Describe a festival that is important in your country IELTS speaking cue card

Describe a festival that is important in your country cue card - sample answer 1

Introduction

A festival is a unique occasion that a community celebrates, usually centred around one or more defining features of the group's religion or culture. I will now discuss one of the significant festivals in our nation.

When the festival is celebrated?

Holi, or the Festival of Colors, is one of the most important celebrations observed in India. It is celebrated on the day following the full moon in the month of Phalguna, which typically occurs in March. The nation celebrates the holiday, which heralds the approach of spring, with great joy and happiness.

What do people do during this festival?

People congregate in public areas and participate in colourful celebrations during Holi. The festival's most exciting feature is the water and coloured powder hurling competition. Water balloons are used to throw at one another, and coloured powder is applied to faces. People dance, sing, and laugh as they celebrate the victory of good over evil.

What do you like or dislike about it?

I find the spirit of harmony and togetherness that Holi offers very appealing. People of various ages, castes, and cultural backgrounds join together to celebrate this celebration, which cuts across social and cultural barriers. It creates a sense of community and encourages inclusivity. People put aside their disagreements and enthusiastically participate in the celebrations during this period.

However, the usage of artificial colours for Holi, which can be bad for the environment and skin, is one thing I don't like about it. The broad availability of synthetic colours has raised concerns despite natural plant-based colours being previously used. To counteract these problems, initiatives are being undertaken to promote organic and eco-friendly colour schemes.

Explain why this festival is important in your country?

In India, Holi is a festival with great cultural and social significance. Against the backdrop of the Prahlada and Holika mythology, it represents the triumph of good over evil. It also heralds the arrival of spring, a time of rebirth and fresh starts. Holi is a time to let go of old grudges, make amends, and practice forgiveness. It inspires people to unite, rejoice in life, and share happiness.

Conclusion

To sum up, Holi is a significant Indian holiday that commemorates the coming of spring and the victory of good over evil. It's a time to get together, have fun with colour, and deepen relationships. Even with the worries about artificial colouring, Holi is still a beloved celebration that encourages harmony, happiness, and a sense of community.

Describe a festival that is important in your country cue card - sample answer 2

Introduction

India is a country full of festivities and celebrations. Throughout the nation, many festivals are observed with fervour and happiness. Diwali, often known as the festival of lights, is one of the most significant celebrations in India. Since I was a child, I have been enjoying this holiday, so it is quite significant to me.

When the festival is celebrated?

People celebrate Diwali on the new moon day of the Hindu month of Kartik, which often occurs in October or November. The primary celebration day falls on the third day of the five-day festival.

What do people do during this festival?

On the occasion of Diwali, people decorate their homes with diyas, lights, and flowers. Kids decorate houses with rangoli. In addition, people prepare delicious meals, including sweets, to share with others. Moreover, in the evening, people burst crackers and visit each other's houses.

What do you like or dislike about it?

I adore the joyous mood that prevails throughout Diwali. Everyone is in a festive mood as the entire nation is illuminated by lights. It's a time when people get together to celebrate the victory of good over evil with their family and friends.

Explain why this festival is important in your country?

India celebrates Diwali, a significant holiday that represents the victory of good over evil. It is observed to honour Lord Rama's return to his country following his victory over the evil king Ravana. The event is linked to Lakshmi, the goddess of riches, and is regarded as a fortunate time to begin new projects and make investments. In general, Diwali is a celebration that unites people and disperses joy and optimism.

Conclusion

All things considered, Diwali is a happy holiday that unites people to celebrate light, love, and fresh starts.

Describe a festival that is important in your country cue card - sample answer 3

Introduction

Festivals aim to encourage national integration and unity, invigorate the senses, and remind people of cultural values. Here, I'm going to talk about a festival observed throughout India to express gratitude to God and the natural world.

When the festival is celebrated?

A harvest celebration celebrated by the Tamilians is called Pongal. It is a four-day celebration that signifies the start of Thai, an auspicious month in Tamil. This festival is one of South India's most well-known harvest celebrations and is held in the middle of January each year.

What do people do during this festival?

The Pongal Festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm. People make a special dish called Pongal, clean their homes, and adorn them with vibrant kolams, or rangoli. They present this dish to the Sun God as a token of their appreciation.

What do you like or dislike about it?

I enjoy celebrating festivals, particularly Pongal, which is a very significant occasion for us since it honours the farming heritage of my father and grandfather. We have four days to celebrate. My favourite thing to do is decorate my house with flowers and other other paintings. Also, on the last day, my cousins and I generally take a bullock cart trip around the village at the conclusion of the day.

Explain why this festival is important in your country?

It's a celebration honouring Mother Nature, the Sun, and all the farm animals that provide a plentiful harvest. In addition to being celebrated over four days, Pongal also heralds the start of Thai, an auspicious month in Tamil.

Conclusion

Pongal is a wonderful life lesson and celebration. It teaches us to respect all life, share our blessings, be grateful, and celebrate life with one another.

IELTS speaking cue card - Follow up questions

Question: Are traditional holidays disappearing?

Answer: No, days that are significant both historically and culturally are still observed. Educational institutions educate students about the significance of special days. In schools and colleges, special events are held to commemorate culturally significant holidays like Diwali, Dussehra, Basant Panchami, and others.

Question: Do children like to learn about traditional festivals?

Answer: Children frequently show excitement and curiosity when they hear about traditional celebrations. These festivities give a window into the community's rich cultural past and offer opportunities for inquiry, storytelling, and practical experiences.

Question: Is music important to traditional festivals?

Answer: Yes, music is a big part of traditional celebrations. It sets the tone and improves the entire experience by bringing a lively and joyous ambience to the festivities.

Question: What is the importance of traditional festivals?

Answer: Because traditional festivals fulfil so many functions in society, they are extremely important. They serve as a forum for the expression of culture, protecting and advancing distinctive rites, customs, and traditions that have been handed down through the ages.

Question: What’s the difference between festivals now and in the past?

Answer: The days of commemorating festivals only for their cultural significance are long gone. The pendulum has now flipped to the opposite side. These days, people are more interested in showing it off. Rather than appreciating the spirit of the day, they shoot images at festivals in order to upload them and receive likes.

Question: Do you think Western festivals like Christmas are replacing traditional festivals in your country?

Answer: Yes, the arrival of Western celebrations like Christmas and Halloween has influenced Hollywood and Western films. For the last two or three years, I have also asked my parents for gifts during the Christmas season and decorated a tree.

Question: Do you think it is wrong for children not to celebrate traditional festivals?

Answer: I wish today's kids were as enthusiastic about honouring traditional celebrations as they are about honouring Western celebrations. But I don't believe this is incorrect. Festivals, in my opinion, should be about joy and celebration; it doesn't matter which holidays people celebrate as long as they have a good time.

Question: What kind of special food/drink can you get at festivals?

Answer: Since I live in southern India, we cook different holiday meals. When it comes to Diwali, we cook both savoury and sweet dishes.

Question: Is it important for children to learn about traditional festivals at school?

Answer: Yes, kids must learn about traditional festivals in school. Schools are the best places to teach them about historical events and the significance of the festival, which will help them learn and celebrate. They will also learn about the value of family celebration and certain model values.

Question: Why do people hold events to celebrate?

Answer: Celebrations are held for a variety of purposes, such as joyous expression, strengthening ties within the community, and remembering events of cultural or religious significance. Festivities foster a feeling of cohesion, a common identity, and a chance for happiness among all.

Question: Do you think good food and drinks are important for celebrations?

Answer: In my opinion, a party is not complete without food and beverages. Some were eager to celebrate the celebration since they were cooking, especially since people need energy to be active after enjoying themselves.

Conclusion

You can easily overcome the IELTS speaking cue card question challenge by providing thoughtful and honest answers to your queries. Taking practice tests or mock exams will help you improve your skills and raise your overall IELTS Speaking section score.

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