Describe a person from a different cultural background with whom you enjoy spending time: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

Who this person is?
What their cultural background is?
What activities you do together?
And explain how this experience impacted you.

194 unique answers with expert feedback

What cultural differences have you noticed when spending time with this person?

I haven't had the chance to spend time with someone from a different cultural background yet, but I believe that cultural differences can lead to enriching experiences. I would love to learn about their traditions, food, and values.

How do you think spending time with people from different cultures can benefit you?

Spending time with people from different cultures can broaden my perspective and help me understand diverse viewpoints. It can also enhance my communication skills and make me more adaptable in various social situations.

What activities would you like to do with someone from a different culture?

I would enjoy trying out their traditional cuisine, participating in cultural festivals, or even learning their language. Engaging in these activities would provide a deeper insight into their way of life and strengthen our friendship.

Band >7

00:00

So, a person who is from a different cultural background whom I most like is my uncle. My paternal uncle is from Nizamabad and often people from Nizamabad as you know perceived as someone who are very stingy and they like to stick on to you and that is irritable but my uncle is different and I also thought that he is the same before meeting him and when I got to know him, I built the idea that he is not so much a different person from me or my folks so he has changed me a lot too as he has a wholehearted nature and he is always ready to help.

Follow up questions

What specific cultural differences have you noticed between you and your uncle?

I've noticed that my uncle has a different approach to family gatherings, often emphasizing community and sharing. He enjoys cooking traditional dishes from his region, which has introduced me to new flavors and customs. This has helped me appreciate the richness of his culture.

How has your uncle influenced your perspective on cultural stereotypes?

My uncle has shown me that stereotypes can be misleading. Initially, I thought he would be stingy, but he is generous and kind. This experience taught me to look beyond surface-level assumptions and to understand individuals for who they truly are, rather than judging them based on their background.

Can you share a memorable experience you had with your uncle?

One memorable experience was when he invited me to a traditional festival in Nizamabad. I got to participate in local customs and meet his friends and family. It was a vibrant celebration filled with music and dance, and it deepened my appreciation for his culture and our bond.

Band >7

00:00

I have many friends or I had many friends, many friends or I would know different kind of person who related different background or different culture. In my friends I have would you like to say about my childhood friends or person or people his name Rahul, Rahul is a good person and he is a relate he is a South Indian relate culture his background South his family with a background of South India, South India. His culture they are celebrating many festivals like Onam or any or others festival in their festivals he spread or he give many charity to poor peoples. When I was when I was go to his city or his place Chennai I do a lot of work to work with them and I also I also give a charity or give poor people food to poor people when I was a visitor.

Follow up questions

What cultural festivals have you participated in with your friend?

I have participated in festivals like Onam and Pongal with Rahul. These festivals are vibrant and full of traditions, including special foods, dances, and rituals. It was a great experience to see how his family celebrates and to join in the festivities.

How has spending time with Rahul influenced your perspective on different cultures?

Spending time with Rahul has broadened my understanding of South Indian culture. I've learned about their customs, values, and the importance of community. It has made me appreciate diversity and the richness of different cultural backgrounds.

What activities do you enjoy doing together with your friend from a different culture?

We enjoy cooking traditional South Indian dishes together, exploring cultural events, and volunteering for charity work. These activities not only strengthen our friendship but also allow me to immerse myself in his culture and give back to the community.

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Band 7

00:00

India is known for its diverse cultural background and today one person whom I would like to talk about from a different cultural background is my friend, my close friend Jhanvi Soshdev. She comes from a Sindhi cultural background which was initially started from the northern states of India. Sindhi culture is known for their sweet cuisine. I would like to ask Jhanvi Soshdev, how did you come to know about Sindhi culture? Basically I have observed that the dishes actually do taste if you build on a habit of having them every week. It started as an obligation so that she doesn't feel bad about her culture or the kind of dishes, cuisines they offer. Eventually I accepted the offerings and now I can say that it was a blessing in disguise that I was open to try new things.

Follow up questions

What specific Sindhi dishes do you enjoy the most?

I particularly enjoy Sindhi dishes like Sindhi Biryani and Koki. The flavors are unique and the spices used are quite different from what I'm used to. Jhanvi often prepares these dishes for me, and I love how they bring out the essence of her culture.

How has spending time with Jhanvi influenced your perspective on cultural diversity?

Spending time with Jhanvi has opened my eyes to the richness of cultural diversity. I've learned to appreciate different traditions and cuisines, which has made me more open-minded. It has encouraged me to explore other cultures as well, enhancing my understanding of the world.

Have you introduced Jhanvi to any of your cultural traditions?

Yes, I have introduced Jhanvi to some of my cultural traditions, like celebrating festivals with specific foods and customs. She was very curious and enjoyed participating. It was a great way for both of us to share and learn from each other's backgrounds.

Band 7

00:00

In the next two minutes I'll describe someone I know who is from a different cultural background and with whom I love spending my time. So I met Aditya a year ago when I joined Aditya Birla group. Both of us joined at the same time as graduate engineering trainees. We met on the first day and we have been friends ever since. He is a Marathi who is basically a person who belongs to the state of Maharashtra in India and it's safe to say that he is Marathi through and through. He has taught us the language, he has taught us the culture and he has made us taste the food and let me tell you it is quite amazing. The flavors, the spice, the condiments, the variety of the food, the Marathi cuisine is simply astonishing. They make use of so many vegetables and so many different textures. Just eating Marathi cuisine for me is a delight and over this one year or so he has made us experience the Marathi culture, food traditions and it has been such an amazing experience, such a transforming experience for me. I am an Odia, I belong to the state of Odisha and our culture is entirely different.

Follow up questions

What are some similarities between your cultures?

Despite our differences, both Marathi and Odia cultures value family and community. We celebrate festivals with great enthusiasm, and both cultures have rich traditions in music and dance. Sharing these experiences has helped me appreciate the common threads that bind us together.

How has your friendship with Aditya changed your perspective?

My friendship with Aditya has broadened my understanding of diversity. I've learned to appreciate different customs and traditions, which has made me more open-minded. It has also encouraged me to explore other cultures and seek friendships with people from various backgrounds.

What is your favorite Marathi dish that Aditya introduced you to?

One of my favorite Marathi dishes is 'Puran Poli,' a sweet flatbread stuffed with a mixture of jaggery and lentils. It's delicious and represents the essence of Marathi cuisine. Aditya also introduced me to 'Vada Pav,' which is a spicy potato fritter served in a bun, and it's simply delightful!

Show all 194 answers

Cue 1:Who this person is?

Introduce the person by name and mention how you met them.
Share a brief description of their personality traits that you admire.

Example

The person I enjoy spending time with is my friend Aisha. I met her during my college days when we were both part of the cultural committee. Aisha is very friendly and has a great sense of humor, which makes her fun to be around.

Cue 2:What their cultural background is?

Describe Aisha's cultural background, including her ethnicity and any specific traditions.
Mention how her background differs from yours and what you find interesting about it.

Example

Aisha comes from a Bengali background, which is quite different from my Punjabi roots. She often shares stories about the rich traditions of Durga Puja and how her family celebrates it with elaborate rituals and delicious food. I find her culture fascinating and love learning about the different customs.

Cue 3:What activities you do together?

List some specific activities you enjoy doing together that reflect her cultural background.
Explain how these activities help you bond and learn from each other.

Example

We often cook together, trying out traditional Bengali recipes like fish curry and mishti doi. I also enjoy attending cultural events with her, where I get to experience her music and dance. These activities not only strengthen our friendship but also allow me to appreciate her culture more deeply.

Cue 4:And explain how this experience impacted you.

Reflect on how spending time with Aisha has broadened your perspective.
Discuss any personal growth or changes in your views due to this friendship.

Example

Spending time with Aisha has significantly impacted my understanding of cultural diversity. It has made me more open-minded and appreciative of different traditions. I now celebrate Durga Puja with her family, which has enriched my life and helped me build a deeper connection with my friend.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, my friendship with Aisha has not only been enjoyable but also transformative. It has taught me the importance of embracing cultural differences and has made my life more colorful and fulfilling.

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: Avoid Generalizations About Culture

Making broad statements about a culture can lead to inaccuracies and misunderstandings. It's important to focus on specific aspects of the person's background.

Tip

Provide specific examples from your experiences with the person to illustrate their unique cultural traits.

2: Neglecting Personal Connection

Failing to explain your personal connection with the person can make your answer less engaging. It's essential to share why you enjoy spending time together.

Tip

Include personal anecdotes or feelings that highlight your bond and shared experiences.

Lack of Detail in Activities

Being vague about the activities you do together can make your response less vivid. Detailed descriptions help paint a clearer picture.

Tip

Describe specific activities you enjoy, including where you do them and what makes them special.

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Answer

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Anonymous student Band 6.5

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Answer

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Answer

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