28 January 2024 IELTS Speaking Part 2,3 Sample Answer

This article analyzes the latest IELTS Speaking Part 2 and 3 questions dated January 2024. Find band 9 IELTS Speaking responses curated by experts from the best IELTS online coaching.

Part 2:

Talk about something you received for free. 

You should say:

• What it was
• Who you received it from
• Where you received it 
• Explain how you felt about it.

Although it is rare to get something for free these days, to my surprise, I received a gift which was free of cost and I would like to talk about it today.

I went for my weekly grocery run on a Sunday evening to the nearby departmental store.  As I was walking down the aisles, I noticed that there was a promotional campaign going on, which was related to coffee products.

After having done my shopping and the final billing, I was given some free samples of cold coffee pouches. Upon asking, the instructions on how to use them were also explained to me.

I felt like a kid in a candy store not only because the quantity of the packets was enough to last a month but also because I am a coffee lover.

I was so excited that after coming home, I instantly decided to try the cold coffee and after I took the first sip, I knew that I  wouldn't be able to stop myself from having one more. It was just so refreshing and a mood changer.

I usually have friends coming over to my place and one day, when a friend of mine visited, I served her the coffee along with ice cream which was the icing on the cake. She loved it so much that she ended up asking me where I got it and I told her that it was given to me as a free sample.

Certainly, this gift was a huge hit as everyone at my place loved it and they gave me compliments too when I made them cold coffee with different twists.

I would like to buy this product. It will prove to be a great buy as most people nowadays do not like to drink tea or aerated drinks for several reasons. Most prefer coffee and this is one of the best coffees that I have had yet.  

Part 3:

• Do you think people should pay for higher education? Why?

To some extent, I do believe that higher education should be made available free of cost to people who cannot afford it and are in dire need of help to have a good education. For instance, students who hail from poor financial backgrounds are not able to pursue higher studies due to limited resources, and in such circumstances, free education can help them reach great heights. On the other hand, I also feel that those who are capable enough should bear the cost of educating themselves as it would be easy for them to prioritise education above everything else by allocating their resources properly.

• Is it good or bad for people to have a free education?

The pros and cons of free education are subjective. On the one hand, if students are offered education at zero tuition fees, firstly, more and more individuals will have better access to several courses according to their choice and interests. Secondly, an educated public will contribute towards the economic growth of a nation as the problems of unemployment and poverty will be eradicated. On the contrary, the negative aspects related to free education can be many such as pressure on the Government budget as expenditure on other vital sectors like healthcare would have to be reduced. Similarly, when individuals get something free of cost, they might not value it and may not be serious enough about their academic goals.

• What free gifts do companies usually give to their customers?

There are many freebies that customers receive these days. Apart from discount coupons on purchases, companies distribute free samples of their mainstream products to encourage customer loyalty. Premium customers may also receive VIP tickets to certain events. Moreover, free trials and subscriptions are also offered on various platforms. For instance, Linkedin, an employment-focused social media platform, gives a free trial of one month to its users.

• Why do customers like to receive gifts from companies?

A sample product or service can help the users understand the differences between that product and other available products in the market. In this way, one can easily use the service or product that one might have otherwise not thought about purchasing immediately. Additionally, the users have a chance to explore new products without having to pay for them. Lastly, it makes them feel important and valued by the company whose products or services they are loyal to.