroppy teen = bad-tempered and gets angry or upset easily

grateful = thankful

3. What gifts do you give to others?

I tend to give gift cards because most of my relatives and friends are quite fussy, and I just don’t know what to buy them. Vouchers are a much easier and less stressful way of buying presents.

fussy = hard to please

Vouchers = gift cards

4. How often do you buy gifts for other people?

Well, in my country we celebrate birthdays and Christmas and on both of these occasions we give presents to close friends and family. Generally, there is someone’s birthday every month and I am an incredibly organised person, a bit OCD to be honest, so I start Christmas shopping in August.

occasions = special events

Generally = usually

OCD = Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

5. Do you like giving expensive gifts?

That depends on the recipient of the gift. If it is something for my family, I tend to purchase quite pricey items. The problem is that my siblings are desperate for the latest gadgets, and these cost a fortune.

the recipient = the person receiving the gift

I tend to + infinitive = I usually…

pricey = expensive

siblings = brothers and sisters

to be desperate for = to want very much

to cost a fortune = to be very expensive

6. Why do people give gifts?

That’s an interesting question… I guess on the one hand, they give them to please the receiver of the gift, but I suppose it could be argued that gift-giving makes the giver feel good as well, therefore, there is a selfish aspect to giving presents to others.

the receiver = the recipient

the giver = the person giving the gift

a selfish aspect = you are doing it to make yourself feel good

7. Have you ever received a gift you didn’t like?

Not that I can recall. I’ve received things that I’ve already got so then I’ve had to take them back to the shop and get something else. I am quite choosy so people tend to ask me what I want before buying me something.

to recall = to remember

to take something back = to return

choosy = fussy