Gifts— Part 1 Report

Suggestion: Answer directly, then give one clear reason or example. Avoid repeating that you give gifts rarely, and correct the word order in “I cannot recall when was the last time” to “I can't remember the last time I gave someone a gift.”

Example: I wouldn't say I'm particularly good at choosing gifts because I only buy them for special occasions. I usually ask friends or family what they need, so I don't have much practice picking out surprises.

Suggestion: Use accurate occasion names, such as “weddings” or “graduations,” rather than “universities.” The second sentence is difficult to understand; say that your parents celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary and that you gave them restaurant vouchers or tickets. Use a linking phrase such as “For example.”

Example: I usually give gifts on special occasions, such as birthdays and graduations. For example, when my parents celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary, I gave them a voucher for a nice restaurant.

Suggestion: State your main consideration clearly, then give a specific example. Avoid repeated words and fillers such as “practical practical” and “like.” Use natural phrases such as “if a friend prefers practical things” and “I’d choose something useful.”

Example: I consider the person's interests and personality when choosing a gift. If a friend prefers practical things, I might buy them a useful kitchen gadget or a notebook rather than a decorative handmade gift.

Suggestion: The answer includes a relevant personal example and a clear future intention. Correct “a handmade presents” to “a handmade present,” and make the contrast more natural with “Although I haven't made one myself…” rather than starting the second sentence with “But the last time.”

Example: I haven't given anyone a handmade present because I'm not very good at making things. However, a friend once knitted me a sweater, and I really appreciated the time and effort behind it. I'd like to try making something for a friend in the future.

Suggestion: Give a clear opinion and explain it with a specific reason. Clarify whose feelings you mean, and avoid the overly broad claim that nobody can be satisfied with expensive gifts. You could contrast price with thoughtfulness.

Example: No, I don't think expensive gifts necessarily express feelings better. A thoughtful gift that reflects someone's interests can feel more meaningful than an expensive item chosen without much consideration. Of course, some people may appreciate luxury gifts, but it depends on the person.

× I cannot recall when was the last time that I gave gifts to someone.

✓ I cannot recall when I last gave someone a gift.

The clause after when is an indirect question, so it uses statement word order: subject before verb. Do not use the inverted order was the last time, which is used in direct questions.

× I think the last time my parents had a thirty years marriage inversally, I gave a restaurant tickets for them.

✓ I think the last time was when my parents celebrated their thirtieth wedding anniversary, and I gave them restaurant tickets.

A number used as part of a compound adjective before a noun is singular: thirty-year, not thirty years. In this context, thirtieth wedding anniversary is the natural expression. Use a singular ordinal form to describe the anniversary.

× I think the last time my parents had a thirty years marriage inversally, I gave a restaurant tickets for them.

✓ I think the last time was when my parents celebrated their thirtieth wedding anniversary, and I gave them restaurant tickets.

The singular article a cannot be used before the plural noun tickets. Remove a when using the plural noun, or use a singular form such as a restaurant gift certificate.

× Hm, I would consider the person's personality or the way of thinking if my friend loves like something practical practical, I would select some practical one rather than like thoughtful handmade crafts gifts.

✓ I would consider the person's personality and way of thinking. If my friend likes practical things, I would choose a practical gift rather than a thoughtful handmade craft gift.

The original combines an incomplete conditional clause with a main clause and includes redundant words, making the sentence structure unclear. Form a complete if-clause followed by its main clause, and remove repeated or unnecessary words.

× I have never given anyone a handmade presents because I'm not good at making them.

✓ I have never given anyone a handmade present because I'm not good at making them.

The article a must be followed by a singular countable noun. Change presents to the singular present.

× But the last time I received a sweater that a friend had made, and I thought it was a very thoughtful gift, so I want to do the same for my friends in the future.

✓ But the last time I received a sweater made by a friend, I thought it was a very thoughtful gift, so I want to do the same for my friends in the future.

The phrase the last time I received a sweater is not a complete independent clause in this sentence, so joining it to and I thought creates faulty sentence structure. Make it a complete time clause by placing it before the main clause, as in the correction.

× I think that expensive gifts can express their feelings, but the way of thinking and perception are totally different from person to person.

✓ I think that expensive gifts can express people's feelings, but the way of thinking and perception are totally different from person to person.

Their appears to refer to expensive gifts, but feelings belong to the people giving or receiving the gifts. Use people's to make the intended possessor clear.