How to Ace the IELTS Speaking Test: Describing a Traditional Festival in Your Country

As an experienced IELTS Speaking examiner, I’ve seen countless candidates tackle the topic of describing traditional festivals. This article will provide you with expert tips and sample answers to help you excel in your IELTS Speaking test when discussing a traditional festival celebrated in your country.

Understanding the Task

The topic “Describe A Traditional Festival Celebrated In Your Country” is a common one in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess your ability to discuss cultural aspects of your homeland, use descriptive language, and express personal opinions. This topic is likely to appear in Part 2 of the test, but related questions may also come up in Parts 1 and 3.

Traditional Festival Celebration

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, you may encounter questions related to festivals and celebrations. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:

Q: Do you enjoy festivals?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do enjoy festivals. They’re usually fun and give me a chance to spend time with family and friends. I like the festive atmosphere and special foods we eat during these times.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely! I’m quite enthusiastic about festivals. They offer a wonderful opportunity to immerse myself in cultural traditions and create lasting memories with loved ones. I particularly relish the vibrant atmosphere, the unique culinary experiences, and the sense of community that festivals foster.

Q: What’s your favorite festival?

Band 6-7 Answer:
My favorite festival is Lunar New Year. It’s the biggest holiday in my country, and I love the family gatherings and traditional customs we follow during this time.

Band 8-9 Answer:
I’d have to say that Lunar New Year holds a special place in my heart. It’s not just the most significant holiday in my country, but also a time when I can fully appreciate our rich cultural heritage. The intricate rituals, sumptuous feasts, and the overall sense of renewal make it an unparalleled celebration for me.

Part 2: Long Turn

In 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 main topic:

Cue Card

Describe a traditional festival celebrated in your country.
You should say:

• What the festival is called
• When it is celebrated
• What people do during this festival
• And explain why this festival is important to your country

Sample Answer (Band 8-9)

I’d like to talk about Tet, which is the Vietnamese Lunar New Year festival. It’s undoubtedly the most significant and widely celebrated holiday in Vietnam.

Tet typically falls in late January or early February, based on the lunar calendar. The festival officially lasts for three days, but celebrations can extend up to a week or even longer.

During Tet, there’s a flurry of activities and time-honored traditions. Families meticulously clean and decorate their homes to welcome the new year. People adorn their houses with vibrant flowers, particularly yellow apricot blossoms in the South and pink peach blossoms in the North. There’s also a custom of giving “li xi” or lucky money in red envelopes to children and elderly relatives.

One of the most cherished aspects of Tet is the family reunion. People travel long distances to return to their hometowns and gather with their loved ones. We enjoy elaborate feasts featuring traditional dishes like banh chung (sticky rice cake) and mut (candied fruits). Many also visit pagodas to pray for good fortune in the coming year.

Tet holds immense importance in Vietnamese culture for several reasons. Firstly, it marks a fresh start, symbolizing new hopes and aspirations. It’s a time when people can put aside past troubles and look forward to a prosperous future. Moreover, Tet plays a crucial role in preserving our cultural heritage. The festival’s rituals and customs are passed down through generations, helping to maintain our national identity in an increasingly globalized world.

Personally, I find Tet to be a magical time that brings families closer together and reinforces our cultural values. It’s a festival that truly captures the essence of Vietnamese tradition and spirit.

Follow-up Questions

Examiner: Thank you. Now, let me ask you a couple more questions about this topic.

1. Are there any aspects of Tet that young people find less interesting nowadays?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think some young people might find certain traditional aspects of Tet less interesting. For example, they may not be as excited about visiting relatives or participating in some of the more formal customs. Many prefer to spend time with friends or travel during the holiday instead.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Indeed, there’s been a noticeable shift in attitudes among the younger generation regarding some Tet traditions. Many young people find the extensive rounds of family visits somewhat tedious and may be less inclined to participate in elaborate rituals or adhere to superstitions. There’s a growing trend of using the extended holiday for travel or personal pursuits rather than strictly observing traditional customs. However, it’s worth noting that many young people still value the core essence of Tet, such as family reunions and cultural pride, even if they approach the celebrations in a more modern and flexible manner.

2. How has the celebration of Tet changed over the years?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Tet celebrations have changed quite a bit over the years. Nowadays, people tend to have shorter holidays and may not follow all the traditional customs as strictly. There’s also more influence from Western celebrations, and some people even travel abroad during Tet.

Band 8-9 Answer:
The celebration of Tet has undergone significant transformations in recent years, reflecting broader societal changes. While the fundamental spirit of the festival remains intact, there have been notable shifts in how it’s observed. For instance, the traditional week-long celebration has often been condensed to accommodate modern work schedules. We’re also seeing a blend of traditional and contemporary elements in Tet festivities, with some families opting for international travel or incorporating Western-style parties into their celebrations. Additionally, technology has played a role, with digital red envelopes and virtual gatherings becoming more common, especially in light of recent global events. Despite these changes, there’s been a renewed interest in preserving authentic Tet traditions among many Vietnamese, leading to a fascinating juxtaposition of old and new in today’s celebrations.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask you more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:

Q: How do festivals contribute to a country’s cultural identity?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Festivals are important for a country’s cultural identity because they show unique traditions and customs. They help people remember their history and feel connected to their culture. Festivals also let people share their culture with others, which can be good for tourism and understanding between different countries.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Festivals play a pivotal role in shaping and maintaining a country’s cultural identity. They serve as living repositories of traditions, rituals, and values that have been passed down through generations. By participating in these celebrations, people reaffirm their connection to their cultural roots and collectively reinforce their shared heritage.

Moreover, festivals act as powerful vehicles for cultural expression, showcasing a nation’s unique art forms, music, dance, and culinary traditions. They provide a platform for intergenerational transmission of knowledge and skills, ensuring that cultural practices remain vibrant and relevant.

In an increasingly globalized world, festivals also serve as distinctive markers of national identity, helping to differentiate one culture from another. They often become emblematic of a country’s image abroad, attracting tourists and fostering cultural exchange. This not only boosts cultural pride among citizens but also contributes to the nation’s soft power on the international stage.

Q: Do you think globalization is affecting traditional festivals? How?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think globalization is affecting traditional festivals. With more international influences, some traditional elements of festivals might be changing or becoming less important. However, globalization also allows people to share their festivals with a wider audience, which can help preserve them.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Globalization has undeniably had a profound impact on traditional festivals, resulting in both challenges and opportunities. On one hand, the homogenizing effect of global culture has led to some dilution of local traditions. We’re seeing a gradual erosion of certain customs as younger generations, exposed to global influences, may find some traditional practices less relevant or appealing.

However, it’s not all negative. Globalization has also facilitated a renewed interest in cultural heritage as people seek to maintain their unique identities in a connected world. It has enabled the cross-pollination of festival elements, leading to interesting fusions and adaptations. For instance, traditional festivals might incorporate modern technology or global trends while retaining their core cultural significance.

Moreover, globalization has amplified the reach of traditional festivals. Through social media and international tourism, local celebrations can now gain worldwide recognition, potentially ensuring their longevity and relevance. This global exposure often leads to a revitalization of traditions as communities take pride in showcasing their unique cultural heritage to a broader audience.

In essence, while globalization poses challenges to the authenticity of traditional festivals, it also offers avenues for their evolution and preservation in the modern world.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To elevate your IELTS Speaking performance when discussing traditional festivals, consider incorporating these sophisticated terms and expressions:

1. Cultural heritage /ˈkʌltʃərəl ˈherɪtɪdʒ/ (noun): The legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society.
   Example: “Tet is an integral part of Vietnam’s cultural heritage.”

2. Time-honored /taɪm ˈɒnəd/ (adjective): Respected or valued because it has existed for a long time.
   Example: “The festival involves many time-honored rituals and customs.”

3. Commemorate /kəˈmeməreɪt/ (verb): To recall and show respect for (someone or something) in a ceremony.
   Example: “This festival commemorates our ancestors and their contributions.”

4. Festive atmosphere /ˈfestɪv ˈætməsfɪə/ (noun phrase): The joyful and celebratory mood during a special event.
   Example: “The streets are filled with a festive atmosphere during the celebration.”

5. Intergenerational /ˌɪntədʒenəˈreɪʃənl/ (adjective): Relating to or affecting several generations.
   Example: “The festival provides an opportunity for intergenerational bonding within families.”

6. Culinary tradition /ˈkʌlɪnəri trəˈdɪʃn/ (noun phrase): The customary preparation and consumption of certain foods.
   Example: “Each region has its own culinary traditions associated with the festival.”

7. Symbolic significance /sɪmˈbɒlɪk sɪɡˈnɪfɪkəns/ (noun phrase): The importance or meaning represented by something.
   Example: “The lanterns released during the festival hold symbolic significance for hope and new beginnings.”

8. Cultural identity /ˈkʌltʃərəl aɪˈdentɪti/ (noun phrase): The identity of a group or culture, or of an individual as far as one is influenced by one’s belonging to a group or culture.
   Example: “Participating in traditional festivals helps reinforce our cultural identity.”

Examiner’s Advice

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

1. Prepare a range of vocabulary related to festivals, traditions, and cultural practices. Use these words naturally in your responses.

2. Practice describing festivals in detail, focusing on sensory details (sights, sounds, smells) to make your description vivid and engaging.

3. Develop your ideas fully. Don’t just list facts about the festival; explain its significance and your personal connection to it.

4. Use a variety of grammatical structures, including complex sentences, to demonstrate your language proficiency.

5. Be prepared to discuss broader themes related to festivals, such as cultural identity, globalization, and changing traditions.

6. Show critical thinking by discussing both positive and negative aspects of festivals or how they’ve changed over time.

7. Maintain fluency by practicing speaking at length about festivals and related topics. Aim for smooth delivery with minimal hesitation.

Remember, the key to success is not just knowing about the festival, but being able to discuss it articulately and thoughtfully. Regular practice and expanding your vocabulary will help you achieve this goal.

For more insights on discussing cultural topics in IELTS Speaking, you might find these resources helpful:

• Describe a Famous Cultural Event in Your Country
• Describe a Place in Your Country That is Famous for its Festivals

By following these tips and continuously practicing, you’ll be well-prepared to excel in your IELTS Speaking test when describing traditional festivals or any other cultural topic.