The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about cultural events and celebrations. One common topic is describing a holiday or festival that is important in your culture. This article will provide you with strategies and sample answers to help you excel in this task.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test, you may be asked some general questions about holidays and festivals. Here are some common 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. I especially like the festive atmosphere and special foods we eat during these times.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely! I’m quite enthusiastic about celebrating festivals. They provide a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with loved ones and immerse myself in the rich cultural traditions of my country. I particularly relish the festive atmosphere, the elaborate decorations, and the delectable traditional cuisine that’s always a highlight of these celebrations.

Q: What’s your favorite festival?

Band 6-7 Answer:
My favorite festival is Lunar New Year. It’s the biggest celebration in my country, and I love the excitement and traditions associated with it. We have family gatherings, exchange gifts, and enjoy special foods.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Without a doubt, my favorite festival is Lunar New Year, which is the most significant celebration in my culture. I’m particularly fond of this festival because it’s steeped in tradition and brings families together. The atmosphere is always electric with excitement, from the vibrant red decorations to the thunderous fireworks displays. I especially cherish the family reunions, the exchange of auspicious wishes, and the sumptuous traditional meals we share during this time.

Part 2: Long Turn

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

Describe a holiday or festival that is important in your culture.

You should say:

• What the holiday or festival is
• When it is celebrated
• What activities or customs are associated with it
• And explain why this holiday or festival is important in your culture

Here’s a sample answer:

Band 6-7 Answer:
I’d like to talk about Lunar New Year, which is the most important festival in my culture. It’s usually celebrated in late January or early February, depending on the lunar calendar.

During this festival, there are many activities and customs. Families gather to have a big dinner on New Year’s Eve. We clean our houses thoroughly before the New Year and decorate them with red decorations. People also give red envelopes with money to children and elderly relatives for good luck.

This festival is important in our culture because it marks the beginning of a new year according to the lunar calendar. It’s a time for family reunions, showing respect to elders, and wishing for good fortune in the coming year. The traditions have been passed down for generations, so it helps us stay connected to our cultural roots.

Band 8-9 Answer:
I’d like to elaborate on the Lunar New Year festival, which is undoubtedly the most significant and widely celebrated holiday in my culture. This festival typically falls in late January or early February, aligning with the lunar calendar.

The festivities are characterized by a plethora of time-honored customs and activities. The celebrations commence with a thorough house cleaning, symbolically sweeping away any lingering bad luck from the previous year. Homes are then adorned with vibrant red decorations, as this color is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune. The pinnacle of the celebration is the reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve, where extended families gather to enjoy a lavish feast of traditional dishes, each with its own symbolic meaning.

One of the most cherished traditions is the giving of “hong bao” or red envelopes containing money to children and elderly relatives, which is believed to bestow good luck and prosperity. The streets come alive with spectacular lion and dragon dances, accompanied by the thunderous sound of firecrackers, creating an electrifying atmosphere.

This festival holds immense importance in our culture for several reasons. Firstly, it marks the dawn of a new year according to the lunar calendar, symbolizing new beginnings and fresh opportunities. Moreover, it serves as a time for strengthening family bonds through reunions and shared traditions. The festival also allows us to pay homage to our ancestors and show respect to our elders, which are fundamental values in our society. Lastly, by preserving and passing down these age-old customs, we maintain a strong connection to our cultural heritage, ensuring its continuity for future generations.

Lunar New Year Celebration

Follow-up questions:

1. How has this festival changed over the years?
2. Do young people and older people celebrate this festival differently?

Band 6-7 Answer:

1. The festival has changed a bit over the years. Now, people often travel during this time, and some traditions are less strictly followed. However, the main ideas of family reunion and wishing for good luck are still important.

2. Yes, there are some differences. Older people tend to be more traditional and focus on family gatherings and religious aspects. Young people might prefer to spend time with friends and enjoy modern entertainment during the holiday.

Band 8-9 Answer:

1. The festival has indeed evolved over the years, adapting to modern lifestyles while still retaining its core values. There’s been a noticeable shift towards more travel during this period, with many people taking advantage of the holiday to explore new destinations. Additionally, some traditions have become less rigid, allowing for more flexibility in celebration styles. However, the fundamental aspects of family reunion and expressing good wishes for the new year remain steadfast.

2. There are certainly discernible differences in how different generations celebrate the festival. The older generation tends to adhere more strictly to traditional customs, placing great emphasis on family gatherings, ancestral worship, and the spiritual aspects of the celebration. They often take charge of preparing traditional foods and observing long-standing rituals. In contrast, younger people, while still valuing family time, might incorporate more modern elements into their celebrations. They might organize gatherings with friends, participate in contemporary entertainment events, or even combine traditional activities with newer trends, creating a fusion of old and new customs.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

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

Q: How do you think globalization has affected traditional festivals?

Band 6-7 Answer:
I think globalization has had both positive and negative effects on traditional festivals. On the positive side, it has made people more aware of festivals from other cultures. However, it has also led to some traditions being lost as people adopt more global customs.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Globalization has undoubtedly had a profound impact on traditional festivals, yielding both positive and negative consequences. On the positive side, it has fostered greater cultural awareness and appreciation for diverse celebrations worldwide. This cross-pollination of cultures has led to the enrichment of some festivals, incorporating new elements that resonate with a global audience.

However, there’s also a flip side to consider. The homogenizing effect of globalization has, in some cases, led to the dilution of unique cultural practices. Traditional elements may be overshadowed by more commercialized, globally recognized symbols. There’s also a risk of festivals losing their authentic meaning as they’re adapted for international appeal or commodified for tourism.

That being said, many communities are now making concerted efforts to preserve their cultural heritage while embracing global influences, striking a delicate balance between tradition and modernity.

Q: Do you think it’s important for a country to have national holidays? Why or why not?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think national holidays are important. They help people remember significant events in their country’s history and bring people together. They also give people a chance to rest and spend time with family, which is good for society.

Band 8-9 Answer:
I firmly believe that national holidays play a crucial role in the fabric of a country’s cultural and social life. These holidays serve multiple significant functions that contribute to the cohesion and well-being of a nation.

Firstly, national holidays act as collective markers of a country’s history and identity. They provide opportunities for citizens to commemorate important historical events or figures, thereby fostering a sense of shared heritage and national pride. This shared experience can strengthen the bonds between diverse groups within a society.

Moreover, these holidays offer a much-needed respite from the daily grind, allowing people to recharge and spend quality time with family and friends. This not only contributes to individual well-being but also to the overall social health of the nation. The communal aspect of celebrating these holidays can enhance social cohesion and create a sense of belonging among citizens.

National holidays can also serve as platforms for cultural expression and the preservation of traditions. They provide opportunities for intergenerational transmission of cultural knowledge and practices, ensuring that important aspects of a nation’s heritage are not lost.

However, it’s worth noting that the effectiveness of national holidays in achieving these goals depends largely on how they are observed and promoted. It’s important for governments and communities to ensure that these holidays remain relevant and meaningful to all segments of society, rather than becoming mere days off work.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, it’s important to use a range of sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures. Here are some key words and phrases that can help you express your ideas more effectively:

1. Significant /sɪɡˈnɪfɪkənt/ (adjective): Important or noticeable.
   Example: “Lunar New Year is the most significant festival in our culture.”

2. Cherish /ˈtʃerɪʃ/ (verb): To hold dear; to care for.
   Example: “We cherish the traditions associated with this festival.”

3. Commemorate /kəˈmeməreɪt/ (verb): To remember officially and give respect to.
   Example: “The festival commemorates the beginning of spring.”

4. Vibrant /ˈvaɪbrənt/ (adjective): Full of energy and enthusiasm.
   Example: “The streets are filled with vibrant decorations during the festival.”

5. Steeped in /stiːpt ɪn/ (phrasal verb): Surrounded by or filled with.
   Example: “This celebration is steeped in tradition and cultural significance.”

6. Revitalize /ˌriːˈvaɪtəlaɪz/ (verb): To give new life or vigor to.
   Example: “The annual festival helps to revitalize our community spirit.”

7. Profound /prəˈfaʊnd/ (adjective): Very great or intense.
   Example: “The festival has a profound impact on our cultural identity.”

8. Preserve /prɪˈzɜːv/ (verb): To maintain or keep alive.
   Example: “These celebrations help us preserve our cultural heritage.”

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing holidays and festivals:

1. Prepare a range of vocabulary related to celebrations, traditions, and cultural events.
2. Practice describing the sights, sounds, and emotions associated with festivals.
3. Think critically about the significance of these events in your culture.
4. Use personal anecdotes to make your answers more engaging and authentic.
5. Be ready to discuss changes in how festivals are celebrated over time.
6. Consider the global context and how your cultural celebrations might be viewed internationally.

Remember, the key to a high score is not just what you say, but how you say it. Aim for fluency, use a range of grammatical structures, and demonstrate your ability to discuss the topic in depth.

For more tips on improving your IELTS Speaking skills, you might find these resources helpful:

• Describe a Time When You Attended a Family Reunion
• Describe a Recent Festival or Celebration in Your Country

By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss holidays and festivals in your IELTS Speaking test with confidence and sophistication.