The ability to eloquently describe a traditional event is a crucial skill for IELTS Speaking candidates. This topic frequently appears in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2, and is likely to remain relevant in future exams. Let’s explore how to effectively tackle this subject and achieve a high score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask some general questions about traditional events. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:

Examiner: Do you enjoy traditional events in your country?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely! I’m quite passionate about traditional events in my country. They offer a unique glimpse into our cultural heritage and help foster a sense of community. I find them incredibly enriching, as they allow me to connect with my roots and gain a deeper appreciation for our customs and history.”

Describe a cultural festival in your country for more insights on discussing traditional events effectively.

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card

Describe a traditional event that you enjoy celebrating
You should say:

• What the event is
• When it takes place
• What people typically do during this event
• Why you enjoy celebrating it

Sample Answer (Band 8-9)

“I’d like to talk about Diwali, the Festival of Lights, which is a quintessential traditional event that I absolutely adore celebrating.

Diwali typically falls in October or November, depending on the lunar calendar. It’s a five-day festival that culminates in the main Diwali night, which is determined by the new moon.

During Diwali, people engage in a myriad of activities. The preparations begin weeks in advance, with thorough house cleaning and elaborate decorations. On the day itself, families don new clothes, often traditional attire, and gather for prayer ceremonies. The highlight is the lighting of diyas – small oil lamps – which are placed around homes and public spaces, creating a mesmerizing sea of lights. There’s also an exchange of gifts and a feast of traditional delicacies.

I particularly relish celebrating Diwali because it embodies the spirit of joy, hope, and unity. The festival brings people together, transcending religious and social boundaries. I find the symbolism of light overcoming darkness deeply inspiring. Moreover, the sensory experience – the twinkling lights, colorful rangoli designs, fragrant incense, and delicious food – creates an atmosphere of pure magic. It’s a time when I can reconnect with my cultural roots and create lasting memories with family and friends.”

Traditional Diwali celebration in India

Follow-up Questions

Examiner: How has this traditional event changed over the years?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Diwali has undergone significant transformations over the years, reflecting broader societal changes. While the core essence of the festival remains intact, there have been notable shifts in celebration styles. For instance, there’s been a growing emphasis on eco-friendly practices, with many people opting for LED lights instead of traditional oil lamps, and choosing ‘green’ crackers or avoiding fireworks altogether due to environmental concerns. The gift-giving aspect has also evolved, with a trend towards more practical or personalized presents rather than conventional sweets. Additionally, the digital age has influenced how people connect during the festival, with virtual Diwali gatherings becoming increasingly common, especially in light of recent global events.”

Examiner: Do you think it’s important to preserve traditional events? Why or why not?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I firmly believe that preserving traditional events is crucial for several compelling reasons. Firstly, these events serve as cultural touchstones, helping to maintain our connection to our heritage and fostering a sense of identity. They act as a bridge between generations, allowing older members of society to pass down customs and values to younger ones. Moreover, traditional events often embody important social and moral lessons that remain relevant across time. From an economic perspective, many of these events boost tourism and support local artisans and businesses. However, I also think it’s important to allow traditions to evolve organically to remain relevant and meaningful in contemporary society, striking a balance between preservation and adaptation.”

Describe a unique traditional event in your country for more examples of how to discuss the importance of preserving traditions.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: How do traditional events contribute to a country’s cultural identity?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Traditional events play a pivotal role in shaping and maintaining a country’s cultural identity. They serve as living repositories of history, encapsulating centuries of customs, beliefs, and values in tangible, experiential forms. These events act as cultural anchors, providing a sense of continuity and belonging in an increasingly globalized world. They often showcase unique art forms, music, dance, and culinary traditions, which are integral components of a nation’s cultural fingerprint. Moreover, traditional events foster social cohesion by bringing communities together and reinforcing shared experiences. They also offer a window into a country’s soul for outsiders, promoting cultural understanding and appreciation on an international scale. In essence, these events are not just celebrations, but powerful expressions of national character and collective memory.”

Traditional event showcasing cultural identity

Examiner: In what ways might globalization affect traditional events?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Globalization exerts a multifaceted influence on traditional events, leading to both positive and negative outcomes. On one hand, it has facilitated the spread and appreciation of diverse cultural practices globally, allowing traditional events to gain international recognition and even adoption. This exposure can rejuvenate interest in these events, especially among younger generations who might otherwise view them as outdated. Additionally, globalization has introduced new technologies and resources that can enhance the celebration of traditional events.

However, there are also potential drawbacks. The homogenizing effect of globalization might lead to the dilution of unique cultural elements, as events adapt to appeal to a broader, international audience. There’s a risk of commercialization, where the deeper cultural significance of events is overshadowed by their tourist appeal. Furthermore, the fast-paced, modern lifestyle promoted by globalization can make it challenging for people to devote time to elaborate traditional celebrations.

Ultimately, the impact of globalization on traditional events is a delicate balance. While it presents challenges to authenticity and continuity, it also offers opportunities for cultural exchange, innovation, and renewed relevance in the modern world. The key lies in consciously preserving the essence of these events while allowing them to evolve organically in response to global influences.”

Describe a public event you attended to explore more about the impact of globalization on traditional and public events.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Quintessential /ˌkwɪntɪˈsenʃəl/ (adj): Representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class.
   Example: “Diwali is a quintessential Indian festival, embodying the country’s cultural richness.”

2. Culminate /ˈkʌlmɪneɪt/ (v): Reach a climax or point of highest development.
   Example: “The week-long celebrations culminate in a grand fireworks display on the final night.”

3. Myriad /ˈmɪriəd/ (n): A countless or extremely great number.
   Example: “The festival involves a myriad of activities, from prayer ceremonies to feasting.”

4. Transcend /trænˈsend/ (v): Go beyond the range or limits of something.
   Example: “Traditional events often transcend religious and social boundaries, uniting diverse communities.”

5. Embody /ɪmˈbɒdi/ (v): Be an expression of or give a tangible or visible form to an idea, quality, or feeling.
   Example: “This celebration embodies the spirit of gratitude and new beginnings.”

6. Pivotal /ˈpɪvətl/ (adj): Of crucial importance in relation to the development or success of something else.
   Example: “Traditional events play a pivotal role in preserving cultural heritage.”

Key vocabulary for describing traditional events

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in describing traditional events in IELTS Speaking:

1. Develop a rich vocabulary specific to cultural events and celebrations.
2. Practice describing various aspects of traditional events: their origin, significance, activities involved, and personal experiences.
3. Use idiomatic expressions and advanced grammatical structures to elevate your language.
4. Provide specific examples and personal anecdotes to make your description more vivid and engaging.
5. Show awareness of how these events have changed over time and their role in modern society.
6. Express opinions thoughtfully, supporting them with logical reasoning.

Remember, the key to a high score is not just accuracy, but also fluency, coherence, and the ability to express complex ideas with sophistication.

Describe a traditional event you enjoy for more practice and tips on mastering this topic in your IELTS Speaking test.