Describe A Traditional Product In Your Country: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

What is it?
How is it made?
When did you first try it?
Why do you like it?

37 unique answers with expert feedback

What are some specific spices that are popular in your country?

In India, some popular spices include turmeric, cumin, coriander, and cardamom. Each spice has its unique flavor and health benefits, contributing to the diverse culinary landscape of the country. For instance, turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, while cumin aids digestion.

How do spices influence the culture and cuisine of your country?

Spices are integral to Indian culture and cuisine, symbolizing tradition and heritage. They are used in festivals, rituals, and everyday cooking, reflecting regional diversity. The use of spices also fosters community, as families often share recipes and cooking techniques that have been passed down through generations.

Can you share a personal experience related to spices in your cooking?

One memorable experience was cooking a family recipe with my grandmother. She taught me how to blend spices to create the perfect curry. The aroma filled the kitchen, and it was a bonding moment that deepened my appreciation for spices and their role in our family traditions.

Band 7

00:00

So, basically the traditional product of my country which I used is saree and that is just a fantastic gorgeous piece of cloth which we wrap around our body and we just steam it up with a blouse and beautiful jewellery. And it's a clothing item which most of the people, most of the female wear here in India and because of its authenticity, because of its grace, many people wear it during festival season. I wore it when I was round about, the first time when I wore it I was round about 10 years old because I was very curious to wear it though I wasn't, I wasn't having, I hadn't gained height by that time but I was pretty fascinated by its texture and I had seen many times my mom wearing it so I was very interested particularly. So I just asked my mom and in fact I just persuaded her somehow to make me wear it so she helped me and I wore it and I performed in my dance function in my school and yes it was an amazing experience and then after occasionally I wore it but during my job where I just applied as a teacher I came to know that I would have to, I will be wearing only, I would be wearing only sarees as a school dress you may say so that was the only thing I could do and I had to say yes and I wore it for around 2 years.

Follow up questions

What are some other traditional clothing items in your country?

In addition to sarees, India has a rich variety of traditional clothing such as lehengas, kurtas, and sherwanis. Each region has its own unique styles and fabrics, reflecting the diverse culture and heritage of the country. For instance, Punjabis often wear salwar kameez, while in Gujarat, you might see people in chaniya choli.

How do traditional products like sarees impact cultural identity?

Traditional products like sarees play a significant role in cultural identity by connecting individuals to their heritage. They are often worn during festivals, weddings, and important ceremonies, symbolizing tradition and values. Wearing a saree can evoke a sense of pride and belonging to one's culture.

Have you seen any changes in how younger generations view traditional clothing?

Yes, younger generations are increasingly blending traditional clothing with modern styles. While many still appreciate the saree for its elegance, there's a trend towards fusion wear, where traditional fabrics and designs are incorporated into contemporary outfits. This evolution helps keep the tradition alive while appealing to modern tastes.

IELTS Cue Cards asked last week

Reported by Leap students who gave IELTS

Describe your favourite food at a traditional festival or a special event in your country

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

Pitampura Test Centre, New Delhi

Answer

I like to taste different types of cuisine. Here I would like to talk about my favorite dish at my traditional festival of Onam which is Sadya. Sadya is popular in my city. We are experimenting these cuisines on Onam festival day. Onam is a famous festival in my city. All family members get together in my home and we make a delicious Sadya. There are many ingredients includes that Sadya. Moreover, we make a big feast that day as well as we create a lot of memories together and we wear that day the traditional dress called Sari and men wear the Dhotis. That festival is really important to us because the whole day we are conducting different kinds of games at our homes and all the family members came together. It's a memorable day in my life. This is the festival. We are making the Sambar and Aviyal. These all the kinds of foods are making with the vegetables.

Talk about a toy you liked in your childhood

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 8

Sector 34 Test Centre, Chandigarh

Answer

The toy which I liked in my childhood was a panda doll, which makes me pleasant and makes me more blush. The pandas are the most beautiful creatures of the world, which looks gigantic and has pooshy cheeks and they are like stars in the clouds and they dream in me. Furthermore, these have been given by my father. My father is a very very beautiful artistic person, who makes me think of that. Every day you will face every difficulties and make you suffer and move forward. Pandas are always seen in Japanese countries. It is my lifelong dream to visit a Japanese country and click a photo with the original pandas, which makes sounds better.

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

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 6.5

Whitefield Test Center, Bengaluru

Answer

As India is a very large country full of diversity, so there are many places which have their own language and speak their native language. The place which I visited and I didn't know about their language was Leladakh, which is about 300 km away from my hometown and it is a very good place as it consists of different kind of trees, animals and have many scenic views and I visited over there last year in summers as it was the best time to visit because it has many, it was cold over there and we had summers in our area so it was the best time to visit over there and I went over there with my whole family.

Describe a time when your friend damaged something you owned

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7

Begumpet Test Centre, Hyderabad

Answer

When I was a kid, I had a little pencil box which had these four buttons which gave the pencil box an operative use. When you press the button, the box would open up. When you press the second button, a little part of it would slide out. Basically it was just a little electronical and a fun thing to have and I owned it when I was in 6th. One day after break, I was standing and talking there with one of my friends and another friend of mine was running through the hallway and accidentally she pushed my shoulder and my pencil box hit the ground and it broke into multiple pieces to the point that it was not functional anymore.

Describe a book you recently read

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

CBD Belapur Test Centre, Navi Mumbai

Answer

It Ends With Us is a book I read recently. It's by the author Colleen Hoare. It's mainly a story about two teenagers, Atlas and Lily, and how they just handle their life going through high school, adolescence, and just domestic violence at home. Both of them come from very, very different families. However, they have one common determining factor between them, which is domestic violence. The abuse that they've seen their moms go through is just insane, and they connect through that on a different level. They're actually in the same high school, but they never speak to each other until Atlas actually crashes into an empty house next to Lily's villa. When Atlas is homeless and he doesn't have anywhere to go, he just comes and breaks into the house next to Lily's, and Lily helps him with all the daily necessities like clothes and food, medicines and stuff. Furthermore, their friendship blossoms into love, but it doesn't really fructify as Atlas has to leave. This book really gave me a lot of knowledge about domestic abuse and how to deal with it.

I haven't tried making pickles by myself yet, but I would love to learn. I think it would be a fun experience to recreate those childhood memories and connect with my family's traditions while also adding my own twist to the recipe.

Show all 37 answers

Cue 1:What is it?

Begin by introducing the traditional product clearly, mentioning its name and significance in your culture.
Describe its main ingredients or components to give the listener a clear idea of what it is.

Example

The traditional product I want to talk about is 'Biryani,' a fragrant rice dish that is deeply rooted in Indian cuisine. It is made with basmati rice, marinated meat, and a blend of aromatic spices, making it a beloved dish across the country.

Cue 2:How is it made?

Outline the basic steps involved in preparing the product, highlighting any unique techniques or ingredients.
Mention any traditional methods or family recipes that are commonly used.

Example

Biryani is made by first marinating the meat in yogurt and spices for several hours. Then, the rice is partially cooked separately. The marinated meat is layered with the rice in a pot, along with fried onions and saffron, and then cooked on low heat until everything is perfectly blended. My grandmother has a special recipe that she has passed down through generations, which makes it even more special.

Cue 3:When did you first try it?

Share a personal story about your first experience with the product, including where and with whom you tried it.
Reflect on the emotions or memories associated with that experience.

Example

I first tried Biryani at a family wedding when I was about ten years old. The aroma filled the air, and I remember sitting with my cousins, eagerly waiting for our turn to serve. It was a joyous occasion, and the taste of that Biryani was unforgettable, filled with flavors that danced on my palate.

Cue 4:Why do you like it?

Explain your personal connection to the product and what makes it special for you.
Discuss any cultural or emotional significance it holds in your life.

Example

I love Biryani not just for its rich flavors but also for the memories it brings back. It reminds me of family gatherings and celebrations. Every time I eat it, I feel a sense of belonging and nostalgia, as it connects me to my roots and my family's traditions.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, Biryani is more than just a dish for me; it represents my culture and family heritage. Its intricate preparation and the joy it brings during gatherings make it a cherished traditional product in my country.

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

Using vague language can make your answer unclear. It's important to provide specific details about the traditional product to engage the listener and demonstrate your knowledge.

Tip

Use descriptive adjectives and specific examples to paint a clear picture of the product. For instance, mention its color, texture, and unique features.

2: Skipping Key Cues

Neglecting to address all the cue prompts can lead to an incomplete answer. Each cue is designed to help you structure your response effectively.

Tip

Make sure to answer each cue in order. For example, start with what the product is, then explain how it is made, and so on.

Lack of Personal Connection

Failing to share your personal experience with the product can make your answer less engaging. Personal stories can make your response more relatable and interesting.