IELTS Speaking Part 2: Describe a time when someone gave you something that you really wanted

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].