The topic of describing a festival you enjoy celebrating is a common and engaging subject in IELTS Speaking exams. This theme allows candidates to showcase their cultural knowledge, vocabulary range, and ability to express personal experiences. Let’s explore how to approach this topic effectively to achieve a high band score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about festivals and celebrations. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Q: Do you enjoy celebrating festivals?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I do enjoy celebrating festivals. They’re a great opportunity to spend time with family and friends, and I love the festive atmosphere they create.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely! I find festivals to be a wonderful way to immerse myself in cultural traditions and forge stronger bonds with loved ones. The vibrant atmosphere and sense of community during these celebrations are truly invigorating.”
describe a traditional festival in your city
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Cue Card:
Describe a festival in your country you enjoy celebrating
You should say:
- What the festival is
- When it is celebrated
- What people do during this festival
- And explain why you enjoy celebrating this festival
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I’d like to talk about Diwali, which is a popular festival in India. It’s also known as the Festival of Lights and is celebrated in October or November, depending on the lunar calendar. During Diwali, people decorate their homes with colorful lights and lamps called diyas. Families gather to exchange gifts, enjoy delicious sweets, and light firecrackers. I enjoy celebrating Diwali because it brings everyone together and creates a joyful atmosphere. The bright lights and festive decorations make everything look beautiful, and it’s a time when we can forget our worries and just have fun with our loved ones.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’d like to delve into the vibrant celebration of Diwali, a quintessential Indian festival that holds a special place in my heart. Also known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali typically falls in October or November, aligning with the lunar calendar. This auspicious occasion transforms cities and villages alike into dazzling spectacles of illumination, with homes and streets adorned with colorful lights and traditional oil lamps called diyas.
The festival is steeped in rich traditions that bring families and communities together. People engage in thorough house cleaning and decoration, symbolizing the welcoming of prosperity and good fortune. The exchange of gifts and the preparation of elaborate feasts featuring an array of sweets and savory delicacies are integral parts of the celebration. The night sky comes alive with spectacular fireworks displays, adding to the festival’s magical ambiance.
What makes Diwali particularly special to me is its ability to foster a sense of unity and joy across diverse communities. It’s a time when differences are set aside, and people come together to celebrate life, love, and new beginnings. The festival resonates with me on a deeper level as it symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. The warm glow of the diyas and the contagious festive spirit never fail to uplift my mood and reinforce my connection to my cultural roots.”
describe a cultural event or festival you have attended
Follow-up Questions:
Q: How has the celebration of this festival changed over the years?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Over the years, Diwali celebrations have become more modern. People now use electric lights instead of traditional oil lamps, and there’s more focus on buying gifts. Also, there’s growing awareness about the environmental impact of firecrackers, so many people are opting for eco-friendly celebrations.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The celebration of Diwali has undergone a significant evolution in recent years, reflecting broader societal changes. While the core essence of the festival remains intact, there’s been a noticeable shift towards modernization and sustainability. Traditional oil lamps are increasingly complemented by energy-efficient LED lights, striking a balance between tradition and environmental consciousness. The commercialization of the festival has led to more elaborate gift-giving practices, often extending beyond family circles to professional networks. Perhaps the most marked change has been the growing awareness of air pollution caused by firecrackers, prompting many communities to opt for eco-friendly alternatives or even community-wide bans on fireworks. This shift underscores a collective move towards more responsible celebrations that honor tradition while adapting to contemporary concerns.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q: Do you think festivals are becoming too commercialized?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I think many festivals are becoming more commercialized. Shops and businesses use festivals as a chance to increase sales, and there’s a lot of pressure to buy gifts and new things. While this can be good for the economy, it sometimes takes away from the true meaning of the festival.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The increasing commercialization of festivals is indeed a double-edged sword. On one hand, it has undeniably amplified the economic impact of these celebrations, providing a substantial boost to various sectors of the economy. The retail industry, in particular, often sees a significant uptick in sales during festive periods. This commercial aspect has also led to more elaborate and visually stunning celebrations, which can enhance the overall festive experience.
However, this trend raises valid concerns about potentially overshadowing the core values and cultural significance of these festivals. There’s a risk of the spiritual and communal aspects being diluted by excessive consumerism. The pressure to participate in extravagant gift-giving or to purchase the latest festive merchandise can create financial stress and detract from the intrinsic meaning of these celebrations.
That being said, I believe it’s possible to strike a balance. While embracing some aspects of commercialization can add to the festive cheer, it’s crucial to maintain the essence of these cultural traditions. This could involve focusing more on experiential gifts, supporting local artisans, or emphasizing community-based celebrations that foster genuine connections. Ultimately, the onus is on individuals and communities to consciously preserve the cultural integrity of festivals while adapting to modern realities.”
describe a favorite food you like to eat during a special occasion
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Quintessential /ˌkwɪntɪˈsenʃl/ (adj): Representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class.
Example: “Diwali is a quintessential Indian festival, embodying the country’s cultural richness.” -
Auspicious /ɔːˈspɪʃəs/ (adj): Favorable; giving or being a sign of future success.
Example: “The lighting of lamps during Diwali is considered an auspicious act.” -
Steeped in (phrasal verb): Surrounded by or filled with.
Example: “The festival is steeped in rich traditions passed down through generations.” -
Foster /ˈfɒstə(r)/ (verb): Encourage or promote the development of something.
Example: “Festivals often foster a sense of community and shared cultural identity.” -
Contagious /kənˈteɪdʒəs/ (adj): (Of an emotion, feeling, or attitude) likely to spread to and affect others.
Example: “The contagious festive spirit during Diwali brings joy to everyone in the community.”
describe a meal you had with friends
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a festival:
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Develop your ideas fully: Don’t just list facts; explain your thoughts and feelings about the festival.
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Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate descriptive adjectives and idiomatic expressions related to celebrations.
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Maintain fluency: Practice speaking about the festival without long pauses or hesitations.
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Show enthusiasm: Your tone and body language should convey your enjoyment of the festival.
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Connect to broader themes: Discuss how the festival reflects cultural values or societal changes.
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Be specific: Provide detailed examples from your personal experience of celebrating the festival.
Remember, authentic and detailed responses that showcase your language skills and cultural awareness will impress the examiner and help you achieve a higher band score.