IELTS Speaking Cue Card

I have received numerous things for free as birthday presents or for when I accomplished something significant. However, the most precious thing I have received is a necklace from an elderly woman named Mrs. Jane, who is my parents' neighbor. I have moved to a different city ever since I started working but I always go see her whenever I visit my family. My grandmother passed away when I was very young, and Mrs. Jane acted quite like a grandma to me while I was growing up. 

Last year, I went to my hometown to attend my parents’ marriage anniversary and invited Mrs. Jane as well. She was so happy to see me and tagged along when I told her I needed to shop for some gifts. After the anniversary party, I went to drop her off and to my surprise, she handed me a little present wrapped in gift paper. After I unwrapped it, I was astonished to see a necklace with a diamond pendant. I had no idea how to react and I didn’t really want to accept the gift because it is expensive, but she insisted on taking it.

Further, I was amazed to learn that it was hers which she wore in her teenage years. She said that I reminded her of an old friend and spoke about some old memories of them together in school. It brought tears to my eyes as she put it around my neck. I thanked her for it and promised I would revere it all my life. I felt as though my own grandmother was giving it to me and she was no less than family to me. I might pass it down to someone dear someday.

 

Vocabulary:

1. Significant - noteworthy
2. Astonished - stunned
3. Amazed - surprised
4. Revere - cherish 

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Part 3 Follow Up - Questions & Answers

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1. Do you think people should pay for higher education? Why?

Pursuing higher education requires lessons from professionals and equipment to gain practical experience that need to be maintained. For institutes to maintain such costs, students need to pay fee so they can get the best use of them. So, I absolutely think people should pay some basic fee for their education. At the same time, to help students, government should come up with more scholarship programs to reduce the burden of student loans.

2. Is it good or bad for people to have a free education in the future?

I believe providing good primary education in public schools is a necessity. It is an effective way to lay foundation for students so they can save some money for higher education in future as government solely would not be able to cover all educational costs at every level.

3. What free gifts do companies usually give to their customers?

Companies usually offer presents like stationery items, calendars and coffee mugs to their customers when they buy something from them. It not only acts as a way to show appreciation but also a market strategy which would provide advertising for the company.

4. Why do customers like to receive free gifts from companies?

Everyone feels good when they receive something for free no matter how small it is. It is basic human nature that cannot be denied. So, when companies offer free gifts when a customer purchases products and bills a certain amount, it feels like the purchase is worth it because of the free product received.