How to Describe a Famous Cultural Event in Your Country for IELTS Speaking Success

As an IELTS Speaking examiner, I’ve observed that questions about cultural events are quite common in the test. This topic allows candidates to showcase their knowledge of local traditions while demonstrating their English language skills. Let’s explore how to effectively describe a famous cultural event in your country for the IELTS Speaking exam.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask you some general questions about cultural events. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

Question: Do you enjoy attending cultural events?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do enjoy going to cultural events. They’re usually quite interesting and fun. I like learning about different traditions and customs through these events.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely! I’m particularly fond of attending cultural events as they provide a unique insight into the traditions and heritage of different communities. I find them not only entertaining but also tremendously educational.

Question: What’s a popular cultural event in your country?

Band 6-7 Answer:
One popular cultural event in my country is the Lunar New Year festival. It’s a big celebration that happens every year and many people participate in it.

Band 8-9 Answer:
In my country, one of the most significant and widely celebrated cultural events is the Lunar New Year festival, also known as Tet. It’s an occasion of immense importance that brings together families and communities to welcome the new year with various time-honored traditions and customs.

Part 2: Long Turn

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 describing a famous cultural event:

Cue Card

Describe a famous cultural event in your country. You should say:

• What the event is
• When it takes place
• What people do during this event
• And explain why this event is important to your culture

Sample Answer (Band 8-9)

I’d like to talk about Tet, which is the Vietnamese Lunar New Year festival. This is undoubtedly the most significant and eagerly anticipated cultural event in Vietnam.

Tet typically falls in late January or early February, depending on the lunar calendar. The festivities usually last for about a week, but preparations often begin weeks in advance.

During Tet, people engage in a wide array of traditional activities. Families meticulously clean and decorate their homes to welcome the new year. It’s common to see houses adorned with vibrant yellow apricot blossoms in the south or pink peach blossoms in the north. People also prepare special Tet dishes like Banh Chung, a square sticky rice cake that symbolizes the earth.

One of the most cherished customs is the family reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve. After the meal, many people visit their local temple to pray for good fortune. On the first day of the new year, younger people offer New Year greetings to their elders and receive “lucky money” in red envelopes.

Tet holds immense cultural significance for Vietnamese people. It’s a time for honoring ancestors, strengthening family bonds, and embracing optimism for the year ahead. The festival encapsulates core Vietnamese values like respect for elders, the importance of family, and the reverence for tradition. Moreover, Tet serves as a bridge between generations, allowing older people to pass down customs to the younger ones, thus preserving our cultural heritage.

In essence, Tet is not just a celebration, but a profound expression of Vietnamese identity and values, making it an integral part of our cultural fabric.

Vietnamese Lunar New Year celebration

Follow-up Questions

Question: Has this cultural event changed over the years?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, Tet has changed a bit over the years. While people still celebrate it, some traditions are less common now, especially in big cities. Young people might prefer modern activities during this time.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Indeed, Tet has undergone some transformations over the years, particularly in urban areas. While the core essence of the festival remains intact, there’s been a noticeable shift in how it’s celebrated. For instance, younger generations in cities might opt for more modern forms of entertainment during the holiday period. Additionally, the traditional practice of spending the entire week with family has become less common due to work commitments. However, efforts are being made to preserve the cultural significance of Tet while adapting to contemporary lifestyles.

Question: Do you think cultural events are important for a country’s identity?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think cultural events are important for a country’s identity. They help people remember their traditions and show what makes their country special. These events can also teach young people about their culture.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely, I believe cultural events play a pivotal role in shaping and maintaining a country’s identity. These events serve as tangible expressions of a nation’s heritage, values, and collective memory. They act as a crucial link between past and present, helping to preserve and transmit cultural knowledge across generations. Moreover, cultural events often foster a sense of unity and shared identity among diverse groups within a country. In our increasingly globalized world, these events can also serve as unique markers that distinguish one nation from another, contributing to cultural diversity on a global scale.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this part, the examiner will ask you more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

Question: How do cultural events contribute to a country’s economy?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Cultural events can help a country’s economy in several ways. They often attract tourists who spend money on hotels, food, and souvenirs. These events can also create jobs for local people who help organize and run them.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Cultural events can have a substantial impact on a country’s economy through various channels. Firstly, they often serve as major tourist attractions, drawing both domestic and international visitors. This influx of tourists stimulates the hospitality sector, benefiting hotels, restaurants, and local businesses. Additionally, these events can generate significant employment opportunities, not just in event management and organization, but also in associated industries like transportation and retail.

Moreover, cultural events can boost a country’s brand image on the global stage, potentially leading to increased foreign investment and trade opportunities. They also often promote local crafts and products, providing a platform for small businesses and artisans to showcase their work. In the long term, successful cultural events can contribute to the development of cultural industries, which can become a sustainable source of economic growth and diversification.

Question: Do you think globalization is affecting traditional cultural events?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think globalization is affecting traditional cultural events. People are learning about other cultures and sometimes mixing different traditions. This can change how people celebrate their own cultural events.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Globalization has indeed had a profound impact on traditional cultural events, with both positive and negative implications. On one hand, globalization has facilitated cultural exchange, allowing people to learn about and appreciate diverse traditions from around the world. This cross-pollination of ideas can lead to innovative and enriched cultural expressions.

However, there’s also a risk of cultural homogenization, where unique local traditions may be overshadowed by more dominant global cultural trends. Some traditional events might be commercialized or diluted to appeal to a broader, international audience, potentially losing their authentic character.

That being said, globalization has also sparked a renewed interest in preserving local traditions in many communities. As people become more aware of the value of cultural diversity, there are often concerted efforts to maintain and revitalize traditional cultural events. The challenge lies in striking a balance between embracing global influences and preserving the unique aspects of local cultural heritage.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing cultural events, consider using these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:

1. Time-honored (adjective) /taɪm ˈɒnəd/: Respected and valued for a long time.
   Example: Tet involves many time-honored traditions that have been passed down through generations.

2. Commemorate (verb) /kəˈmeməreɪt/: To remember and show respect for an event or person.
   Example: The festival commemorates the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year.

3. Cultural significance (noun phrase) /ˈkʌltʃərəl sɪɡˈnɪfɪkəns/: The importance of something in a culture or society.
   Example: Tet holds immense cultural significance for Vietnamese people.

4. Preserve (verb) /prɪˈzɜːv/: To maintain something in its original state or good condition.
   Example: These events help to preserve our cultural heritage for future generations.

5. Revitalize (verb) /ˌriːˈvaɪtəlaɪz/: To give new life or vigor to something.
   Example: The festival has been revitalized in recent years with new activities and attractions.

6. Integral (adjective) /ˈɪntɪɡrəl/: Essential or fundamental.
   Example: Tet is an integral part of Vietnamese culture and identity.

7. Encapsulate (verb) /ɪnˈkæpsjuleɪt/: To express the essential features of something succinctly.
   Example: The festival encapsulates core Vietnamese values such as respect for elders and family unity.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing cultural events:

1. Prepare a range of cultural events: While you might have a favorite event to discuss, be prepared to talk about several different cultural events. This demonstrates a broader knowledge and flexibility.

2. Use specific examples: When describing an event, provide specific details about traditions, activities, or customs. This adds authenticity to your answer and shows deeper understanding.

3. Practice linking ideas: Use connecting phrases to make your speech flow more naturally. For example, “Moreover”, “In addition to this”, “On the other hand”.

4. Develop your answers: Don’t just give short, simple responses. Expand on your ideas and provide explanations or personal opinions where appropriate.

5. Use a variety of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions related to culture and traditions. However, ensure you use them correctly and naturally.

6. Show cultural awareness: Demonstrate an understanding of why these events are important and how they reflect broader cultural values.

7. Be prepared for follow-up questions: The examiner may ask you to elaborate on certain points or give your opinion on related topics. Practice thinking on your feet and expanding on your ideas.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Aim for fluency, coherence, and confidence in your delivery.

For more practice and tips on IELTS Speaking, you might find these resources helpful:

• Describe a Famous Local Festival in Your Country
• Describe a Famous Historical Event in Your Country

These resources can provide additional perspectives and practice materials to help you excel in your IELTS Speaking test.