Talk About A Traditional Object Of 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?

8 unique answers with expert feedback

What other traditional sweets are popular in your country?

In addition to Mysore Pak, there are many other traditional sweets like Gulab Jamun, Jalebi, and Ladoo. Each region has its specialties, and they are often made during festivals and celebrations. These sweets vary in ingredients and preparation methods, showcasing the diversity of our culinary heritage.

How do traditional sweets reflect your country's culture?

Traditional sweets often reflect the cultural practices and values of our country. They are usually made during festivals, weddings, and special occasions, symbolizing joy and celebration. The ingredients and methods used can also tell stories about local resources and historical influences on our cuisine.

Have you ever tried making Mysore Pak yourself?

Yes, I attempted to make Mysore Pak once, following a traditional recipe. It was challenging but rewarding. I learned about the importance of the right proportions of ghee and flour. Although it didn't turn out as perfect as the ones from Mysore, it was a fun experience that deepened my appreciation for this sweet.

Band 6-7

00:00

So the traditional object in my country that I really like is the architecture of Taj Mahal, I would say. It's really beautiful the way it has been made. All that white exquisite marble that has been used at that era of that time was simply a really fantastic job that everybody did that time and it was built during the Mughal Empire in India by a person called Shah Jahan who was the ruler that time and he built this when her wife died, Mumtaz, and he built the Taj Mahal to bury her wife in a really beautiful manner and it was a show of love and I would say Taj Mahal in itself is an epitome of love that he showed to the world that how much he loved his wife and how I got to know about all this I went on a school trip with my teachers and I went there and I just saw that Mumtaz grave there and it made me really emotional when I saw that like a person with so much love could do for a person who has died just for making a good resting place for her loved one and it is the reason I loved it another is one of the nine wonders in the world second it's really beautiful the way it has been architect the way it has been seen the calligraphy on that Taj Mahal everything is so epic and so precise and sharp it's like

Follow up questions

What other traditional objects are significant in your country?

In addition to the Taj Mahal, other significant traditional objects include the Red Fort in Delhi and the Hawa Mahal in Jaipur. Each of these structures has its own unique history and architectural style, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of India.

How do traditional objects influence modern culture in your country?

Traditional objects like the Taj Mahal influence modern culture by inspiring contemporary architecture and art. They serve as symbols of national pride and attract tourists, which helps in promoting cultural awareness and preserving historical sites.

What role do you think architecture plays in expressing cultural identity?

Architecture plays a crucial role in expressing cultural identity as it reflects the values, beliefs, and history of a society. Structures like the Taj Mahal not only showcase artistic skills but also tell stories of love, sacrifice, and the cultural evolution of a nation.

Band 6-7

00:00

Well, this is an interesting question. There are many types of traditional objects are present in my country. And if you ask anyone, then I prefer to say about a mirror. A particular mirror that is produced by some local communities in my native place. It was truly inspiring. They put a lot of effort for making mirrors. And it is traditionally a very big place in our country. You know, if any kind of occasions occur, people provide this mirror as a gift. And this shows the value of our tradition as well as culture. In recent time, our president who meet another president on that occasion, and he provide this mirror as a gift. I don't know, I truly inspired a lot. You know, every traditional object has its own value. We truly admire that matter very properly. And the way of preparation is very difficult. And it needs so much of talent as well as patience. This was made by some local communities and who devoted their time and energy for making these sorts of objects. And the ingredients are quite sacred. They didn't provide an opportunity to explore their facts. But it's truly unbelievable fact because they are making the mirror from a clay. And you know, it was truly admirable factor and it is really captivated. Once I was a child, I visited such a place in my along with my mother. It was a red letter day in my life because I couldn't forget that matter the way of preparation. They showed the preparation, but in between they hide some matter. So that is the technique that they followed.

Follow up questions

What other traditional objects are popular in your country?

In addition to mirrors, other traditional objects like pottery, textiles, and handcrafted jewelry are quite popular. Each of these items reflects the unique culture and history of different regions in my country, showcasing the skills and artistry of local artisans.

How do traditional objects influence modern culture?

Traditional objects play a significant role in modern culture by serving as symbols of heritage and identity. They inspire contemporary artists and designers, and many people incorporate traditional elements into their daily lives, blending the old with the new.

Why do you think preserving traditional crafts is important?

Preserving traditional crafts is crucial as it helps maintain cultural identity and heritage. It also supports local economies and communities by providing jobs and promoting tourism. Furthermore, it allows future generations to appreciate and learn about their history and traditions.

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 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 Person Who Likes To Grow Plants

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Describe an interesting traditional story

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Describe a natural place (e.g. parks, mountains)

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Describe an important plant in your country

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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 6-7

00:00

The traditional object that I would like to mention is a Tia. In my country India, the Tia is a part of almost every household across the country. It is made in a similar way to a candle, but it is made of using household items unlike wax. The significance of it is in the roots of Indian culture, in our history, in our present as well as the future prospect. The light displays the overcome of darkness by light and it also illuminates the path for our future. In religious essence as well, the Tia is considered a sign of prosperity and the main base of how a person tackles the darkness and gets through the dark time. The Tia is found on special occasions in more abundance. The festival of Diwali, considered the festival of light, finds numerous Tias, Divas being enlightened in all the households all over India and across the globe. Which makes it one of the most traditionally rich and serene objects of our country.

Follow up questions

What other traditional objects are significant in Indian culture?

In addition to the Tia, other significant traditional objects in Indian culture include the Diya, which is similar but often made of clay, and the Mandala, which is a decorative art form. Each object carries its own cultural significance and is used in various rituals and celebrations.

How do people in India celebrate Diwali with Tias?

During Diwali, people light Tias in their homes and on their doorsteps to welcome prosperity and good fortune. Families often decorate their homes with Tias, participate in prayers, and share sweets and gifts, creating a festive atmosphere that symbolizes the victory of light over darkness.

Are there any modern adaptations of traditional objects like the Tia?

Yes, modern adaptations of the Tia include decorative versions made from various materials like glass and metal, often used as home decor. Additionally, some people create eco-friendly Tias using natural materials, reflecting a blend of tradition and contemporary environmental awareness.

Band 6

00:00

So for traditional objects, I don't know if it is counted as an object or not but there is one famous dhoti kurta attire of our country which is very much representative of our country because almost in every part of the country people wear that although they are made from different materials depending on that area and the traditions that they follow. It is very beautiful and it is mainly made because in olden days India had very bad weather and so people used to feel very much hot on the daytime while on the counterpart in the night people used to feel very much colder so to match that they made a special attire for that and it is called dhoti kurta. In my part it is made from cotton because in my area almost 8 to 10 months there is more of summer and hotter temperature like above 40 degrees and for the rest part only there is winter while on the other northern side this can be made from wool also depending on their tradition. One iconic figure is Mahatma Gandhi ji who used to have a charkha in their home and they used to make it themselves and motivated every Indian to have it in every home so that whenever they are free they can make and even sell to others so they can have an income and an art source and this can also perfectly represent India that everyone at least have one art form that they are confident enough and then they can produce and at least have food in their hand when other income source don't work.

Follow up questions

What other traditional attires are popular in your country?

In addition to dhoti kurta, there are many traditional attires like sarees for women, which vary by region. For example, the lehenga choli is popular in weddings, while the sherwani is often worn by men during festive occasions. Each attire has its own cultural significance and history.

How do traditional objects reflect the culture of your country?

Traditional objects like the dhoti kurta reflect the climate, lifestyle, and values of the people. They often embody the craftsmanship and artistic expression of different regions. For instance, the materials used and the designs often tell stories of the local culture and history.

Can you explain the significance of Mahatma Gandhi's charkha?

Mahatma Gandhi's charkha symbolizes self-reliance and the importance of handmade goods. It represents the fight for independence and the promotion of local industries. The charkha encouraged people to spin their own cloth, fostering a sense of community and economic independence.

Show all 8 answers

Cue 1:What is it?

Begin by introducing the traditional object clearly, mentioning its name and significance in your culture.
Provide a brief description of its appearance and any unique features.

Example

The traditional object I want to talk about is the 'Kalamkari' art, which is a hand-painted or block-printed textile from India. It is known for its intricate designs and vibrant colors, often depicting mythological stories and nature.

Cue 2:How is it made?

Explain the process of making the object, highlighting any special techniques or materials used.
Mention the artisans or communities involved in its production, emphasizing the craftsmanship.

Example

Kalamkari is made using natural dyes and involves a detailed process. First, the fabric is treated with a mordant to help the colors adhere. Then, artisans use a bamboo stick to hand-paint or block-print the designs. This process can take several days, as each color must be applied separately and allowed to dry.

Cue 3:When did you first try it?

Share a personal story about your first experience with the object, whether it was seeing it, using it, or wearing it.
Include details about the setting and the people involved in that experience.

Example

I first encountered Kalamkari when I visited a local craft fair with my family during a festival. I was fascinated by the vibrant colors and the stories depicted on the fabrics. I remember being drawn to a beautiful wall hanging that told the story of Lord Krishna.

Cue 4:Why do you like it?

Discuss your personal feelings about the object and what it represents to you.
Mention any cultural or emotional connections you have with it.

Example

I love Kalamkari because it represents the rich heritage of India. Each piece tells a story and carries the skill of the artisans who create it. It reminds me of my childhood and the festivals we celebrated, making it a cherished part of my culture.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, Kalamkari is not just a traditional object; it is a symbol of our culture and artistry. Its beauty and the stories it tells make it a significant part of my life and heritage.

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 object to engage the listener and demonstrate your knowledge.

Tip

Use descriptive adjectives and specific examples to paint a clear picture of the object and its significance.

2: Ignoring Cultural Context

Failing to explain the cultural significance of the object can lead to a lack of depth in your response. This context helps the examiner understand its importance.

Tip

Include a brief history or cultural background of the object to enrich your answer and show its relevance to your country.

Rushing Through Answers

Speaking too quickly can lead to unclear speech and missed details. It's essential to pace your response to ensure clarity and coherence.

Tip

Take a moment to think before you speak, and practice pausing between points to allow your ideas to flow more clearly.

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.

All Answers

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

Band 7

Band 6-7

Band 6

A traditional object that I recently purchased is the dancing doll from Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu. So this particular doll is a traditional object in my country because this doll, they used to keep it at home. And we usually feel that we give more emphasis to the tradition when we have this doll at home. And this was actually a gift from my cousin. So she gifted me this particular doll on my birthday. So it's actually a special one because Leila, the cousin of mine, she came from Singapore to India for a work. And suddenly she visited me on my birthday and gave me this present which was an unexpected one. So this particular gift, I placed it on the top of the shelf. It has taken a best place in my shelf because I don't place everything in my cupboard. So this one has taken a leading place among my showpieces. It has this dancing head. So as you see that for a while you can feel your head to be a bit light because all your stress runs away. And you can feel that you have some light-headedness. And furthermore it doesn't suit you, it doesn't take so much of your time to spend towards it. So my son loves this particular gift. And this is a traditional object which everyone has to keep it. And for sure you can use it and you will be benefited out of it because as soon as you come from work, if you spend two or three minutes seeing that, you can feel your stress running off and you have some peace of mind towards your work and the other household chores.

Band 6

details and everything So talking about my favorite traditional object of the country I think those would be definitely Pashmina shawls that come from Kashmir so Pashmina shawls are essentially shawls that are made from a special kind of coat called the Pashmina coat and The wool is woven together on a yarn They're extremely light very insulating some of the interesting qualities are that they keep you cool during the summers and warm during the winters. I first tried them when I visited Kashmir about five years ago and It was extremely interesting to see the kind of art that is present there and the kind of intricacies and the handwork that goes into these Pashmina shawls The concept of Pashmina shawls being so scientifically interesting Having these insulating properties and also having real-world use is Extremely exciting to me and hence we also bought a Pashmina shawl from there one of the favorite and most interesting things of Pashmina shawl is that it just Passes through a link like butter. It's extremely light to carry and it can be used by men as well as women so yeah, Pashmina shawls are absolutely one of the highlights of My Token of appreciation that I got from Kashmir when on my last trip Yeah, so the Pashmina shawl that I have is black in color with various animals done on it with a special kind of Indian art form called Zardozi where glittered strings are used in order to weave those animals into the Pashmina shawl and these Pashmina shawls are extremely comfortable in nature

Band 6

My traditional object in my country is like Rasgulla. It is made from wheat and maida. It is very delicious and beautiful and I love to eat. So it is always be a part of our festival. This food is very viral in our city. So people are really enjoy to eat this type of food and mostly in the functions or in the marriage ceremony, occasional programs, this food is served in a huge way. So I consider Rasgulla is a traditional food in our country, in our city.