Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe a festival/ holiday/ celebration you have recently celebrated - Cue Card # 69
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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, a holiday or a celebration that you have recently celebrated.
You should say:
- what festival/ holiday or celebration it was
- how you celebrated it
- who was with you
and explain why celebrating this festival/ holiday/ celebration was important to you.
[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.]
Model Answer 1:
Talking about holidays or festivals is one of my favourite subjects because it usually carries some fun and memorable experiences. In fact, some of these fun and great experiences are still very much fresh in my memory, as I have recently celebrated an important holiday, which I want to talk about in a moment.
The holiday or festival, I want to talk about, is one of the important national holidays of Bangladesh called "Pohela Boishakh", celebrated in order to mark the beginning of a new Bengali calendar year, which is, of course, different from the new English or Gregorian calendar year. This time, the holiday was marked on the 14th of April, and all the offices, schools, banks and other important establishments of my county remained closed on that day.
This festival coincides with one of the major harvesting periods of my country and is celebrated in order to carry forward our Bengali cultural heritage, and its pride, with a festive mood all over my country. Anyway, the holiday is marked with singing, processions, and fairs. Traditionally, businesses start this day with a new ledger, clearing out the old one. Singers perform traditional songs welcoming the New Year. People enjoy classical “theatrical” plays and performances, and they also wear festive dresses, with women, decorating their hair with flowers especially.
People of Bangladesh prepare and enjoy varieties of traditional festive food during this holiday which may include "panta bhat" (watered rice), "ilish bhaji" (fried Hilsa fish) and lots of special "bhartas" (mashed vegetables and fishes). I also enjoyed this great holiday with some of my friends by attending a fair, visiting some of my relatives, as well as by eating some traditional food items at one of my favourite restaurants in my hometown.
Anyway, this festival was important to me because it allowed me to visit some of my dear friends and relatives whom I haven’t met in a long time. Besides, it also allowed me to recover from the fatigue of a busy working life, by helping me enjoy my time in the company of my family and friends, which was well overdue.
Model Answer 2:
Introduction:
Thank you so much for giving me an opportunity to talk about a festival that I recently celebrated. Today, I would like to share my experience of celebrating Thanksgiving, which is one of the most cherished holidays in Canada.
What festival/ holiday or celebration it was:
The celebration I am referring to is Canadian Thanksgiving, which takes place every year on the second Monday of October. It is a time when families gather together to express gratitude for the blessings of the past year, particularly the harvest and the good fortune they have received.
How you celebrated it:
This year, I celebrated Thanksgiving at my parents' house in Ottawa. We had a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, which included roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. Everyone contributed by preparing different dishes, and the house was filled with the delicious aroma of home-cooked meals. Before we started eating, we went around the table and each of us shared something we were thankful for. It was a beautiful, heartfelt moment that set the tone for the evening.
Who was with you:
The celebration was a small but meaningful gathering with my immediate family - my parents, my younger sister, my grandparents, and a couple of close family friends. We hadn't all been together under one roof for quite some time due to busy schedules, so having everyone present made it even more special.
And explain why celebrating this festival/ holiday/ celebration was important to you:
Celebrating Thanksgiving was important to me for several reasons. Firstly, it gave me the chance to reconnect with my family and spend quality time together, which is something I deeply value. Secondly, it was a perfect reminder to slow down, reflect, and appreciate the simple things in life - health, family, friendships, and opportunities. In our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to take these blessings for granted. Lastly, the traditions, such as sharing what we’re thankful for and enjoying a homemade meal together, created a profound sense of belonging and warmth that I truly cherish.
Sample Answer 3:
A recent holiday and festival that I celebrated was the "Eid-ul-Fitr" and the celebration took place a couple of weeks ago. Eid-ul-Fitr is one of the major festivals in our country, and it is an important holiday for Muslims all around the world. I celebrated it with my parents, siblings, friends and relatives in my hometown and it was one of the best holidays of my life. Each year this day is widely celebrated by the Muslims with great enthusiasm, fervour and religious norm.
I had 4 days off for the occasion and I was in my hometown in those days. Before Eid day, I did some shopping for my family members and relatives. On Eid day, I woke up early in the morning, took a shower and went to the Mosque to say my prayer. We wore new clothes on the day and my mom cooked several delicious food items at home. We went to visit some of our neighbours and relatives in the evening and spent a great day with joy and happiness with friends and relatives.
This Eid day is very significant for Muslims and they celebrate it with great joy and religious norm. For me, this is religiously important and I can be with my family members on this occasion. Celebrating Eid-ul-Fitr with my family in my hometown was incredibly important because it allowed me to reconnect with relatives, childhood friends, and neighbours whom I do not often see due to my busy schedule. We exchanged warm greetings, shared traditional foods like biryani and sweets, and performed the special Eid prayer together at the local mosque, which created a strong sense of community and belonging.
Sample Answer 4:
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to talk about a holiday that I truly cherished. Today, I would like to share my experience of a memorable Christmas break that came at a perfect time in my life.
Recently, I was granted a week-long holiday during Christmas, and it felt like a blessing after an intense period of work. For several months, I had been working tirelessly, clocking over 10 hours a day to meet strict deadlines. So, when this holiday finally arrived, I knew exactly what I needed - a trip back to my hometown to unwind and reconnect with my roots. This was a much-needed and well-deserved holiday after at least three months of tireless work.
I invited one of my closest friends to join me on this trip, and to my delight, he eagerly agreed. Travelling together made the journey even more enjoyable. Once we arrived, I was excited to show him the life, traditions, and unique charm of my hometown. Over the next few days, we explored more than five well-known spots around the area, including historical landmarks, local markets, and scenic countryside spots.
On the third day of our stay, my family organised a picnic right in the lush garden behind our house. It was a wonderful gathering, filled with laughter, homemade food, and heartfelt conversations. Spending time with the people I love - my family and old friends - gave me a sense of peace and happiness that I had been missing in my busy city life.
This holiday was immensely important to me because it offered a much-needed escape from the relentless pressure of work. Meeting tight deadlines month after month had left me mentally and physically drained. Returning home, spending time with loved ones, and simply enjoying the slower pace of life felt deeply refreshing. More than just a break, it was a reminder of what truly matters - family, friendship, and simple joys. In every sense, it was one of the most rejuvenating holidays I have ever had.
Idea generation for this Candidate Task Card/ Cue Card topic:
Talking about a festival, holiday, or celebration you recently enjoyed can bring life and enthusiasm to your speaking. Here are several ideas to help you confidently approach this topic. Each idea covers the key questions from the cue card.
1. Christmas holiday with family (Canada):
I celebrated Christmas with my family in Toronto. We decorated the house, exchanged gifts, and had a traditional Christmas dinner. The whole family came together, and it was important for me because it strengthened our family bond.
2. Eid-ul-Fitr celebration (Bangladesh):
I celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr with my family in my hometown. We performed prayers, prepared traditional dishes, and visited relatives. It was important because it symbolised gratitude, togetherness, and spiritual reflection.
3. Tet holiday (Vietnamese New Year):
I celebrated Tet in Hanoi with my extended family. We cleaned the house, cooked Banh Chung, and gave lucky money to the children. It was meaningful as it marked the beginning of a new year filled with hope and good fortune.
4. Diwali festival (India):
I spent Diwali with friends and family in New Delhi. We lit diyas, decorated the house, and enjoyed fireworks. This festival was important to me because it celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
5. Thanksgiving holiday (USA):
I celebrated Thanksgiving with relatives in New York. We cooked a large meal, including turkey and pumpkin pie, and shared what we were grateful for. It reminded me of the importance of gratitude and spending quality time with loved ones.
6. Lunar New Year (China):
I celebrated Lunar New Year with my grandparents in Shanghai. We watched the Spring Festival Gala and enjoyed family reunions. This celebration was important because it honoured family traditions and cultural heritage.
7. Songkran Festival (Thailand):
I participated in the Songkran Festival in Bangkok, where we had water fights and paid respects to elders. It was important because it symbolised purification, renewal, and joy.
8. Halloween celebration (Canada):
I celebrated Halloween with my friends in Vancouver by dressing up, decorating the house, and going trick-or-treating. It was a special holiday because it allowed us to be creative and enjoy a fun, lighthearted event together.
9. National Day celebration (UAE):
I joined the National Day celebrations in Abu Dhabi, where we enjoyed parades, fireworks, and cultural shows. This event was significant because it strengthened national pride and unity.
10. Wedding anniversary celebration (Personal family event):
I attended my parents' 25th wedding anniversary celebration in Montreal. We organised a family dinner, shared memories, and gave them a surprise gift. It was meaningful because it honoured love, commitment, and family bonds.
Part 3 – Detailed Discussion / Two-way Discussion:
Discussion Topic: Holidays and festivals.
Q. What is the primary concept of holidays and festivals in your country?
Answer: In my country, the primary concept of holidays and festivals revolves around bringing people together, celebrating cultural heritage, and reinforcing community bonds. Festivals often mark religious, historical, or cultural events and are seen as opportunities to take a break from daily routines, connect with family and friends, and express collective joy and gratitude. Overall, these occasions highlight unity, tradition, and the spirit of togetherness.
Q. Why are festivals and holidays so important to modern people?
Answer: Festivals and holidays are incredibly important to modern people because they provide a much-needed respite from the demands and stresses of contemporary life. These events allow individuals to reconnect with loved ones, enjoy leisure time, and revive their cultural and spiritual identities. In today's fast-paced world, festivals also play a significant role in preserving traditions, maintaining social cohesion, and reinforcing shared values within communities.
Q. Do you think that it is necessary to observe the traditional customs of a country? [Why/ Why not?]
Answer: Yes, I believe observing traditional customs is quite important. Traditions connect people to their cultural roots and help preserve the unique identity of a community or nation. Observing customs also passes valuable heritage from one generation to the next, promoting mutual understanding, respect, and continuity. However, traditions should also be flexible enough to evolve over time and remain meaningful to current and future generations.
Q. What changes in terms of spending festivals and holidays have taken place in the past decade in your country?
Answer: In the past decade, I've noticed significant changes in how people spend holidays and festivals. For instance, there's a growing trend toward travelling and celebrating holidays away from home, as many now prefer experiences like vacations or events over traditional home gatherings. Additionally, technology and social media have influenced celebrations, with people increasingly sharing festive moments online. Consumerism has also grown, leading to increased spending on gifts, decorations, and entertainment.
Q. How do celebrations of different festivals vary in different parts of a country? [Why?]
Answer: Festival celebrations often vary significantly in different regions due to diverse cultural, historical, and ethnic backgrounds. For example, certain festivals may be celebrated elaborately in one area because of local customs or traditions, while in another region, the celebration could be simpler or not observed at all. Geographical factors, climate, and local economic conditions also shape how festivals are celebrated, influencing customs, food, attire, and types of activities performed during festivities.
Q. Should we spend holidays and festivals as we like or according to the traditions and customs of a country?
Answer: I think there should be a healthy balance. While traditions and customs provide structure, meaning, and continuity, individuals should also feel free to celebrate in ways that are personally meaningful. Traditions should not become rigid obligations; instead, they should inspire joy and community spirit. Allowing some flexibility ensures festivals remain relevant, inclusive, and enjoyable for everyone, fostering greater participation and appreciation across different age groups and backgrounds.
Vocabulary for this Candidate Task Card / Cue Card topic:
Talking about festivals, holidays, and celebrations offers a great opportunity to use festive, emotional, and descriptive vocabulary. Here is a list of some useful words and phrases to help you express your ideas clearly and impressively:
Commemorate – To honour the memory of an event or person.
Customary – Traditional or usual for a particular society or group.
Vibrant atmosphere – Lively and full of energy environment.
Reconnect – To build or renew a relationship after time apart.
Meaningful – Full of significance, purpose, or value.
Bonding time – Special time spent strengthening relationships.
Joyous occasion – A very happy and festive event.
Observance – The act of celebrating or respecting a holiday or tradition.
Cultural significance – The importance or meaning something holds within a culture.
Reflect – To think deeply about something, often during special times.
Cherish – To hold something dear or value something greatly.
Seasonal celebration – A festival or event associated with a particular season.
Rituals – Traditional ceremonies or actions done in a particular way during celebrations.
Express gratitude – To show thankfulness, often during holidays or special occasions.
If you can talk about this cue card topic, you should be able to answer the following topics as well:
1. Describe a holiday or celebration you recently enjoyed.
2. Describe a trip you recently had.
3. Describe a national festival in your country.
4. Describe a journey you recently have had.
5. Describe how you usually celebrate your holidays.
6. Describe the common activities of people in your country during the holidays.
7. Describe a time when you celebrated a festival with your family.
8. Describe a memorable event in your life.
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