The topic of describing a holiday celebration you enjoy is a popular one in IELTS Speaking tests. It has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being a common theme in future tests. This topic allows examiners to assess candidates’ ability to discuss personal experiences, cultural aspects, and emotions while demonstrating their language skills.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about holidays and celebrations. Here are some common questions you might encounter:
- Do you enjoy celebrating holidays?
- What’s your favorite holiday?
- How do you usually celebrate holidays?
- Are there any special foods associated with holidays in your country?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the question “What’s your favorite holiday?”
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“My favorite holiday is definitely Diwali, the Festival of Lights. It’s a vibrant and joyous celebration that brings families and communities together. I love how the whole atmosphere changes during Diwali, with colorful decorations adorning homes and streets, and the air filled with the aroma of delicious sweets and savory snacks. The festival holds deep cultural significance for me, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a holiday celebration you enjoy
You should say:
- What the celebration is
- When it takes place
- How you celebrate it
- And explain why you enjoy this celebration
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about Christmas, which is a holiday celebration I really enjoy. It takes place on December 25th every year, and it’s a special time for my family and me.
We usually start preparing for Christmas a few weeks in advance. We decorate our house with a Christmas tree, lights, and ornaments. On Christmas Eve, we have a big family dinner with traditional foods like roast turkey and pudding. We also exchange gifts and sing carols together.
On Christmas Day, we wake up early to open presents under the tree. Then we often visit our relatives or have them over for lunch. We spend the day relaxing, playing games, and enjoying each other’s company.
I enjoy this celebration because it brings my family together. It’s a time when we can forget about work and school and just focus on spending quality time with each other. The festive atmosphere, with all the decorations and special foods, makes it feel magical. I also like the spirit of giving and sharing that comes with Christmas. It’s not just about receiving gifts, but also about showing appreciation for the people we care about.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to describe Diwali, the Festival of Lights, which is a holiday celebration I thoroughly enjoy. This vibrant festival typically takes place in October or November, depending on the lunar calendar.
The preparation for Diwali begins weeks in advance, with people meticulously cleaning their homes and adorning them with colorful rangoli patterns and twinkling fairy lights. On the day of Diwali, we dress up in our finest traditional attire and participate in a special puja (prayer ceremony) to honor Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity.
The celebration itself is a sensory extravaganza. The air is filled with the enticing aroma of freshly prepared sweets and savory snacks. We exchange gifts with family and friends, symbolizing love and appreciation. As night falls, the sky comes alive with a spectacular display of fireworks, illuminating the darkness and creating a magical atmosphere.
I particularly relish this celebration for several reasons. Firstly, it’s a time of joyous reunion with family and friends, fostering a sense of community and togetherness. The festival also holds deep cultural significance, representing the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil, which I find profoundly inspiring. Moreover, the sheer beauty of the illuminated houses and the infectious festive spirit never fail to uplift my mood and fill me with a sense of wonder and gratitude. Diwali, for me, is not just a celebration, but a reaffirmation of hope and a renewal of spirit.”
Follow-up questions:
- How has this celebration changed over the years?
- Do you think holiday celebrations are becoming too commercialized?
Sample Answer for question 2 (Band 7-8):
“That’s an interesting question. I believe there’s some truth to the idea that holiday celebrations are becoming more commercialized. Many businesses now see holidays as prime opportunities for marketing and sales, which can sometimes overshadow the true meaning of these celebrations. However, I think it’s up to individuals and families to strike a balance between enjoying the commercial aspects and maintaining the core values of the holiday. For instance, during Diwali, while we do enjoy shopping for new clothes and gifts, we also make sure to focus on the spiritual aspects, like performing traditional rituals and spending quality time with loved ones.”
Sample Answer for question 2 (Band 8-9):
“That’s a thought-provoking question. I would say that there’s undeniably a trend towards increased commercialization of holiday celebrations, which is a double-edged sword. On one hand, the commercial aspect has made celebrations more accessible and convenient for many people. We can easily find decorations, gifts, and even pre-prepared traditional foods, which can be a boon for busy families.
However, this commercialization also runs the risk of diluting the essence of these celebrations. The profound cultural and spiritual significance of holidays like Diwali or Christmas can get lost amidst the frenzy of shopping and materialism. It’s a delicate balance to strike.
I believe the key lies in mindful participation. While we can enjoy the conveniences that commercialization brings, it’s crucial to actively engage with the deeper meanings of these celebrations. This could involve educating younger generations about the history and significance of the holiday, actively participating in traditional rituals, or finding ways to give back to the community.
Ultimately, I think it’s up to individuals and communities to shape the narrative of how we celebrate. We have the power to embrace the positive aspects of commercialization while still preserving the heart and soul of our cherished traditions.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic of holiday celebrations. Here are some potential questions:
- How do holiday celebrations differ between rural and urban areas in your country?
- Do you think traditional holiday celebrations will continue to be important in the future? Why or why not?
- How have globalization and technology affected the way people celebrate holidays?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the third question:
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Globalization and technology have significantly impacted holiday celebrations in various ways. On the positive side, they’ve made it easier for people to stay connected with loved ones during holidays, even when they’re physically apart. For example, video calls allow families to virtually celebrate together across different time zones.
These factors have also led to a blending of traditions from different cultures. In my country, we’ve started adopting some Western holiday practices, like exchanging gifts during Christmas, even though it’s not traditionally our festival.
However, there’s also a concern that globalization might lead to the loss of unique local traditions. Some people worry that younger generations might prefer global trends over traditional ways of celebrating.
Technology has also changed how we prepare for and experience holidays. We can now easily find recipes for traditional dishes online, or use apps to send digital greeting cards. While this can be convenient, some argue that it takes away from the personal touch of handwritten cards or home-cooked meals.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Globalization and technology have profoundly reshaped the landscape of holiday celebrations, bringing about both enriching opportunities and complex challenges.
On the positive side, these forces have fostered a global community, allowing people to experience and appreciate diverse cultural celebrations. Social media platforms and video calling technologies have bridged geographical gaps, enabling families and friends to share festive moments despite being continents apart. This has been particularly poignant during recent global events that restricted travel.
Moreover, the digital age has democratized information about various holidays and their significance. People can now easily access and learn about different cultural traditions, potentially leading to greater cross-cultural understanding and respect.
However, this globalized approach to celebrations is not without its drawbacks. There’s a growing concern about the homogenization of culture, where unique local traditions might be overshadowed by more globally recognized holidays. For instance, the commercialization of holidays like Christmas has spread to countries where it wasn’t traditionally celebrated, potentially diluting local festivities.
Technology has also transformed the way we experience holidays. While it offers convenience – like online shopping for gifts or using recipe apps for traditional dishes – it can sometimes detract from the hands-on, communal aspects of holiday preparations that often hold significant cultural value.
Furthermore, the constant connectivity enabled by technology can be a double-edged sword. While it allows us to share our celebrations instantly with a wider audience, it can also lead to a pressure to curate perfect holiday experiences for social media, potentially taking away from the genuine enjoyment of the moment.
In conclusion, while globalization and technology have undoubtedly brought new dimensions to holiday celebrations, the challenge lies in striking a balance – embracing the benefits of our interconnected world while consciously preserving the unique, traditional elements that give our celebrations their deep-rooted significance and cultural authenticity.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
- Vibrant (adjective) /ˈvaɪbrənt/ – full of energy and enthusiasm
Example: “Diwali is a vibrant festival with colorful decorations and lively music.” - Cherish (verb) /ˈtʃerɪʃ/ – to hold or treat as dear; feel love for
Example: “I cherish the memories of celebrating holidays with my grandparents.” - Tradition (noun) /trəˈdɪʃn/ – a long-established custom or belief passed on from generation to generation
Example: “Lighting diyas is an important tradition during Diwali.” - Festivities (noun) /feˈstɪvətiz/ – celebration or merry-making
Example: “The New Year’s Eve festivities in my city are always spectacular.” - Commemorate (verb) /kəˈmeməreɪt/ – to recall and show respect for (someone or something)
Example: “We commemorate our country’s independence with a national holiday.” - Jubilant (adjective) /ˈdʒuːbɪlənt/ – feeling or expressing great happiness and triumph
Example: “The atmosphere was jubilant as everyone celebrated the festival together.” - Significance (noun) /sɪɡˈnɪfɪkəns/ – importance; the quality of being worthy of attention
Example: “The cultural significance of this holiday cannot be overstated.”
Describe a time when you stayed in a hotel during a holiday celebration can also be an interesting topic to discuss in your IELTS Speaking test.
Examiner’s Advice
To score high in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing holiday celebrations:
- Use a wide range of vocabulary, including idioms and phrasal verbs related to celebrations.
- Provide detailed descriptions, engaging all senses (sights, sounds, smells, tastes, feelings).
- Discuss both personal experiences and broader cultural aspects of the celebration.
- Show your ability to discuss abstract ideas, especially in Part 3.
- Use a variety of grammatical structures, including complex sentences.
- Maintain fluency by practicing speaking about different aspects of celebrations.
- Be prepared to discuss changes in celebrations over time and their significance in society.
Remember, authenticity is key. While it’s important to use advanced vocabulary and structures, make sure your responses sound natural and genuine. Regular practice with a variety of topics will help you feel more confident and perform better in the actual test.
Describe a memorable experience during a family gathering can be a great way to showcase your language skills while discussing holiday celebrations in your IELTS Speaking test.