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IELTSTM CUE CARD

Describe An Interesting Tradition In Your Country: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

Updated on Nov 12, 2024, 08:51

Overview

An IELTS Speaking cue card is a prompt given to candidates during the IELTS Speaking test to help them structure their response on a particular topic. These cue cards are designed to assess your ability to speak fluently and coherently.

 

Today, we will explore the topic: “Describe An Interesting Tradition In Your Country.” This could be a festival, a cultural practice, or a unique event that brings people together. You’ll discuss what the tradition is, who participates, what activities are involved, and how you feel about it.

 

On this page, we’ll delve into sample answers for this cue card topic, guiding you on how to effectively structure your response.

 

Cue Card/Topic: Describe An Interesting Tradition In Your Country

You should say

  • What does it look like?
  • When did you see it?
  • Where did you see it?
  • Explain why it is interesting.
Sample Answer 1

Introduction ( Covers: What is it?)

 

  • One fascinating tradition in India is Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights. Diwali is celebrated across the country with immense joy and enthusiasm. 
  • It signifies the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. 
  • People from all walks of life participate in this vibrant festival.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest  ( Covers: Who takes part in it?)

 

  • During Diwali, families come together to celebrate. 
  • I take part in this tradition every year with my family and friends. 
  • We decorate our homes with colourful rangolis and bright oil lamps. 
  • This tradition has always been special to me because it brings a sense of unity and joy.

 

Key Highlights ( Covers: What activities are there?)

 

  • One of the main activities during Diwali is lighting oil lamps and fireworks. 
  • People also perform pujas, particularly the Lakshmi Puja, to seek blessings from the goddess of wealth. 
  • Exchanging sweets and gifts with neighbours and friends is another delightful aspect of the festival. 
  • The streets are filled with bustling markets, and the air is filled with the aroma of festive delicacies.

 

Conclusion (Covers: How you feel about it?)

 

  • Diwali holds a special place in my heart because of its cultural and social significance. 
  • It’s a time when communities come together, forgetting their differences, to celebrate harmony and prosperity. 
  • Over the years, while some practices have modernised, the essence of the festival remains the same. 
  • I feel a deep connection to this tradition, as it reminds me of the rich heritage and values of our country.

 

Sample Answer 2

Introduction  (Covers: What is it?)

 

  • An intriguing tradition in India is Holi, the Festival of Colours. 
  • Holi is celebrated nationwide, marking the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil. 
  • It is a time of joy, where people from various backgrounds come together to revel in the festivities.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: Who takes part in it?)

 

  • Every year, I eagerly participate in Holi with my family and friends. 
  • We gather in the morning to prepare vibrant colours and fill water balloons. 
  • Playing Holi has always been a delightful experience for me, as it brings out the child in everyone and strengthens our bonds. 
  • The enthusiasm and joy shared during this festival make it truly special.

 

Key Highlights ( Covers: What activities are there?)

 

  • The main activity during Holi involves throwing coloured powders and water at each other. 
  • People also sing and dance to traditional songs, adding to the festive atmosphere. 
  • Special sweets like gujiya and beverages like thandai are prepared and shared among everyone. 
  • Bonfires, known as Holika Dahan, are lit the night before to signify the victory of good over evil.

 

Conclusion (Covers: How you feel about it?)

 

  • Holi is a festival that holds immense cultural and social importance in India. 
  • It’s a time when people forget their differences and come together to celebrate unity and love. 
  • Although some aspects of the celebration have evolved, the core essence of Holi remains intact. 
  • I cherish this tradition deeply, as it symbolises joy, renewal, and the vibrant spirit of our culture.

 

Sample Answer 3

Introduction (Covers: What is it?)

 

  • One captivating tradition in India is Pongal, a harvest festival celebrated primarily in Tamil Nadu. 
  • Pongal is a four-day festival marking the end of the winter solstice and thanking the sun god for a bountiful harvest. 
  • It's a time of gratitude and joy involving people from various communities.

 

Describing Your Experience/Opinion/Interest (Covers: Who takes part in it?)

 

  • I take part in Pongal celebrations every year with my family in our village. 
  • We start by cleaning and decorating our homes with colourful kolams. 
  • For me, Pongal is a time to connect with my roots and appreciate the agricultural traditions that sustain us. 
  • The sense of community and gratitude during this festival is truly heartwarming.

 

Key Highlights  (Covers: What activities are there?)

 

  • During Pongal, we prepare a special dish called 'Pongal,' made from freshly harvested rice, milk, and jaggery. 
  • We gather in open spaces to cook this dish while offering prayers to the sun god. 
  • Traditional dances and music add to the festive spirit, and we also enjoy bull-taming events known as Jallikattu. 
  • Sharing sweets and savouries with neighbours is another joyful activity.

 

Conclusion (Covers: How you feel about it?)

 

  • Pongal is a festival that holds great significance in our culture, symbolising gratitude and prosperity. 
  • It’s a time when families and communities come together to celebrate the harvest and honour nature. 
  • Although some practices have modernised, the essence of Pongal remains the same. 
  • I deeply value this tradition as it reminds me of the importance of gratitude and community in our lives.

When the cue card section starts, the examiner will hand you a card with a topic and some points to cover. You’ll have one minute to prepare and two minutes to speak on the topic.

 

Here’s how you can approach the topic "Describe An Interesting Tradition In Your Country:

 

Introduction:

 

  • Briefly introduce the tradition.
  • Mention its name and significance.
  • State who typically participates.
  • Highlight when and where it takes place.

 

Describing Your Experience:

 

  • Share a personal experience or your connection to the tradition.
  • Express why you find it interesting or meaningful.
  • Describe any memorable moments.
  • Mention how it has impacted you or your community.

 

Key Highlights:

 

  • Detail the main activities or rituals involved.
  • Explain any special customs or unique aspects.
  • Highlight any notable symbols, food, or attire.
  • Describe the atmosphere and the overall vibe during the tradition.

 

Conclusion:

 

  • Summarise why this tradition is important to you and your country.
  • Reflect on its cultural or social significance.
  • Mention any changes or evolutions in the tradition over time.
  • Conclude with your final thoughts or feelings about it.

 

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

 

Also Read:

 

Follow-Up Questions

After completing the cue card round in the IELTS Speaking test, the examiner will ask follow-up questions related to the topic you discussed. These questions aim to delve deeper into your thoughts and opinions, assessing your ability to elaborate and engage in a more extended conversation. 

Q1. What’s the difference between festivals now and in the past?

Answer 1: In the past, festivals were more community-centric, with everyone actively participating in traditional rituals and practices. Nowadays, while the essence remains, celebrations have become more individualised and modernised, often incorporating contemporary elements like music concerts and social media.

 

Answer 2: Previously, festivals were simple and centred around cultural traditions and local customs. Today, they are more commercialised, with a significant emphasis on elaborate decorations, themed parties, and social media presence. The core values remain, but the way we celebrate has evolved with time.

Q2: What is the importance of traditional festivals?

Answer 1: Traditional festivals are crucial as they preserve our cultural heritage and connect us to our roots. They provide a sense of identity and continuity, fostering community spirit and passing on customs and values to future generations.

 

Answer 2: Traditional festivals play a vital role in bringing families and communities together. They are a time for people to celebrate their shared history and values, reinforcing social bonds and offering a sense of belonging and cultural pride.

Q3: Do you think festivals like Christmas are replacing traditional festivals in your country?

Answer 1: I don’t think so. While festivals like Christmas are becoming popular due to globalisation, traditional festivals still hold a special place in our culture. People might celebrate both, but they maintain the distinct significance of traditional festivals.

 

Answer 2: No, I believe traditional festivals remain deeply rooted in our culture. Christmas and other global festivals are celebrated alongside, adding to the diversity of our festive calendar rather than replacing our traditional ones.
 

Q4: Do you think the traditions in your country are restricted, especially for women, in any sense?

Answer 1: In some cases, traditional roles and expectations can place certain restrictions on women during festivals. However, these practices are gradually changing, with a growing emphasis on gender equality and inclusivity.

 

Answer 2: Historically, some traditions have imposed limitations on women, often confining them to specific roles during festivals. However, societal progress and changing mindsets are leading to more inclusive celebrations where women participate equally in all aspects.

FAQs

Q. How to make notes for cue card IELTS?

Ans. When making notes for the cue card, jot down key points and ideas related to the topic. Organise your notes to cover the introduction, main points, and conclusion, and include relevant vocabulary and phrases. Efficient note-taking can help you deliver a coherent and structured response. 

Q. Is eye contact important in IELTS speaking?

Ans. Yes, maintaining eye contact can help you appear confident and engaged. It’s part of effective communication, but don’t overthink it. Focus on speaking naturally and clearly, and let your eye contact reflect your attentiveness and confidence.

Q. What are common mistakes in IELTS speaking?

Ans. Common mistakes include speaking too fast or too slow, using limited vocabulary, making frequent grammatical errors, hesitating often, and not fully answering the questions. Practice and feedback can help mitigate these issues and improve your overall performance. 

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