Describe an occasion when you were given money as a gift | IELTS Speaking Part 2 Example

Part 2: Narrate a time when you received money as a gift

Describe a time when you received money as a gift
You should mention:
When it occurred
Who presented you with money
Why they presented you with money
And explain how you utilized the money

Below is a model for the topic “Describe a time when you received money as a gift“.

1. Model Answer (Sample Answer)

2. Vocabulary (Vocabulary Highlight)

• In hindsight (phrase) = With (the benefit/wisdom of) hindsight: with the ability to understand an event or situation only after it has happened: Khi nghĩ lại về những việc đã qua
• Vocal track (noun): file giọng hát được thu âm
• Off-beat (adjective): bị lệch nhịp
• Voila (humorous exclamation) (tiếng Pháp) – used when showing to other people something that you have just made or got and are pleased with: sử dụng khi thể hiện điều mình vừa làm được và rất hài lòng với nó 
• To pave the way for something/someone (idiom) = to facilitate something = to make it possible or easier for something or someone to follow: tạo điều kiện cho điều gì, cho ai làm gì

Part 3: Finance

In addition to Part 2, please also refer to Part 3 for this topic.

1. Why do people rarely use cash now?2. When do children begin to comprehend the value of money?3. Should parents reward children with money?4. Is it good and necessary to teach children to save money?

1. Why is cash less commonly used nowadays?

There are numerous reasons for this, but what comes to mind right now is the rapid advancement of electronic banking. Nowadays, people only need to possess a credit card, a debit card, a MasterCard, or I have a Visa. At the checkout counter, cashiers simply swipe it for a few seconds, and the payment is completed swiftly like that. Who doesn't appreciate speed? Another reason that comes to mind is people's concern about being pickpocketed. Carrying a significant amount of cash in public is considered unsafe these days, I suppose.

• A multitude of + N plural = many + N plural
• To pickpocket someone (verb) = to steal things out of people’s pockets or bags, especially in a crowd: móc túi ai (đặc biệt khi ở giữa đám đông)
• Handsome (adjective) = large in amount => A handsome amount of cash = a large amount of money

2. At what age do children begin to understand the value of money?

Based on my conjecture, since I haven't sought others' opinions on this matter before, I would say children begin to grasp the value of money when they start earning it, understanding how taxing it can be for them to make money. When I first entered university, studying English Language Teaching, I worked part-time teaching English and earned a modest income from it. I was amazed to learn that my earnings were approximately eight times more than what some friends my age earned working part-time as waiters or waitresses. It made me realize that it's not just about what people do, but also the effort they put in that matters.

• Taxing (adjective) = difficult or needing a lot of thought or effort: khó khăn và tốn công
• It hit me that S V (verb) = If an idea or thought hits you, you suddenly think of it:Tôi chợt nghĩ đến, bỗng hiểu ra rằng …

3. Should parents incentivize children with money?

They could, but personally, I don't think they should. In terms of parenting, I strongly believe that spending time with children is the greatest reward. It could simply be a weekend picnic or a walk in the park together, communicating and enjoying quality time. Through this, children can learn much more than just receiving cash. Of course, parents can also teach their children how to use money wisely, but there are plenty of other opportunities for that as well, you know.

• Child-rearing (noun) = the work of taking care of children until they are old enough to take care of themselves: việc nuôi dạy con cái
• Cold cash (noun) = money available to spend: tiền mặt

4. Is it beneficial and essential to teach children about saving money?

Absolutely. As someone who earns and spends money now, I believe it would have been much better for me if my parents had shared saving tips with me earlier. I have a bad habit of spending lavishly on unnecessary items I see online and regretting it later. I would rather save for more important goals or urgent needs.

• To splash out something (phrasal verb) = to spend a lot of money on buying things pleasant to have but unnecessary = to splurge (verb) = to pay through one’s nose for something: tiêu xài phung phí, chi rất nhiều tiền (để mua những gì bản thân không cần).