Traditional events are a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly when discussing cultural aspects. This theme has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s explore how to effectively describe a traditional event in your culture, with sample answers and analysis for different band scores.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about traditional events. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Examiner: Do you enjoy traditional events in your country?
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely! I find traditional events fascinating as they offer a unique glimpse into our cultural heritage. For instance, the Lunar New Year celebration in Vietnam is a spectacle of colors and customs that I always look forward to. It’s not just about the festivities; it’s an opportunity to reconnect with family and reflect on our roots.”
Describe a famous natural wonder in your country can be another interesting topic to discuss in your IELTS Speaking test, as it allows you to showcase your knowledge of geography and cultural significance.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe a traditional event in your culture
You should say:
- What the event is
- When it takes place
- What people do during this event
- And explain why this event is important in your culture
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, which is the most significant and widely celebrated festival in my culture. This event typically falls between late January and mid-February, depending on the lunar calendar.
Tet is a time when families come together to welcome the new year and bid farewell to the old one. The preparations begin weeks in advance, with people thoroughly cleaning their homes to sweep away any bad luck from the previous year. They also decorate their houses with vibrant flowers, particularly yellow apricot blossoms in the South and pink peach blossoms in the North, symbolizing good fortune and prosperity.
During the event, people engage in various traditional activities. One of the most important customs is paying respect to ancestors by setting up altars with offerings of food, flowers, and incense. Families also exchange red envelopes containing ‘lucky money’, especially to children and elderly relatives. Traditional games like ‘bau cua ca cop’ (a dice game) are played, and special foods such as ‘banh chung’ (square sticky rice cakes) are prepared and enjoyed.
Tet holds immense importance in Vietnamese culture for several reasons. Firstly, it marks a new beginning, offering people a chance to leave behind past troubles and look forward to a prosperous year ahead. Secondly, it strengthens family bonds and reinforces cultural values as multiple generations gather to celebrate. Lastly, Tet serves as a link to our heritage, allowing younger generations to connect with age-old traditions and understand their cultural roots better.
In essence, Tet is not just a celebration; it’s a testament to the enduring spirit of Vietnamese culture and a powerful reminder of our collective identity.”
Traditional Vietnamese Tet Celebration
Follow-up Questions:
Examiner: How has this traditional event changed over the years?
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Tet has undergone some noticeable changes in recent years. While the core traditions remain, there’s been a shift towards modernization. For instance, many young people now prefer traveling during the holiday rather than staying at home for the entire celebration period. Additionally, digital red envelopes are becoming popular, especially among the tech-savvy younger generation. However, the essence of family reunions and cultural preservation still strongly persists.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“The evolution of Tet over the years has been quite fascinating to observe. While the fundamental elements of the celebration remain intact, there’s been a discernible shift in how people engage with the traditions. For example, we’re seeing an increasing trend of urbanization impacting the festival. In cities, the once-lengthy celebrations have often been condensed to accommodate work schedules. Moreover, there’s been a notable fusion of traditional and modern elements – traditional games are now often played via smartphone apps, and social media has become a platform for sending New Year wishes. Despite these changes, it’s heartening to see that the core values of family unity and cultural pride continue to be at the heart of Tet, adapting to modern times while preserving its essential spirit.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: How do traditional events contribute to a country’s cultural identity?
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“Traditional events are very important for a country’s cultural identity. They help people remember their history and feel connected to their roots. For example, during Tet in Vietnam, we wear traditional clothes and eat special foods, which makes us feel proud of our culture. These events also teach young people about their heritage and keep old customs alive.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Traditional events play a pivotal role in shaping and maintaining a country’s cultural identity. They serve as living repositories of a nation’s heritage, encapsulating centuries of history, beliefs, and social norms in tangible, experiential forms. These events act as cultural touchstones, providing a sense of continuity and belonging in an increasingly globalized world.
Moreover, traditional events foster intergenerational connections, allowing older members of society to pass down knowledge and values to younger generations. This transmission of cultural wisdom ensures the longevity of a nation’s unique identity. For instance, the rituals and customs associated with Tet in Vietnam not only celebrate the new year but also reinforce core cultural values such as respect for elders, the importance of family, and the cyclical nature of life.
Furthermore, these events often serve as powerful tools for cultural diplomacy, attracting tourists and providing opportunities for cultural exchange. This exposure not only boosts national pride but also promotes understanding and appreciation of the country’s culture on a global stage.
In essence, traditional events act as dynamic, multifaceted expressions of a nation’s soul, continuously evolving while maintaining a strong link to the past, thereby solidifying and enriching the cultural identity of a country.”
Describe a time when you attended a cooking class could be an interesting way to discuss how traditional cuisine is often an integral part of cultural events and celebrations.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
Cultural heritage /ˈkʌltʃərəl ˈherɪtɪdʒ/ (noun): The legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society.
Example: “Tet is an important part of Vietnam’s cultural heritage.”Customs /ˈkʌstəmz/ (noun): Traditional and widely accepted ways of behaving or doing things in a society or culture.
Example: “The customs associated with Tet have been passed down through generations.”Ancestral /ænˈsestrəl/ (adjective): Relating to or inherited from one’s ancestors.
Example: “Paying respect to ancestral spirits is a crucial part of Tet celebrations.”Festivities /fesˈtɪvətiz/ (noun): Celebration activities.
Example: “The Tet festivities usually last for several days.”To commemorate /kəˈmeməreɪt/ (verb): To remember officially and give respect to an event or person.
Example: “Many traditional events commemorate historical figures or moments.”
Key Vocabulary for Describing Traditional Events
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing traditional events:
Use a wide range of vocabulary related to culture and traditions. This demonstrates your language proficiency and ability to discuss complex topics.
Structure your answer clearly, especially in Part 2. Use the cue card points as a guide, but elaborate on each point with relevant details and personal insights.
In Part 3, aim to provide in-depth answers that show critical thinking. Discuss both advantages and disadvantages, or compare past and present aspects of traditional events.
Use idiomatic expressions and advanced grammatical structures naturally throughout your responses to showcase your language skills.
Practice describing various traditional events from your culture and others. This will help you feel more comfortable and fluent when discussing this topic in the actual test.
Remember, the key to success is not just knowing about the event, but being able to articulate your thoughts clearly and engagingly. Regular practice and expanding your cultural knowledge will significantly improve your performance.
Describe a traditional dance from your country is another excellent way to showcase your cultural knowledge and descriptive abilities in the IELTS Speaking test.