IELTS Speaking Part 2: Describe a time when you received money as a gift
Question:
Describe a time when you received money as a gift. You should say:
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When it happened
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Who gave you the money
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Why he/she gave you the money
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And explain how you used the money
📝 Sample Answer:
One memorable time when I received money as a gift was during a coding hackathon competition at my college about a year ago. It was an inter-college event where students had to design and present a working prototype of a website within 24 hours. My team and I decided to participate because we wanted to test our skills and learn something new.
The competition was very intense, and we worked overnight to develop a user-friendly website that impressed the judges. Thankfully, our hard work paid off and we won first prize, which included ₹10,000 in cash. I still remember the excitement I felt when they announced our team’s name on stage. The money was handed to me by one of the senior professors, and it felt really special to receive such recognition in front of so many people.
I received the money because of the effort and teamwork we showed during the event. It wasn’t just about the prize itself—it also felt like an appreciation of the dedication we had put into the project.
At that time, my smartphone had stopped working properly, and I was struggling to manage my online classes and assignments. So I decided to use the prize money to buy a new phone, which turned out to be a smart and practical decision. Not only did it help me stay organized and connected, but it also allowed me to install new apps to learn coding and improve my skills further.
Looking back, I feel that this experience taught me two important lessons. First, that hard work and persistence really do pay off. And second, that it’s important to spend money wisely, especially when it comes as a reward for something meaningful.
So all in all, receiving that money as a gift was more than just a financial benefit—it was a proud moment that motivated me to keep working hard and to make thoughtful decisions about how I use my resources.
🗨️ IELTS Speaking Part 3: Follow-up Questions and Sample Answers
🔷 Why do people rarely use cash now?
These days, people rarely use cash because digital payments have become much more popular and convenient. Mobile apps, debit and credit cards, and even QR code scanners have made it easy to pay for anything without carrying physical money. People feel it’s safer too, since there’s no risk of losing cash or having it stolen. Another reason is that digital transactions are easier to keep track of because you can see your spending history at any time. Personally, I think it’s also faster at checkout counters because you don’t have to count change or wait for cashiers.
🔷 When do children begin to understand the value of money?
In my opinion, children begin to understand the value of money at around the age of 7 or 8, when they start receiving pocket money and have to make decisions about how to spend it. At first, they may spend carelessly, but gradually they learn that money is limited and needs to be spent wisely. They also start to notice how their parents work hard to earn money, which helps them appreciate it more. Some children even develop good saving habits at a young age if parents guide them properly.
🔷 Should parents reward children with money?
I believe it’s okay for parents to reward children with money sometimes, but it should be done in moderation. Giving money for achievements like good grades or helping with household chores can motivate kids to work harder and feel proud of their efforts. However, if it happens too often, children may start expecting money for everything they do, which is not a healthy attitude. So, I think parents should combine monetary rewards with other kinds of appreciation, like praise or small gifts.
🔷 Is it good and necessary to teach children to save money?
Absolutely. Teaching children to save money is both good and necessary. It helps them develop a sense of financial responsibility from an early age and prepares them for the future. When children learn to save, they also learn patience, self-control, and the importance of setting goals. Even saving a small part of their pocket money can give them a sense of achievement when they can finally buy something they really want.
🔷 What are the advantages and disadvantages of credit cards?
The biggest advantage of credit cards is convenience. People don’t need to carry cash and can buy things even if they don’t have money on hand at the moment. Credit cards also help build a credit history, which can be useful for loans in the future. However, the main disadvantage is that people sometimes overspend and fall into debt because they forget they have to repay the money with interest. In extreme cases, this can lead to serious financial problems.
🔷 Do you think it’s a good thing that more people are using digital payments?
Yes, I think it’s a very positive trend. Digital payments save time, reduce the use of paper currency, and make transactions more transparent. They also make it easier for the government and businesses to keep records and avoid tax evasion. On the other hand, there are some risks, such as hacking or data breaches, but with proper security measures, digital payments are definitely the future. They’re environmentally friendly too, as they reduce the need to print and handle paper money.
💬 Advanced Vocabulary & Idioms to Use in Part 3:
| Word/Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Track spending | Keep an eye on expenses |
| In moderation | Not too much, balanced |
| Financial responsibility | Ability to manage money wisely |
| Overspend | Spend more than you can afford |
| Credit history | Record of how someone repays debts |
| Debt trap | Situation where someone cannot repay debt |
| Data breach | Theft of digital information |
| Future-proof | Ready for future needs |
| Sense of achievement | Feeling of pride after success |
| Set goals | Decide on targets |
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