IELTS Cue Card Sample: Describe a tradition in your country

IELTS Speaking Part 2 Topic: Describe a tradition in your country

You should talk about:

• What is it?
• Who takes part in it?
• What activities are there?
• And explain how you feel about it?

Sample Answer

(What is it?) India is a country with rich culture and heritage, where people speak various languages. With several cultures, traditions, and religions, people in India live a peaceful life. There are many cultures and traditions followed in India. One among the traditions is touching the elder’s feet which is considered a blessing. (Who takes part in it?) This is an age-old tradition, which is being practiced all over India. The touching of the elder’s feet originated in the Gurukul, where the students used to take the blessings of their gurus (teachers) by touching their feet. (What activities are there ?) On an occasion or during a festival, it is the duty of the younger people to seek blessings of the elderly people by touching their feets. This way, the elders are valued and respected. (And Explain how you feel about it?) This is a very common and well- practiced tradition that helps us understand the importance of showing respect to elders. I feel very honored to follow this tradition and keep it alive. Unfortunately, nowadays, most people don’t practice and are getting detached from these habits.

Vocabulary for IELTS Speaking Part 2 Topic Describe a tradition in your country

Heritage(noun): property that descends to an heir; legacy.

Eg: Rose tried to steal her grandmother’s heritage.

Blessing(noun): God’s protection and favour.

Eg: She went to the temple to seek God’s blessings on her birthday.

Gurukul: A residential schooling system where a student and his teacher live in the same house.

Eg: Kapoor’s Son studies in Gurukul.

Well-practised: having been habitually or frequently practised.

Eg: The tradition of Karva Chauth is well-practised in India.

Detached(adj): Separate or disconnected

Eg: She lives in a detached house.

 

IELTS Speaking Part 3 (Discussion)

What is the importance of traditional festivals?

Traditional festivals play a significant role in our lives. They add structure to our social lives and connect us with our roots. Moreover, we get an opportunity of familiarizing ourselves with the culture.

What’s the difference between festivals now and in the past?

Nowadays, people want to celebrate festivals for the sake of it. They don’t care to understand its importance. They are self-centred and want to move away from the age-old traditions. Whereas in the past, festivals were celebrated by following all the customs and traditions.

Do you think western festivals like Christmas are replacing traditional festivals in your country?

Not at all. Although people are celebrating western festivals like Christmas, they are also keen on celebrating traditional festivals with the same energy and enthusiasm, as these bring everyone together.

Do you think it is wrong for children not to celebrate traditional festivals?

Yes. It is wrong to refrain from celebrating traditional festivals. They should start preserving traditional values. They should also follow their customs as it is one of the best ways to connect with their ancestors.

Do you think teenagers should learn about traditions?

Of course, teenagers should learn about traditions and keep them alive by practising. This is the only way to preserve what our ancestors have been following all these years. Slowly, these traditions will be shared with the next generation, and they will begin to follow them.

Vocabulary for IELTS Speaking Part 3

Familiarizing: to learn something new or to teach somebody about something

Eg: I like familiarizing with different traditions and customs.

Self-centered: concerned only with the self’s desires

Eg: There is no point in explaining him my thoughts as he is self-centered.

Keen: interested

Eg: I am keen on travelling to new places.

Refrain: to stop from not doing something

Eg: I refrain from letting you drink and drive.

Preserving: to keep something in a good condition

Eg: They have been preserving most of the wall paintings in the cave.