Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe a festival that is important in your country - Cue Card # 64
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IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.
[The topic for your talk will be written on a card which the examiner will hand over to you. Read it carefully and then make some brief notes.]
Describe a festival that is important in your country.
You should say:
- when the festival occurs
- what you did during it
- what you like or dislike about it
and explain why this festival is important.
[Instruction: 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.]
[Examiner: All right? Remember you have one to two minutes for this, so don't worry if I stop you. I'll tell you when the time is up. Can you start speaking now, please?]
Model Answer 1: [Festival in Australia]
We, the Australian people, love life and love to celebrate, whenever there is an opportunity. We also happen to be a country of many festivals, which are enjoyed by all Australians, regardless of their race, religion and culture, and this topic offers me a great opportunity to talk about one such festival in my country.
The name of this festival is the “National Folk Festival”. It is an Australian family-oriented celebration which is attended by a significant number of people from all over Australia. Being held in Melbourne for the first time in 1967, it has been taking place at Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC) every Easter from Easter Thursday - Easter Monday, every year. It was inspired by the Newport Folk Festival in the United States, apparently in an effort to recognize the folk culture of Australian people, so that the people in my great country can gain valuable insight into their cultural identity through grassroots and community activities.
This also seems to be a festival which is renowned among players of traditional music as a place to go and meet their friends, see some excellent performances, and attend some workshops or training sessions with some of the best musicians in this half of the world. I also love to meet my friends and enjoy some performances.
Anyway, people celebrate this festival by organising concerts, a film festival, numerous impromptu street performances, workshops on making, playing and repairing musical instruments, visual art, storytelling and poetry, and many dance workshops. There are also many craft stalls on this festival site to introduce people to Australian handicraft works. The thing I love about the festival is the sense of community it creates. Everyone who attends is there to celebrate and enjoy the music and culture, and there is a real sense of camaraderie and shared experience among festival-goers.
Anyway, this is an important festival in my country because it allows regular Australian folks like us to understand and appreciate our cultural identity and features so that we can bring the much-needed sense of unity and solidarity among our people – people who come from different races, religions, cultures and backgrounds from all over the world. Besides, this festival also allows us to have some fun and a good time together with our friends and family while also learning about our folk culture at the same time.
Model Answer 2: [Festival in India]
Introduction:
India is a land of festivals and celebrations. Numerous festivals are celebrated across the country with great enthusiasm and joy. One of the most important festivals in India is Diwali, also known as the festival of lights. I have been celebrating this festival since my childhood and it holds a special place in my heart.
When the festival occurs:
Diwali is celebrated on the new moon day of the Hindu month of Kartik, which usually falls in the month of October or November. The festival lasts for five days, with the third day being the main day of celebration.
What you did during it:
On Diwali, my family and I usually clean and decorate our house with lights and rangolis. We also prepare various traditional delicacies and sweets. In the evening, we light diyas and candles all around our house and perform puja. Later, we burst crackers with our family and friends.
What you like or dislike about it:
I absolutely love the festive atmosphere during Diwali. The entire country is lit up with lights and everyone is in a celebratory mood. It is a time when people come together with their families and friends to celebrate the triumph of good over evil.
And explain why this festival is important:
Diwali is an important festival in India because it signifies the triumph of good over evil. It is celebrated to commemorate the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom after defeating the demon king Ravana. The festival is also associated with the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, and is considered to be an auspicious time to start new ventures and make investments. Overall, Diwali is a festival that brings people together and spreads happiness and positivity.
Cue Card Answer 3: [Festival in China]
China has many festivals, and we love to celebrate different occasions wholeheartedly. In fact, there are so many festivals in China that it is quite difficult for me to pick a particular favourite! Some significant festivals in China include National Day, Yung Xiao Festival, Lantern Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, Chinese New Year, and Mid-autumn Festival. However, for this topic, I'd love to talk about the Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year, which I enjoy quite a lot.
The Spring Festival is the biggest festival in our country, and it touches every single street and every single citizen of China. The first day of the Chinese New Year begins on the new moon that appears between 21 January and 20 February every calendar year.
I suppose it is somewhat like the "Christmas" festival in Western countries in terms of celebration, and the "New Year" festival in terms of its norm. If someone visits our country during the Spring Festival, he will surely notice the colourful and distinguishable look of the houses and streets. This is the time for families to gather together and enjoy their time. I also enjoy visiting relatives and spending some enjoyable time together.
People get together with their family members during this time and seem happy about it. Many stores and businesses remain closed during this time. People cook delicious food, visit relatives and friends, watch TV, gossip together, wear new dresses and welcome the New Year.
Visiting relatives and friends is a custom I really like about this festival. This festival remains for several days and personally, I find it very satisfying as I get together with my family. I also contact some of my friends and enjoy our time together. I invite them to have dinner with us and I often roam around the streets with them. Welcoming the New Year is another important aspect of this festival. We wish each other a happy and prosperous new year and exchange gifts with friends and family members. This is an important festival in China because it brings people together and gives them new hope and inspiration.
Model Answer 4: [Eid-ul-Fitr in Muslim country]
One of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in my country is Eid-ul-Fitr, which marks the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. It occurs based on the lunar calendar, so the exact date changes each year, but it usually falls around the 29th or 30th day of fasting, when the new moon is sighted. In my country, this festival is more than just a religious occasion - it’s a vibrant cultural celebration that brings people from all walks of life together.
Last year’s Eid celebration stands out vividly in my memory. I travelled back to my hometown a few days before the festival to be with my family. On the morning of Eid, we all woke up early, dressed in new traditional clothes, and went to the mosque for the special congregational prayer. Afterwards, we hugged and greeted our neighbours, exchanging wishes of peace and prosperity. The rest of the day was filled with delicious food, laughter, and visits to friends and relatives. One of the traditions I enjoy most is giving and receiving Eidi, which is a form of gift, usually money, given by elders to the younger family members.
What I particularly love about Eid is the sense of unity and generosity it promotes. Even people who may not observe Ramadan strictly still take part in the festivities, and there’s a spirit of forgiveness and gratitude in the air. However, one thing I dislike is how commercialised some aspects of the festival have become. The excessive shopping and flashy advertisements sometimes overshadow the more meaningful, spiritual side of the event.
Eid-ul-Fitr is immensely important in my country not just for religious reasons, but also because it reinforces family bonds and strengthens community ties. It serves as a reminder to care for the less fortunate, to be thankful for what we have, and to spread joy wherever we can. For many, it’s a festival of both emotional and spiritual renewal, and that’s what makes it truly special to me.
Sample Answer 5: [Festival in Bangladesh]
Bengali New Year Day - the first day of the Bengali calendar - also known as "Pohela Boishakh" is an incredibly important festival in our country - Bangladesh. This usually occurs on the 14th of April and is celebrated among the Bengali people, minor Bengali communities and some states in India. The famous Mughal Emperor Jalaluddin Muhammad Akbar introduced the Bengali Calendar because of easier tax collection at that time. Since then, this has become a highly important festival for all Bengali people.
This is perhaps the most widely celebrated festival in our country. People from all socioeconomic states, ages and religions, celebrate with great joy, festivity and happiness. The colourful and joyful rallies, music and songs, traditional costumes and foods, boat racing, cock-fight, pigeon racing and many more activities are very common on this day.
People celebrate this festival the whole day. Men, women and children all wear traditional dresses - usually red and white, draw temporary arts and tattoos, and go to see the "Mangal Shobhajatra" - a colourful procession where people march through the streets with masks, puppets, and floats to celebrate the day. On that day, I wear traditional dresses and see "Mangal Shobhajatra". Then I also visit a few friends and relatives and eat some traditional and delicious food together.
Eating customary food and wearing traditional dresses are something I enjoy a lot on this day. It reminds me of our origin and helps us revisit some of the traditional aspects of Bengali life and culture.
This is an important festival because the whole country warmly welcomes the Bengali New Year with renewed hopes, inspiration and nationalism. This is a festival which is rooted in our history. Usually, people get their harvest at that time and make different delicious foods. After Emperor Akbar introduced this Bengali New Year, we are celebrating with great enthusiasm and in a distinctive way. No other festival depicts the Bengali tradition and culture so accurately as the Pohela Boishak for us.
Model Answer 6: [Festival in Canada]
One of the most important and widely celebrated festivals in Canada is Canada Day, which takes place every year on the 1st of July. It commemorates the day in 1867 when the country officially became a self-governing dominion under the British Empire. For most Canadians, it’s a day of national pride, reflection, and celebration of our diverse and multicultural society.
Last year, I celebrated Canada Day in Ottawa, our nation’s capital, and I must say it was truly unforgettable. I went there with a group of friends, and we joined the massive crowd gathered on Parliament Hill. The entire area was buzzing with excitement, and there were live musical performances, street food vendors from different cultures, and people dressed in red and white, proudly waving Canadian flags. One of the highlights for me was watching the fireworks display in the evening. It lit up the sky over the Ottawa River and felt like a collective expression of gratitude and unity.
What I genuinely enjoy about Canada Day is how inclusive it feels. People from all cultural backgrounds come together to celebrate being Canadian. It’s not just about waving flags or singing the national anthem, it's a reminder that this country is built on values like freedom, acceptance, and mutual respect.
Canada Day is important because it brings people together across provinces and communities. It’s one of the few times in the year when everyone, regardless of their background, pauses to reflect on what it means to be part of this country. Whether you're Indigenous, born here, or a newcomer, the day creates a sense of shared identity - and that, to me, is the true spirit of Canada.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card / Cue card topic:
Festivals are deeply rooted in culture and tradition. Describing one that holds significance in your country can showcase your understanding of cultural values and personal experience. Below are a few examples of popular and important festivals celebrated in various countries. These ideas can help you build your own answer around a festival you know well.
1. Diwali (India):
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, takes place between October and November. I spent time with my family decorating the house, lighting diyas, and sharing sweets with neighbours. I enjoy the colourful decorations and the positive atmosphere, though I’m not fond of firecrackers due to the noise and pollution. This festival is important because it symbolises the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
2. Tết (Vietnam):
Tết, or the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, occurs in late January or early February. I helped clean the house, made bánh chưng (sticky rice cake), and visited relatives to give and receive “lì xì” (lucky money). I love family gatherings and festive meals, but I don’t enjoy the traffic before the holiday. This festival marks a fresh beginning and is a time for family reunions and ancestral respect.
3. Eid al-Fitr (Pakistan):
Eid al-Fitr is celebrated at the end of Ramadan. I attended morning prayers, wore new clothes, and shared meals with family and friends. The generosity and sense of unity during this time are what I cherish most. This festival is important as it promotes charity, gratitude, and community spirit.
4. Thanksgiving (Canada):
Thanksgiving occurs in October in Canada. I joined my relatives for a large meal, featuring roast turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie. What I love most is the family bonding and expressing gratitude for life’s blessings. It’s important because it reminds people to reflect and give thanks.
5. Songkran (Thailand):
Songkran, the Thai New Year, happens in April. I participated in water fights in the streets and helped clean Buddha statues at a local temple. The water fights are fun, but the crowds can be overwhelming. This festival is important as it symbolises purification, renewal, and respect for elders.
6. Christmas (The Philippines):
Christmas is one of the most celebrated festivals in the Philippines, beginning as early as September. I joined in singing carols, attending church, and preparing “Noche Buena” (Christmas Eve feast). I enjoy the festive lights and joyful spirit. This holiday brings people together and strengthens community bonds.
7. Nowruz (Uzbekistan):
Nowruz, or Persian New Year, is celebrated in March. I took part in family meals, wore traditional clothes, and watched folk performances. I loved the vibrant atmosphere and cultural traditions. It’s important because it marks the beginning of spring and celebrates renewal and hope.
8. Canada Day (Canada):
Canada Day - celebrated on July 1st - commemorates the formation of the country. I attended fireworks and outdoor concerts in my city. I enjoy the patriotic mood, though I wish the events weren’t so crowded. It’s a day of national pride and unity.
Part 3 - Two-way Discussion:
Discussion topic: "Purpose of festivals and celebration"
Q. Why do you think festivals are important events in the working year?
Q. Would you agree that the original significance of festivals is often lost today? Is it good or bad, do you think?
Q. Do you think that new festivals will be introduced in the future? What kind?
Discussion topic: "Festivals and the media"
Q. What role does the media play in festivals, do you think?
Q. Do you think it's good or bad to watch festivals on TV? Why?
Q. How may globalisation affect different festivals around the world?
Click here for the Answers to those Part 3 Questions
Tips for answering this Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card topic:
An important festival of a country can be a major religious, seasonal, traditional, cultural festival, or even a music festival - which is celebrated in the whole part of the country. For this topic, you can talk about any festival which is celebrated in your country widely and nationwide. Do not talk about a festival that is celebrated in a particular region of your country or among a group of people only.
For the first question, say the festival's name (i.e. New Year's Eve, Victory Day, Christmas, Eid-ul-Fitr, Canada Day, Independence Day etc.) and when it is celebrated. If the festival is not widely known and might be unknown to the examiner, say a little background of this festival. Mention whether this is a national festival/celebration, cultural or historical festival or a religious festival and then say the significance of this celebration in your country.
To mention the importance or significance of the festival, give the historical/ religious/ cultural context of the festival and also mention how this is an integral part of the people in your country. Also, say what you usually do on this festival day and why you like it so much. If you don't like it, you should also mention that.
You can also include a few more details of the festival from the following list:
1. Duration of the festival.
2. How widely is it celebrated?
3. Preparation for the festival.
4. What are the customs and rules of the celebration?
5. What do people cook, and wear during the occasion?
6. What are the norms of this celebration?
7. What do you like to do during this celebration?
8. What is the tradition of it?
9. How do you feel about his celebration?
10. How important is this celebration for your countrymen?
Finally, mention why this is an important festival for the people of your country.
Vocabulary for this Candidate Task Card / Cue Card topic:
Describing a festival from your country requires you to express cultural significance, traditions, emotions, and personal experiences. Below is a list of useful vocabulary and phrases that will help you speak more fluently and accurately when discussing this topic:
Cultural heritage – Traditions, customs, and practices passed down through generations.
Traditional attire – Clothing worn as part of cultural or festival customs.
Festive atmosphere – A joyful and celebratory mood created during festivals.
Reunion – The act of coming together again after being apart, often referring to family gatherings.
Observance – The act of following or celebrating a festival or religious event.
Rituals – Formal ceremonies or actions performed during festivals.
Offerings – Items given during religious or cultural ceremonies, often food, flowers, or gifts.
Procession – A group of people moving forward in an orderly way, often as part of a festival celebration.
Commemoration – The act of remembering and showing respect for a past event or person.
Symbolism – The use of symbols to represent ideas or values (e.g., light for hope).
Unity and togetherness – Feelings of being joined as a group, especially during celebrations.
Celebratory meal – A special meal shared with family or friends during festivals.
Religious significance – The spiritual or religious importance of a festival.
Joyful gathering – A happy and positive assembly of people.
Exchange of greetings – The act of wishing each other well during a festival.
Seasonal celebration – A festival that is related to a particular season, such as spring or winter.
Community event – A celebration or activity shared by people living in the same area.
Similar Cue Card Topics:
If you prepare for the topic "Describe a festival that is important in your country", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1. Describe a festival that is widely celebrated in your country.
2. Describe a national festival in your country.
3. Describe a historical celebration in your country.
4. Describe a festival you have recently celebrated.
5. Describe the most important festival in your country.
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