The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about cultural aspects of your home country, including traditional crafts and skills. This topic is frequently featured in Part 2 and Part 3 of the speaking exam, making it essential for test-takers to be well-prepared. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to traditional crafts or skills, with sample responses for different band scores.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about traditional crafts or skills. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Examiner: Do you have any traditional skills?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I do. I’ve learned how to make traditional paper lanterns from my grandmother. It’s a skill that’s been passed down in my family for generations.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Indeed, I’ve had the privilege of acquiring a few traditional skills. The one I’m most proficient in is the art of paper lantern making, a craft that has been meticulously passed down through generations in my family. It’s not just a skill, but a cultural legacy that I’m proud to preserve and continue.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe A Traditional Craft Or Skill From Your Country
You should say:
- What the craft or skill is
- How you learned about it
- Who typically practices this craft or skill
- Why it is important in your culture
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I’d like to talk about the traditional craft of silk weaving in my country. I first learned about it during a school trip to a local village known for its textile production. Silk weaving is typically practiced by women in rural areas who have inherited the skill from their mothers and grandmothers. This craft is important in our culture because it represents our rich heritage and contributes to our economy. The intricate patterns and vibrant colors of the silk fabrics are used in traditional clothing and are popular among tourists as souvenirs.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’d like to elucidate on the time-honored craft of silk weaving, which is deeply ingrained in my country’s cultural fabric. I was first enlightened about this intricate art form during an educational excursion to a quaint village renowned for its textile production. This meticulous craft is predominantly practiced by women in rural areas, who have diligently inherited the skill through a lineage of artisans, passed down from mothers to daughters for generations.
The significance of silk weaving in our culture is multifaceted. Firstly, it serves as a tangible link to our rich heritage, encapsulating centuries of artistic tradition within each thread. The intricate patterns and vibrant hues of the silk fabrics are not merely aesthetic choices but often symbolic representations of our history and beliefs. Moreover, this craft plays a pivotal role in our economy, providing a sustainable livelihood for many rural communities and contributing significantly to our cultural tourism sector.
The process of silk weaving itself is a testament to human patience and skill. It begins with the careful nurturing of silkworms, followed by the laborious extraction of silk threads from their cocoons. The weavers then employ traditional looms to interlace these delicate threads into stunning tapestries, often spending weeks or even months on a single piece. This painstaking dedication results in fabrics that are not just garments or decorations, but works of art that embody our cultural identity.”
Traditional silk weaving loom showcasing the intricate craft and skill
Follow-up questions:
- How long does it take to master this craft?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“It usually takes several years to become proficient in silk weaving. Beginners start with simple patterns and gradually move on to more complex designs as they gain experience.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Mastering the art of silk weaving is a journey that typically spans several years, if not decades. Novices begin by acquainting themselves with the basics, such as thread selection and loom operation, before progressing to simple patterns. As they hone their skills, they gradually transition to more intricate and challenging designs. The pinnacle of expertise often comes after a decade or more of dedicated practice, when a weaver can effortlessly create complex, original patterns that truly showcase their artistic prowess.”
- Do you think traditional crafts are at risk of disappearing in modern society?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I believe many traditional crafts are at risk of disappearing due to modernization and changing lifestyles. Younger generations often prefer modern jobs over learning traditional skills.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Indeed, there’s a palpable concern about the potential extinction of numerous traditional crafts in our rapidly evolving society. The relentless march of modernization, coupled with the allure of contemporary careers, has led to a noticeable decline in the number of young people willing to invest the time and effort required to master these time-honored skills. This generational shift poses a significant threat to the continuity of these crafts. However, it’s heartening to see various initiatives aimed at preserving and revitalizing these cultural treasures, such as incorporating traditional craft education into school curricula and promoting artisanal products in the global market.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some sample questions and answers:
Examiner: How do you think globalization affects traditional crafts and skills?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Globalization has both positive and negative effects on traditional crafts. On one hand, it helps promote these crafts to a global audience, increasing their market. On the other hand, it can lead to mass production and loss of authenticity.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The impact of globalization on traditional crafts and skills is multifaceted and often paradoxical. On the positive side, globalization has opened up unprecedented avenues for these crafts to reach a global audience. This expanded market has the potential to breathe new life into traditional skills, providing artisans with economic incentives to continue their craft. Additionally, the cross-cultural exchange facilitated by globalization can lead to innovative fusions of traditional techniques with modern designs, reinvigorating these age-old crafts.
However, the flip side of this global exposure is the risk of commodification and mass production. The pressure to meet global demand can sometimes lead to a compromise in quality and authenticity, with machine-made replicas often undercutting the market for genuine handcrafted items. Moreover, the homogenizing effect of globalization can erode the unique cultural context in which these crafts originated, potentially stripping them of their deeper cultural significance.
Balancing these opposing forces is crucial. It requires a concerted effort from governments, cultural institutions, and consumers to value and preserve the authenticity and cultural significance of these crafts while adapting to the realities of a globalized world.”
Examiner: What role should governments play in preserving traditional crafts and skills?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Governments should play an active role in preserving traditional crafts. They can provide funding for training programs, organize cultural festivals to showcase these crafts, and include traditional skills in school curricula.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Governments have a pivotal role to play in the preservation and promotion of traditional crafts and skills, which are integral to a nation’s cultural heritage. Their involvement should be multifaceted and strategic.
Firstly, governments can implement comprehensive educational initiatives. This could involve integrating traditional craft education into school curricula, establishing specialized vocational training centers, and offering scholarships for advanced study in these fields. Such measures would ensure the transmission of these skills to younger generations and maintain a steady pool of skilled artisans.
Secondly, financial support is crucial. Governments can allocate funds for apprenticeship programs, provide grants to master craftspeople for taking on apprentices, and offer tax incentives to businesses that incorporate traditional crafts in their production processes. This financial backing can make traditional crafts economically viable in the modern market.
Moreover, governments can play a key role in market development. By organizing cultural festivals, craft fairs, and international exhibitions, they can create platforms for artisans to showcase and sell their work. Implementing policies that promote the use of traditional crafts in public spaces and government buildings can also boost demand.
Lastly, legal protection is essential. Governments should enact and enforce laws to protect intellectual property rights of traditional designs and techniques. This would safeguard these cultural assets from exploitation and misappropriation.
By adopting such a holistic approach, governments can significantly contribute to the preservation and revitalization of traditional crafts and skills, ensuring they remain relevant and valued in contemporary society.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Time-honored (adjective) /taɪm ˈɒnəd/: Respected because of long tradition.
Example: The time-honored craft of pottery has been practiced in our village for centuries.Intricate (adjective) /ˈɪntrɪkət/: Very complicated or detailed.
Example: The intricate patterns on the silk fabric require great skill to produce.Cultural legacy (noun phrase) /ˈkʌltʃərəl ˈleɡəsi/: Traditions or possessions handed down from ancestors.
Example: Traditional crafts are an important part of our cultural legacy.Meticulously (adverb) /məˈtɪkjələsli/: In a way that shows great attention to detail.
Example: Each piece of lace is meticulously crafted by hand.Artisan (noun) /ˈɑːtɪzən/: A worker in a skilled trade, especially one that involves making things by hand.
Example: The village is known for its skilled artisans who produce beautiful handwoven textiles.
Various traditional crafts on display
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing traditional crafts or skills:
Expand your vocabulary: Learn and use specific terms related to traditional crafts and cultural heritage. This demonstrates a deep understanding of the topic.
Provide detailed examples: When describing a craft, give specific details about the process, materials used, and its cultural significance.
Practice fluency: Aim to speak smoothly and confidently, without long pauses. Regular practice with a describe a skill you have been practicing recently can help improve your fluency.
Use complex sentence structures: Incorporate a mix of simple and complex sentences to showcase your language proficiency.
Show critical thinking: In Part 3, analyze the topic from different perspectives and discuss broader implications.
Relate to personal experience: Where possible, connect the topic to your own experiences or observations to make your answers more authentic and engaging.
Stay on topic: While it’s good to elaborate, ensure your answers remain relevant to the question asked.
Remember, discussing traditional crafts can often lead to conversations about cultural preservation and identity. Being prepared to talk about these related topics, such as describe a favorite food you like to eat during a special occasion, can help you transition smoothly between different aspects of the discussion. With thorough preparation and practice, you can confidently tackle this topic in your IELTS Speaking test.
