One of the most frequently tested topics in IELTS Speaking examinations involves describing cultural celebrations and festivals. This topic has consistently appeared across all three parts of the speaking test, making it essential for candidates to prepare thoroughly.
If you’re looking to understand what are the ielts test requirements better, mastering cultural topics is crucial.
IELTS Speaking Test examiner interviewing candidate about festivals
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions examiners ask about festivals:
- Do you enjoy festivals?
- What’s your favorite festival?
- How do people celebrate festivals in your country?
- Have festivals changed since you were a child?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I absolutely adore festivals, particularly Lunar New Year in Vietnam. It’s deeply meaningful to me because it brings the whole family together. We maintain time-honored traditions like visiting relatives, preparing traditional foods, and giving lucky money to children.”
Part 2: Cue Card
Speaking about describe a traditional custom in your culture requires careful preparation.
Describe a festival in your culture that you enjoy celebrating
You should say:
- What the festival is
- When it is celebrated
- What people typically do during this festival
- And explain why you enjoy it
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I want to talk about Tet Festival, which is Vietnamese New Year. It usually falls in late January or early February. During Tet, families get together and eat traditional foods like banh chung. People give lucky money to children and visit temples. I enjoy it because I can meet all my relatives and eat delicious food.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share my experience of celebrating Tet Festival, which is quintessentially Vietnamese and holds profound cultural significance. This lunar celebration typically coincides with late January or early February, marking the advent of spring. During this time-honored celebration, families engage in various traditional customs, from meticulously preparing elaborate feasts featuring symbolic dishes like banh chung to participating in ancestral worship. I find it particularly meaningful because it embodies our cultural heritage and fosters family bonds.”
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Similar to describe a time you experienced a cultural festival, these questions require deeper analysis.
Q: How have festivals changed in recent years?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Festivals have become more modern now. Young people prefer new activities instead of traditional ones. Some festivals are more commercial, with many advertisements and shopping events.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Festivals have undergone significant transformation in recent years. While the core cultural values remain intact, there’s been a notable shift towards commercialization. Traditional elements are increasingly being interwoven with modern celebrations, creating a unique fusion of old and new. This evolution reflects our changing society while preserving cultural heritage.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
- Time-honored traditions /taɪm ˈɒnəd trəˈdɪʃənz/ (adj. phrase): respected customs that have existed for a long time
- Cultural heritage /ˈkʌltʃərəl ˈherɪtɪdʒ/ (n. phrase): traditions and customs passed down through generations
- Quintessentially /ˌkwɪntɪˈsenʃəli/ (adv.): representing the most perfect example of something
- Profound significance /prəˈfaʊnd sɪɡˈnɪfɪkəns/ (n. phrase): deep meaning or importance
For more examples of cultural descriptions, you might find describe a local event that took place in your area helpful.
Examiner’s Tips
- Practice describing festivals using specific details and cultural vocabulary
- Focus on expressing personal connection to the festival
- Structure your response clearly with introduction, main points, and conclusion
- Use a mix of simple and complex sentences
- Include cultural-specific terminology while maintaining natural flow
When discussing describe a festival in your country that you enjoy, remember to incorporate personal experiences for authenticity.
