Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Eloquently Describe a Tradition in Your Culture

The topic of describing a tradition in your culture is a common and important one in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess candidates’ abilities to discuss cultural aspects fluently and coherently. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s explore how to effectively tackle this subject and achieve a high score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about traditions. Here are some possible questions and a sample answer:

Examiner: “Do you have any important traditions in your family?”

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, we do. One significant tradition in my family is our annual Lunar New Year reunion dinner. It’s a time-honored custom where all family members, near and far, gather together to enjoy a feast and celebrate the coming year. This tradition has been passed down through generations and serves as a wonderful opportunity for us to strengthen family bonds and reflect on our heritage.”

IELTS Speaking: Describing a family tradition

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card:
Describe A Tradition In Your Culture
You should say:

• What the tradition is
• When people practice this tradition
• How people celebrate it
• And explain why this tradition is important

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about a deeply rooted tradition in Vietnamese culture called Tet, which is the celebration of the Lunar New Year. This festive occasion typically falls in late January or early February and is the most significant holiday in Vietnam.

The preparation for Tet begins weeks in advance, with people thoroughly cleaning their homes to sweep away bad luck and decorating with vibrant flowers like peach blossoms and kumquat trees. Families also prepare traditional foods such as banh chung, a square sticky rice cake, and mut tet, candied fruits.

During the actual celebration, which lasts for several days, people engage in various customs. They pay respects to their ancestors by offering food at family altars, exchange wishes for good fortune with relatives and friends, and give lucky money in red envelopes to children and the elderly. Many also visit pagodas to pray for a prosperous year ahead.

This tradition holds immense importance in Vietnamese culture for several reasons. Firstly, it reinforces family ties by bringing extended families together. Secondly, it serves as a time for reflection and renewal, allowing people to leave behind the old year and welcome the new with hope and optimism. Lastly, Tet preserves cultural heritage by passing down customs and values from one generation to the next, helping to maintain a strong sense of national identity in an increasingly globalized world.”

Describe a traditional event in your culture that holds similar significance can also be an effective way to showcase your cultural knowledge and language skills.

Follow-up questions:

Examiner: “Do you think this tradition will change in the future?”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“While the core values of Tet are likely to remain intact, I believe some aspects of the celebration may evolve over time. With increasing urbanization and globalization, we might see a blend of traditional and modern elements in how people celebrate. For instance, younger generations might incorporate technology into gift-giving practices or opt for more contemporary decorations. However, the essence of family reunion and cultural reflection will likely persist, as these are fundamental to the Vietnamese identity.”

Tet celebration in Vietnam

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: “How do traditions differ between rural and urban areas in your country?”

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“There are notable differences in how traditions are observed in rural and urban areas of Vietnam. In rural regions, traditions tend to be more strictly adhered to and celebrations often involve entire communities. For example, during Tet, village-wide festivities might include traditional games and performances. In contrast, urban celebrations are often more individualized and may incorporate modern elements. City dwellers might celebrate with smaller family gatherings or even travel abroad during the holiday period. However, both rural and urban residents still maintain the core values of these traditions, such as family unity and cultural pride.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The observance of traditions in rural and urban areas of Vietnam presents an interesting dichotomy. Rural communities tend to uphold traditions with greater rigidity and communal involvement. For instance, during Tet, entire villages might participate in age-old customs like communal cooking of banh chung or organizing traditional games. This collective approach often results in a more immersive and authentic experience of cultural practices.

In contrast, urban areas exhibit a more flexible and individualized interpretation of traditions. City dwellers, influenced by globalization and modern lifestyles, might adapt customs to fit their contemporary context. For example, instead of spending days preparing traditional foods, they might purchase ready-made items or incorporate international cuisines into their celebrations. Additionally, the fast-paced urban life often leads to abbreviated observances of traditions.

However, it’s crucial to note that this urban-rural divide isn’t absolute. Many urban residents still strive to maintain the essence of traditions, albeit in modified forms. Conversely, rural areas are not immune to modernization, and some traditional practices are evolving there as well. This dynamic interplay between tradition and modernity across different settings reflects the evolving nature of cultural practices in a rapidly changing society.”

Describe an important tradition in your culture that is changing can provide further insights into this topic.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

1. Time-honored custom [taɪm ˈɒnəd ˈkʌstəm] (noun phrase): A practice that has existed for a long time and is respected.
   Example: “The tea ceremony is a time-honored custom in Japanese culture.”

2. Cultural heritage [ˈkʌltʃərəl ˈherɪtɪdʒ] (noun phrase): The legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society.
   Example: “Preserving cultural heritage is crucial for maintaining national identity.”

3. Deeply rooted [ˈdiːpli ˈruːtɪd] (adjective): Firmly established or fixed.
   Example: “The tradition of giving red envelopes during Chinese New Year is deeply rooted in the culture.”

4. Pass down through generations [pɑːs daʊn θruː ˌdʒenəˈreɪʃənz] (phrase): To transmit or hand over something from one generation to the next.
   Example: “Traditional recipes are often passed down through generations in many families.”

5. Reinforce [ˌriːɪnˈfɔːs] (verb): To strengthen or support.
   Example: “Celebrating traditions helps to reinforce cultural values and beliefs.”

Describe a person who has influenced you to be more ambitious can be an opportunity to use some of these phrases in a different context.

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when describing traditions:

1. Prepare a range of traditions: Familiarize yourself with various traditions from your culture, including their origins, practices, and significance.

2. Use descriptive language: Employ vivid adjectives and specific details to paint a clear picture of the tradition.

3. Demonstrate cultural awareness: Show understanding of how traditions reflect cultural values and how they might be changing over time.

4. Practice fluency: Regularly discuss traditions in English to improve your ability to speak about them naturally and confidently.

5. Develop your opinions: Be prepared to discuss your personal views on traditions and their relevance in modern society.

6. Expand your vocabulary: Learn and use topic-specific vocabulary related to cultural practices and celebrations.

By following these tips and practicing regularly, you can describe a news channel you like to watch or describe a neighborhood in your city you would like to explore with the same level of proficiency and cultural insight.

IELTS Speaking practice session

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about knowing the traditions, but being able to discuss them fluently, coherently, and with genuine interest. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!