Describe a time when you were fascinated with another culture.: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

Which culture is it?
When was this?
Why were you fascinated?

26 unique answers with expert feedback

What specific elements of Christian weddings do you find most appealing?

I find the interactive nature of the ceremonies appealing, especially how the couple engages with their guests. The beautiful decorations, the emotional vows, and the overall atmosphere create a memorable experience that feels very personal and heartfelt.

Have you ever attended a Christian wedding? What was your experience like?

Yes, I attended a Christian wedding last year. It was a beautiful experience filled with joy and love. The ceremony was very engaging, and I appreciated how everyone was involved. The vows exchanged were touching, and the celebration afterward was lively and full of energy.

How do you think cultural differences influence wedding traditions?

Cultural differences greatly influence wedding traditions by shaping the rituals, attire, and ceremonies involved. Each culture has unique ways of expressing love and commitment, which can lead to fascinating exchanges and learning opportunities when people from different backgrounds come together.

Band 7

00:00

One culture that truly fascinated me was Japanese culture. At first, I became interested in this culture when I watched a documentary about Japanese culture and tradition. What truly inspired me was their simplicity and discipline. For instance, the way they bow at others in a way of greeting. It is not just a formality, but reflects the genuineness and respectfulness of people. Another thing that amazed me was their tea ceremony, which is not just about drinking tea, but celebrating small moments and holding on to a moment that is a must need in a busy life. But the most inspired and striking moment for me was the celebration of a festival called Hanami, that is a celebration about the pink cherry blossom flowers, which people enjoy. They just sit under the trees of pink flowers with loved ones. I have seen some beautiful images of people enjoying this moment and slowing down on to the life, which is essential in the busy and hectic schedule today people have.

Follow up questions

What aspects of Japanese culture do you find most appealing?

I find the simplicity and discipline in Japanese culture very appealing. Their practices, like bowing as a sign of respect and the tea ceremony that emphasizes mindfulness, resonate with me. These aspects promote a deeper connection with others and encourage appreciation for small moments in life.

How do you think cultural practices like Hanami impact people's lives?

Cultural practices like Hanami encourage people to slow down and appreciate nature and relationships. In our fast-paced lives, taking time to enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms fosters mindfulness and strengthens bonds with loved ones, reminding us of the importance of balance.

Have you ever participated in a cultural event similar to Hanami?

Yes, I participated in a local cherry blossom festival where people gathered to enjoy the blooms. It was a beautiful experience, filled with laughter, food, and music. It reminded me of the importance of community and celebrating nature, similar to the Hanami tradition in Japan.

Band 7

00:00

By all means, I respect all the existing religions in the world. This one particular religion, Islam, has obviously changed a lot of my thought process during these years. 18 years back, I had visited this place called Oman, situated in the Gulf region of the world. My father was transferred there for work purpose and we tagged along as well. I was a kid that time, but the way that country is made really highlights the art history, the culture, the tradition of the Muslims. The first thing that really attracted me was the food. Second to that is my mother's love for the handcrafted articles that were always on sale in the local shops. Moreover, I was really astounded by the people there. They were really helpful, peaceful and they would be up and ready when it came to greeting the travellers and treating the guests with amazing food and music. When it comes to music, I love what art they produce every time. I am really fond of the country itself and I would have loved to explore the religion more.

Follow up questions

What specific aspects of Omani culture did you find most intriguing?

I was particularly fascinated by the traditional Omani architecture, which reflects the rich history and artistry of the region. The intricate designs and the use of natural materials in their buildings were captivating. Additionally, the local customs and festivals showcased their vibrant culture.

How did your experience in Oman influence your views on cultural diversity?

My time in Oman opened my eyes to the beauty of cultural diversity. It taught me to appreciate different traditions and perspectives. I learned that despite our differences, there are universal values like hospitality and kindness that connect us all, enriching our global community.

Have you had any other experiences that deepened your understanding of different cultures?

Yes, I have traveled to several countries since then, including India and Japan. Each experience has added layers to my understanding of cultural nuances, from the festivals in India to the tea ceremonies in Japan, highlighting the importance of tradition and community in different societies.

Practice other cue cards

Talk about a historical building.

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Describe a place in your city you have been to where you can see wildlife (eg, animals, birds, insects, plants)

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Describe a public holiday that people enjoy.

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Describe a city that is very interesting.

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Describe a place in your hometown/city that is different from other places and that you enjoy visiting with your parents/friends.

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Describe an aquatic animal.

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Describe a place you visited where the air was polluted

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Describe a place that you would like to learn the culture there (eg, a library, museum, theatre)

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Describe Your Favourite Season

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Describe A New Development In Your Country Or The Area Where You Live (Like A Shopping Centre, Park, Etc.)

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Describe a place in your city you have been to where you can see wildlife (e.g. animals, birds, insects, plants)

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Describe an old tree that you have seen.

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Describe A Street Market In Your City

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Describe A Foreign Country You Have Never Been To

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Describe A Historical Place That You Know About

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Describe A Poisonous Plant You Know About

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Describe a park or a garden in your city

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Describe A Festival That Is Important In Your Country

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Describe a place where there was a lot of noise/ Describe a noisy place you have been to

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Describe A Quiet Place

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Describe a public park or garden.

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Describe an important river/lake in your country

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Describe A Crop You Are Familiar With

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Describe a change that benefitted your neighborhood.

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Describe a time when you saw something in the sky

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Describe A Time When You Saw A Lot Of Plastic Waste

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Describe a person who helps to protect the environment

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Describe a unique animal you've encountered.

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Describe a time you were in a place where you didn't know the local language.

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Describe a place that wasn't kept clean.

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Describe Your Favourite Weather

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Describe a time when the electricity suddenly went off

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Describe A Traditional Product In Your Country

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Band 7

00:00

One culture that I am very fascinated about is Ladakhi culture. In 2019, I got a chance to experience Ladakhi culture wherein I was studying, where I was doing a fellowship on entrepreneurship in Ladakh and I got to interact with a lot of Ladakhi people and experience the culture by being there for 4 months. And the best thing that I like about that culture is that Ladakhi people are very peaceful in nature and they respect everyone and at the same time they are very diligent with their practices with regards to Buddhism and other religions, whatever they practice. But it is deeply ingrained in their culture to be respectful towards others. When I visited the monasteries in Ladakh, I experienced that they have a very unique way of practicing. The festivals of Buddhism are very interesting. One of the monasteries that I visited was Thukthikse Monastery, wherein I saw a unique blend of culture wherein they celebrated their important days by dancing and having different types of masks. The masks were of demons and at the same time they also basically depicted a meaning through those dance forms. And the culture about the nuns and the monks over there was also something that really fascinated me because they meditated and they focus on internal processing rather than doing some sort of external activities.

Follow up questions

What specific aspects of Ladakhi culture did you find most intriguing?

I found the peaceful nature of the Ladakhi people and their deep respect for others to be particularly intriguing. Their practices related to Buddhism, especially the unique festivals and the way they celebrate with dance and masks, also captivated me.

How did your experience in Ladakh influence your perspective on other cultures?

My experience in Ladakh broadened my understanding of cultural diversity. It taught me the importance of respect and mindfulness in different cultural practices, and it encouraged me to appreciate the richness of traditions that may differ from my own.

Did you participate in any Ladakhi festivals or rituals during your stay?

Yes, I had the opportunity to participate in some local festivals. I joined in the celebrations at Thukthikse Monastery, where I witnessed traditional dances and rituals. It was a unique experience that allowed me to engage with the culture on a deeper level.

Band 7

00:00

I had visited Bhutan in 2018 and I was immensely fascinated by their culture. We recently got a delegation from Bhutan to our workplace and I did a capacity building training for them. Hence, I got reminded of how beautifully empathetic their culture is and full of how they are supposed to learn from different situations. My initial observation of their culture was that they propagate and they try to instill from a very young age the virtue of empathy and love for others. The kindness we see from kids to adults to older people is unmatchable from other places. The Bhutanese people often wear vibrant clothes, which is another plus point if we look at the moderately cold temperature that is there. So, it does bring a contrast and a vibrancy to our general lives when we go there. Moreover, I also loved the fact that they base their general productivity through a happiness index, which has originated from that place. The Buddhist principles, which most of the people follow there, have made them more kind and preach Ahimsa more honestly and practice in their daily lives. Their style of livestock rearing and not going to fish and other such activities like involving organic farming only speaks volumes of how they want to protect nature better and their environment in the place. The casual get-up of

Follow up questions

What specific aspects of Bhutanese culture did you find most intriguing?

I was particularly intrigued by their emphasis on empathy and kindness, which is instilled from a young age. The vibrant clothing they wear also caught my attention, as it adds a unique charm to their culture, especially in the context of their cold climate.

How did your experience in Bhutan influence your perspective on your own culture?

My experience in Bhutan made me reflect on the importance of empathy and community in my own culture. I realized that while we have our own values, there is much we can learn from Bhutan's approach to kindness and happiness as a measure of success.

Can you share more about the happiness index and its impact on Bhutanese society?

The happiness index in Bhutan prioritizes well-being over economic growth, which fosters a more compassionate society. It encourages people to focus on their mental and emotional health, leading to a community that values relationships and environmental sustainability.

Show all 26 answers

Cue 1:Which culture is it?

Begin by clearly stating the culture you were fascinated by, such as a specific country or community.
Provide a brief context about what aspects of the culture caught your attention, like traditions, food, or festivals.

Example

I was particularly fascinated by Japanese culture, especially their traditional tea ceremonies and the concept of 'Omotenashi', which reflects their hospitality.

Cue 2:When was this?

Mention when you first encountered this culture, whether through travel, a festival, or a cultural event.
Include details about the location and the circumstances that led to your exposure to this culture.

Example

This fascination began during my college days in 2019 when I attended a cultural festival in my city that showcased various international traditions, including Japan.

Cue 3:Why were you fascinated?

Explain the specific elements of the culture that intrigued you, such as their customs, values, or art.
Share any personal experiences or interactions that deepened your interest in this culture.

Example

I was fascinated by the meticulous nature of the tea ceremony, which symbolizes peace and harmony. The way the host prepares and serves tea with such grace and respect made me appreciate the depth of their cultural values.

Conclusion

Summarize your overall feelings about the experience and how it impacted your view of cultural diversity.
Mention any actions you took afterward, like learning more about the culture or trying to incorporate elements of it into your life.

Example

In conclusion, my encounter with Japanese culture not only broadened my understanding of cultural diversity but also inspired me to learn more about their language and traditions, which I continue to explore to this day.

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: Vague Descriptions of Culture

Avoid being too general when describing the culture. Vague answers can make it hard for the examiner to understand your experience and interest.

Tip

Provide specific examples of cultural practices, traditions, or events that fascinated you to make your answer more engaging.

2: Ignoring Personal Connection

Failing to explain why you were fascinated can lead to a lack of depth in your response. Personal connections make your story more relatable.

Tip

Share a personal story or experience that highlights your emotional connection to the culture to enhance your answer.

Rushing Through the Timeline

Skipping details about when the experience happened can confuse the listener. A clear timeline helps structure your response.

Tip

Clearly state the time frame of your experience and provide context to help the examiner follow your story easily.

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