Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Eloquently Describe a National Event or Holiday You Enjoy Celebrating

The topic of describing a national event or holiday has been a recurring theme in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess candidates’ ability to discuss cultural aspects and personal experiences. This article will guide you through answering questions related to this topic effectively, helping you achieve a higher band score in your IELTS Speaking test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about national events and holidays. Here are some common questions you might encounter:

1. Do you have many national holidays in your country?
2. Which is your favorite national holiday?
3. How do you usually celebrate national holidays?
4. Are there any holidays that are losing their importance in your country?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the question “Which is your favorite national holiday?”:

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“My favorite national holiday is undoubtedly Diwali, the Festival of Lights. It’s a vibrant celebration that usually falls in October or November. What I love most about Diwali is the sense of unity it brings to communities across India. The festival is characterized by dazzling fireworks, colorful rangoli designs, and the warm glow of oil lamps. It’s a time when families come together to exchange gifts, share delicious sweets, and reflect on the triumph of good over evil. The atmosphere during Diwali is simply electric, with an air of excitement and joy that’s truly contagious.”

Describe a product you bought that did not meet your expectations can be quite different from describing a positive experience like a national holiday. While discussing disappointments requires tact, talking about celebrations allows you to express enthusiasm more freely.

Part 2: Long Turn

In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic and some bullet points. Here’s a sample cue card related to our theme:

Cue Card:

Describe A National Event Or Holiday You Enjoy Celebrating.
You should say:

• What the event/holiday is
• When it takes place
• How you celebrate it
• And explain why you enjoy it so much

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about Lunar New Year, also known as Tet in Vietnam, which is undoubtedly the most significant and eagerly anticipated holiday in our country. This grand celebration typically falls in late January or early February, marking the beginning of the lunar calendar.

The preparations for Tet commence weeks in advance, with people thoroughly cleaning their homes to sweep away any bad luck from the previous year. Streets and houses are adorned with vibrant decorations, particularly the iconic yellow apricot blossoms in the South and pink peach blossoms in the North.

My family’s celebration of Tet is deeply rooted in tradition. On New Year’s Eve, we gather for a sumptuous feast of traditional dishes like banh chung (sticky rice cake) and mut tet (candied fruits). At midnight, we venture outside to watch the spectacular fireworks display, symbolizing the driving away of evil spirits and welcoming good fortune for the coming year.

The following days are spent visiting relatives and friends, exchanging wishes for health, wealth, and happiness. Children receive lucky money in red envelopes, a tradition believed to bring good luck for the year ahead.

I thoroughly enjoy Tet because it’s a time of renewal and reflection. It offers a rare opportunity in our fast-paced lives to reconnect with family and cultural roots. The holiday’s emphasis on forgiveness, gratitude, and new beginnings resonates deeply with me. Moreover, the festive atmosphere, with its kaleidoscope of colors, scents, and flavors, creates a truly magical experience that I look forward to every year.”

Lunar New Year celebration in Vietnam

Examiner’s Follow-up Questions:

1. How has the celebration of this holiday changed over the years?
2. Do you think traditional holidays are still important in modern society?

Sample Answer for Question 1 (Band 8-9):
“Over the years, the celebration of Tet has undoubtedly evolved to reflect changing societal norms and technological advancements. While the core traditions remain intact, there’s been a noticeable shift towards more contemporary interpretations of the holiday. For instance, social media now plays a significant role in how people exchange New Year greetings, often supplementing or even replacing traditional visits.

Moreover, there’s been a growing trend of younger generations opting for travel during the holiday period rather than staying at home for family gatherings. This shift has led to the emergence of ‘Tet tourism’, with many popular destinations offering special holiday packages. However, it’s worth noting that despite these changes, the essence of Tet as a time for family reunions and cultural preservation remains strong, with many people still choosing to honor age-old customs alongside more modern celebrations.”

Describe a memorable shopping experience can be an interesting topic to explore, much like describing a national holiday. Both involve personal experiences that can evoke strong emotions and memories.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions:

1. How do national holidays impact a country’s economy?
2. Do you think globalization is affecting traditional holiday celebrations?
3. Should governments create more national holidays? Why or why not?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the second question:

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Globalization has undeniably had a profound impact on traditional holiday celebrations worldwide. On one hand, it has led to a cross-pollination of cultural practices, enriching local traditions with international elements. For instance, many countries now incorporate Western-style gift-giving into their New Year celebrations, a practice that wasn’t traditionally part of their culture.

However, this cultural exchange is a double-edged sword. While it broadens our cultural horizons, there’s a risk of diluting or even eroding local traditions. In some cases, global commercial influences have turned traditional holidays into consumer-driven events, potentially overshadowing their cultural and spiritual significance.

That being said, globalization has also sparked a renewed interest in preserving cultural heritage. Many communities are now making concerted efforts to revitalize and promote their traditional holiday practices as a way of asserting their cultural identity in an increasingly homogenized world.

In my view, the key lies in striking a balance – embracing global influences while consciously preserving the essence of traditional celebrations. This approach can lead to a richer, more diverse cultural landscape where both global and local elements coexist harmoniously.”

Globalization's impact on traditional celebrations

Describe a time when you made someone smile can be as rewarding as describing a joyous national celebration. Both topics allow you to showcase your ability to discuss positive experiences and emotions.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

To enhance your IELTS Speaking performance, incorporate these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:

1. Vibrant celebration (adjective + noun): A lively and colorful festivity.
   Example: Holi is known for its vibrant celebration of colors.

2. Eagerly anticipated (adverb + verb): Looked forward to with great excitement.
   Example: Christmas is eagerly anticipated by children around the world.

3. Cultural heritage (adjective + noun): The legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society.
   Example: Preserving our cultural heritage is crucial for maintaining our identity.

4. Time-honored tradition (adjective + noun): A custom that has been respected for a long time.
   Example: Lighting candles during Hanukkah is a time-honored tradition in Jewish culture.

5. Festive atmosphere (adjective + noun): An environment filled with celebration and joy.
   Example: The festive atmosphere during Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is unparalleled.

6. To commemorate (verb): To remember and show respect for an event or person.
   Example: We gather on Remembrance Day to commemorate those who died in war.

Describe a product you purchased that you are satisfied with might require a different set of vocabulary compared to describing a national holiday, but both topics allow you to practice expressing personal opinions and experiences.

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing national events or holidays:

1. Provide specific details: Don’t just mention the name of the holiday; describe its unique aspects, traditions, and personal significance.

2. Use descriptive language: Employ vivid adjectives and adverbs to paint a clear picture of the celebration.

3. Share personal experiences: Relate the topic to your own life to demonstrate genuine engagement with the subject.

4. Demonstrate cultural awareness: Show an understanding of the holiday’s cultural significance and how it might be perceived globally.

5. Practice fluency: Aim for smooth delivery without long pauses. Regular practice with a variety of holiday-related topics can help improve your fluency.

6. Expand your vocabulary: Learn and use topic-specific vocabulary to express your ideas more precisely and impressively.

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about knowing what to say, but how to say it effectively and engagingly.

Describe a time when you complained about something presents an opportunity to discuss problem-solving skills, which can be as valuable as describing positive experiences like national celebrations in demonstrating your language proficiency.