How to Describe a Time When You Were Involved in a Cross-Cultural Activity for IELTS Speaking

In the IELTS Speaking test, examiners evaluate several key aspects such as fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, and pronunciation. Describe a time when you were involved in a cross-cultural activity is a common question that you may encounter in Part 2 of the Speaking test. This topic not only evaluates your storytelling skills but also your ability to use appropriate vocabulary and structures related to cultural experiences.

Ensuring that your answer is well-structured and detailed can significantly increase your chances of scoring high. In this article, we’ll provide sample questions, detailed answers, and tips to help you excel in this part of the IELTS Speaking test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Common Questions for Part 1

1. Do you enjoy learning about other cultures?
2. Have you ever been to a foreign country?
3. What is your favorite aspect of your own culture?

Sample Answer for Part 1

Question: Do you enjoy learning about other cultures?

Answer: Absolutely, I relish learning about other cultures. It broadens my horizons and deepens my understanding of the world. For example, I recently took a course on Japanese culture which taught me about their unique traditions and social norms. I find it intriguing how each culture has its own way of life, and it’s fascinating to learn about their history, cuisine, and art.

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card for Part 2

Describe a time when you were involved in a cross-cultural activity.

You should say:

• What the activity was
• When and where it happened
• Who was involved
• And explain why it was interesting

Sample Answer for Part 2

One memorable cross-cultural activity I participated in was an international student exchange program during my university years. This took place in Germany, in the summer of 2018, and lasted for about a month. There were students from over ten different countries, including Japan, Canada, Brazil, and India.

During this program, we had the opportunity to engage in various culturally-rich activities like cooking traditional meals, sharing folk stories, and even organizing a multicultural talent show. One of the most memorable moments was when we all joined hands to cook a diverse buffet that included Sushi from Japan, Tacos from Mexico, and Pasta from Italy.

This experience was particularly interesting because it broadened my perspective and allowed me to appreciate the diversity and commonalities among different cultures. I made lifelong friends and gained invaluable insights into how different cultures operate, which has enriched my personal and professional life greatly.

International Student Exchange Program

Follow-up Questions for Part 2

1. What did you learn from this cross-cultural activity?

   • From this activity, I learned the importance of cultural sensitivity and open-mindedness. It taught me to value and respect different perspectives, which is crucial in today’s globalized world.

2. Would you participate in a similar activity again?

   • Definitely! Such activities are not only educational but also immensely rewarding. They allow for personal growth and foster greater understanding and harmony among people from diverse backgrounds.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Discussion Questions for Part 3

1. How important is it for people to have cross-cultural experiences?

   • It is extremely important for people to have cross-cultural experiences as it helps in promoting tolerance and understanding. In today’s interconnected world, such experiences can foster better communication and collaboration across cultures.

2. What are some ways to increase cross-cultural understanding?

   • There are several ways to enhance cross-cultural understanding, such as language learning, traveling, and participating in exchange programs. Schools and workplaces can also organize cultural awareness workshops and celebrate international festivals to encourage cultural exchange.

Sample Answer for Part 3

Question: How important is it for people to have cross-cultural experiences?

Answer: In my view, having cross-cultural experiences is indispensable in today’s globalized world. Such experiences encourage tolerance and mutual respect among people from different cultural backgrounds. For example, working in a multi-national company often requires understanding the cultural norms and communication styles of colleagues from various countries. It helps in building stronger relationships and collaborative efforts, ultimately contributing to both personal growth and organizational success.

Essential Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Broaden one’s horizons – enlarge one’s view or perspective.

   • Learning about different cultures helps to broaden one’s horizons.

2. Cultural sensitivity – awareness and respect for cultural differences.

   • It’s crucial to demonstrate cultural sensitivity in a diverse environment.

3. Interconnected world – a world where countries and people are more interconnected.

   • In an interconnected world, understanding different cultures is paramount.

4. Foster – to encourage the development of something.

   • Cultural exchanges foster greater understanding and friendship.

Tips for High Scores in the Speaking Test

1. Practice regularly: Engage in daily conversations in English and practice with different topics.
2. Expand your vocabulary: Learn new words and phrases related to cultural experiences.
3. Structure your answers: Keep a clear structure in your responses—introduce the topic, elaborate, and conclude succinctly.
4. Stay calm and confident: Maintain a natural tone and pace; confidence can impact your score favorably.
5. Use a variety of sentence structures: Demonstrate grammatical range by using complex sentences appropriately.

By following these tips and thoroughly preparing, you can effectively tackle the topic of cross-cultural experiences in the IELTS Speaking test and aim for a high band score.