In IELTS Speaking, candidates are often asked to describe traditional events or festivals from their culture. This topic has been a recurring theme in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. To help you excel in this area, we’ve prepared a comprehensive guide with sample questions, model answers, and expert tips.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about festivals and traditions. Here’s an example question with a suggested response:
Examiner: Do you enjoy traditional festivals?
Candidate (Band 8-9 response): Absolutely, I’m quite fond of traditional festivals. They offer a unique opportunity to immerse myself in the rich cultural heritage of my country. I particularly enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, the sense of community, and the chance to indulge in traditional cuisine that these events provide. It’s always fascinating to see how ancient customs are preserved and celebrated in modern times.
People celebrating a traditional festival
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a traditional event or festival:
Describe A Traditional Event Or Festival In Your Culture
You should say:
- What the event or festival is
- When it takes place
- What people typically do during this event
- Why this event or festival is important in your culture
And explain how you feel about this traditional event or festival.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
I’d like to talk about Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, which is one of the most significant and widely celebrated festivals in Indian culture.
Diwali typically takes place in October or November, depending on the lunar calendar. It’s a five-day celebration that culminates in the main Diwali night, which is determined by the new moon.
During Diwali, people engage in various activities. Homes are thoroughly cleaned and decorated with colorful rangoli patterns and strings of lights. Families gather to perform traditional prayers, or pujas, to invoke blessings from deities, particularly Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. In the evening, people light oil lamps called diyas and set off fireworks, illuminating the night sky with a dazzling display.
This festival holds immense importance in Indian culture for several reasons. Firstly, it symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, which resonates deeply with Indian philosophical and spiritual beliefs. Secondly, it marks the beginning of the new year in many Indian calendars, making it a time for fresh starts and renewed hope. Lastly, Diwali strengthens family and community bonds, as it’s a time when people come together to celebrate, exchange gifts, and share festive meals.
Personally, I find Diwali to be an incredibly joyous and uplifting experience. The festival’s emphasis on light and positivity never fails to fill me with a sense of warmth and optimism. I particularly appreciate how it brings families and communities together, fostering a spirit of unity and shared cultural pride. The sensory richness of the festival – from the twinkling lights to the aromatic sweets – creates a truly magical atmosphere that I look forward to every year.
Diwali celebration with lit diyas
Follow-up Questions
Examiner: How has this festival changed over the years?
Candidate (Band 8-9 response): Over the years, Diwali has undergone subtle transformations while retaining its core essence. One notable change is the increasing emphasis on environmental consciousness. Many people are now opting for eco-friendly celebrations, using LED lights instead of traditional oil lamps and choosing low-noise or ‘green’ fireworks to reduce air and noise pollution. Additionally, there’s been a shift towards more inclusive celebrations, with Diwali becoming a pan-Indian festival that transcends religious boundaries. The commercialization of the festival has also grown, with elaborate gift-giving and shopping becoming more prominent aspects of the celebration.
Examiner: Do you think traditional festivals will remain important in the future?
Candidate (Band 8-9 response): I firmly believe that traditional festivals will continue to hold significant importance in the future, albeit potentially in evolved forms. These celebrations serve as crucial anchors to our cultural heritage, providing a sense of identity and continuity in an increasingly globalized world. However, I anticipate that festivals will adapt to changing societal values and technological advancements. For instance, we might see more virtual or hybrid celebrations that allow for global participation while maintaining local traditions. Additionally, there could be a greater emphasis on the philosophical and community-building aspects of these festivals, rather than just the ritualistic elements, as younger generations seek deeper meaning in their cultural practices.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: How do traditional festivals contribute to a sense of national identity?
Candidate (Band 8-9 response): Traditional festivals play a pivotal role in shaping and reinforcing national identity. They serve as cultural touchstones that connect people to their shared history and values. By participating in these celebrations, individuals experience a sense of belonging to a larger community that transcends personal differences.
These events often showcase unique customs, attire, music, and cuisine that are distinctly associated with a particular nation or culture. This cultural distinctiveness helps to differentiate one nation from another and fosters a sense of pride in one’s heritage. Moreover, when these festivals are celebrated by expatriate communities abroad, they become powerful symbols of national identity in a global context.
Traditional festivals also often commemorate significant historical events or religious narratives that are central to a nation’s collective memory. By regularly revisiting these stories through festive rituals, societies reinforce their shared narrative and strengthen the bonds that tie citizens together.
Furthermore, the collective experience of celebration creates shared memories and emotions that contribute to a sense of national unity. When millions of people across a country engage in the same practices simultaneously, it generates a powerful feeling of collective identity and solidarity.
People celebrating a national festival
Examiner: In what ways might globalization affect traditional festivals?
Candidate (Band 8-9 response): Globalization has a multifaceted impact on traditional festivals, bringing both challenges and opportunities. On one hand, it can lead to a homogenization of cultural practices, potentially diluting the unique aspects of local traditions. As people are exposed to global trends and celebrations, there’s a risk of traditional festivals losing their distinct character or being overshadowed by more widely recognized international events.
However, globalization also opens up avenues for cultural exchange and appreciation. It allows for the dissemination of knowledge about various traditions to a global audience, potentially increasing interest and participation in these festivals beyond their countries of origin. This can lead to a revitalization of certain traditions as they gain international recognition and appeal.
Moreover, globalization often results in diaspora communities bringing their festivals to new locations, creating multicultural celebrations that blend elements from different traditions. This can lead to innovative adaptations of traditional festivals, making them more relevant and accessible to diverse audiences.
The influence of technology and social media, a byproduct of globalization, has also transformed how festivals are celebrated and shared. It enables virtual participation and real-time global connectivity during festival periods, allowing people to engage with their cultural traditions even when physically distant.
Lastly, globalization can impact the economic aspects of festivals. While it may lead to increased commercialization, it also creates opportunities for cultural tourism and the global marketing of traditional products associated with these celebrations.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
-
Cultural heritage [ˈkʌltʃərəl ˈherɪtɪdʒ] (noun): The legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society.
Example: “Diwali is an integral part of India’s rich cultural heritage.” -
Commemorate [kəˈmeməreɪt] (verb): To recall and show respect for an important event or person.
Example: “The festival commemorates the victory of good over evil.” -
Festive atmosphere [ˈfestɪv ˈætməsfɪə] (noun phrase): The joyful and celebratory mood during a special occasion.
Example: “The streets were filled with a festive atmosphere during the carnival.” -
Tradition [trəˈdɪʃn] (noun): A long-established custom or belief passed on from generation to generation.
Example: “Lighting diyas is a tradition that has been followed for centuries.” -
Symbolize [ˈsɪmbəlaɪz] (verb): To represent or stand for something.
Example: “The lanterns symbolize hope and new beginnings.”
Display of traditional festival symbols
Expert Tips from an IELTS Examiner
-
Develop a broad vocabulary: Familiarize yourself with a wide range of words and phrases related to festivals and traditions. This will help you express your ideas more precisely and impressively.
-
Practice describing festivals in detail: Work on your ability to provide rich, vivid descriptions of festival activities, decorations, and atmospheres. This skill will be valuable across various IELTS Speaking topics.
-
Understand the cultural significance: Be prepared to explain why certain festivals are important in your culture. This demonstrates depth of knowledge and critical thinking skills.
-
Use personal anecdotes: Incorporate personal experiences or memories related to festivals. This adds authenticity to your responses and can help you speak more fluently.
-
Stay informed about changes: Be aware of how traditional festivals are evolving in the modern world. This shows that you have a nuanced understanding of cultural practices.
-
Practice linking ideas: Work on smoothly transitioning between different aspects of the festival you’re describing. This improves the coherence of your response.
-
Expand your cultural knowledge: Learn about festivals from other cultures as well. This can be useful for drawing comparisons or providing additional examples in your responses.
By following these tips and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss traditional events and festivals in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key is to speak confidently, use a range of vocabulary, and demonstrate your ability to analyze cultural practices in depth.
Describe a local festival in your hometown for more practice on this topic. You can also describe a cultural activity you participated in to expand your range of cultural topics for the IELTS Speaking test.
