Mastering the IELTS Speaking Test: How to Describe a Holiday Celebration You Look Forward To

The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about celebrations and holidays, making it crucial for test-takers to be well-prepared for this topic. One common question you might encounter is to describe a holiday celebration you look forward to. This topic has appeared frequently in past IELTS exams and is likely to continue being a popular choice for examiners in the future. Let’s explore how to approach this question effectively and maximize your score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask you some general questions about holidays and celebrations. Here are a few examples:

1. Do you enjoy celebrating holidays?
2. What’s your favorite holiday of the year?
3. How do you usually celebrate holidays in your country?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:

Examiner: Do you enjoy celebrating holidays?

Candidate (Band 7-8 response): Absolutely! I thoroughly enjoy celebrating holidays. They provide a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends, break away from the daily routine, and immerse myself in festive traditions. There’s something truly special about the atmosphere during holidays that always lifts my spirits.

Part 2: Long Turn

For Part 2, you might receive a cue card like this:

Describe a holiday celebration you look forward to.
You should say:

• What the celebration is
• When it takes place
• How you celebrate it
• And explain why you look forward to this celebration

Here’s a sample answer for Band 8-9:

“I’d like to talk about Diwali, the Festival of Lights, which is a celebration I eagerly anticipate every year. This vibrant Hindu festival typically falls in October or November, depending on the lunar calendar.

Diwali is a truly magical time in India. The preparations begin weeks in advance, with people thoroughly cleaning their homes and adorning them with colorful rangoli patterns and strings of twinkling lights. On the day itself, we dress up in our finest attire, often new clothes bought especially for the occasion.

The celebration revolves around family gatherings and religious rituals. We start the day by offering prayers at the local temple, seeking blessings for prosperity and good fortune. In the evening, we light oil lamps called diyas, which symbolize the triumph of light over darkness. The night sky comes alive with spectacular fireworks displays, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.

People lighting diyas and fireworks during Diwali

One of the aspects I particularly relish is the feast of traditional delicacies we share with family and friends. My mother spends hours preparing an array of mouthwatering dishes, including savory snacks and sweet treats like gulab jamun and jalebi.

I look forward to Diwali because it epitomizes the spirit of togetherness and joy. It’s a time when the entire community comes together, setting aside differences to celebrate our shared cultural heritage. The festival also serves as a reminder to be grateful for what we have and to spread light and positivity in our lives and the lives of others. The sense of renewal and hope that permeates the air during Diwali is truly uplifting and invigorating, making it a celebration I cherish deeply.”

Describe a traditional event in your culture that holds similar significance to Diwali in terms of cultural importance and community involvement.

Follow-up questions:

1. How has the celebration of this holiday changed over the years?
2. Do you think younger generations appreciate traditional holidays as much as older generations?

Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):

“Over the years, the celebration of Diwali has undoubtedly evolved. While the core traditions and values remain intact, there have been noticeable shifts in how people observe the festival. One significant change is the increasing emphasis on environmental consciousness. Many families now opt for eco-friendly alternatives to traditional fireworks, such as LED light displays or biodegradable decorations. This reflects a growing awareness of the environmental impact of certain celebratory practices.

People celebrating Diwali with LED lights and eco-friendly decorations.

Another change is the blending of modern and traditional elements. For instance, while people still exchange sweets and gifts, there’s now a trend towards giving practical or tech-savvy presents. Social media has also transformed how we connect during the festival, allowing us to share greetings and photos instantly with loved ones around the world.

Despite these changes, I believe the essence of Diwali – the celebration of light, togetherness, and new beginnings – remains as strong and relevant as ever. The festival has shown a remarkable ability to adapt to changing times while preserving its cultural significance.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to holidays and celebrations. Here are some examples:

1. How do you think globalization has affected traditional celebrations in your country?
2. What role do you think technology plays in how people celebrate holidays nowadays?
3. Do you believe it’s important for a country to maintain its traditional celebrations? Why or why not?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the third question:

Examiner: Do you believe it’s important for a country to maintain its traditional celebrations? Why or why not?

Candidate (Band 8-9 response): “I firmly believe that maintaining traditional celebrations is crucial for any country. These celebrations serve as vital links to our cultural heritage, helping to preserve our collective identity in an increasingly globalized world. They provide a sense of continuity and belonging, connecting generations and fostering social cohesion.

Moreover, traditional celebrations often encapsulate important values and lessons that remain relevant today. They can serve as powerful educational tools, teaching younger generations about their history, customs, and the principles that have shaped their society.

That being said, I think it’s equally important for these traditions to evolve and adapt to remain meaningful in contemporary contexts. This might involve incorporating new elements or reinterpreting certain aspects to align with modern values and lifestyles. The key is to strike a balance between preserving the essence of these traditions and ensuring they resonate with current generations.

Furthermore, traditional celebrations can be significant economic and cultural assets. They often attract tourists, boost local economies, and serve as platforms for cultural exchange. This can help in promoting understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures, both within the country and internationally.

In conclusion, while it’s important to embrace progress and global influences, maintaining traditional celebrations provides a crucial anchor to our roots and helps shape our unique cultural identity. It’s not about clinging to the past, but rather about honoring our heritage while moving forward.”

Describe a cultural tradition in your country that you enjoy and how it contributes to maintaining your cultural identity.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To enhance your speaking performance, incorporate these sophisticated vocabulary items and phrases:

1. Eagerly anticipate (phrasal verb) – /ˈiːɡəli ænˈtɪsɪpeɪt/ – to look forward to something with excitement
   Example: “I eagerly anticipate the annual food festival in my hometown.”
2. Epitomize (verb) – /ɪˈpɪtəmaɪz/ – to be a perfect example of something
   Example: “The cherry blossom festival epitomizes the beauty of spring in Japan.”
3. Mesmerizing spectacle (noun phrase) – /ˈmezməraɪzɪŋ ˈspektəkl/ – an impressive and captivating sight
   Example: “The fireworks display was a mesmerizing spectacle that left everyone in awe.”
4. Cultural heritage (noun phrase) – /ˈkʌltʃərəl ˈherɪtɪdʒ/ – the legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society
   Example: “Traditional dances are an important part of our cultural heritage.”
5. Sense of renewal (noun phrase) – /sens əv rɪˈnjuːəl/ – a feeling of being revitalized or starting anew
   Example: “The New Year celebration brings a sense of renewal and hope for the future.”

People in traditional attire performing a cultural dance.

Describe a traditional festival celebrated in your country and how it contributes to the cultural heritage of your nation.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a holiday celebration:

1. Develop your ideas fully: Don’t just list facts; explain your thoughts and feelings in detail.
2. Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate sophisticated and topic-specific words naturally in your responses.
3. Maintain fluency: Practice speaking at length without long pauses or repetition.
4. Show flexibility: Be prepared to discuss both personal experiences and broader societal aspects of celebrations.
5. Use varied grammatical structures: Demonstrate your ability to use complex sentences and different tenses accurately.
6. Express opinions clearly: When asked for your views, state them confidently and provide well-reasoned support.

Describe a family celebration that is meaningful to you and practice applying these tips to enhance your response.

Remember, regular practice is key to improving your speaking skills. Try recording yourself answering sample questions and listen back to identify areas for improvement. With dedication and the right approach, you can effectively describe holiday celebrations and other topics in your IELTS Speaking test, paving the way for a high score.

Describe a time when you attended a family gathering and use it as an opportunity to practice your speaking skills, implementing the advice and vocabulary discussed in this article.