When preparing for the IELTS Speaking test, one common topic that often appears is describing experiences from traveling abroad, particularly attending festivals in foreign countries. This topic allows candidates to showcase their vocabulary, cultural awareness, and ability to narrate past events coherently. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to experiencing a festival in another country, with sample responses for different band scores.

Describe a place in your country known for its unique festivals can be an excellent way to demonstrate your cultural knowledge. However, today we’ll focus on international experiences.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about festivals and travel. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:

Question: Do you enjoy attending festivals?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely! I find festivals fascinating as they offer a unique glimpse into a culture’s traditions and values. There’s always something captivating about the vibrant atmosphere, whether it’s the colorful decorations, lively music, or traditional costumes. I particularly enjoy trying local delicacies that are often special to these events. Festivals also provide an excellent opportunity to socialize and make new connections with people who share similar interests.”

Vibrant festival atmosphere with colorful decorations

Part 2: Long Turn

For this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample cue card related to our theme:

Cue Card

Describe a time when you experienced a festival in another country.
You should say:

• What the festival was
• Where and when you attended it
• What you did during the festival
• And explain how you felt about this experience

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to share my experience of attending the Songkran Festival in Thailand, which I had the opportunity to participate in during my visit to Bangkok two years ago. Songkran is the Thai New Year celebration, typically held in mid-April.

The festival is renowned for its water-splashing traditions, symbolizing the washing away of misfortunes from the previous year. I was captivated by the vibrant atmosphere that enveloped the entire city. The streets were teeming with locals and tourists alike, all armed with water guns, buckets, and hoses.

During the festival, I immersed myself fully in the celebrations. I joined the water fights, dousing and being doused by strangers in a spirit of joyful camaraderie. I also visited local temples to observe more traditional aspects of the festival, such as the ritual of pouring scented water over Buddha statues.

The experience was truly exhilarating and eye-opening. I was struck by how the entire city seemed to come alive with a shared sense of joy and renewal. It was a profound cultural experience that allowed me to connect with Thai traditions in a very tangible way. The festival’s emphasis on cleansing and new beginnings resonated with me on a personal level.

What I found particularly remarkable was the seamless blend of ancient traditions with modern celebrations. It was a vivid demonstration of how cultural practices can evolve while retaining their core significance.

Overall, participating in Songkran left me with a deep appreciation for Thai culture and a newfound understanding of how festivals can bring people together, transcending language and cultural barriers. It was an experience that I’ll cherish for years to come, and it has sparked my interest in exploring more cultural festivals around the world.”

Songkran Festival water splashing in Thailand

Follow-up Questions:

1. How did this festival differ from festivals in your home country?
2. Do you think experiencing festivals is a good way to learn about other cultures?

Sample Answer for Question 2 (Band 8-9):

“Absolutely, I believe experiencing festivals is an exceptional way to gain insights into other cultures. Festivals often serve as a microcosm of a society’s values, beliefs, and traditions. They provide a unique opportunity to observe and participate in customs and rituals that have been passed down through generations.

When you attend a festival in another country, you’re not just a passive observer; you’re immersing yourself in the local culture. This firsthand experience allows you to engage with the community, try traditional foods, listen to local music, and witness traditional performances. All these elements contribute to a deeper understanding of the culture than you could ever gain from simply reading about it.

Moreover, festivals often showcase the diversity within a culture. For instance, you might see how different regions or ethnic groups within a country celebrate the same festival in unique ways. This nuanced perspective is invaluable for developing cultural awareness and empathy.

However, it’s important to approach these experiences with respect and an open mind. It’s crucial to remember that we’re guests in another culture and should be mindful of local customs and sensitivities.

In essence, participating in festivals abroad offers a multifaceted learning experience. It engages all your senses and emotions, creating lasting memories and fostering a genuine appreciation for cultural diversity. This kind of experiential learning is, in my opinion, one of the most effective ways to broaden one’s cultural horizons and promote global understanding.”

Describe a time when you experienced a culture shock can be related to festival experiences abroad, as they often expose us to unfamiliar customs and traditions.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here’s an example:

Question: How do you think globalization is affecting traditional festivals around the world?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“Globalization has had a profound impact on traditional festivals worldwide, and I believe this influence is multifaceted. On one hand, globalization has led to increased awareness and appreciation of diverse cultural celebrations. Through social media and international travel, people are now more exposed to festivals from different parts of the world, which can foster cultural understanding and even boost tourism.

However, there’s also a flip side to this phenomenon. The homogenizing effect of globalization can sometimes dilute the authenticity of traditional festivals. We’re seeing a trend where some festivals are being commercialized or adapted to cater to international tourists, potentially losing some of their original significance or local flavor.

Moreover, as younger generations become more interconnected globally, there’s a risk of them becoming disconnected from their own cultural roots. This could lead to a decline in participation or understanding of traditional festivals within their own communities.

That being said, I believe many cultures are finding ways to strike a balance. They’re adapting their festivals to remain relevant in a globalized world while still preserving the core elements that make these celebrations unique and meaningful. For instance, some festivals now incorporate modern technology or contemporary art forms while maintaining traditional rituals.

In conclusion, while globalization presents challenges to the preservation of traditional festivals, it also offers opportunities for cultural exchange and evolution. The key lies in finding ways to embrace global influences without losing the essence of these important cultural expressions.”

Globalization's impact on traditional festivals

Describe a traditional festival celebrated in your country can provide a good contrast to international festival experiences, highlighting cultural differences and similarities.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To elevate your responses and aim for higher band scores, incorporate these sophisticated vocabulary items and phrases:

1. Immerse (verb) /ɪˈmɜːs/ – to involve oneself deeply in a particular activity or interest
   Example: “I immersed myself in the local culture by participating in their traditional dance.”

2. Vibrant (adjective) /ˈvaɪbrənt/ – full of energy and enthusiasm
   Example: “The festival created a vibrant atmosphere throughout the city.”

3. Captivating (adjective) /ˈkæptɪveɪtɪŋ/ – capable of attracting and holding interest; charming
   Example: “The captivating performances kept us entertained throughout the evening.”

4. Profound (adjective) /prəˈfaʊnd/ – very great or intense
   Example: “Attending the festival had a profound impact on my understanding of the culture.”

5. Exhilarating (adjective) /ɪɡˈzɪləreɪtɪŋ/ – making one feel very happy, animated, or elated
   Example: “The experience of joining in the water fights was truly exhilarating.”

6. Seamless blend (phrase) – a perfect combination of different elements
   Example: “The festival offered a seamless blend of traditional rituals and modern celebrations.”

7. Transcend (verb) /trænˈsend/ – to go beyond the usual limits of something
   Example: “The joy of the festival seemed to transcend language barriers.”

8. Nuanced (adjective) /ˈnjuːɑːnst/ – characterized by subtle shades of meaning or expression
   Example: “Observing the festival gave me a more nuanced understanding of the culture.”

Describe a public event you attended recently can be another opportunity to practice using these vocabulary items in a different context.

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in describing festival experiences in the IELTS Speaking test:

1. Prepare a range of festival-related vocabulary beforehand, including adjectives to describe atmosphere, emotions, and cultural elements.

2. Practice narrating your experience in a structured manner, covering the key points asked in the cue card.

3. Use sensory details to make your description vivid and engaging.

4. Reflect on the cultural significance of the festival to demonstrate deeper understanding.

5. Be prepared to discuss broader topics related to festivals, such as their role in society or the impact of globalization on traditions.

6. Use a variety of tenses correctly to describe past experiences and current reflections.

7. Incorporate idiomatic expressions naturally to enhance your language use.

Remember, the key to a high score is not just about using advanced vocabulary, but about using it accurately and appropriately within the context of your response. Practice regularly, record yourself, and listen back to identify areas for improvement.

Describe a place in your country where you would like to retire might seem unrelated, but you could draw interesting comparisons between retirement destinations and places known for their festivals.

By following these guidelines and incorporating the suggested vocabulary and phrases, you’ll be well-equipped to discuss festival experiences in your IELTS Speaking test, potentially boosting your score and impressing the examiner with your language skills and cultural awareness.