As an IELTS instructor with over two decades of experience, I’ve encountered numerous speaking prompts. One that frequently surfaces is “What public holiday do you have in your country?”. This seemingly simple question offers a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate your English proficiency. Let’s delve into how to master this cue card and impress your examiner.
Understanding the Cue Card’s Significance
The IELTS Speaking test evaluates your ability to communicate effectively in English. This specific question assesses several skills:
- Vocabulary: Do you possess a diverse range of words to describe celebrations, traditions, and emotions?
- Grammar: Can you accurately use tenses when discussing past events, present customs, and future holidays?
- Fluency and Coherence: Can you deliver a well-structured and easy-to-follow response?
- Pronunciation: Is your speech clear and understandable?
Tackling the “Public Holiday” Cue Card
1. Brainstorming and Selecting Your Holiday
Don’t rush into speaking! Take a moment to think about the public holidays in your country. Consider:
- Popularity: Which holidays are widely celebrated?
- Personal Significance: Do you have a favorite holiday with interesting stories or traditions?
- Ease of Explanation: Can you easily describe the holiday’s significance and customs to someone unfamiliar with your culture?
2. Structuring Your Response
A structured response ensures you cover all essential points and maintain coherence. Here’s a possible framework:
Introduction:
- Briefly introduce the holiday and its importance in your country.
- Example: “One of the most significant public holidays in my country is…”
Body Paragraphs:
- Describe the holiday: When is it celebrated? What is its historical or cultural significance?
- Example: “This holiday commemorates… It’s a time when people…”
- Explain how people celebrate: What are the common traditions, foods, or activities associated with the holiday?
- Example: “Families typically gather to… People often enjoy eating traditional dishes such as…”
- Share a personal experience or memory: This adds a touch of authenticity and personality to your response.
- Example: “I vividly remember one particular [holiday name] when…”
Conclusion:
- Briefly summarize the holiday’s importance and your personal feelings towards it.
- Example: “Overall, [holiday name] is a cherished holiday that brings people together. It’s a time for…”
3. Using Vivid Language
Ditch generic words and opt for descriptive language:
- Instead of “happy,” consider: joyful, festive, celebratory
- Instead of “important,” consider: significant, cherished, revered
- Instead of “celebrate,” consider: commemorate, observe, mark the occasion
Lunar New Year Celebration
4. Practice Makes Perfect
Practice makes perfect! Rehearse your response several times, focusing on fluency, pronunciation, and vocabulary. You can record yourself speaking to identify areas for improvement.
Example Response
“One of the most significant public holidays in my country is Lunar New Year, also known as Tet. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and is a time for renewal and family reunions.
During Tet, people clean and decorate their homes, prepare traditional foods like sticky rice cakes (Banh Chung), and visit relatives. Children receive lucky money in red envelopes, symbolizing good fortune for the year ahead.
I have fond memories of celebrating Tet with my family. We would gather at my grandparents’ house, share stories, and enjoy delicious meals together. It was a truly special time.
Overall, Tet is a joyous and meaningful holiday that brings families and communities together to celebrate the start of a new year.”
Tips for Success:
- Be Prepared: Familiarize yourself with common IELTS Speaking topics to avoid being caught off guard.
- Stay Relevant: Answer the specific question asked and avoid going off on tangents.
- Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through and share genuine experiences.
- Don’t Memorize: While practicing is crucial, avoid memorizing entire responses. Focus on understanding the structure and using flexible vocabulary.
Remember, confidence is key! By preparing thoroughly and practicing your speaking skills, you can confidently tackle the “What public holiday do you have in your country?” IELTS Speaking cue card and achieve your desired band score.
