Cue Card Sample
Describe a national day in your country - Cue Card # 593
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IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.
Describe a national day in your country.
You should say:
- what day it is
- how it is celebrated
- what is the historical significance of this day
and explain how you feel about this day.
[You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]
Model Answer 1: [In the United Kingdom]
As a UK citizen, I find it really awkward to say that this great country doesn’t really have a unique “national day”, like any other sovereign country in the world, in order to mark its “nationhood”. Rather, it has a number of days of celebration for its “constituent countries”, such as St George's Day for England, St Andrew's Day for Scotland, St David's Day for Wales and St Patrick's Day for Northern Ireland. But, since I live in England, I will go ahead and describe St. George’s Day as my national day.
Saint George’s Day is celebrated on the 23rd of April in order to mark the death of a famous patron saint of England called “Saint George”. 23rd of April, also known as “the feast of St. George”, is celebrated by many Christian churches across several countries and their cities of which Saint George is a patron saint.
Historically speaking, this particular tradition was started by King Edward III in the 14th century, even though, the incident took place many centuries ago, in 303 AD, when Saint George was executed by decapitation because of refusing to recant his Christian faith. By the way, Saint George was a soldier of Cappadocian Greek origins and a member of the Praetorian Guard for Roman emperor Diocletian. Legends about this great saint started circulating in the 6th century, which eventually made him one of the most venerated saints and megalo-martyrs in Christianity. He has also been especially venerated as a military saint since the Crusades.
Authorities across England fly the national flag to mark this day in a rather sober manner. Some villages also put on fairs, where the English folk Morris dance is performed, and some churches ring out the 'Jerusalem' hymn. Some pubs put on a “themed day” also.
I feel that it is great to remember this magnificent saint who had a great role in bringing many Britons under the umbrella of the Christian faith. This particular occasion also encourages many English villagers and their families to unite in a common cause which is really great for the solidarity of our people.
Model Answer 2: [In Canada]
Introduction:
One of the most significant national days in Canada is "Canada Day". As I am from Canada, I'd like to talk about this national day in my country.
What day it is:
Canada Day is the national day of Canada, celebrated annually on July 1st. It commemorates the confederation of the country when the provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Province of Canada (which later split into Ontario and Quebec) united to form one nation. It is one of the most important public holidays in Canada, and it embodies a sense of national pride and identity.
How it is celebrated:
Canada Day is celebrated across the country with various events and activities. In cities like Ottawa, there are large parades, fireworks, concerts, and ceremonies. Many people attend picnics, barbecues, and outdoor festivals. Canadian flags are displayed proudly on homes, cars, and public buildings. There are also cultural performances, sports events, and historical reenactments. In smaller towns and villages, local events are organised with the same enthusiasm. Additionally, it is common for people to dress in red and white, the national colours, and wave the Canadian flag.
What is the historical significance of this day:
Canada Day marks the birth of Canada as a self-governing entity. The "British North America Act" was passed on July 1, 1867, which paved the way for the unification of four provinces into a single country. Although Canada gained complete independence from the British Parliament much later, in 1982, this day still symbolises the beginnings of Canada as a unified, sovereign nation.
Explain how you feel about this day:
Personally, I feel a deep sense of pride on Canada Day. It’s a day to reflect on the diverse, inclusive, and peaceful society that Canada strives to maintain. As a Canadian, I appreciate how this day brings people together from all backgrounds to celebrate our shared values and the natural beauty of the country.
Model Answer 3: [In India]
Independence Day is a special day for all Indians, and we observe it with great passion and enthusiasm. This day is celebrated on 15th August each year, as a national holiday, commemorating our independence from the United Kingdom on 15 August 1947. I am grateful to you for giving me the chance to talk about this significant national day in our history.
Independence Day is observed in every state in India, and twenty-one gunshots are fired in honour of the solemn occasion. The incumbent Prime Minister customarily raises the national flag and gives a speech to the nation. This day is observed throughout the country with flag-hoisting ceremonies, parades, and various cultural events. We show our love for our motherland in every way possible on that day. Besides, flag hoisting ceremonies and cultural programmes take place in governmental and non-governmental institutions throughout the country. Many citizens adorn their clothing, wristbands, household accessories and cars with replicas of the tri-colour of our national flag.
Historically, this is the most important day for us. India, as a nation, got its independence following the Independence Movement in 1947, and the birth of our nation is perhaps the most significant event in our history. On 15th August 1947, Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, raised the Indian national flag above the Lahori Gate of the Red Fort in Delhi, and history took a new road on that special day.
As an Indian, I celebrate it by raising our national flag in our house and then attending the national parade in the early morning. I often take my siblings to our college's cultural programmes that highlight the significance of this day and the sacrifices we made as a nation to achieve our independence. I feel proud to be an Indian, and this is the best day to live as an Indian.
Sample Answer 4: [In Germany]
Germany, a land of diversity, has got some notable days to celebrate. The "Reunification Day", or "German Unity Day" is celebrated annually on October 3rd, and this is a national day for all Germans. Marking the reunification of Germany in 1990, we celebrate the day across the country and take part in different events. Before the unification of Germany, it was divided into two parts, but this unification has brought everything under a single curtain.
The celebration of the day is important for us as a nation, and it is a public holiday. Germans celebrate the day across the major cities of the country. Different ceremonial activities take place on this day, and people participate in these activities spontaneously. The state capital, as well as a few non-state capitals, host the celebration, and many political leaders often deliver their speeches. The celebrations in the host city always include a festival and a fireworks show. The communal meal is another important part of celebrating this event.
The day is historically important. The idea of a unified Germany was underway since the middle of the 20th century. But the idea could not be materialized for numerous geopolitical reasons. The country experienced different political changes, several wars and those events did not allow the unification to happen. Finally, in 1990, after many attempts, the unification took place, and the day is observed as a national holiday ever since.
I feel very passionate about celebrating this day, and it has a great significance in the history of Germany. All the workplaces and services remain closed on that day except for some emergency services and stores to meet the public needs. I love walking on the streets on this day and greet people. There are no public transport or crowds of office-goers on this day. But some points are excessively crowded with people celebrating the event, and I feel proud to be a part of this celebration.
More Ideas to talk about this Cue Card topic:
Cue Card Topic: Describe a national day in your country.
1. January 12th is celebrated as the National Youth Day in India. It is an important day for the youth of the country. A wide range of events is organized on this day. Mostly the young population participates in these events.
2. Annually, 23rd April is celebrated as St. George’s Day in England. St. George was a patron and a saint of England and famous for saving a maiden from a fire-breathing Dragon in the 6th century, according to the legend.
3. Good Friday is celebrated as a National day in Australia. It is also a national holiday in the country. The day is celebrated marking the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his resurrection. But the date is not fixed and can vary.
4. Al-Eid Al Watani is a national holiday in the United Arab Emirates. The day is celebrated on December 2nd each year. Since this is a public holiday, people enjoy this occasion.
5. The birthday of a queen or a king is a national day in New Zealand. When a male monarch reigns, the day is celebrated as the King’s Birthday. Currently, it is celebrated for Queen Elizabeth II, and it is celebrated officially in the whole country.
6. In Vietnam, the celebration of the New Year is very extensive and it is a national day for our country. The day is observed amid great festivity, and people from all walks of life participate in different types of events marking the day.
7. August 9 is marked as the National Day in Singapore. The day is celebrated across the country marking the independence of the nation from Malaysia in 1965. Various events and parades take place marking the day.
8. Every year, September 23rd is observed as the National Day of Saudi Arabia. On this day, King Abdulaziz established the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The day is a holiday too. Significant historical events took place on the day, and we celebrate it amid festivity.
Similar other cue card topics that you should be able to answer with your preparation for this cue card topic:
1. Describe an important day that you celebrate in your country.
2. Describe a day that is important for your nation.
3. Describe a historical event you know about.
4. Describe a public holiday in your country.
5. Describe a festival people in your country celebrate every year.
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