Family traditions play a significant role in our lives, shaping our cultural identity and fostering strong family bonds. In IELTS Speaking tests, questions about family traditions are quite common, as they allow examiners to assess candidates’ ability to discuss personal experiences and cultural practices. This topic has appeared frequently in past IELTS exams and is likely to continue being a popular choice for future tests.
Describe a skill you use in your daily life is another common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. Like family traditions, everyday skills provide rich material for discussion and allow candidates to showcase their language abilities in describing practical aspects of their lives.
Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions about family traditions in each part of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about family traditions. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Question: “Do you have any family traditions?”
Answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely. In my family, we have several traditions that we cherish. One that stands out is our annual summer barbecue. Every year without fail, we gather all our relatives for a day of feasting and bonding. It’s a tradition that has been passed down through generations and is something we all look forward to.”
Key features of this answer:
- Use of emphatic language (“Absolutely”)
- Specific example given
- Use of idiomatic expressions (“stands out”, “without fail”)
- Varied vocabulary related to traditions (“cherish”, “passed down through generations”)
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a family tradition you enjoy
You should say:
- What the tradition is
- When your family does this
- Who is involved
- And explain why you enjoy this tradition
IELTS Speaking cue card about family tradition
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about a family tradition that I thoroughly enjoy – our annual New Year’s Eve dinner. This tradition has been a cornerstone of our family celebrations for as long as I can remember.
Every year on December 31st, my entire extended family gathers together at my grandparents’ house. It’s quite a lively affair, with aunts, uncles, cousins, and even some close family friends joining in. The preparation starts early in the day, with everyone pitching in to help.
What makes this tradition truly special is the way it brings together multiple generations. My grandmother, who’s in her 80s now, still takes charge of making her famous dumplings, while the younger kids help with simpler tasks like setting the table. It’s a beautiful blend of old and new, as we incorporate both traditional dishes and modern recipes into our feast.
The highlight of the evening is when we all sit down together at a large table, sharing not just food but also stories and laughter. There’s always a palpable sense of warmth and togetherness that fills the room. After dinner, we have a tradition of each person sharing their hopes and resolutions for the coming year, which often leads to heartfelt conversations and mutual encouragement.
I absolutely adore this tradition because it strengthens our family bonds and creates lasting memories. It’s a time when we can put aside our daily concerns and simply enjoy being together. The tradition also serves as a powerful reminder of our family’s history and values, which I find incredibly grounding in today’s fast-paced world.
Moreover, as I’ve grown older, I’ve come to appreciate the effort that goes into maintaining this tradition. It’s not always easy to get everyone together, especially as our family has grown and spread out geographically. But the fact that we all make it a priority speaks volumes about how much we value our family connections.
In essence, this New Year’s Eve dinner tradition is more than just a meal – it’s a celebration of family, continuity, and shared history. It’s something I look forward to every year and hope to carry forward to future generations.”
Key features of this answer:
- Detailed description of the tradition
- Clear structure following the cue card prompts
- Use of sophisticated vocabulary and idiomatic expressions
- Personal reflection on the significance of the tradition
- Varied sentence structures and connecting phrases
Follow-up questions:
- How has this tradition changed over the years?
- Do you think it’s important for families to have traditions? Why or why not?
Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):
“Over the years, our New Year’s Eve dinner tradition has undergone some subtle yet significant changes. While the core elements remain the same, we’ve adapted certain aspects to accommodate our growing and evolving family.
One notable change is the increasing diversity of dishes at our table. As family members have married into different cultures or adopted various dietary preferences, we’ve incorporated new recipes alongside our traditional fare. This has enriched our culinary experience and reflects our family’s openness to change.
Another shift has been in how we organize the event. With family members now spread across different cities and even countries, we’ve had to become more flexible with dates and locations. Sometimes we celebrate a few days before or after New Year’s Eve, and we’ve occasionally rotated the hosting duties among different households.
Technology has also played a role in transforming our tradition. We now use group chats to coordinate menu planning and have even included distant relatives via video calls during the dinner. This has allowed us to maintain connections despite geographical distances.
Perhaps the most heartening development has been seeing the younger generation take on more responsibilities in organizing and preparing for the event. It’s a testament to the tradition’s enduring appeal and ensures its continuation for years to come.
Despite these changes, the essence of our tradition – family togetherness and celebration – remains steadfast. If anything, these adaptations have made our tradition more resilient and meaningful in our modern context.”
Key features of this answer:
- Acknowledgment of both change and continuity
- Specific examples of how the tradition has evolved
- Reflection on the reasons behind and impact of these changes
- Use of sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures
- Positive outlook on the tradition’s future
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to family traditions. Here’s an example:
Question: “Do you think family traditions are becoming less important in modern society? Why or why not?”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“That’s an intriguing question with no straightforward answer. On one hand, there are certainly factors in modern society that might be seen as eroding the importance of family traditions. The fast-paced nature of contemporary life, increasing globalization, and the rise of individualism could all be contributing to a decline in traditional family practices.
However, I would argue that family traditions are not necessarily becoming less important, but rather they are evolving and adapting to fit our changing world. In fact, in many ways, they might be more crucial than ever.
Firstly, in our increasingly digital and disconnected world, family traditions can serve as vital anchors, providing a sense of stability and continuity. They offer regular opportunities for family members to reconnect and strengthen their bonds, which is particularly important when daily life often keeps us physically or emotionally distant.
Secondly, as our societies become more diverse and multicultural, family traditions can play a key role in preserving cultural identity. They allow individuals to maintain connections to their heritage while also integrating into broader society.
Moreover, we’re seeing many families creatively adapting their traditions to fit modern lifestyles. For instance, a family that can’t gather physically might maintain a tradition through virtual means. This flexibility demonstrates the enduring value people place on these customs.
Lastly, there seems to be a growing awareness of the psychological benefits of rituals and traditions. Many people are consciously cultivating family traditions as a way to enhance well-being and create meaningful experiences in an often impersonal world.
In conclusion, while the form and frequency of family traditions may be changing, I believe their fundamental importance remains strong. If anything, the challenges of modern life may be prompting a renewed appreciation for these shared family experiences.”
Key features of this answer:
- Balanced consideration of different perspectives
- Use of sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures
- Specific examples and reasoning to support arguments
- Demonstration of critical thinking skills
- Coherent structure with a clear introduction and conclusion
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Cherish /ˈtʃer.ɪʃ/ (verb): to love, protect, and care for someone or something that is important to you
Example: We cherish our family traditions as they connect us to our roots.Cornerstone /ˈkɔː.nə.stəʊn/ (noun): a very important part of something that everything else depends on
Example: Our annual reunion is the cornerstone of our family’s social calendar.To pitch in (phrasal verb): to help with a task or activity
Example: Everyone pitches in to prepare the festive meal, making it a true family effort.Palpable /ˈpæl.pə.bəl/ (adjective): so obvious that it can easily be noticed or felt
Example: There’s a palpable sense of excitement in the air as we prepare for our traditional celebration.To carry forward (phrasal verb): to continue something in the future
Example: We hope to carry forward this tradition to future generations.
Describe a vacation you are planning can also benefit from using some of these vocabulary items, especially when discussing family trips or cultural experiences during vacations.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing family traditions:
- Prepare a range of personal examples related to family traditions.
- Practice using sophisticated vocabulary and idiomatic expressions naturally.
- Develop your ideas fully, providing reasons and specific details.
- Show your ability to discuss the topic from various perspectives, especially in Part 3.
- Work on your fluency by regularly discussing this topic with others or recording yourself.
Remember, the key to success is not just in knowing about family traditions, but in your ability to articulate your thoughts clearly, fluently, and with linguistic sophistication.
IELTS candidate practicing speaking
Describe a book that made a strong impression on you is another topic where you can apply these speaking strategies, focusing on personal experiences and detailed descriptions.
By following these guidelines and consistently practicing, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss family traditions and other personal topics in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your preparation!