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Describe A Festival That Is Important In Your Country: IELTS Cue Card

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Updated on Jul 02, 2024, 09:03

An IELTS Speaking cue card is a prompt given during the IELTS Speaking test where you are asked to speak about a specific topic for 1-2 minutes. This part of the test assesses your ability to speak fluently and coherently. 
 

The topic "Describe A Festival That Is Important In Your Country" asks you to discuss when the festival is celebrated, what people do during the festival, what you like or dislike about it, and why it is significant to you. 

 

On this page, we will explore detailed sample answers to guide you in effectively addressing this cue card topic.

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1. Describe A Festival That Is Important In Your Country: How to Answer?

When the cue card section starts, the examiner will hand you a card with a topic and some guiding points. You’ll have one minute to prepare your response and then speak for up to two minutes.

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2. Describe A Festival That Is Important In Your Country: Sample Answers

Now that you know how to answer the topic, we have provided sample answers for your reference. You should also note that you should curate answers to these questions wisely under these 4 categories mentioned above.

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3. Describe A Festival That Is Important In Your Country: Follow-Up Questions

In the IELTS Speaking Test, after you finish speaking about your cue card topic, the examiner will ask follow-up questions. This part of the test helps the examiner to assess your ability to express complex ideas, compare and contrast, and provide opinions.

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1.

Describe A Festival That Is Important In Your Country: How to Answer?

When the cue card section starts, the examiner will hand you a card with a topic and some guiding points. You’ll have one minute to prepare your response and then speak for up to two minutes.

 

Cue Card/Topic: Describe A Festival That Is Important In Your Country You should say
  • When the festival is celebrated?
  • What people do during this festival?
  • What you like or dislike about it?
  • Why this festival is important for you?

 

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The best way to answer a cue card is to break it down into smaller pieces: introduction, describing your experience, key highlights, and conclusion. Here’s how you can approach the topic "Describe A Festival That Is Important In Your Country”:

 

Introduction:

 

  • Briefly introduce the festival you are going to talk about.
  • Mention when the festival is celebrated.
  • State why you chose this festival.
  • Give a short overview of what you will discuss.

 

Describing Your Experience:

 

  • Share your personal experiences related to the festival.
  • Explain why you find this festival important or special.
  • Talk about any personal traditions or rituals you follow during the festival.

 

Key Highlights:

 

  • Describe the main activities or events that take place during the festival.
  • Mention any special foods, decorations, or customs.
  • Highlight any unique or interesting aspects of the festival.

 

Conclusion:

 

  • Summarise why this festival is important to you and your country.
  • Reflect on how the festival impacts you personally or culturally.
  • Conclude with a final thought or a memorable experience related to the festival.

 

By following this structure, you can ensure your response is clear, organised, and within the two-minute limit.

 

Also read: IELTS Speaking Questions with Answers 2024 

 

Pace Up Your IELTS Preparation With Our Expert Masterclass!

2.

Describe A Festival That Is Important In Your Country: Sample Answers

Now that you know how to answer the topic, we have provided sample answers for your reference. You should also note that you should curate answers to these questions wisely under these 4 categories mentioned above.

 

Sample Answer 1
Sample Answer 2
Sample Answer 3

Introduction ( Covers: When the festival is celebrated?)

 

  • Diwali, known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated in October or November every year, depending on the lunar calendar.
  • It is one of the most important festivals in India, marking the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile.
  • People across India celebrate Diwali with great enthusiasm and joy.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest  ( Covers: What people do during this festival?)

 

  • During Diwali, my family and I clean and decorate our house with colourful rangoli patterns and bright lights.
  • We make a variety of sweets and savoury snacks, like laddoos, barfis, and samosas, to share with friends and neighbours.
  • On Diwali night, we perform a Lakshmi Puja, praying for prosperity and good fortune.
  • I particularly enjoy the festive atmosphere, with everyone dressed in new clothes and visiting each other’s homes.

 

Key Highlights ( Covers: What you like or dislike about it?)

 

  • One of the things I like most about Diwali is lighting diyas and candles all around the house. It creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
  • I also love the fireworks display. The vibrant colours and patterns in the sky are truly mesmerising.
  • Another aspect I enjoy is the exchange of gifts and sweets. It strengthens bonds with family and friends and brings a sense of joy and togetherness.
  • However, one thing I dislike is the noise and pollution caused by fireworks. It can be quite overwhelming and harmful to the environment.

 

Conclusion (Covers: Why this festival is important for you?)

 

  • Diwali is important to me because it brings my family together and reinforces our cultural traditions.
  • The festival is a time of joy, celebration, and reflection on the values of good over evil.
  • Personally, Diwali creates lasting memories every year, from decorating the house to enjoying the festivities.
  • In conclusion, Diwali is not just a festival; it is a celebration of light, love, and togetherness, making it an essential part of my life and culture.
3.

Describe A Festival That Is Important In Your Country: Follow-Up Questions

In the IELTS Speaking Test, after you finish speaking about your cue card topic, the examiner will ask follow-up questions. This part of the test helps the examiner to assess your ability to express complex ideas, compare and contrast, and provide opinions.

 

These questions are related to the topic you just spoke about and are meant to encourage a deeper discussion. Be prepared to discuss broader issues and give detailed answers.


 

Follow-Up Question 1

Question 1: Do children like to learn about traditional festivals?

 

Ans 1: I believe children enjoy learning about traditional festivals. They find the stories and rituals fascinating and often look forward to participating in the celebrations. For example, during Pongal, children love making kolam designs and helping to prepare special dishes. These activities not only entertain them but also instil a sense of cultural pride and knowledge.

 

Ans 2: Yes, children do like learning about traditional festivals. It gives them a chance to connect with their heritage and understand their cultural roots. In my experience, children are excited about festivals like Pongal because of the vibrant activities, such as decorating the house and taking part in traditional games. These experiences make learning about festivals enjoyable and meaningful for them.

Follow-Up Question 2

Question 2: What’s the difference between festivals now and in the past?

 

Ans 1: Festivals today are often more commercialised compared to the past. In earlier times, celebrations were simpler and more community-focused. For example, Pongal used to be a purely agricultural festival with rituals centred around farming. Nowadays, there are more elaborate decorations and a focus on entertainment, which sometimes overshadows the traditional aspects.

 

Ans 2: The main difference between festivals now and in the past is the influence of modern technology and media. In the past, festivals like Pongal were celebrated with local customs and traditions passed down through generations. Today, social media and advertisements play a big role in how festivals are celebrated, often making them more about social gatherings and less about traditional rituals.

Follow-Up Question 3

Question 3: Do you think it is wrong for children not to celebrate traditional festivals?

 

Ans 1: I think it is important for children to celebrate traditional festivals as it helps them understand their cultural heritage. However, I don't think it's wrong if they don't. Every family has different circumstances and beliefs. What's important is that children are given the opportunity to learn about their traditions and choose how they want to celebrate them.

 

Ans 2: I don't think it's necessarily wrong for children not to celebrate traditional festivals, but it is beneficial for them to do so. Celebrating festivals like Pongal helps children appreciate their cultural roots and understand the values and customs of their community. That said, it's crucial to respect individual choices and ensure that children feel included in whatever traditions their family observes.

Follow-Up Question 4

Question 4: What kind of special food/drink can you get at festivals?

 

Ans 1: During Pongal, you can enjoy a variety of special foods. The main dish is the Pongal rice, a sweet and savoury pudding made with rice, milk, and jaggery. Another popular item is vadai, a savoury fritter. We also make sweet dishes like sakkarai pongal and coconut-based sweets. These foods are unique to the festival and add to the celebratory atmosphere.

 

Ans 2: Surprises are not always inherently positive and can sometimes have negative consequences. While pleasant surprises may bring joy and excitement, unexpected challenges or setbacks can lead to stress and discomfort. For instance, a surprise test at school may cause anxiety for unprepared students. However, surprises can also provide valuable learning experiences and opportunities for personal growth, encouraging resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.

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FAQs

Q. What are common mistakes in IELTS speaking?

Ans. Common mistakes in the IELTS speaking test include hesitating or pausing frequently, using repetitive language or vocabulary, providing vague or incomplete responses, and failing to address all parts of the question. Practice regularly and seek feedback to avoid these pitfalls and improve your performance.
 

Q. What are the 4 criteria for IELTS speaking?

Ans. The four criteria for assessing performance in the IELTS speaking test are fluency and coherence, lexical resource (vocabulary range), grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. Examiners evaluate candidates based on their ability to communicate effectively, use a range of vocabulary and grammar structures, and demonstrate clear and intelligible pronunciation.

Q. Can I retake IELTS Speaking only?

Ans. If you wish to retake only the IELTS speaking test, you must retake the entire IELTS exam, including all four components (listening, reading, writing, and speaking). You cannot retake individual sections of the test separately.