Cultural performances are a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2. This theme allows examiners to assess candidates’ ability to describe events, express opinions, and discuss cultural aspects. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to describing a cultural performance you attended.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about cultural performances. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:

Question: Do you enjoy watching cultural performances?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):

Yes, I do enjoy watching cultural performances. They’re a great way to immerse myself in different traditions and broaden my cultural horizons. I find it fascinating to see how various cultures express themselves through art, music, and dance. It’s always an enriching experience that leaves me with a deeper appreciation for the diversity of human expression.

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a cultural performance:

Cue Card:

Describe A Cultural Performance You Attended
You should say:

• What type of performance it was
• Where and when you saw it
• Who you went with
• And explain why you found it interesting or enjoyable

Sample answer (Band 6-7):

I’d like to talk about a traditional dance performance I saw last year in Bali, Indonesia. It was a Kecak dance, which is a unique form of Balinese dance and music drama. I watched it with my family during our summer vacation in July.

The performance took place at Uluwatu Temple, which is perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean. It was an outdoor amphitheater, and we sat on stone steps facing a central performance area. The show started just before sunset, which added to the magical atmosphere.

What made this performance particularly interesting was the absence of musical instruments. Instead, a group of about 100 men sat in concentric circles and chanted “cak” in complex rhythmic patterns. This served as the backdrop for the dancers who enacted a story from the Ramayana epic.

I found it enjoyable because it was unlike anything I had seen before. The combination of the rhythmic chanting, the graceful movements of the dancers, and the stunning sunset backdrop created a truly mesmerizing experience. It gave me a deeper appreciation for Balinese culture and how they preserve their traditions through these performances.

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

I’d like to recount a captivating cultural performance I attended last summer – a traditional Kecak dance in Bali, Indonesia. This unique spectacle is a form of Balinese dance and music drama that I had the privilege of experiencing with my family during our July vacation.

The performance was staged at the iconic Uluwatu Temple, perched precariously on a cliff overlooking the vast Indian Ocean. We were seated in an outdoor amphitheater, on ancient stone steps that faced a central performance area. The show coincided with the setting sun, which lent an ethereal quality to the entire experience.

What set this performance apart was its distinctive musical element. Rather than relying on traditional instruments, the soundtrack was created by a chorus of approximately 100 men, arranged in concentric circles. They chanted “cak” in intricate, layered rhythmic patterns, providing a mesmerizing backdrop for the dancers who enacted scenes from the Ramayana epic.

I found this performance utterly enthralling for several reasons. Firstly, the sheer uniqueness of the musical approach was unlike anything I had encountered before. The interplay between the hypnotic chanting and the graceful, stylized movements of the dancers created a sensory experience that was truly immersive.

Moreover, the juxtaposition of this ancient art form against the breathtaking natural backdrop of the setting sun and the ocean vista elevated the entire experience. It offered a profound insight into the rich cultural heritage of Bali and exemplified how traditional art forms can remain relevant and awe-inspiring in the modern world.

This performance left an indelible impression on me, deepening my appreciation for Balinese culture and igniting a curiosity to explore more diverse cultural expressions around the world.

Kecak dance performance at Uluwatu Temple, Bali

Follow-up questions:

1. How did this performance compare to other cultural events you’ve attended?
2. Do you think it’s important to preserve traditional cultural performances? Why or why not?

Sample answer for question 1 (Band 7-8):

This Kecak dance performance stood out significantly from other cultural events I’ve attended. While I’ve seen various musical and dance performances before, the Kecak dance was uniquely captivating due to its unconventional musical approach and stunning setting. Most performances I’ve experienced rely on musical instruments, but the Kecak dance’s use of rhythmic chanting created a wholly different atmosphere. Additionally, the backdrop of the sunset at Uluwatu Temple added a dimension that indoor performances simply can’t match.

Sample answer for question 2 (Band 8-9):

I firmly believe that preserving traditional cultural performances is of paramount importance. These art forms serve as living links to our heritage, offering valuable insights into the history, values, and artistic expressions of different cultures. In an increasingly globalized world, they act as cultural anchors, helping communities maintain their unique identities.

Moreover, these performances often embody complex philosophical or spiritual concepts that might otherwise be lost. They can also be powerful educational tools, teaching younger generations about their cultural roots in an engaging and memorable way.

Furthermore, preserving these traditions can have significant economic benefits through cultural tourism, providing livelihoods for artists and supporting local economies. Ultimately, maintaining these cultural performances enriches our global cultural tapestry and promotes cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some sample questions with suggested answers:

Question 1: How do cultural performances contribute to a society’s identity?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):

Cultural performances play a crucial role in shaping and maintaining a society’s identity. They serve as a tangible expression of a community’s traditions, values, and beliefs, passed down through generations. These performances often encapsulate important historical events or myths that are central to a society’s collective memory.

Moreover, cultural performances can act as a unifying force, bringing people together to celebrate their shared heritage. This sense of communal participation helps to strengthen social bonds and foster a sense of belonging among community members.

In addition, these performances often showcase unique artistic styles and techniques that are specific to a particular culture, setting it apart from others. This distinctiveness contributes to a society’s sense of pride and helps to differentiate it in an increasingly globalized world.

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

Cultural performances serve as pivotal elements in forging and sustaining a society’s identity. They function as living, breathing repositories of a community’s collective heritage, embodying and transmitting essential traditions, values, and belief systems across generations.

These performances often encapsulate seminal historical narratives or mythological accounts that form the bedrock of a society’s shared consciousness. By regularly enacting and reinterpreting these stories, cultural performances help to reinforce and evolve a community’s understanding of its origins and place in the world.

Furthermore, cultural performances act as powerful catalysts for social cohesion. They provide communal spaces where individuals can collectively engage with their shared heritage, thereby fortifying social bonds and cultivating a profound sense of belonging. This shared experience of cultural expression can be particularly crucial in maintaining community identity in the face of social change or external pressures.

Additionally, these performances often showcase distinctive artistic techniques and aesthetic sensibilities that are intrinsic to a particular culture. This uniqueness not only sets a society apart but also instills a sense of cultural pride and bolsters its resilience in an increasingly homogenized global landscape.

Moreover, cultural performances can serve as dynamic platforms for cultural dialogue and evolution. While rooted in tradition, they often adapt to contemporary contexts, thereby helping societies navigate the complex interplay between preserving their heritage and remaining relevant in a rapidly changing world.

Cultural performance contributing to societal identity

Question 2: Do you think globalization is affecting traditional cultural performances? How?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):

Yes, I believe globalization is significantly impacting traditional cultural performances in various ways. On one hand, globalization has increased exposure to diverse cultural expressions, potentially broadening audiences for traditional performances. This global reach can help preserve and promote cultural heritage on an international scale.

However, globalization also poses challenges. The influx of global pop culture and entertainment can overshadow traditional performances, especially among younger generations. This might lead to a decline in interest and participation in local cultural activities.

Additionally, as people migrate and cultures mix, traditional performances may evolve or adapt, incorporating elements from other cultures. While this can lead to interesting fusion forms, it may also dilute the authenticity of original traditions.

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

Globalization is indeed exerting a profound and multifaceted influence on traditional cultural performances, yielding both opportunities and challenges. This global interconnectedness has dramatically expanded the reach of cultural expressions, potentially cultivating more diverse and expansive audiences for traditional performances. This increased exposure can serve to safeguard and champion cultural heritage on an unprecedented global scale, fostering cross-cultural appreciation and understanding.

However, this global integration also presents significant challenges. The pervasive influx of global popular culture and mass media entertainment can eclipse traditional cultural expressions, particularly among younger demographics. This shift in cultural consumption patterns may precipitate a waning interest and participation in local cultural practices, potentially jeopardizing their long-term viability.

Moreover, the increased mobility and cultural exchange facilitated by globalization can lead to the evolution and hybridization of traditional performances. While this cross-pollination of cultural elements can spawn innovative and captivating fusion forms, it simultaneously risks diluting the authenticity and distinctive character of original traditions. This tension between preservation and adaptation poses a complex challenge for cultural practitioners and policymakers alike.

Globalization has also commercialized many cultural performances, transforming them into tourist attractions. While this can provide economic benefits and increased visibility, it may also lead to the commodification of culture, potentially stripping performances of their deeper cultural significance and reducing them to mere spectacle.

On a more positive note, globalization has facilitated greater dialogue and collaboration between different cultural traditions. This exchange can enrich and revitalize traditional performances, infusing them with new ideas while still maintaining their core cultural essence. Additionally, global platforms and technologies offer new avenues for documenting, preserving, and disseminating traditional cultural performances, ensuring their continuity in the digital age.

In essence, while globalization presents challenges to the integrity and survival of traditional cultural performances, it also offers unprecedented opportunities for their promotion, evolution, and global appreciation. The key lies in striking a delicate balance between preserving cultural authenticity and embracing the opportunities presented by our increasingly interconnected world.

Globalization's impact on traditional cultural performances

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Captivating /ˈkæptɪveɪtɪŋ/ (adjective): Capable of attracting and holding interest; charming.
   Example: The captivating performance held the audience spellbound.

2. Juxtaposition /ˌdʒʌkstəpəˈzɪʃn/ (noun): The act of placing two or more things side by side, often to compare or contrast them.
   Example: The juxtaposition of ancient rituals with modern technology created a unique spectacle.

3. Ethereal /ɪˈθɪəriəl/ (adjective): Extremely delicate and light in a way that seems too perfect for this world.
   Example: The dancers’ movements were so graceful, they appeared almost ethereal.

4. Immersive /ɪˈmɜːsɪv/ (adjective): Providing, involving, or characterized by deep absorption or immersion in something.
   Example: The 360-degree stage design created an immersive experience for the audience.

5. Encapsulate /ɪnˈkæpsjuleɪt/ (verb): Express the essential features of something succinctly.
   Example: This performance encapsulates centuries of our cultural traditions.

6. Pivotal /ˈpɪvətl/ (adjective): Of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else.
   Example: Cultural performances play a pivotal role in preserving our heritage.

7. Resilience /rɪˈzɪliəns/ (noun): The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.
   Example: The continued practice of traditional performances demonstrates the resilience of our culture.

8. Hybridization /ˌhaɪbrɪdaɪˈzeɪʃn/ (noun): The process of combining different elements to create something new.
   Example: The performance showcased an interesting hybridization of classical and contemporary dance styles.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve high scores in the IELTS Speaking test when describing cultural performances:

1. Use rich vocabulary: Incorporate a range of descriptive words and idiomatic expressions to vividly portray the performance.

2. Provide detailed examples: Support your points with specific details from the performance you’re describing.

3. Express personal opinions: Share your thoughts and feelings about the performance, explaining why you found it interesting or enjoyable.

4. Discuss broader implications: Connect the specific performance to wider cultural or social themes.

5. Maintain fluency: Practice speaking at length about cultural topics to improve your ability to speak fluently and coherently.

6. Use complex sentence structures: Incorporate a mix of simple and complex sentences to demonstrate your language proficiency.

7. Show cultural awareness: Demonstrate your understanding of the cultural significance of the performance you’re describing.

Remember, regular practice with a variety of cultural topics will help you feel more confident and perform better in the actual test. Consider exploring other related topics such as describe a cultural event or festival you attended or describe an event where you met new people to broaden your preparation.