As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I often get asked about specific questions that might appear in the IELTS Speaking test. One such question is, “Do you like any holidays in other countries?” This seemingly simple question can actually be a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate your English proficiency and cultural awareness. This article will guide you on how to formulate a compelling response, providing tips and examples to help you excel in your IELTS Speaking exam.
Understanding the Question’s Intent
While the question seems straightforward, examiners are looking for more than just a simple “yes” or “no.” They are assessing:
- Vocabulary: Your ability to use a range of vocabulary related to holidays, celebrations, and cultural practices.
- Grammar: Your command of complex sentence structures and accurate grammatical usage.
- Fluency and Coherence: Your ability to speak smoothly and logically, connecting your ideas in a clear and understandable way.
- Pronunciation: Your ability to be understood clearly and naturally.
Crafting Your Response
1. Choosing a Holiday
You don’t need to know every holiday in the world to answer this question effectively. Choose one that genuinely interests you and that you know enough about to discuss for a minute or two. Some popular choices include:
- Diwali (India): The festival of lights, known for its vibrant decorations, delicious sweets, and celebratory atmosphere.
- Chinese New Year (China and other East Asian countries): A time for family reunions, traditional dances, and the iconic dragon and lion dances.
- Rio Carnival (Brazil): A world-famous festival celebrated with parades, elaborate costumes, music, and dancing.
- Thanksgiving (United States): A holiday focused on gratitude, family gatherings, and a large, traditional meal.
2. Structure Your Answer
A well-structured answer will demonstrate your fluency and coherence. Here’s a possible structure:
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Introduction: Briefly state the holiday you’ve chosen and where it’s celebrated.
- “One holiday from another country that I find fascinating is…”
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Body Paragraphs: Describe the holiday in more detail. Focus on aspects like:
- Traditions and customs: What do people typically do during this holiday? (e.g., special foods, rituals, decorations)
- Significance: What is the historical or cultural meaning behind this celebration?
- Personal Appeal: Why do you find this particular holiday interesting?
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Conclusion: Summarize your thoughts and perhaps mention if you’d like to experience this holiday firsthand.
- “Overall, I think [holiday] is a beautiful celebration of…”
3. Example Response
“One holiday from another country that I find fascinating is Diwali, the festival of lights celebrated in India. I’ve always been drawn to its vibrant and joyful atmosphere. During Diwali, people decorate their homes with lights and candles, wear new clothes, and exchange gifts and sweets. I understand it symbolizes the victory of good over evil and light over darkness, which I find to be a beautiful sentiment. I’ve seen some stunning photos and videos of Diwali celebrations, and I’d love to experience it in person someday.”
Tips for Success
- Be enthusiastic: Speaking with passion and genuine interest will make your answer more engaging.
- Use descriptive language: Bring the holiday to life by using vivid adjectives and adverbs to describe the sights, sounds, and emotions associated with it.
- Be mindful of time: Practice keeping your answer concise and to the point, aiming for about 1-2 minutes.
Conclusion
The “Do you like any holidays in other countries?” IELTS Speaking question is an opportunity to showcase your language skills and cultural knowledge. By choosing a holiday you’re genuinely interested in and structuring your response effectively, you can demonstrate your English proficiency and leave a positive impression on the examiner. Good luck!