IELTS Speaking Part 2 cue card · Books, media and culture

Describe a festival or celebration in your country

The full cue card, a one-minute plan for its prompts, a sample answer by Lingo Copilot and the vocabulary for this topic.

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Describe a festival or celebration in your country.

You should say:

what the festival is
when it takes place
what people do during it

and explain why this festival is important.

How to plan your answer in 1 minute

A minute is short. Spend it on keywords for each prompt, in the order of the card:

0:00–0:10
Choose your answer
Decide on a festival or celebration in your country. Pick something real that you know well, so the details come easily when you speak.
0:10–0:20
What the festival is
Write two or three keywords, not sentences: a name, a place, a time or a detail you can expand on.
0:20–0:30
When it takes place
Write two or three keywords, not sentences: a name, a place, a time or a detail you can expand on.
0:30–0:40
What people do during it
Write two or three keywords, not sentences: a name, a place, a time or a detail you can expand on.
0:40–0:55
And explain why this festival is important
Note one reason and one short example or story. This is the part you can keep developing until the examiner stops you at two minutes.
0:55–1:00
Check the order
Number your notes in the order of the prompts, then use them as a checklist while you talk.

Sample answer

Written for practice. Use it for ideas and phrasing rather than memorising it, then answer about your own experience.

Sample answer by Lingo Copilot · 257 words

So, I want to tell you about the Mid-Autumn Festival, which is one of the most cherished celebrations in my country. It takes place on the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month, typically falling in September or October, and it holds deep cultural significance for families across the nation. During this festival, people gather with their relatives to admire the full moon, which is at its brightest and roundest at this time of year. It's customary for families to share mooncakes, which are rich pastries filled with lotus seed paste or red bean, while sitting together in gardens or on balconies. The lively atmosphere is heightened by children carrying colourful lanterns through the streets, and in many neighbourhoods, the festivities are in full swing well into the night. Communities also hold ceremonies to pay homage to the moon, a tradition that goes back to ancient agricultural practices when farmers would express gratitude for a bountiful harvest. This festival is important because it captures the essence of family unity and togetherness. In a society where people increasingly work long hours and live far from their hometowns, this celebration brings the community together in a way that few other events can. The traditions have been passed down through generations, and taking part in them brings a sense of nostalgia that resonates with people of all ages. The festive mood it creates is unlike anything I experience at other times of the year, and it stands as a testament to the enduring importance of family bonds in our society.

Another sample answer (2 of 3)

Sample answer by Lingo Copilot · 257 words

I'm going to describe the Dragon Boat Festival, which is a spectacular celebration steeped in history and tradition. It takes place on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, usually around June, and it's one of the most lively and visually striking events in our cultural calendar. The centrepiece of the festival is the dragon boat racing, which is a remarkable spectacle to witness. Teams of rowers paddle decorated boats in fierce competition while drums pound out a rhythm that heightens the atmosphere of excitement. People attend celebrations along riverbanks, cheering and waving flags. It's also customary to eat zongzi, sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves, which families prepare together in the days leading up to the event. The preparations themselves set the scene for the main festivities, as neighbourhoods go all out with decorations and the aroma of steaming dumplings fills the air. This festival is deeply important for several reasons. Firstly, it's a commemorative event that honours the memory of a beloved ancient poet who sacrificed himself for his principles, so it carries a strong moral dimension. The story strikes a chord with people because it celebrates loyalty and integrity, values that resonate across generations. Moreover, the festival serves as a snapshot of our broader cultural identity, combining physical competition, culinary tradition, and historical remembrance in a single celebration. The joy I witness every year is nothing like the quiet daily routine, and each time I attend, the vibrant energy of the crowds leaves a lasting impression that remains etched in my memory.

Another sample answer (3 of 3)

Sample answer by Lingo Copilot · 249 words

The festival I want to describe is a regional harvest celebration that takes place in my hometown every November, just as the last crops of the year are being gathered. Although it may not be as well known as national holidays, it holds an extraordinarily deep-rooted significance for our local community. During the festival, the town square comes alive with market stalls, traditional music, and cooking demonstrations. Local farmers display their finest produce, and there are competitions for the best homemade preserves and baked goods. A solemn ceremony is held at the old village church to observe the tradition of giving thanks for the year's abundance, after which the atmosphere shifts to one of joyful celebration. Families mark the occasion with elaborate communal feasts where recipes that've been passed down through generations are proudly served. What makes this festival so important is its role in preserving cultural heritage in an era when many rural traditions are disappearing. The celebration captures the spirit of solidarity and mutual dependence that defined earlier generations, and it helps create a sense of respect for the land and the labour required to cultivate it. For younger people who've moved to cities, returning for this festival rekindles their connection to their roots and helps build a sense of identity that urban life sometimes wears away. Personally, I find that this celebration is central to understanding our community's values. The event's enduring popularity continues to resonate across generations, reminding us all of where we come from.

Useful vocabulary

festivitynoun: An activity or event associated with celebration and rejoicing
commemorativeadjective: Intended to honour the memory of a person or event
livelyadjective: Full of energy, colour, and enthusiasm
atmospherenoun: The pervading mood or feeling of a place or event
customaryadjective: According to established practice or tradition
revelrynoun: Lively and noisy celebration or merrymaking
spectaclenoun: A visually striking display or performance
immerse oneselfphrase: To become deeply absorbed or engaged in an activity
resonate withphrasal verb: To evoke a feeling of shared emotion or connection
rekindleverb: To revive or renew a feeling, memory, or connection
deep-rootedadjective: Firmly established and difficult to change; deeply embedded in culture
fleetingadjective: Lasting for a brief period; transient
effervescentadjective: Vivacious and enthusiastic; bubbling with energy
sacrosanctadjective: Regarded as too sacred or inviolable to be interfered with
classicadjective: representing the most perfect example of something

Useful collocations

observe a tradition
My family observes this tradition without fail every year on the winter solstice.
hold a ceremony
A solemn ceremony is held at the monument before the festivities commence.
attend celebrations
Thousands of visitors attend the celebrations, which span three consecutive days.
cultural significance
The festival holds profound cultural significance for the indigenous community.
festive mood
A festive mood permeates the entire city from the moment the decorations go up.
capture the essence of
The opening ceremony captures the essence of the community's shared history.
preserve cultural heritage
Events such as this play a pivotal role in preserving cultural heritage for future generations.
evoke a sense of nostalgia
The traditional melodies performed at dusk evoke a powerful sense of nostalgia.
pay homage to
The procession pays homage to the ancestors who first cultivated this land.
heighten the atmosphere
The incense, music, and candlelight combine to heighten the atmosphere of reverence.
once-a-year event
The cherry blossom festival is a once-a-year event that everyone looks forward to.
precipitate a crisis
Poor decision-making at the top can precipitate a crisis in any organisation.
pay tribute to
The ceremony pays tribute to the ancestors who founded the town.
deep-rooted tradition
The lantern festival is a deep-rooted tradition that goes back centuries.
mark the occasion
We always cook a special meal to mark the occasion of Chinese New Year.

Part 3 questions on this topic

In the test, Part 3 continues with wider questions linked to your Part 2 topic. Questions from our question bank:

Do you think traditional customs are still important in modern society?
How can countries preserve their cultural traditions while embracing modernisation?
Should schools teach students about traditional culture and customs?

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