Describing a holiday you look forward to each year is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows candidates to showcase their ability to express personal experiences, cultural knowledge, and emotional connections. Let’s explore how to effectively tackle this topic and impress the examiner with your English language skills.

Describe a recent holiday that you enjoyed can be a great way to prepare for this topic, as it shares many similarities in vocabulary and structure. Let’s dive into the specific parts of the IELTS Speaking test and how to approach them.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about holidays. Here are some common questions and sample answers:

1. Do you enjoy holidays?

   Sample answer (Band 7-8): “Absolutely! I find holidays to be a wonderful opportunity to unwind and spend quality time with my loved ones. They provide a much-needed break from the daily grind and allow me to recharge my batteries.”

2. What’s your favorite holiday of the year?

   Sample answer (Band 8-9): “I’d have to say Diwali is my all-time favorite. It’s not just the dazzling lights and festive atmosphere that I adore, but also the profound sense of unity it brings to our community. The holiday symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, which I find deeply meaningful and inspirational.”

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:

Describe A Holiday You Look Forward To Each Year
You should say:

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

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about Lunar New Year, which is undoubtedly the most significant holiday in Vietnamese culture. This festive occasion typically falls in late January or early February, depending on the lunar calendar.

The celebration is a vibrant fusion of traditions and modern practices. In the lead-up to the holiday, there’s a palpable sense of excitement in the air as people busily prepare for the festivities. Homes are thoroughly cleaned and adorned with colorful decorations, symbolizing a fresh start for the new year.

One of the most cherished aspects of Lunar New Year is the family reunion. Relatives from far and wide gather together to share elaborate meals, exchange wishes for good fortune, and partake in time-honored customs. We often stay up until midnight on New Year’s Eve to welcome the new year with firecrackers and fireworks, creating a spectacular display that illuminates the night sky.

Describe a recent family gathering that was enjoyable is quite similar to how we celebrate Lunar New Year, as both involve coming together with loved ones.

Another integral part of the celebration is the giving of “li xi” or lucky money in red envelopes, especially to children and elderly family members. This tradition is believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the coming year.

I eagerly anticipate this holiday each year because it serves as a poignant reminder of my cultural heritage and strengthens family bonds. The holiday provides a much-needed respite from our hectic daily lives and allows us to reflect on the past year while setting intentions for the future. Moreover, the festive atmosphere, delectable traditional cuisine, and the warmth of being surrounded by loved ones create memories that I cherish throughout the year.”

Vibrant Lunar New Year celebration in Vietnam

Follow-up questions:

1. How has the way you celebrate this holiday changed over the years?

   Sample answer (Band 7-8): “The core elements of our celebration have remained largely the same, but I’ve noticed some subtle changes over the years. For instance, we’ve incorporated more eco-friendly practices, such as using digital red envelopes for lucky money and opting for reusable decorations. Additionally, social media has played an increasingly significant role in how we connect with distant relatives during the holiday.”

2. Do you think traditional holidays are losing their importance in modern society?

   Sample answer (Band 8-9): “While it’s true that modernization has impacted some aspects of traditional holidays, I believe their fundamental importance remains intact. In fact, in our fast-paced, globalized world, these celebrations often serve as crucial anchors to our cultural identity. They provide a sense of continuity and community that many people find increasingly valuable. However, the way we observe these holidays may evolve to reflect changing societal norms and technological advancements.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

1. Examiner: How do holidays affect the economy in your country?

   Sample answer (Band 8-9): “Holidays have a profound impact on our economy, often resulting in a significant boost to various sectors. During major holidays like Lunar New Year, we see a surge in consumer spending on gifts, food, and travel. This increased economic activity benefits retailers, hospitality businesses, and transportation companies. However, it’s worth noting that there’s also a temporary slowdown in productivity as many businesses close for the celebrations. Overall, though, the net effect tends to be positive, as the holiday season stimulates economic growth and fosters a sense of national unity that can have long-term benefits for the country’s development.”

2. Examiner: Do you think international holidays are becoming more popular than traditional local ones?

   Sample answer (Band 7-8): “There’s definitely a growing trend towards celebrating international holidays in many countries, including mine. This is largely due to globalization and the influence of social media. Holidays like Christmas and Valentine’s Day have gained popularity, especially among younger generations. However, I wouldn’t say they’re overshadowing our traditional celebrations. Rather, they’re often integrated into our cultural fabric in unique ways. For example, we might celebrate Valentine’s Day, but we also have our own traditional Lover’s Day based on a local folklore. This blending of global and local traditions creates a rich, diverse holiday calendar that reflects our increasingly interconnected world.”

Diverse holiday celebrations around the world

3. Examiner: How might holiday celebrations change in the future?

   Sample answer (Band 8-9): “I believe holiday celebrations will undergo significant transformations in the coming years, driven by technological advancements and changing social norms. We’re likely to see an increased integration of virtual and augmented reality in celebrations, allowing people to participate in festivities remotely yet feel physically present. This could revolutionize how families connect during holidays, especially for those separated by great distances.

   Moreover, as environmental consciousness grows, we might witness a shift towards more sustainable practices in holiday celebrations. This could include eco-friendly decorations, plant-based festive meals, and digital gift-giving.

   Another potential change could be the emergence of new holidays that reflect contemporary values and concerns, such as World Environment Day gaining more prominence as a celebrated occasion.

   Despite these changes, I believe the core essence of holidays – bringing people together and fostering a sense of community – will remain. The challenge will be to balance tradition with innovation, ensuring that holidays continue to be meaningful and relevant in our rapidly evolving world.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Cherished tradition /ˈtʃerɪʃt trəˈdɪʃən/ (noun phrase): A valued custom or practice that has been passed down through generations.
   Example: “Exchanging gifts is a cherished tradition in many holiday celebrations.”

2. Festive atmosphere /ˈfestɪv ˈætməsfɪər/ (noun phrase): The joyful and celebratory mood during a holiday or special event.
   Example: “The twinkling lights and cheerful music created a truly festive atmosphere in the town square.”

3. Cultural heritage /ˈkʌltʃərəl ˈherɪtɪdʒ/ (noun phrase): The legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society.
   Example: “Celebrating this holiday helps us maintain our cultural heritage in a modernizing world.”

4. To commemorate /kəˈmeməreɪt/ (verb): To remember and show respect for an important person or event.
   Example: “We gather each year to commemorate the founding of our nation.”

5. Time-honored customs /taɪm ˈɒnəd ˈkʌstəmz/ (noun phrase): Traditional practices that have been respected and followed for a long time.
   Example: “Lighting candles and singing carols are time-honored customs during the Christmas season.”

Describe a family member you would like to spend more time with can be a great topic to practice using some of these phrases, as family often plays a crucial role in holiday celebrations.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing holidays:

1. Prepare a range of vocabulary related to celebrations, emotions, and cultural practices. This will allow you to express yourself more precisely and impressively.

2. Practice describing your favorite holiday in detail, focusing on sensory descriptions and personal anecdotes to make your answer more engaging.

3. Be ready to discuss both positive and negative aspects of holidays, showing your ability to present a balanced view.

4. Familiarize yourself with holiday traditions from other cultures to demonstrate your global awareness in Part 3 discussions.

5. Use a variety of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and conditionals, to showcase your language proficiency.

6. Speak fluently and coherently, organizing your ideas logically and using appropriate linking words.

7. Show enthusiasm in your voice when talking about your favorite holiday, as this can positively impact the examiner’s perception of your communication skills.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Practice regularly, record yourself, and listen back to identify areas for improvement. With dedication and the right approach, you can confidently tackle any holiday-related question in your IELTS Speaking test.

Describe a traditional event that you enjoy celebrating and describe a meal you enjoyed with your family are excellent topics to further practice your holiday description skills, as they often involve similar vocabulary and themes.