In Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking test, you have to talk about a topic given on a cue card for about 2 minutes. Usually, this topic asks you to talk about something you've experienced. This part of the IELTS Speaking test checks how well you can speak English, understand the topic, and tell your stories clearly. We will help you learn how to talk about a topic like: " Describe an important festival in your country."
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IELTS Speaking test format
The Speaking test takes between 11 and 14 minutes and consists of 3 parts.
Part 1: The first part of the test where the examiner will ask you some general questions about familiar topics like work, family, studies, and hobbies.
Part 2: You will be given a cue card with a topic. You will be given one minute to take notes on the topic and will be given a pencil and paper to prepare your response. You will then speak on the topic for two minutes.
Part 3: In the interview, you will have a two-way discussion with the examiner where they will ask questions related to the topic discussed in Part 2.
Describe an important festival in your country – IELTS cue card topic (Speaking part 2)
In this task you will be given a cue card, for example: With the topic “Describe an important festival in your country”.
You can form your answer based on your favourite festival which is important in Indian culture. It could be any festival you love the most or it is the most important for you as an Indian.
Note: This topic requires you to share a story that illustrates your ability to make a conversation with others to build a connection with others.
Describe an important festival in your country – IELTS cue card (Sample question)
Describe an important festival in your country
You should say:
When the festival is celebrated
What people do during this festival
What do you like or dislike about it
And explain why this festival is important in your country
Describe an important festival in your country – IELTS cue card (Sample answers)
Drafting responses at different band levels for an IELTS Speaking test involves varying the language, depth of analysis, and fluency of the response. Here are sample answers for your reference for bands 6, 7, and 8. Here's how you can approach answering the IELTS cue card topic about describing an important festival in your country:
Sample response band 6
When is the festival celebrated?
One of the most important festivals celebrated in India is Diwali, usually falling in October or November each year.
What do people do during this festival?
During Diwali, people light oil lamps and decorate their homes with colourful rangoli patterns. They also exchange gifts and sweets with family and friends. Fireworks light up the night sky, creating a festive atmosphere.
What do you like or dislike about it?
What I like about Diwali is the sense of togetherness it brings. Families come together to celebrate, and there's a feeling of warmth and joy in the air. However, I dislike the pollution caused by the excessive use of fireworks during this festival.
And explain why this festival is important in your country
Diwali holds great significance in India as it symbolises the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. It's not just a religious festival but a cultural one, bringing people from different communities together to celebrate unity and happiness.
Sample response for band 7
When is the festival celebrated?
In India, one of the most significant festivals is Holi, typically celebrated in March.
What do people do during this festival?
During Holi, people gather in open spaces and engage in playful activities, throwing coloured powders and water at each other. Traditional sweets like gujiya and thandai are prepared and shared with loved ones.
What do you like or dislike about it?
What I particularly like about Holi is the infectious joy it spreads. People of all ages participate in the festivities, and there's a sense of brotherhood as everyone joins in the colourful revelry. However, the extensive use of synthetic colours can be harmful to the environment and health, which is something I dislike.
And explain why this festival is important in your country
Holi is not only a celebration of the arrival of spring but also a time to foster relationships and forgive past grievances. It promotes harmony and brotherhood among people of diverse backgrounds, making it a cherished festival in India.
Sample response for band 8
When is the festival celebrated?
Navratri, a nine-night festival dedicated to the worship of the Hindu goddess Durga, holds immense significance in India and is usually celebrated in September or October.
What do people do during this festival?
During Navratri, people fast, pray, and participate in traditional dance forms like Garba and Dandiya. Each night, colourful festivities take place in temples and community centres, with vibrant music and elaborate decorations.
What do you like or dislike about it? What I really like about Navratri is how it brings our culture to life. It's when people join in to honour their traditions with music, dancing, and religious ceremonies. But sometimes, all the advertising and loud music can be too much and take away from the spiritual side of the festival.
And explain why this festival is important in your country Navratri is an important religious festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil and doing the right thing. It's a time for people to think about their spirituality and renew their faith. Navratri is also about keeping alive and sharing India's diverse culture, which is a big part of what makes India special.
Note: Remember, these are just examples. You can make your answers more personal based on your own experiences. Also, in the IELTS Speaking test, a human examiner listens to you and understands your feelings as you speak, unlike an AI which other tests involve. So, it's important to practice speaking and improve your language skills for a better life in your dream destination where IELTS can help you achieve that dream. Therefore, it is recommended to choose the right test that suits your needs for a smooth journey abroad.
These answers demonstrate how language complexity, coherence, and engagement with the topic progress at different bands.
Also, if you need more information about the IELTS test, feel free to contact your nearest IDP IELTS test centre. Our team of IELTS experts is here to answer all your questions and provide further assistance.
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