As an IELTS Speaking examiner with years of experience, I can confidently say that questions about cultural festivals are quite common in the IELTS Speaking test. This topic allows candidates to showcase their knowledge of their country’s traditions while demonstrating their English language skills. In this article, we’ll explore how to effectively describe a famous cultural festival in your country, with a focus on Vietnam’s cultural events.
Understanding the IELTS Speaking Test Structure
Before we dive into the specific topic, let’s briefly review the structure of the IELTS Speaking test:
- Part 1: Introduction and Interview (4-5 minutes)
- Part 2: Individual Long Turn (3-4 minutes)
- Part 3: Two-way Discussion (4-5 minutes)
Now, let’s look at how you can tackle questions about cultural festivals in each part of the test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner might ask general questions about festivals. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
Sample Question 1: Do you enjoy festivals?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I do enjoy festivals. They’re a great opportunity to spend time with family and friends, and experience traditional customs.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely! I’m quite enthusiastic about festivals. They offer a unique blend of cultural experiences, from traditional customs to modern celebrations. I find them not only entertaining but also enlightening about our heritage.”
Sample Question 2: What’s your favorite festival?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“My favorite festival is Tet, which is the Vietnamese New Year. It’s a time when families come together and celebrate with special foods and traditions.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’d have to say Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is my absolute favorite. It’s a quintessential part of our culture, symbolizing new beginnings and family unity. The atmosphere during Tet is simply electric, with everyone partaking in age-old traditions while also embracing modern celebrations.”
Vietnamese Tet celebration
Part 2: Individual Long Turn
In this section, you might receive a cue card like this:
Describe a famous cultural festival in your country.
You should say:
- What the festival is called
- When it takes place
- What people do during this festival
- And explain why this festival is important in your country
Here’s a sample answer for Band 6-7 and Band 8-9:
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I’d like to talk about Tet, which is the Vietnamese New Year festival. It usually takes place in late January or early February, depending on the lunar calendar. During Tet, people clean and decorate their houses, prepare special foods, and visit their relatives. Children receive lucky money in red envelopes. Tet is important because it marks the beginning of a new year and is a time for family reunions.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’d like to elaborate on Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year festival, which is undoubtedly the most significant cultural event in Vietnam. This grand celebration typically falls in late January or early February, aligning with the lunar calendar.
Tet is a time of profound traditions and vibrant festivities. In the lead-up to the festival, there’s a palpable buzz as people engage in thorough house cleaning, symbolizing the sweeping away of bad luck. Homes are adorned with vivid decorations, particularly featuring peach blossoms in the North and apricot blossoms in the South, which are believed to bring good fortune.
The festival is characterized by a series of time-honored customs. Families gather to prepare elaborate feasts, with dishes like banh chung (sticky rice cake) taking center stage. There’s a heartwarming tradition of giving “li xi” or lucky money in red envelopes to children and elderly relatives, symbolizing wishes for prosperity in the coming year.
The significance of Tet in Vietnamese culture cannot be overstated. It serves as a pivotal time for family reunions, with many people traversing long distances to be with their loved ones. More than just a new year celebration, Tet embodies the core values of Vietnamese society – respect for family ties, honoring of ancestors, and hope for a prosperous future. It’s a time when the hustle and bustle of daily life pauses, allowing for reflection, gratitude, and renewed bonds with family and friends.”
Follow-up Questions
- How has the celebration of Tet changed over the years?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Tet celebrations have become more modern over the years. While people still follow traditional customs, they also incorporate new ways of celebrating, like traveling or attending public events.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The celebration of Tet has undergone a notable evolution over the years, reflecting the broader changes in Vietnamese society. While the core essence of family reunions and traditional customs remains intact, there’s been a discernible shift towards more modern and diverse ways of celebrating.
In urban areas, we’re seeing an increasing trend of families opting for travel during the holiday period, sometimes even abroad, which was quite rare in the past. There’s also been a proliferation of public events and festivities, from elaborate fireworks displays to cultural performances, offering a more communal aspect to the celebrations.
However, it’s important to note that this modernization hasn’t eclipsed the traditional elements. Rather, it’s created an intriguing blend of old and new, where age-old customs coexist harmoniously with contemporary practices, enriching the overall Tet experience.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner might ask more abstract questions about cultural festivals. Here’s an example:
Sample Question: How do you think globalization has affected traditional festivals in your country?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Globalization has had both positive and negative effects on traditional festivals in Vietnam. On one hand, it has introduced new elements to our celebrations, making them more diverse. On the other hand, some young people are less interested in traditional aspects of festivals now.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The impact of globalization on traditional festivals in Vietnam is multifaceted and quite profound. On the positive side, globalization has injected new elements into our celebrations, enriching them with diverse influences and making them more appealing to younger generations. For instance, we now see a fusion of traditional and Western elements in many Tet celebrations, such as the incorporation of international cuisines alongside traditional dishes.
However, this cultural cross-pollination is not without its challenges. There’s a growing concern that the influx of global influences might be diluting the authenticity of our traditional festivals. Some argue that the commercialization of festivals, a byproduct of globalization, is overshadowing their cultural significance.
That being said, I believe this cultural evolution is part of a natural process. Our festivals are not static entities but dynamic expressions of our culture. The key lies in striking a delicate balance between preserving our cultural heritage and embracing global influences. This way, our festivals can remain relevant and meaningful to both older and younger generations, ensuring their longevity in our rapidly changing world.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To boost your IELTS Speaking score, incorporate these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:
Quintessential (adj) /ˌkwɪntɪˈsenʃl/ – representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class
Example: “Tet is a quintessential part of Vietnamese culture.”Embody (v) /ɪmˈbɒdi/ – to represent or express something in a tangible or visible form
Example: “The Tet festival embodies the core values of Vietnamese society.”Palpable (adj) /ˈpælpəbl/ – able to be touched or felt
Example: “There’s a palpable buzz in the air as Tet approaches.”Proliferation (n) /prəˌlɪfəˈreɪʃn/ – rapid increase in numbers
Example: “We’re seeing a proliferation of public events during Tet.”Discernible (adj) /dɪˈsɜːnəbl/ – able to be perceived or recognized
Example: “There’s been a discernible shift towards more modern ways of celebrating Tet.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing cultural festivals:
- Be specific: Provide detailed information about the festival, including dates, activities, and significance.
- Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases relevant to festivals and culture.
- Speak fluently: Practice speaking about your chosen festival to improve your fluency.
- Show enthusiasm: Demonstrate genuine interest in your cultural traditions.
- Make comparisons: If appropriate, compare the festival to others or discuss how it has changed over time.
By following these tips and using the sample answers as inspiration, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss cultural festivals in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, practice makes perfect, so rehearse your responses regularly to build confidence and fluency.
For more IELTS Speaking practice, you might find it helpful to describe a place in your country that is famous for its festivals or describe a famous cultural event in your country. These topics are closely related and will help you expand your vocabulary and ideas around cultural celebrations.