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Describe your favourite food at a traditional festival or a special event in your country .: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

  • What it is
  • At which festival/event you eat it
  • How it is made
  • And explain why you like it
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43 unique answers with expert feedback

Band >7

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My favorite food which belongs to my country is Malai Chingri. Actually it's an authentic Bengali cuisine which I like the most. Because it is so comforting and so flavorful that I love to have it whether it's on a special day or a festive season. I just love having Malai Chingri Kadhi. It's so special for me because it has my favorite seafood which is Chingri or prawns in English. And coconut milk is there and good amount of Bengali garam masala is there. You can taste every flavor in this Kadhi. You can have the sweetness of coconut milk. You can have the sourness of curd. You can have the masalas present in the garam masala. And you can have that little bit of sweet and crispy effect of fried Malai Chingri. So it's kind of love for me. I just love eating it. And usually when I go to my hometown, West Bengal, then I tend to have it often. I tell my grandmother and my family members to prepare it before I land there. So it's special for me. And everyone in my family and friends know that I love Malai Chingri.

Follow up questions


What other traditional foods do you enjoy during festivals?
Apart from Malai Chingri, I also enjoy dishes like Pulao, Shorshe Ilish, and Mishti Doi during festivals. Each dish has its own unique flavor and significance, and they remind me of the joyous celebrations with family and friends.

How do you usually celebrate traditional festivals in your country?
In my country, we celebrate traditional festivals with family gatherings, special prayers, and lots of delicious food. We often decorate our homes, wear traditional attire, and share meals with loved ones, creating a warm and festive atmosphere.

Why do you think food is important in cultural celebrations?
Food plays a crucial role in cultural celebrations as it brings people together and reflects our heritage. It evokes memories, strengthens family bonds, and allows us to share our traditions with others, making the celebrations more meaningful.

Band 7

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My favorite food which I ate at a traditional festival would definitely be the Modak. I first ate Modak at the Ganpati festival which is held in the month of September. I first ate it at the age of four where I had really no sense of taste and I had no liking to a particular food. The moment the Modak touched my mouth I knew I would love it due to its sweet taste and soft cover. It usually consists of a coconut filling along with sugar and a coating made up of something else which I don't know. My mother usually makes it at home just prior to Ganpati so that when the guests come she has a good offering to make to them. I really enjoy eating this sweet dish due to the beautiful way that it's made in. It is slowly steamed for around 40 minutes in a steamer. My mother used to call me as soon as they were ready and I would love to eat hot and freshly steamed Modaks. Modak is a delicacy all over the state of Maharashtra but the ones that my mother makes are surely the best. I usually eat them at home and I call a couple of friends over at my place during the months of September to eat Modak that my mom has made.

Follow up questions


What other traditional foods are popular during the Ganpati festival?
During the Ganpati festival, other popular foods include Puran Poli, a sweet flatbread, and various savory snacks like Batata Vada. Each family has its own specialties, and the festival is a time for sharing delicious homemade dishes with friends and family.

How do you think food contributes to the celebration of festivals?
Food plays a crucial role in festivals as it brings people together, creates a sense of community, and enhances the festive atmosphere. Sharing traditional dishes helps preserve cultural heritage and allows families to bond over shared meals and memories.

Have you ever tried making Modak yourself?
Yes, I have tried making Modak with my mother. It was a fun experience, but it required a lot of patience and practice to get the dough and filling just right. I appreciate the effort that goes into making them, and it made me enjoy them even more when I eat them.

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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
anonymous person icon

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

location icon

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
anonymous person icon

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 8

location icon

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
anonymous person icon

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 6.5

location icon

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
anonymous person icon

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7

location icon

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
anonymous person icon

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

location icon

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.

Band 7

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00:00

When I think of traditional festivals in my country, biryani immediately springs to mind as one of the most iconic and beloved dishes. In my instance, my mother makes biryani during Ramzan or Bakri. It is not merely a meal, it is a gastronomic celebration that brings people together. Biryani is an exquisite blend of fragrant basmati rice and succulent meat, often chicken or mutton, cooked to perfection with an array of aromatic spices such as saffron, cinnamon, cardamom and cloves. For me, biryani is synonymous with family gatherings and festival celebrations, encapsulating not just the culinary heritage of my culture, but also the sense of togetherness and joy that comes with sharing, such as scrumptious meal. During festivals, it is typically served alongside refreshing accompaniments like raita or crisp salad which provides a wonderful contrast to the richness of the biryani. What makes it even more remarkable is the traditional preparation method where the ingredients are meticulously layered and slow cooked in large vessels, allowing the flavours to blend harmoniously. Biryani is an exquisite blend of fragrant basmati rice with succulent meat. When I think biryani, it's a family gathering and friends gathering together to have such a nice meal and it unites family and friends. Biryani consists of very good ingredients that are actually good for your health and biryani truly remarkable is the way it's traditionally prepared, cooked in a large layered pot. For me, biryani is more than just food, it's a symbol of warmth, togetherness and joy shared traditions.

Follow up questions


What other dishes are commonly served during traditional festivals in your country?
In addition to biryani, other popular dishes include kebabs, samosas, and various sweets like gulab jamun. Each dish has its own significance and is often prepared with great care, reflecting the cultural heritage and culinary diversity of our festivals.

How do you think traditional foods contribute to cultural identity?
Traditional foods like biryani play a crucial role in cultural identity as they connect people to their heritage. They evoke memories, foster a sense of belonging, and are often passed down through generations, helping to preserve cultural practices and values.

Can you share a memorable experience related to biryani during a festival?
One memorable experience was during Eid when my entire family gathered to celebrate. The aroma of biryani filled the air, and we all helped in the preparation. Sharing the meal together, laughing, and enjoying each other's company made it a truly unforgettable celebration.

Band 7

00:00

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00:00

I distinctly remember the first time I consumed Khichri. It was in a Durga Puja festival celebrated in my country. Khichri, as complicated and quirky as it sounds, it's a simple dish made out of rice and Bengal pulses steamed in a cooker and later spices and oil are added to it to make it more rich in flavours. The heady mix of spices sends out an enthralling fragrance and flavour. I particularly like the fact that it is extremely healthy, nutritious and flavourful and its aroma has a very soothing effect on my senses and indicates the arrival of the Durga deity in our lives. My friends too could agree that it is one of the best dishes made in a traditional festival.

Follow up questions


What other dishes are popular during the Durga Puja festival?
Apart from Khichri, there are several other dishes that are popular during Durga Puja, such as Bhog, which includes rice, lentils, and various vegetable preparations. Sweets like Sandesh and Rasgulla are also favorites, and many families prepare special meals to celebrate the festival.

How do you think food plays a role in cultural festivals?
Food is a central part of cultural festivals as it brings people together and creates a sense of community. It often reflects the traditions and values of a culture, and sharing meals during festivals strengthens bonds among family and friends, making the celebrations more meaningful.

Have you ever tried making Khichri yourself?
Yes, I have tried making Khichri at home. It was a fun experience, and while it didn't turn out exactly like the one I had during the festival, it was still delicious. Cooking it myself made me appreciate the dish even more, and I enjoyed sharing it with my family during our own celebrations.

Band 7

00:00

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00:00

pav bhaji is my favorite dish, not only the taste but the aroma itself is very tempting it is both nutritious as well as easy to prepare pav bhaji requires lots of vegetables for its preparation which is very nutritious for our body the vegetables are boiled, mashed and marinated in spice it is usually taken with bun, deep fried in butter the dish is filling and can be taken for both lunch as well as dinner being my favorite dish, I prepare it myself and have often been on my delicious pav bhaji pav bhaji is my favorite dish, not only the taste but the aroma itself is very tempting

Follow up questions


What other dishes do you enjoy during traditional festivals?
Apart from pav bhaji, I also enjoy dishes like biryani and samosas during festivals. Each dish has its unique flavors and is often associated with special memories from family gatherings and celebrations.

How do you think food contributes to the celebration of festivals?
Food plays a central role in festivals as it brings people together. Sharing meals fosters a sense of community and tradition, allowing families and friends to bond over delicious dishes that hold cultural significance.

Have you ever tried making pav bhaji with a twist?
Yes, I once tried making pav bhaji with a twist by adding cheese and different spices. It turned out to be a delightful fusion of flavors, making the dish even more enjoyable and appealing to my friends during a gathering.
Show all 43 answers

Cue 1:What it is

  • Begin by clearly naming the food and giving a brief description of it.
  • Mention any unique characteristics that make this food special.

Example

My favourite food is 'Puran Poli', a sweet flatbread stuffed with a mixture of jaggery and lentils. It's a traditional dish that is not only delicious but also holds a special place in my heart.


Cue 2:At which festival/event you eat it

  • Identify the specific festival or event where this food is commonly enjoyed.
  • Explain the significance of this food during the festival or event.

Example

I usually eat Puran Poli during the festival of 'Gudi Padwa', which marks the Marathi New Year. This festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm, and Puran Poli is a must-have dish that symbolizes prosperity and happiness.


Cue 3:How it is made

  • Describe the basic ingredients and the cooking process involved in making the food.
  • Highlight any special techniques or traditions associated with its preparation.

Example

Puran Poli is made using whole wheat flour, jaggery, and split chickpeas. The lentils are cooked and mashed with jaggery to create a sweet filling, which is then encased in a thin layer of dough and rolled out before being cooked on a hot griddle. The aroma of ghee adds to its irresistible taste.


Cue 4:And explain why you like it

  • Share personal feelings or memories associated with the food.
  • Explain how this food connects you to your culture or family traditions.

Example

I love Puran Poli because it reminds me of my childhood when my grandmother would make it for us during Gudi Padwa. The taste brings back fond memories of family gatherings and celebrations, making it not just a dish, but a cherished part of my heritage.


Conclusion

  • Summarize your feelings about the food and its importance in your life.
  • Reiterate how it enhances the festive experience.

Example

In conclusion, Puran Poli is more than just a delicious treat; it represents my cultural roots and the joy of celebrating festivals with loved ones. It truly enhances the festive spirit of Gudi Padwa.


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 terms can make your answer unclear. Avoid general statements that do not provide specific details about the food or the festival.

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Tip

Be specific about the food's ingredients, flavors, and the unique aspects of the festival to create a vivid picture.


2: Lack of Structure

Failing to follow the cue prompts can lead to a disorganized response. This may confuse the listener and weaken your answer.

bulb icon

Tip

Organize your response by addressing each cue in order: what it is, when you eat it, how it's made, and why you like it.


Overly Short Answers

Providing very brief answers can make your response seem incomplete. This may limit your ability to showcase your language skills.

bulb icon

Tip

Expand on each point with examples or personal experiences to give a fuller, more engaging answer.


calendar icon

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
anonymous person icon

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

location icon

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
anonymous person icon

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 8

location icon

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
anonymous person icon

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 6.5

location icon

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
anonymous person icon

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7

location icon

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
anonymous person icon

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

location icon

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.

All Answers

Here are all the answers by real-users practicing speaking for IELTS Cue Cards on our IELTS Prep App.

Band 6

00:00

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00:00

so my favorite food is Puran Puri it's a Maharashtrian dish which is made from wheat flour and gur which is chagri it's a sweet dish and it's it is a very authentic dish in Marathi also I like chaklis which are circular crisps or crackers which are made from dal and we cherish it on our special days my mother makes them very good also our elders always tell us to consume it on our special festivals

Band 5-6

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00:00

As I live in Kashmir, there is a food which is known as Wazwan and Wazwan is a famous food for Kashmir especially Wazwan is like we made Wazwan on weddings like special festivals and there are different dishes which is included in Wazwan like Rista, Gustab, Kabab, Mehtmaz, Tabakmaz and these all are the dishes which is included in Wazwan so Wazwan is the Kashmir's famous food which everybody prefer to have Wazwan and it made the Wazwan made on weddings like festivals, Eid, celebrations like that type of festivals so yeah this is the reason I like the Wazwan and my favorite dish is Rista, Chicken, Kabab I think so all are my favorite dish which is included in Wazwan all dishes are my favorite dishes so talking about my Kashmiri culture this is our cultural food which people prefer to eat as we made as we make Wazwan on Eid, Wazwan on engagements, Wazwan on weddings most of the time we made Wazwan on weddings so yeah this is the this is the food which I like the most and this is the traditional festival food traditional food in our state which is Wazwan so this is all about the Kashmiri cultural food Wazwan and Wazwan is the most famous food in India

Band 5-6

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00:00

I like payasam that is my favorite food and it is mostly prepared during any festival, any southern festival, in addition to payasam we prepare laddus, pongal and some other sweets particularly we use to do this on festival named sankranti that festival is very admiring in southern part of India
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