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

You should say

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

Band 7

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In my country, India, the tradition which is very interesting is Diwali. Diwali is also called the festival of lights. Diwali is celebrated by many people like Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists. Diwali marks a victory of light over the darkness. During Diwali, people decorate their homes with lights or with oil lamps which are called as Diya. And the colorful rangoli at the entrance of the home. People also light fireworks during Diwali. The main day during the occasion is the Lakshmi Puja. Lakshmi Puja. Lakshmi is also called the... People also exchange gifts during this occasion and people celebrate it with joy. The entire atmosphere during this occasion is filled with joy, laughter and the sense of togetherness.

Follow up questions


What preparations do people make for Diwali?
People prepare for Diwali by cleaning their homes, buying new clothes, and purchasing decorations like lights and diyas. Many also prepare special sweets and snacks to share with family and friends. The excitement builds as families come together to plan their celebrations.

How do different communities celebrate Diwali?
Different communities celebrate Diwali in unique ways. For example, Hindus focus on Lakshmi Puja, while Sikhs celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas. Jains commemorate the attainment of moksha by Lord Mahavira, and Buddhists may observe the festival with prayers and community gatherings, showcasing diverse traditions.

What is the significance of exchanging gifts during Diwali?
Exchanging gifts during Diwali symbolizes love, friendship, and goodwill among family and friends. It strengthens bonds and fosters a sense of community. Gifts can range from sweets and decorative items to personal presents, making the celebration more meaningful and joyful.

Band 6-7

00:00

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00:00

Every year before Eid al-Fitr, my people and individuals in this country start going around, running over malls, shops and stores to find specific ingredients that they would need to bake biscuits known as kahak. You may ask, why is it this important? Why do people go out of their way just to bake some biscuits? Simply, it's just biscuits. And the thing behind it would be the gathering. What really makes it special is how you see the whole family member just coming together, spending quality time chatting and laughing and joking while creating some delicious homemade desserts. It's a moment or it's a way to send joy and good vibes around. It helps us to connect and get away from our busy life and take a break for a while. It gives the holidays meaning, it's magic. And honestly, it's my favorite thing out of the whole thing. I tried learning how to join this event since last year and eventually I got better, gradually better. I started creating new styles and she is with the biscuit and even maybe picked up a new hobby.

Follow up questions


What other traditions do you have during Eid al-Fitr?
In addition to baking kahak, we also have family gatherings where we share meals, exchange gifts, and visit friends. It's a time for giving and sharing joy, and we often donate to charity to help those in need. These traditions strengthen our community bonds and enhance the festive spirit.

How do you feel when participating in this tradition?
Participating in this tradition fills me with joy and nostalgia. It reminds me of my childhood and the warmth of family gatherings. The laughter and love shared during this time create lasting memories, making it one of the most cherished moments of the year for me.

Have you learned any special recipes for kahak?
Yes, I've learned a few special recipes that include different flavors and fillings. Some variations use nuts or chocolate, while others are flavored with spices like cardamom. Experimenting with these recipes has made the baking process even more enjoyable and creative for me.

Is this page helpful?

Band 6-7

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00:00

The engaging tradition in my country is welcoming people with water. It shows our hospitality and respect to them. Also we should wear a formal dress when the guest is arriving to the house. For instance we should wear a dupatta to visit a temple which shows the respected manner in the environment for the culture and also it reflects my tradition. So I have to follow the rules and regulations thoroughly without any disturbance. If it is not followed by any people they have to pay a penalty fees. Also they should not visit the temple for a year. Yes of course there is a lot of reasons why they are doing like this. To visit a temple it should be in a manner traditional way and we should not wear any western culture cloths inside the temple. It shows the disrespect to the gods as well as the environment. Also we are not following the rules. So we also have to be very well mannered. Where ever we are going we should have a well dressed and not relieving parts of our body which is a must going on my culture and in my country. This is the tradition we must follow in India. Where ever home or temple you go this is the must rule you be following.

Follow up questions


How do you think this tradition affects social interactions in your country?
This tradition fosters a sense of community and respect among people. It encourages individuals to be mindful of their appearance and behavior, which can lead to more positive social interactions. By adhering to these customs, people show their appreciation for cultural values and strengthen social bonds.

Are there any other traditions in your country that emphasize respect and hospitality?
Yes, there are several traditions that highlight respect and hospitality, such as offering food and drinks to guests. In many cultures, sharing a meal is a sign of welcome and friendship. Additionally, greeting guests with a warm smile and polite conversation is also a common practice that reflects our values.

What challenges do people face in following these traditions?
One challenge is the influence of globalization, which can lead to a blending of cultures and a departure from traditional practices. Younger generations may feel less inclined to follow strict dress codes or customs. Additionally, some may find it difficult to adhere to these traditions due to personal beliefs or lifestyle choices.

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Band 6

00:00

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00:00

groom's house and they are staying there and one of the very interesting tradition in my country is based on Hindu cultural wedding and traditionally something which is very close to a person's heart and it shows really the culture of a particular country and basically speaking about Hindu traditional weddings there are ceremonies where bride and bridegroom get married and there is one of the most interesting thing we can see at the end of that particular wedding ceremony is Kanyadaanam which means that right hand of bride is given to the groom's right hand and it was done by father and it's particularly like the bride is moving to the groom's home and she is completely out of her family and she will be visiting only for holidays and all and it's basically after that Kanyadaanam it's a very common tradition we can see in Hindu cultures and it's basically for devotion, love, empathy and every mixture of feelings can be seen in that particular occasion and it's like then after the Kanyadaanam only the bride and the bridegroom will rotate the one fire which was continuously lighting on the stage and they will rotate continuously and after that only the wedding ceremony is completed so it's only can be witnessed in South India I think which is very interesting actually we can see and at that particular event happens there is a mixture of emotion in brides and her father's mind and the time from her birth to her marriage ceremony will be seen in the mind of father and he is gradually giving her child to some other family and she

Follow up questions


What other traditions are significant in Hindu weddings?
In addition to Kanyadaanam, there are several other significant traditions in Hindu weddings, such as Saptapadi, where the couple takes seven steps together, symbolizing their journey in life. Another important ritual is the Mangalsutra ceremony, where the groom ties a sacred necklace around the bride's neck, signifying their union.

How do these traditions vary across different regions in India?
Hindu wedding traditions can vary significantly across different regions in India. For instance, in North India, the rituals may include the Bidaai, where the bride departs from her parental home, while in South India, the focus may be more on the Kanyadaanam and the rituals surrounding the fire. Each region has its unique customs and practices.

What emotions do families typically experience during weddings?
Weddings evoke a wide range of emotions in families. Parents often feel a mix of joy and sadness as they celebrate their child's new beginning while also letting go. The bride may feel excitement and nervousness, while the groom's family may experience pride and happiness. It's a deeply emotional occasion for everyone involved.

Band 5-6

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00:00

India is the land of festivals and my favorite festival of all is Holi and I would like to consider it my favorite tradition as well because it makes everything look so beautiful and enchanting with colors flowing in the air and people just having fun, dancing on music, playing with water and just enjoying themselves. There are some bad things about this festival as well when people just throw water balloons on vehicles while traveling which is not safe at all. I remember when I was walking on the road and somebody randomly threw a water balloon at me and I had something very important to be and well, I was wet. That sounds wrong.

Follow up questions


What other festivals are celebrated in India?
India has a rich tapestry of festivals like Diwali, Eid, and Christmas. Each festival has its own unique customs, foods, and significance, reflecting the diverse cultures and religions in the country. For instance, Diwali is celebrated with lights and sweets, while Eid involves feasting and prayers.

How do people prepare for Holi?
Preparation for Holi involves buying colors, organizing gatherings, and preparing special foods like gujiya. Families often clean their homes and decorate them, while friends and neighbors plan celebrations together. It's a time for community bonding and sharing joy.

What do you think can be done to make Holi safer?
To make Holi safer, awareness campaigns can educate people about responsible behavior, like avoiding throwing water balloons at moving vehicles. Encouraging the use of eco-friendly colors and promoting safe play areas can also help ensure everyone enjoys the festival without harm.
Show all 6 answers

All Answers

Here are all the answers by real-users practicing speaking for IELTS Cue Cards on our IELTS Prep App.

Band 7

In my country, India, the tradition which is very interesting is Diwali. Diwali is also called the festival of lights. Diwali is celebrated by many people like Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and Buddhists. Diwali marks a victory of light over the darkness. During Diwali, people decorate their homes with lights or with oil lamps which are called as Diya. And the colorful rangoli at the entrance of the home. People also light fireworks during Diwali. The main day during the occasion is the Lakshmi Puja. Lakshmi Puja. Lakshmi is also called the... People also exchange gifts during this occasion and people celebrate it with joy. The entire atmosphere during this occasion is filled with joy, laughter and the sense of togetherness.

Band 6-7

The engaging tradition in my country is welcoming people with water. It shows our hospitality and respect to them. Also we should wear a formal dress when the guest is arriving to the house. For instance we should wear a dupatta to visit a temple which shows the respected manner in the environment for the culture and also it reflects my tradition. So I have to follow the rules and regulations thoroughly without any disturbance. If it is not followed by any people they have to pay a penalty fees. Also they should not visit the temple for a year. Yes of course there is a lot of reasons why they are doing like this. To visit a temple it should be in a manner traditional way and we should not wear any western culture cloths inside the temple. It shows the disrespect to the gods as well as the environment. Also we are not following the rules. So we also have to be very well mannered. Where ever we are going we should have a well dressed and not relieving parts of our body which is a must going on my culture and in my country. This is the tradition we must follow in India. Where ever home or temple you go this is the must rule you be following.

Band 6-7

Every year before Eid al-Fitr, my people and individuals in this country start going around, running over malls, shops and stores to find specific ingredients that they would need to bake biscuits known as kahak. You may ask, why is it this important? Why do people go out of their way just to bake some biscuits? Simply, it's just biscuits. And the thing behind it would be the gathering. What really makes it special is how you see the whole family member just coming together, spending quality time chatting and laughing and joking while creating some delicious homemade desserts. It's a moment or it's a way to send joy and good vibes around. It helps us to connect and get away from our busy life and take a break for a while. It gives the holidays meaning, it's magic. And honestly, it's my favorite thing out of the whole thing. I tried learning how to join this event since last year and eventually I got better, gradually better. I started creating new styles and she is with the biscuit and even maybe picked up a new hobby.

Band 6

groom's house and they are staying there and one of the very interesting tradition in my country is based on Hindu cultural wedding and traditionally something which is very close to a person's heart and it shows really the culture of a particular country and basically speaking about Hindu traditional weddings there are ceremonies where bride and bridegroom get married and there is one of the most interesting thing we can see at the end of that particular wedding ceremony is Kanyadaanam which means that right hand of bride is given to the groom's right hand and it was done by father and it's particularly like the bride is moving to the groom's home and she is completely out of her family and she will be visiting only for holidays and all and it's basically after that Kanyadaanam it's a very common tradition we can see in Hindu cultures and it's basically for devotion, love, empathy and every mixture of feelings can be seen in that particular occasion and it's like then after the Kanyadaanam only the bride and the bridegroom will rotate the one fire which was continuously lighting on the stage and they will rotate continuously and after that only the wedding ceremony is completed so it's only can be witnessed in South India I think which is very interesting actually we can see and at that particular event happens there is a mixture of emotion in brides and her father's mind and the time from her birth to her marriage ceremony will be seen in the mind of father and he is gradually giving her child to some other family and she

Band 5-6

India is the land of festivals and my favorite festival of all is Holi and I would like to consider it my favorite tradition as well because it makes everything look so beautiful and enchanting with colors flowing in the air and people just having fun, dancing on music, playing with water and just enjoying themselves. There are some bad things about this festival as well when people just throw water balloons on vehicles while traveling which is not safe at all. I remember when I was walking on the road and somebody randomly threw a water balloon at me and I had something very important to be and well, I was wet. That sounds wrong.

Band 5

Hi, so an interesting tradition in our country is that I feel oiling, hair oiling is a very interesting tradition, so even I follow that one, so oiling, oiling reduces stress, so every day, so I follow this practice every day, so by following this, my body balances, okay, the body temperature balances and then, so it reduces the hair fall and yeah, by applying oil every day, so it will give smooth and shiny hair, so yeah, that is the one thing, I just think that is the most traditional thing.
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