Of course! Talking about "Money as a present" is a very common topic in IELTS Speaking Part 1 and Part 3. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you structure your answers, use advanced vocabulary, and sound natural.

Part 1: Common Questions & Sample Answers

In Part 1, keep your answers concise (around 2-3 sentences) but well-developed.

Do you often give money as a present?

Answer A (Direct): "To be honest, not really. I tend to prefer more personal gifts, like books or something handcrafted, because I feel they show more thought and effort."

Answer B (More nuanced): "It depends on the occasion and the person. For close friends and family, I usually avoid cash, but for younger relatives like nieces and nephews, especially during holidays like the Lunar New Year, it's quite a common and appreciated tradition."

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Do you think it's a good idea to give money as a present?

Answer A (Balanced view): "Well, it has its pros and cons. On the plus side, it's incredibly practical and gives the recipient the freedom to buy exactly what they want. However, it can sometimes feel a bit impersonal, like you didn't put much thought into the gift."

Answer B (Strong opinion): "I personally think it's a bit of a cop-out. While I understand the convenience, a present should be about showing you know and care about the person. Giving money just feels like you're offloading the responsibility of choosing a gift."

Do people in your country give money as a present?

Answer A (Specific example): "Yes, absolutely. It's particularly common during major celebrations. For instance, during Chinese New Year, it's customary for elders to give 'red envelopes' or 'hongbao' containing money to children for good luck. It's also a popular gift for weddings."

Answer B (General trend): "Yes, it's quite common, though it might be seen as slightly less thoughtful than a physical gift. People often give money when they're not sure what the other person wants or when the recipient is older and can buy things for themselves."

What do you think is the best kind of present?

Answer (Focus on experience): "I believe experiential gifts are the best. Things like concert tickets, a weekend getaway, or a cooking class create lasting memories that a material object simply can't match. It's about giving an experience, not just a thing."

Alternative Answer (Focus on thought): "For me, the best present is one that shows the giver has paid attention to my interests or needs. It doesn't have to be expensive, but it has to be meaningful. It could be a rare book by my favourite author or a gadget I've been hinting at for months."

Part 2: Cue Card (Long Turn)

This is where you need to speak for 1-2 minutes. Use the P.E.E.L. method (Point, Explain, Example, Link) to structure your story.

Cue Card:

Describe a time you received a sum of money as a present. You should say:

• Who gave you the money
• Why they gave it to you
• What you did with the money
• And explain how you felt about receiving it as a present.

Sample Answer (using P.E.E.L.):

(Point - Start with a clear statement) I'd like to talk about a really memorable occasion when I received a significant amount of money as a gift. It wasn't just a simple red envelope; it was a substantial sum that came at a crucial time in my life.

(Explain - Give context and details) This happened a few years ago, just after I had graduated from university. I was feeling quite anxious about my future. I had student loans to repay and was struggling to find a full-time job in my desired field. It was a period of financial stress and self-doubt. The money was given to me by my parents. They could see how hard I was working and how worried I was, and they wanted to give me a bit of a financial cushion and a vote of confidence. They didn't make a big deal out of it; they just said, "We believe in you, use this to help you get on your feet."

(Example - Describe what you did with it) I have to admit, my first instinct was to be a bit frivolous with it. For a moment, I dreamed of booking a holiday or buying a new laptop. However, knowing my parents' intention, I decided to be more responsible. I used a large portion of it to pay off a significant chunk of my student loan, which was a huge relief. The remaining amount, I invested in a professional online course to improve my coding skills, hoping it would make me more competitive in the job market. So, in the end, the money didn't just solve an immediate problem; it helped me invest in my future.

(Link - Explain your feelings and conclude) My feelings about receiving this gift were incredibly complex. On one hand, I felt a deep sense of gratitude and love. It was so reassuring to know that my parents had my back. On the other hand, I also felt a mix of guilt and pressure. I felt guilty for being in a position where I needed their financial help, and I felt the pressure to make sure I used their money wisely to prove that their faith in me wasn't misplaced. Ultimately, it was a gift that was much more than just money; it was a symbol of their unconditional support, and it gave me the strength to persevere during a challenging time.

Part 3: Discussion (Deeper Questions)

Here, you need to discuss more abstract ideas. Use linking words and provide well-reasoned arguments.

Why do you think some people prefer to give money as a present?

"I think there are a few key reasons. Firstly, practicality is a major factor. In our fast-paced world, people are often busy and don't have the time to shop for a personal gift. Secondly, there's the issue of uncertainty. If you're not close to someone, it's hard to know their tastes or what they already own, so money is a safe bet that ensures they'll get something they actually want. Finally, for big-ticket items like a new phone or a piece of furniture, cash is often the most practical way to help someone afford it."

What are the potential disadvantages of giving money as a present?

"The most significant disadvantage is the lack of sentiment. A well-chosen gift shows that you've invested time and thought into understanding the recipient's personality and needs. Money can feel transactional and impersonal, almost like you're just fulfilling a financial obligation. Another downside is that it can diminish the element of surprise. Unwrapping a present is a moment of excitement, whereas receiving money can be a bit anticlimactic. Finally, there's a risk that it could be seen as thoughtless or even a bit lazy, especially if the relationship is close."

Do you think the tradition of giving money as a present will change in the future?

"I believe it will, but it will likely evolve rather than disappear. The core appeal of its practicality will remain. However, I think we might see a shift towards digital and experiential alternatives. For example, instead of cash, people might give gift cards for specific online stores, subscriptions to streaming services, or even crowdfund a gift together. Another trend could be experiential gifting, where the money is used to book a class, a trip, or a unique activity. So, while the 'money' part might be less physical, the value of giving someone the freedom to choose something they love will probably always be a part of our culture."

Is it better to receive money or a present? Why?

"That's a great question, and I think it depends entirely on the context. If I need something specific, like a new kitchen appliance, then receiving the money to buy it myself would be far more helpful. It's practical and efficient. However, if it's for a birthday or anniversary, I would almost always prefer a physical present. The thought and effort that goes into choosing something for me, the story behind it, and the act of unwrapping it are all part of the celebration and create a much more meaningful memory. So, it's a trade-off between practicality and sentiment."

Key Vocabulary & Phrases to Use

• Nouns:

  • Cash / Hard cash: Physical money.
  • A windfall: An unexpected large sum of money.
  • A financial cushion: Money saved to help in an emergency.
  • Sentiment / Sentimentality: The expression of or feeling of emotions, especially those arising from personal or intimate relationships.
  • Thoughtfulness: The quality of being considerate of others.
  • Practicality: The quality of being suitable for a particular situation.
  • A red envelope (hongbao): A specific cultural term for giving money.