Mastering the Art of Describing Traditional Events in IELTS Speaking

Describing a unique traditional event from your culture is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows examiners to assess your ability to articulate cultural aspects, use descriptive language, and showcase your vocabulary range. Let’s explore how to excel in this topic and boost your IELTS Speaking score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about traditions and cultural events. Here are some possible questions:

1. Do you enjoy traditional events in your country?
2. How often do you participate in cultural celebrations?
3. What’s your favorite traditional festival?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the third question:

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“My favorite traditional festival is Diwali, the Festival of Lights. It’s a five-day celebration that usually falls in October or November. What I love most about Diwali is the way it brings families together and fills the streets with vibrant colors and joyous atmosphere. The sight of homes decorated with oil lamps and the sound of firecrackers really create a magical ambiance.”

Describe a local festival that is significant in your city for more insights on how to discuss cultural events effectively.

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a unique traditional event:

Describe a unique traditional event in your culture
You should say:
- What the event is
- When it takes place
- How people celebrate it
- And explain why you think this event is unique

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):

“I’d like to talk about the Holi festival, which is a colorful and lively celebration in India. Holi usually takes place in March, marking the arrival of spring.

During Holi, people gather in the streets and throw colored powder and water at each other. It’s a very joyful and playful event. Everybody gets covered in bright colors, and there’s a lot of laughter and fun.

What makes Holi unique is that it breaks down social barriers. During the festival, everyone participates regardless of age, social status, or background. It’s a time when people forget their differences and just enjoy being together.

I think Holi is special because it symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and the arrival of spring. The colors represent the vibrancy of life and new beginnings.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to delve into the Holi festival, a vibrant and exuberant celebration that epitomizes the cultural richness of India. This kaleidoscopic event typically unfolds in March, heralding the arrival of spring and symbolizing the triumph of good over evil.

The festivities commence with people congregating in the streets, armed with an arsenal of colored powders and water. The atmosphere is electric as participants douse each other in a rainbow of hues, creating a living canvas of joy and unity. The air is filled with laughter, music, and the intoxicating aroma of traditional sweets and delicacies.

What sets Holi apart is its unparalleled ability to dissolve social hierarchies. During this jubilant occasion, the usual societal demarcations fade away, and people from all walks of life come together in a spirit of camaraderie. It’s a time when age, status, and background become irrelevant, and the focus shifts to shared humanity and collective joy.

I believe Holi’s uniqueness lies in its powerful symbolism and its role as a social equalizer. The riot of colors not only represents the vibrancy of life and new beginnings but also serves as a metaphor for the diversity that defines Indian culture. Moreover, the festival’s ability to foster unity and break down barriers makes it a poignant reminder of our shared human experience, transcending the boundaries that often divide us in everyday life.”

Vibrant Holi festival celebration in India

Follow-up questions:

1. How has this traditional event changed over the years?
2. Do you think younger generations appreciate traditional events as much as older generations?

Sample Answer for Question 1 (Band 7-8):
“Holi has evolved significantly over the years. While the core essence remains the same, there have been notable changes. For instance, there’s now a greater emphasis on using eco-friendly colors to reduce environmental impact. Additionally, the celebration has become more inclusive, with people from various cultures participating. The scale of celebrations has also expanded, with many cities organizing large-scale Holi events and music festivals.”

Sample Answer for Question 2 (Band 8-9):
“The appreciation of traditional events by younger generations is a nuanced issue. While some young people wholeheartedly embrace these cultural celebrations, viewing them as a vital link to their heritage, others might perceive them as outdated or irrelevant to modern life. However, I’ve observed a growing trend of young individuals reinterpreting traditional events, infusing them with contemporary elements while preserving their core values. This fusion approach often resonates more strongly with the younger demographic, bridging the gap between tradition and modernity.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

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

1. How do traditional events contribute to a country’s cultural identity?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Traditional events play a crucial role in shaping a country’s cultural identity. They serve as a link to the past, helping people connect with their roots and understand their history. These events often showcase unique customs, rituals, and values that distinguish one culture from another. Moreover, they provide a sense of continuity and belonging, fostering social cohesion and national pride.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Traditional events are instrumental in forging and maintaining a country’s cultural identity. They serve as living repositories of a nation’s heritage, encapsulating centuries of history, beliefs, and social norms. These events act as cultural touchstones, providing a tangible connection to a shared past and reinforcing the collective identity of a community or nation. By perpetuating unique customs and rituals, traditional events demarcate the boundaries of cultural distinctiveness, setting one society apart from another in the global tapestry of cultures. Furthermore, they function as powerful vectors for intergenerational transmission of values and knowledge, ensuring the continuity and evolution of cultural identity over time.”

2. Do you think globalization is affecting traditional cultural practices?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Globalization has undoubtedly impacted traditional cultural practices. On one hand, it has led to a homogenization of cultures, with some local traditions being overshadowed by global trends. However, it has also created opportunities for cultural exchange and appreciation. Many traditional practices have gained international recognition and popularity due to globalization. While some aspects of traditional culture may be diluted, others are being reinvented and revitalized through global interactions.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Globalization has unequivocally left its imprint on traditional cultural practices, engendering a complex interplay of preservation and transformation. This global phenomenon has catalyzed a certain degree of cultural homogenization, with ubiquitous global trends occasionally eclipsing local traditions. However, it would be myopic to view globalization solely through this lens. Paradoxically, it has also engendered a renaissance of cultural appreciation and exchange. Many traditional practices have transcended their local confines, gaining international recognition and adherents. This global exposure has, in many cases, galvanized efforts to preserve and promote cultural heritage. While some facets of traditional culture may indeed be attenuated, others are undergoing a process of dynamic reinvention, synthesizing global influences with local essence. This cultural hybridization often results in innovative expressions of tradition that resonate with contemporary audiences while maintaining links to their roots.”

Globalization's impact on traditional culture

Describe a national event or holiday you enjoy celebrating to get more ideas on discussing cultural celebrations in your IELTS Speaking test.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

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

1. Epitomize /ɪˈpɪtəmaɪz/ (verb): To be a perfect example of something.
   Example: “The Holi festival epitomizes the vibrant spirit of Indian culture.”

2. Kaleidoscopic /kəˌlaɪdəˈskɒpɪk/ (adjective): Having complex patterns of colors; multifaceted.
   Example: “The celebration creates a kaleidoscopic display of colors and emotions.”

3. Jubilant /ˈdʒuːbɪlənt/ (adjective): Feeling or expressing great happiness and triumph.
   Example: “The streets are filled with jubilant revelers during the festival.”

4. Camaraderie /ˌkæməˈrɑːdəri/ (noun): Mutual trust and friendship among people who spend a lot of time together.
   Example: “The event fosters a sense of camaraderie among participants.”

5. Metaphor /ˈmetəfər/ (noun): A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable.
   Example: “The colors of Holi serve as a metaphor for life’s diversity.”

Remember to use these words naturally and in context to demonstrate your language proficiency effectively.

Describe a person who taught you something important for more ideas on how to structure your responses in the IELTS Speaking test.

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when describing traditional events:

1. Practice extensively: Familiarize yourself with various aspects of your culture’s traditional events.
2. Develop your vocabulary: Learn and use topic-specific words and idiomatic expressions.
3. Structure your answers: Use clear organization in your responses, especially for Part 2.
4. Provide specific examples: Support your points with relevant details and personal experiences.
5. Show enthusiasm: Demonstrate genuine interest in the topic through your tone and expressions.
6. Engage with the examiner: Maintain eye contact and respond naturally to follow-up questions.

By following these tips and incorporating sophisticated vocabulary, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss traditional events and other cultural topics in your IELTS Speaking test.

Describe a time when you traveled to a new place alone for more practice on structuring your responses in the IELTS Speaking test.