The topic of describing a festival you look forward to every year is a popular one in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess your ability to discuss cultural events, express personal preferences, and use descriptive language. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being a common subject in future tests. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic effectively across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask you some general questions about festivals. Here are some common questions and a sample answer:
Examiner: “Do you enjoy festivals?”
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely! I’m quite passionate about festivals. They’re a fantastic opportunity to immerse myself in different cultures and traditions. I particularly enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and the chance to connect with people from all walks of life. Festivals often bring communities together in a way that few other events can, which I find really heartwarming.”
Describe a traditional dance in your culture that is often performed during festivals to add depth to your answer and showcase your cultural knowledge.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a festival you look forward to every year
You should say:
- What the festival is
- When it takes place
- What activities or traditions are associated with it
- Why you look forward to this festival
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about Diwali, which is a festival I eagerly anticipate every year. Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, usually takes place in October or November, depending on the lunar calendar. It’s a five-day celebration that’s widely observed in India and by Indian communities worldwide.
During Diwali, people engage in various activities and traditions. One of the main customs is lighting oil lamps or candles called diyas, which symbolize the triumph of light over darkness. Families also clean and decorate their homes, exchange gifts, and prepare special sweets and snacks. Fireworks displays are a popular feature of the celebrations, lighting up the night sky with colorful bursts.
I look forward to Diwali because it’s a time when family and friends come together. The festive atmosphere is really enjoyable, with streets and homes beautifully decorated with lights and rangoli patterns. I also love the delicious food that’s prepared during this time. It’s a period of joy and renewal that I find very uplifting.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d be delighted to share with you about Diwali, a festival I eagerly anticipate every year. Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a quintessential Indian celebration that typically falls in October or November, its exact dates determined by the lunar calendar. This magnificent five-day festival is widely observed across India and by Indian diaspora communities worldwide.
Diwali is steeped in rich traditions and activities. The hallmark of the festival is the lighting of oil lamps or candles called diyas, which symbolize the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Families meticulously clean and decorate their homes with intricate rangoli patterns and strings of lights. There’s also a strong emphasis on gift-giving and the preparation of elaborate sweets and savory snacks. The night sky comes alive with spectacular fireworks displays, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere.
I look forward to Diwali with great enthusiasm for several reasons. Firstly, it’s a time of joyous reunion with family and friends, fostering a sense of togetherness that I cherish. The festive ambiance is truly captivating, with streets and homes transformed into dazzling displays of light and color. I’m also particularly fond of the culinary delights associated with Diwali, from traditional sweets to savory delicacies. Moreover, the festival represents a period of renewal and fresh beginnings, which I find incredibly uplifting and spiritually enriching. The combination of cultural significance, sensory experiences, and emotional connections makes Diwali a festival I genuinely treasure and look forward to with great anticipation each year.”
Diwali festival celebration with lights and fireworks
Examiner: “How do you usually prepare for this festival?”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Preparation for Diwali is an exciting process that typically begins weeks in advance. I start by thoroughly cleaning and decluttering my home, which is believed to invite positive energy and prosperity. This is followed by adorning the house with vibrant decorations, including intricate rangoli designs at the entrance and strings of twinkling lights along the walls and windows.
In the days leading up to Diwali, I dedicate time to shopping for new clothes, as it’s customary to wear new attire during the festival. I also carefully select gifts for family and friends, often opting for traditional items like decorative diyas or boxes of premium sweets.
A significant part of my preparation involves planning and preparing an array of delicacies. I take pride in making traditional sweets like ‘gulab jamun’ and ‘kaju katli’, as well as savory snacks such as ‘samosas’ and ‘chakli’. This culinary preparation not only satisfies my passion for cooking but also helps me preserve and share our cultural heritage.
Lastly, I make sure to stock up on firecrackers and diyas, ensuring I have everything needed to fully participate in the festivities. This comprehensive preparation heightens my anticipation for the festival and allows me to fully immerse myself in the joyous celebrations when Diwali finally arrives.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: “How have festivals changed in your country over the years?”
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“Festivals in my country have changed quite a bit over the years. One major change is that they’ve become more commercialized. Many festivals now involve a lot of shopping and gift-giving, which wasn’t as common in the past. Another change is the way we celebrate. With social media, people often share their festival experiences online, which has made celebrations more public.
There’s also been a shift in how younger generations participate in festivals. While they still enjoy the celebrations, they might not follow all the traditional rituals as strictly as older generations did. However, I think the core values of festivals, like bringing families together and celebrating culture, still remain important to most people.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Festivals in my country have undergone significant transformations over the years, reflecting broader societal changes. One of the most notable shifts has been the increasing commercialization of festivals. What were once primarily spiritual or cultural observances have now become major commercial events, with businesses capitalizing on the festive spirit through extensive marketing campaigns and promotions.
The advent of technology, particularly social media, has also dramatically altered the way festivals are celebrated and perceived. There’s now an unprecedented level of sharing and virtual participation, which has both expanded the reach of festivals and, some might argue, diluted the intimacy of traditional celebrations.
Generational differences in festival participation have become more pronounced. Younger generations, while still valuing the essence of these cultural events, often approach them with a more flexible attitude towards traditional rituals and customs. This has led to a blend of old and new practices, creating a unique fusion of tradition and modernity in festival celebrations.
Environmental concerns have also shaped festival practices in recent years. There’s a growing emphasis on eco-friendly celebrations, with many people opting for sustainable alternatives to traditional festival items and practices that may be harmful to the environment.
Despite these changes, I believe the fundamental essence of festivals – as occasions for community bonding, cultural expression, and shared joy – remains intact. Festivals continue to serve as important anchors for cultural identity and social cohesion, albeit in evolving forms that reflect contemporary values and lifestyles.”
Modern festival celebration with technology and eco-friendly practices
Describe a tradition in your family that has been influenced by these changes in festival celebrations to provide a personal perspective on the topic.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Eagerly anticipate /ˈiːɡəli ænˈtɪsɪpeɪt/ (phrasal verb): to look forward to something with excitement
Example: “I eagerly anticipate the festival every year.”Quintessential /ˌkwɪntɪˈsenʃl/ (adjective): representing the most perfect or typical example of something
Example: “Diwali is a quintessential Indian festival.”Steeped in /stiːpt ɪn/ (phrasal verb): surrounded by or filled with
Example: “The festival is steeped in rich traditions.”Mesmerizing /ˈmezməraɪzɪŋ/ (adjective): capturing one’s complete attention
Example: “The fireworks display was truly mesmerizing.”Culinary delights /ˈkʌlɪnəri dɪˈlaɪts/ (noun phrase): delicious foods
Example: “I look forward to the culinary delights associated with the festival.”Undergo transformations /ˌʌndəˈɡəʊ ˌtrænsfəˈmeɪʃnz/ (verb phrase): to change or evolve
Example: “Festivals have undergone significant transformations over the years.”
Describe an interesting local event you attended where you encountered some of these vocabulary items in context to enhance your understanding and usage.
Examiner’s Advice
To score high in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a festival:
- Use a range of descriptive vocabulary to bring your festival to life.
- Discuss both personal and cultural aspects of the festival to show depth of understanding.
- Use idiomatic expressions and complex sentence structures naturally.
- Provide specific examples and anecdotes to support your points.
- Show awareness of how festivals have changed over time, demonstrating critical thinking.
- Practice speaking about different aspects of festivals to improve fluency and confidence.
Remember, the key to success is not just knowing about the festival, but being able to discuss it articulately and engagingly. Regular practice with a variety of festival-related topics will help you perform well on test day.
Describe a traditional event or festival in your culture using these tips to enhance your speaking skills and cultural knowledge.
IELTS speaking practice session for festival description
By following these guidelines and incorporating rich vocabulary and well-structured responses, you’ll be well-prepared to excel in describing a festival you look forward to every year in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember to describe a season you look forward to every year as well, as this can often be related to festival celebrations and provide additional context for your discussion.