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

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?

10 unique answers with expert feedback

What other festivals are celebrated in India?

Apart from Diwali, India celebrates many festivals like Holi, Eid, Christmas, and Pongal. Each festival has its unique significance, rituals, and cultural practices, reflecting the country's rich diversity and traditions.

How do people prepare for Diwali?

Preparation for Diwali begins weeks in advance. People clean and decorate their homes, buy new clothes, and prepare sweets and snacks. Families often engage in shopping for gifts and lighting decorations, creating a festive atmosphere.

What are some traditional foods associated with Diwali?

During Diwali, various traditional sweets like ladoos, barfis, and jalebis are made and shared. Savory snacks like samosas and pakoras are also popular. These foods play a significant role in the celebrations and are enjoyed by families and friends.

Band 6-7

00:00

In our country, the Ganesh Chaturthi festival is the widely celebrated one. It's celebrated basically in September of each year, September 1st sometimes or September 1st week. It's a very important ritual you can say because whenever our Indians want to start anything, buying a home or starting a new project on some land or if you're going for an exam, we usually take the blessings of Ganesha. So we are really emotionally connected with the God. That's the reason and it's also celebrated in wide range in every country, in every house or in every colony. You can say there are big statues of, you know, it's very unique structures you can say. And it's really, it feels really good to see all that. Also, it's one thing I don't like is that it's really get crowded in the area because it's basically celebrated for 10 days. So after 10 days, we need to take that statue and we need to put it in water. We call it as a visarjan. So that's the reason the crowd becomes very much and every people are like dancing, playing with colors. So I guess that's the one reason that I can say it's really irritating sometimes because there are people who go to offices or schools and they really get disturbed due to the traffic.

Follow up questions

What other festivals are celebrated in your country?

Apart from Ganesh Chaturthi, we also celebrate Diwali, which is the festival of lights, and Holi, the festival of colors. Each festival has its own significance and rituals, and they bring people together to celebrate joy, love, and community spirit.

How do people prepare for Ganesh Chaturthi?

People prepare for Ganesh Chaturthi by cleaning their homes, buying decorations, and setting up elaborate altars for the Ganesh idols. Many also prepare special sweets and dishes to offer to Lord Ganesha during the festival, creating a festive atmosphere.

What impact does Ganesh Chaturthi have on local communities?

Ganesh Chaturthi fosters a sense of community as people come together to celebrate, organize events, and participate in processions. It strengthens bonds among neighbors and encourages cultural exchange, making it a significant event for social cohesion.

Band 6-7

00:00

When I first think about festivals, the first festival which comes in my mind is Diwali. Diwali is widely spread in our nation, is celebrated widely in our nation. It's celebrated between October to November, when in Delhi, the weather is just about to get cold. During Diwali, all the kids and family members light diyas and burst firecrackers. One thing that I dislike most about Diwali is that creating pollution and the next day when old people and animals get sick and are coughing around and it's not healthy. I believe we should celebrate Diwali in the most sustainable way as possible, like lighting diyas, lighting lights all around our houses and places, giving gifts to people, greetings everybody.

Follow up questions

What other festivals are celebrated in your country?

In addition to Diwali, there are several other important festivals in my country, such as Holi, Eid, and Christmas. Each festival has its own unique traditions and significance. For example, Holi is known as the festival of colors, where people throw colored powders at each other, celebrating the arrival of spring.

How do people prepare for Diwali in your country?

Preparation for Diwali usually starts weeks in advance. People clean and decorate their homes, buy new clothes, and prepare special sweets and snacks. Many also purchase gifts for family and friends. The excitement builds as the festival approaches, with many communities organizing events and gatherings.

What changes would you suggest for celebrating festivals sustainably?

To celebrate festivals sustainably, I would suggest reducing the use of firecrackers and opting for eco-friendly decorations. Encouraging the use of natural colors during Holi and promoting community clean-up drives after the celebrations can also help minimize environmental impact while still enjoying the festivities.

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Band 6-7

00:00

so India is a country of culture having 29 states it has different kind of festivals which hold a lot of significance but the festival that I'm gonna describe is one of the festival that's celebrated in most of the states in India it's called the Sehra or Navratri it is celebrated in the month of October so people different cultures or do different things during this festival but we as Gujaratis play Garba something that I like a lot about this festival is dressing up in our traditional attire which is called as Chaniya Choli the Ghagra is made with small mirrors and handwork and it's very colorful and looks really pretty and we play our traditional dance which is called as Garba and Dandiya which is played with wooden sticks I being a Gujarati hold a lot of significance to this festival it is celebrated for nine days in the month of in the mid October the days quite keep changing every year but yeah it's in the month of October and I look forward to this festival every year it's really really close to my heart and it's very close to every Gujarati's heart Gujaratis are known for Garba

Follow up questions

What other festivals are celebrated in India?

India has a rich tapestry of festivals such as Diwali, Holi, Eid, and Christmas, each celebrated with unique customs and traditions. For instance, Diwali, the festival of lights, symbolizes the victory of light over darkness, while Holi, the festival of colors, celebrates the arrival of spring and the triumph of good over evil.

How do you prepare for the Navratri festival?

Preparation for Navratri involves cleaning and decorating homes, shopping for new clothes, especially traditional attire, and planning for the nine nights of dance and worship. Families often gather to create a festive atmosphere, and many also prepare special dishes to share with friends and relatives during the celebrations.

What is the significance of Garba in your culture?

Garba is not just a dance; it represents community bonding, cultural heritage, and devotion. It brings people together, allowing them to express joy and spirituality. The rhythmic movements and vibrant attire create a lively atmosphere, making it a cherished tradition among Gujaratis and a way to celebrate their identity.

Band <5

00:00

Follow up questions

What are some traditional activities associated with this festival?

During this festival, people engage in various traditional activities such as parades, cultural performances, and community feasts. These activities help to preserve cultural heritage and bring the community together in celebration.

How do people prepare for this festival in your country?

Preparation for the festival often starts weeks in advance. People clean their homes, decorate with traditional ornaments, and prepare special foods. Families may also shop for new clothes and plan gatherings with friends and relatives.

What impact does this festival have on the local economy?

The festival significantly boosts the local economy as it attracts tourists and encourages spending in local businesses. Vendors sell food, crafts, and souvenirs, while hotels and restaurants see increased patronage, benefiting the entire community.

Show all 10 answers

Cue 1:When the festival is celebrated?

Begin by stating the name of the festival and the specific time of year it is celebrated.
Mention any significant dates or events associated with the festival.

Example

The festival I want to talk about is Diwali, which is celebrated in October or November, depending on the lunar calendar. It usually lasts for five days, with the main day of celebration known as 'Lakshmi Puja' occurring on the third day.

Cue 2:What people do during this festival?

Describe the various activities and traditions people engage in during the festival.
Include details about decorations, food, and gatherings.

Example

During Diwali, people decorate their homes with colorful lights and diyas (oil lamps). Families come together to perform prayers, share sweets, and enjoy festive meals. Fireworks light up the night sky, and children often play with sparklers, creating a joyful atmosphere.

Cue 3:What you like or dislike about it?

Share your personal feelings about the festival, highlighting both positive and negative aspects.
Explain why these aspects are significant to you.

Example

What I love most about Diwali is the sense of togetherness it brings. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, sharing laughter and delicious food. However, I dislike the excessive noise from fireworks, as it can be overwhelming and distressing for pets and some people.

Cue 4:Why this festival is important for you?

Reflect on the personal significance of the festival in your life.
Discuss any cultural or emotional connections you have with it.

Example

Diwali is important to me because it symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. It reminds me of my roots and the values of love and unity that my family holds dear. Celebrating it each year strengthens my bond with my culture and heritage.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, Diwali is not just a festival; it is a celebration of life, love, and togetherness. It holds a special place in my heart, and I look forward to celebrating it every year with my loved ones.

Following this structure will ensure you cover all the essential points while providing a clear and engaging response to the cue card topic.

Tips to answer this Cue Card

1: Ignoring Key Cues

Candidates often overlook important cues like when the festival is celebrated or what people do during it. This can lead to incomplete answers that lack depth.

Tip

Make sure to address all the cues in your response. Structure your answer by clearly mentioning each aspect of the festival.

2: Being Too Brief

Some candidates provide very short answers, which can make their response seem unengaging or lacking detail. This may not showcase their language skills effectively.

Tip

Expand on your answers by providing examples and personal experiences related to the festival to make your response more vivid.

Neglecting Personal Connection

Failing to explain why the festival is important to you can make your answer feel generic. Personal connections add authenticity and interest.

Tip

Share a personal story or memory related to the festival to highlight its significance in your life.

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