Holiday traditions play a significant role in our lives, bringing joy and creating lasting memories. In IELTS Speaking exams, questions about holiday 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 exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions about your favorite holiday tradition in each part of the IELTS Speaking exam.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about holidays and traditions. Here are some common questions you might encounter:
- Do you have any special holiday traditions in your family?
- What’s your favorite holiday of the year?
- How do you usually celebrate holidays?
- Are there any holiday traditions that are unique to your country?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:
Examiner: Do you have any special holiday traditions in your family?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, we do. One of our most cherished traditions is gathering for a big family dinner on New Year’s Eve. It’s a time when all the generations come together to enjoy a feast, share stories, and ring in the new year as a united family. We always prepare traditional dishes that have been passed down through generations, which adds a special touch to the celebration.”
describe a holiday you look forward to each year
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample cue card related to holiday traditions:
Describe a favorite holiday tradition in your family
You should say:
- What the tradition is
- When and how it started
- Who participates in it
- Why it is important to youSample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about our family’s cherished Christmas Eve tradition, which has been a cornerstone of our holiday celebrations for as long as I can remember.
The tradition involves the whole family gathering at my grandparents’ house on Christmas Eve for a special dinner and gift exchange. It originated several decades ago when my grandparents first moved to their current home and wanted to create a warm, festive atmosphere for the entire extended family.
Everyone in the family participates, from the youngest cousins to the oldest great-aunts and uncles. It’s a multi-generational affair that brings together relatives we might not see often throughout the year.
The evening typically begins with a lavish feast featuring traditional holiday dishes, each family member contributing their specialty. After dinner, we gather around the beautifully decorated Christmas tree for the highlight of the evening – the gift exchange. We have a unique system where each person brings one gift, and we draw numbers to determine the order of selection. The twist is that you can either choose a wrapped gift or “steal” an already opened one from someone else, which adds an element of fun and surprise to the process.
This tradition is incredibly important to me for several reasons. Firstly, it fosters a sense of family unity and continuity. It’s heartwarming to see how this tradition has been passed down through generations, with new family members seamlessly integrated into the celebration. Secondly, it provides a rare opportunity for quality time with loved ones in today’s fast-paced world. The laughter, stories shared, and memories created during these gatherings are truly priceless.
Moreover, this tradition has taught me the value of maintaining connections and the importance of creating special moments with family. It’s not just about the gifts or the food; it’s about the love and warmth that permeate the atmosphere, making Christmas Eve a magical time for all of us.”
Family gathering for Christmas Eve tradition
Follow-up questions:
Examiner: How has this tradition changed over the years?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“While the core elements of our tradition have remained consistent, there have been some subtle evolutions over time. As our family has grown, we’ve had to adapt to accommodate more people, moving from the dining room to the larger living area for the gift exchange. We’ve also incorporated technology, with distant relatives now joining via video calls, which has enhanced the inclusive nature of our gathering. Additionally, we’ve become more environmentally conscious, transitioning to reusable gift bags and eco-friendly wrapping options, which aligns with our family’s growing commitment to sustainability.”
Examiner: Do you think it’s important for families to have holiday traditions? Why or why not?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I firmly believe that holiday traditions are crucial for family bonding and creating a sense of identity. They provide a thread of continuity through the years, giving family members something to look forward to and reminisce about. Traditions also help in passing down cultural values and family history to younger generations. Moreover, in today’s fast-paced world, these traditions offer a valuable opportunity to slow down and reconnect with loved ones, fostering stronger relationships and creating lasting 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 and sample answers:
Examiner: How do you think holiday traditions differ between urban and rural areas?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The distinction between urban and rural holiday traditions can be quite pronounced, reflecting the different lifestyles and values in these areas. In urban settings, traditions often adapt to the fast-paced environment, with a focus on convenience and modernity. For instance, city dwellers might opt for artificial Christmas trees or pre-prepared festive meals due to space constraints and time limitations. Urban traditions might also incorporate more diverse cultural influences, given the multicultural nature of many cities.
In contrast, rural traditions tend to be more rooted in local customs and nature. They often involve activities that are closely tied to the land, such as harvesting special ingredients for holiday meals or creating decorations from natural materials. Rural celebrations might also be more community-oriented, with entire villages coming together for festive events.
However, it’s important to note that these differences are becoming less pronounced in the age of globalization and digital connectivity. Many urban dwellers are now seeking to incorporate more traditional, ‘rural-style’ elements into their holiday celebrations, while rural areas are increasingly adopting some urban conveniences. This cross-pollination of traditions is leading to a fascinating evolution of holiday customs across different settings.”
describe a holiday tradition in your family
Examiner: Do you think globalization is affecting traditional holiday celebrations? In what ways?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Globalization has undoubtedly had a significant impact on traditional holiday celebrations worldwide. On one hand, it has led to a homogenization of certain holiday practices, with Western traditions like Christmas trees and Santa Claus becoming popular even in non-Christian countries. This cultural exchange has introduced new and exciting elements to local celebrations, enriching the holiday experience for many.
Conversely, globalization has also sparked a renewed interest in preserving local traditions. As people become more aware of global practices, there’s often a desire to maintain and celebrate what makes their own cultural heritage unique. This has led to a revival of some traditional customs that might have otherwise been forgotten.
Moreover, globalization has facilitated the blending of different holiday traditions, creating new, hybrid celebrations. For example, in many Asian countries, it’s not uncommon to see a mix of Western Christmas elements alongside traditional local New Year customs.
While these changes can be seen as both positive and negative, they undeniably reflect the dynamic nature of culture in our interconnected world. The key is to find a balance between embracing global influences and preserving the essence of traditional celebrations that hold deep cultural significance.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To enhance your Speaking performance, incorporate these sophisticated vocabulary items and phrases:
Cornerstone /ˈkɔːnəstəʊn/ (noun): A fundamental or essential part.
Example: “This tradition has become a cornerstone of our family’s holiday celebrations.”Foster /ˈfɒstə/ (verb): To encourage the development of something.
Example: “These gatherings foster a sense of unity among family members.”Cherished /ˈtʃerɪʃt/ (adjective): Held dear; loved.
Example: “It’s one of our most cherished family traditions.”Lavish /ˈlævɪʃ/ (adjective): Sumptuously rich, elaborate, or luxurious.
Example: “We always prepare a lavish feast for the occasion.”Permeate /ˈpɜːmieɪt/ (verb): To spread throughout; pervade.
Example: “The holiday spirit permeates every aspect of our celebration.”Subtle evolution (phrase): Gradual, almost imperceptible change over time.
Example: “While the core tradition remains, there has been a subtle evolution in how we celebrate.”
describe a person you consider a role model
Key vocabulary for describing holiday traditions
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing holiday traditions:
Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate sophisticated words and phrases related to traditions, celebrations, and family gatherings.
Provide detailed examples: When describing your tradition, offer specific details that bring your description to life.
Show cultural awareness: Demonstrate your understanding of how traditions can vary across cultures and regions.
Express personal opinions: Don’t just describe the tradition; explain why it’s important to you and how it affects you emotionally.
Use a variety of grammatical structures: Incorporate complex sentences and different tenses to showcase your language proficiency.
Practice fluency: Aim to speak smoothly and confidently, with minimal hesitation.
Engage with the examiner: Show interest in the questions and maintain good eye contact throughout the test.
By following these tips and incorporating the provided vocabulary and sample answers, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss holiday traditions effectively in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, authenticity is key – while it’s important to use sophisticated language, ensure that your responses genuinely reflect your experiences and opinions.