When preparing for the IELTS Speaking test, candidates often encounter questions about their culture and traditions. One common topic is describing a unique custom from your culture. This article will guide you through answering such questions effectively, providing sample answers and valuable tips to help you achieve a high score.

Describe a recent family tradition you celebrated can be a great way to practice talking about cultural customs. Let’s explore how to approach this topic in each part of the IELTS Speaking test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about customs and traditions. Here are some possible questions:

1. Are there any special customs in your country?
2. Do you enjoy participating in traditional festivals?
3. How important are customs and traditions in your culture?

Let’s focus on the first question. Here’s a sample answer:

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):

“Yes, there are several unique customs in my country. One that stands out is the Lunar New Year celebration, which is the most important festival in Vietnam. It’s a time when families come together to honor ancestors, exchange gifts, and enjoy traditional foods. What makes it special is the emphasis on new beginnings and good fortune for the coming year.”

Part 2: Long Turn

For Part 2, you might receive a cue card like this:

Describe a unique custom in your culture
You should say:
- What the custom is
- When and where it takes place
- Who participates in it
- And explain why you think this custom is unique

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about a unique custom in Vietnamese culture called ‘Tet Nguyen Dan,’ or simply ‘Tet,’ which is our Lunar New Year celebration. This festival typically takes place in late January or early February, depending on the lunar calendar.

Tet is celebrated throughout Vietnam, from bustling cities to remote villages. It’s a nationwide event that brings the entire country to a standstill for several days. The custom involves a series of rituals and traditions that make it truly special.

One of the most distinctive aspects of Tet is the concept of ‘first foot,’ where the first person to enter a home in the new year is believed to influence the family’s fortune. Families often carefully select this person based on their perceived luck and success.

Another unique element is the practice of ‘xông đất,’ where people visit each other’s homes to offer New Year wishes. This creates a wonderful sense of community and reinforces social bonds.

The festival is characterized by its vibrant atmosphere, with streets adorned with colorful decorations, particularly red and yellow, which are considered lucky colors. Families prepare elaborate feasts, featuring traditional dishes like bánh chưng (sticky rice cakes) and mứt (candied fruits).

What makes Tet truly unique, in my opinion, is its blend of ancient traditions and modern celebrations. While we maintain age-old customs like ancestor worship and giving lucky money in red envelopes, we’ve also incorporated contemporary elements like fireworks displays and street performances.

The festival’s emphasis on family reunions and renewal sets it apart from many other New Year celebrations worldwide. It’s a time when even those who have moved away make every effort to return home, creating a powerful sense of unity and cultural identity.

In essence, Tet encapsulates the heart of Vietnamese culture, combining respect for tradition, family values, and hope for the future in a way that is both deeply meaningful and joyously festive.”

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):

“I want to talk about Tet, which is the Vietnamese New Year. It happens in January or February every year. People celebrate it all over Vietnam.

During Tet, families get together and eat special food. They also give lucky money to children and visit relatives. The streets are very colorful with decorations and flowers.

One thing that makes Tet unique is the idea of the ‘first foot.’ This is the first person to enter your house in the new year. People think this person can bring good or bad luck.

I think Tet is special because it’s a time when everyone in Vietnam celebrates together. It’s very important for family and tradition.”

Follow-up questions:

1. How has this custom changed over the years?
2. Do you think young people are less interested in traditional customs?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“Tet has undoubtedly evolved over the years, adapting to the changing socio-economic landscape of Vietnam. While the core traditions remain intact, there’s been a noticeable shift in how people celebrate. For instance, the duration of the holiday has shortened in urban areas as businesses resume operations more quickly. Additionally, there’s been a trend towards more elaborate public celebrations, with cities organizing grand fireworks displays and cultural performances.

The advent of technology has also influenced Tet customs. Many people now send digital red envelopes through mobile apps, alongside the traditional physical ones. Social media plays a significant role too, with people sharing New Year wishes and photos of their celebrations online.

However, it’s important to note that these changes haven’t diminished the cultural significance of Tet. If anything, they’ve helped to keep the tradition relevant and accessible to younger generations.”

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):

“Tet has changed a bit over the years. Now, people don’t celebrate for as many days as before, especially in big cities. There are more public events like fireworks shows.

People also use technology more during Tet. They send New Year wishes on social media and sometimes give lucky money through apps.

But the main ideas of Tet, like family time and traditional food, are still the same.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to customs and traditions. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:

1. Why do you think some traditions survive while others die out?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“The survival of traditions is a complex interplay of various factors. Traditions that endure often have a strong emotional or cultural resonance that continues to be meaningful to people across generations. They might be closely tied to core values or beliefs that remain important in society.

Adaptability is another crucial factor. Traditions that can evolve and remain relevant in changing times are more likely to survive. For instance, many religious festivals have incorporated modern elements while maintaining their core spiritual significance.

On the other hand, traditions may die out if they lose their relevance or conflict with contemporary values. Economic factors can also play a role – traditions that are costly or impractical to maintain in modern society might gradually disappear.

The role of education and intergenerational transmission is vital too. Traditions that are actively taught and passed down within families or communities have a better chance of survival. This is why we often see concerted efforts to preserve cultural heritage through education and cultural programs.”

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):

“I think traditions survive when they are still important to people. If a tradition has a strong meaning or is fun to do, people will keep doing it.

Some traditions die out because they don’t fit with modern life. Maybe they’re too expensive or take too much time. Or sometimes young people just aren’t interested in them anymore.

It’s also important for older people to teach traditions to younger ones. If this doesn’t happen, the traditions might be forgotten.”

2. How do globalization and technology affect traditional customs?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“Globalization and technology have had a profound impact on traditional customs, creating both challenges and opportunities. On one hand, these forces can lead to the homogenization of culture, potentially eroding local traditions as global trends become more prevalent. The ease of international travel and communication means that people are increasingly exposed to and influenced by customs from around the world.

However, technology has also provided new platforms for preserving and sharing traditional customs. Social media and online platforms allow communities to document and disseminate information about their traditions to a global audience. This can help in reviving interest in forgotten customs and fostering cultural pride.

Interestingly, globalization has in some cases sparked a renewed interest in local traditions as people seek to maintain their cultural identity in an increasingly interconnected world. We’re seeing a trend of ‘glocalization,’ where global and local influences blend to create unique cultural expressions.

Technology has also enabled the adaptation of traditional customs to modern contexts. For example, virtual reality technology is being used to recreate traditional ceremonies or historical sites, making them accessible to people who might not otherwise be able to experience them.

Ultimately, while globalization and technology pose challenges to traditional customs, they also offer tools for their preservation and evolution. The key lies in finding a balance between embracing global connections and maintaining cultural distinctiveness.”

Technology preserving traditional customs in the digital age

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):

“Globalization and technology can make it harder to keep traditional customs. People see different cultures on TV and the internet, and they might prefer these new ideas.

But technology can also help keep traditions alive. People can share videos of their customs online, so others can learn about them. Sometimes this makes people more interested in their own traditions.

Technology can change how we do traditional things too. For example, people might use apps to learn about their culture or join in festivals online.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To achieve a high score in IELTS Speaking, it’s crucial to use a range of sophisticated vocabulary and complex structures. Here are some key terms and phrases related to describing customs and traditions:

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

2. Time-honored /taɪm ˈɒnəd/ (adjective): Having been respected for a long time.
   Example: “The Lunar New Year celebration is a time-honored tradition in many Asian countries.”

3. Rituals /ˈrɪtʃuəlz/ (noun): A series of actions performed in a prescribed order.
   Example: “The festival involves several rituals, including paying respects to ancestors.”

4. Customs /ˈkʌstəmz/ (noun): A traditional and widely accepted way of behaving or doing something.
   Example: “One of the unique customs during Tet is the practice of ‘xông đất’.”

5. Preserve /prɪˈzɜːv/ (verb): Maintain (something) in its original or existing state.
   Example: “It’s important to preserve our cultural traditions for future generations.”

6. Commemorate /kəˈmeməreɪt/ (verb): Recall and show respect for (someone or something) in a ceremony.
   Example: “The festival commemorates the beginning of spring and the new lunar year.”

7. Intergenerational /ˌɪntədʒenəˈreɪʃənl/ (adjective): Relating to, involving, or affecting several generations.
   Example: “Tet is an intergenerational celebration that brings together family members of all ages.”

Examiner’s Advice

To score high in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a unique custom in your culture:

1. Use a wide range of vocabulary: Incorporate sophisticated words and phrases related to culture and traditions.

2. Provide specific details: Don’t just give general information. Include specific rituals, dates, or elements that make the custom unique.

3. Use complex sentence structures: Mix simple and complex sentences to demonstrate your language proficiency.

4. Show enthusiasm: Speak passionately about your culture to engage the examiner.

5. Practice coherence: Ensure your ideas flow logically from one point to the next.

6. Be prepared for follow-up questions: Think about how the custom has changed over time or its significance in modern society.

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Practice regularly, record yourself, and listen back to identify areas for improvement.

Describe a place you visited with your family can be another great topic to practice your speaking skills, as it often involves describing cultural experiences and traditions.

By following these tips and using the sample answers as inspiration, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss unique customs in your culture during your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your preparation!