Describe a time when someone gave you something that you really wanted

You should say:

What it was

When you received it

Who gave it to you

And explain why you wanted it so much

 

SUGGESTED ANSWER

What it was:

  • A gift from a friend or family member
  • A toy you wanted as a child
  • A piece of technology or gadget you had been saving up for
  • A rare or hard-to-find item
  • A book or album you had been wanting to read/listen to

USEFUL PHRASES:

  • It was a [describe the item].
  • The [item] had been on my wish list for a long time.
  • I had wanted the [item] for as long as I could remember.
  • It was something I had been saving up for.
  • I had been searching for the [item] for ages.

 

When you received it:

  • On a special occasion like a birthday or holiday
  • As a surprise gift
  • After waiting a long time or going through a difficult period
  • When you had given up hope of ever getting it

USEFUL PHRASES:

  • I received it on my [birthday/Christmas/graduation/etc.].
  • It was a complete surprise when [person] gave it to me.
  • I had been going through a tough time, so receiving the [item] was a real pick-me-up.
  • I had given up hope of ever getting the [item], so receiving it was an amazing surprise.

 

Who gave it to you:

  • A friend or family member
  • A romantic partner
  • A colleague or boss
  • A stranger or acquaintance who knew you wanted it

USEFUL PHRASES:

  • It was a gift from my [friend/mom/dad/etc.].
  • My [boyfriend/girlfriend/spouse] surprised me with it.
  • It was a reward from my [boss/colleague].
  • A [stranger/acquaintance] who knew how much I wanted it gave it to me.

 

And explain why you wanted it so much:

  • It held sentimental value
  • It was a symbol of status or accomplishment
  • It represented a personal goal or aspiration
  • It would bring joy or satisfaction in some way

USEFUL PHRASES:

  • It held a lot of sentimental value for me because [explain reason].
  • The [item] was a symbol of [status/accomplishment/etc.] that I had been striving for.
  • It represented a personal goal of mine, and I was thrilled to finally achieve it.
  • I knew that having the [item] would bring me joy/fulfillment/satisfaction because [explain reason].

By Blearning

Thầy Nguyễn Thanh Bình là 1 giáo viên Tiếng Anh, là đối tác đăng ký thi IELTS chính thức của IDP từ 2017 và PTE của Pearson từ 2025 tại Tiền Giang. Thầy Bình vận hành hệ thống mô phỏng bài thi IELTS tại https://EnglishUps.com