Describe an Unusual Holiday You Had: How to Answer?
Once part 2 begins, you will be handed a cue card and 4 questions related to it. In our case, the cue card will look like this:
The ideal way to answer cue card prompts is to break them into digestible sections. Think of it this way: no matter your topic, there is always an introduction, key highlights, and a conclusion.
Considering that, here's how we'll break our topic down.
Introduction:
- Begin with an engaging introduction.
- Use descriptive language to capture the reader's attention.
- Vocabulary: You can use words like- "Unusual," "distinctive twist," "memorable," and "extraordinary."
For Example, “An extraordinary holiday etched vividly in my memory was an offbeat journey to the historic city of Jaipur, breaking the conventional norms of typical vacations.”
What holiday was it?
- Provide details about the specific holiday.
- Clearly state the holiday and emphasise its uniqueness.
- Vocabulary: You may use words like "Eco-friendly," "Green Diwali," or "distinctive."
For Example, “This unique holiday was a cultural exploration of Jaipur, known as the Pink City, renowned for its rich history, vibrant architecture, and distinct traditions.”
Who were you with?
- Share information about the people you were with.
- Language: Describe the company you had using expressive language.
- Vocabulary: Include words like "Accompanied," "close friends," "family members," and "intrigued."
For Example, “Joined by close friends who shared a mutual interest in history and culture, the holiday evolved into an immersive experience filled with exploration, learning, and camaraderie.”
What did you do?
- Describe the activities and events during the holiday.
- Language: Narrate the activities using vivid language.
- Vocabulary: Use words like "Organic feasts," "tree planting," "crafting decorations," and "recycled materials."
For Example, “Rather than opting for mainstream tourist spots, we delved into the lesser-known alleys, visited local markets, interacted with artisans, and attended cultural events, immersing ourselves in the city's authentic charm.”
Explain why it was unusual.
- Elaborate on what made this holiday stand out.
- Language: Clarify what made the holiday stand out.
- Vocabulary: Include words like "Unusual," "consciously different," and "environmentally friendly."
For Example, “This holiday stood out for its departure from the conventional sightseeing checklist. It stressed a deeper understanding of the local culture, forging connections with residents, and embracing the city's unique atmosphere.”
Conclusion:
- Summarise the key points and express the lasting impact of the unusual holiday.
- Language: Summarise the impact of the unusual holiday using thoughtful language.
- Vocabulary: Choose words that express lasting impressions and reflection, like "Indelible mark," "lasting memories," and "reflecting on."
For Example, “In retrospect, this unconventional Jaipur holiday was a testament to the richness of cultural exploration, creating lasting memories that transcended the typical tourist experience.”
Describe an Unusual Holiday You Had: Sample Answers
Find the Sample Answers for Describe an Unusual Holiday You Had IELTS Cue Card here.
Introduction:
- My most cherished holiday memory revolves around a uniquely unconventional Diwali celebration.
- What made it exceptional wasn't just the festival of lights but a distinctive twist that transformed our festivities into a Green Diwali.
What holiday was it?
- This was no ordinary Diwali; it was a Green Diwali.
- Instead of the customary burst of fireworks, our celebrations deviated from tradition as we engaged in eco-conscious festivities, reflecting a conscious effort to align our joyous moments with environmental sustainability.
Who were you with?
- In the company of my dearest friends and beloved family members, the joy of celebrating together took precedence over conventional revelry.
- Accompanied by the warmth of close friends and the laughter of family members, the atmosphere was not only festive but genuinely heartwarming.
What did you do?
- Our celebrations involved more than just the exchange of sweets and the lighting of diyas.
- They encompassed organic feasts, tree planting, and crafting decorations from recycled materials.
- The decision to make eco-friendly choices became a collective effort, transforming our Green Diwali into a shared commitment to environmental responsibility.
Explain why it was unusual.
- The conscious decision to break conventional norms made this Diwali exceptional.
- Our choice to prioritise eco-friendly practices over traditional extravagance was a deviation from the norm and a statement about our responsibility toward the planet.
- It was this conscious effort to be consciously different that made this holiday stand out.
Conclusion:
- In retrospect, this atypical Diwali celebration left an indelible mark on my memory. It wasn't just a festival but a reflection of our values, emphasising that joyous occasions can be coupled with environmental mindfulness.
- The lasting memories of our Green Diwali continue to inspire me, reminding me of the importance of conscious choices even in moments of celebration.
Describe an Unusual Holiday You Had: Follow-Up Questions
Below are some sample questions and possible answers. Once again, we recommend that you only take the inspiration from the answers below and add your twist to it!
