Describe a traditional festival in your country
Describe a traditional festival in your country.
You should say:
- what the festival is
- when it is celebrated
- what people do during it
And explain why this festival is important to people.
Practise this cue card with a timer Use it in a full mock
One-minute preparation plan
Mix general description (what people do) with a short personal memory to stay engaging.
| Cue card point | What to note (keywords only) |
|---|---|
| What the festival is | 1–2 specific details: a name, a place, a time, or an example |
| When it is celebrated | 1–2 specific details: a name, a place, a time, or an example |
| What people do during it | 1–2 specific details: a name, a place, a time, or an example |
| And explain why this festival is important to people. | Your main reason plus how it affected you—save 30 seconds for this |
Sample answer
I'd like to describe the spring festival in my country, which marks the start of the new year in the traditional calendar.
It usually falls in March, and the main celebrations last about two weeks, so schools and many businesses close for at least part of that time.
In the weeks before, families give their homes a thorough spring clean, which symbolises getting rid of bad luck from the previous year. People buy new clothes, and markets are full of flowers and special sweets. On the first day, families visit their oldest relatives first, out of respect, and children receive small amounts of money in envelopes. There's also a lot of food; my grandmother still cooks a fish dish that's only ever made for this festival. Near the end, many people go outdoors for a big picnic in the countryside.
The festival is important because it brings families together, even if they live far apart. For many people it's the only time of year the whole family gathers, and it connects younger generations to traditions that go back centuries.
About 179 words, roughly two minutes at a natural pace. This is an original example written for SpeakingIELTS to show structure and vocabulary—use it for ideas, not as a script to memorise. Real test cards are worded differently, and examiners notice rehearsed answers.
Useful words and phrases
- marks the start of
- a thorough spring clean
- getting rid of bad luck
- out of respect
- only ever made for
- go back centuries
Try using three of these in your own answer. For more topic vocabulary, see the vocabulary helper.
Part 3 follow-up questions
After this cue card, the examiner moves to a Part 3 discussion on the same theme. Give an opinion, a reason and an example for each.
- Why are traditional festivals important?
- Are festivals becoming too commercial?
- How are festivals today different from those in the past?
- Should schools teach children about other cultures' festivals?
- Do young people still value traditional celebrations?
Practise these Part 3 questions
Check your own answer
Record yourself, then listen once and ask: did I cover every point, keep talking for close to two minutes, link ideas clearly, and explain my reasons at the end? The self-evaluation checklist covers all four speaking criteria.