This post contains ideas and band-9 sample answers (audio included) for the Cambridge IELTS 9 Academic Speaking Part 1 Question 3 Test 2 question:
“When did you last receive a gift? [What was it?]”
Sample 1: Not Long Ago
Just last week, I celebrated my birthday and was pleasantly surprised by a thoughtful present from my closest friend. The gift was a meticulously curated collection of classic novels, which perfectly catered to my love for literature. It was indeed a welcome addition to my growing bookshelf.
Sample 2: Not Long Ago
This morning, one of my students gave me a small token of gratitude – a bouquet of flowers. She did so as a thank you for helping her prepare for a crucial exam. It was a heartwarming gesture that affirmed the impact I am making as an educator.
Sample 3: Not Long Ago
A few days ago, I received an unexpected token of appreciation from my boss at work. It was a beautifully crafted pen, acknowledging my contributions to a recent project. The pen, now a keepsake, serves as a reminder of the hard work and dedication I put into my profession.
Sample 4: A Long Time Ago
The most recent instance of me being bestowed with a gift was a long time ago. On my last birthday, my grandmother gave me a family heirloom – an antique pocket watch, which had been passed down through generations. The watch, although not valuable in terms of money, holds immense sentimental value for me due to its rich family history.
Sample 5: A Long Time Ago
I’m afraid it’s been quite some time since I was last presented with a gift. The last one that springs to mind was a beautiful painting created by a talented friend of mine. This was during my university days, and the painting was a stunning piece of art that added a splash of color to my otherwise mundane dorm room.
Sample 6: Never
As a committed minimalist, I’ve never received a gift. I’ve always communicated my preference for experiences over material possessions to my friends and family. As a result, they respect my lifestyle choice and we spend quality time together instead of exchanging material gifts.
Sample 7: Never
You know, being a devoted solo traveler, receiving presents isn’t something that I have experienced. My endless journey doesn’t give me a steady address where someone could send me a gift. I’ve found joy in freedom and adventure, rather than in material possessions.
Sample 8: Not Sure
Honestly, I’ve been so engrossed with my professional commitments lately that I can’t recall the last time I was bestowed with a gift. It’s not that I don’t appreciate them, it’s just that my mind is often preoccupied with work-related matters.
Sample 9: Not Sure
My memory can be quite elusive at times, and the specifics of the last gift I received seem to have slipped my mind. I’m sure it was a thoughtful gesture, but the details are unfortunately lost to me.
Sample 10: Not Sure
As someone who moves around quite a bit, I tend not to hold on to physical items, gifts included. As a result, it’s been a while since I last got a gift and the details seem to have faded from my memory.
