IELTS Speaking Task: Cue Card Question With Sample Answer on Traditions

Question

Describe a tradition in your country 

You should say:

• What it is
• Who takes part in it
•  What activities there are
• And explain how you feel about it

Answer 

Indian culture is full of unique customs and traditions. There are many Indian traditions that are still strictly followed by people across the country. Every now and then, I give a thought to why things are done in certain specific ways. I would like to talk about the ‘Haldi’ ceremony which, in most cultures, marks the beginning of the wedding rituals and is one of the most important pre wedding rituals.

‘Haldi’ or Turmeric is considered extremely auspicious for Hindu rituals. Usually, there’s a role for turmeric in every ritual as it signifies purity, fertility and good health.

Turmeric is extremely good for the skin. It is believed that it gives the skin a healthy glow and ensures the bride and the groom look fresh during the most important occasion of their lives. The beautification property of Haldi makes the ceremony an important ritual in Indian weddings. Interesting, Isn’t it? 

Moreover, the colour yellow is indeed associated with new beginnings, peace and happiness. It is considered an auspicious colour after the colour red in Indian culture. In the ceremony, the bride and groom are made to wear yellow clothes to invite peace and prosperity in their married life.The ritual is meant to prepare the bride and groom for the wedding. The ceremony ends with the elders blessing the bride and the groom as they prepare themselves for the new beginning. It is also meant to help them relax. The occasion is an intimate affair celebrated during the day, with only close family members and friends taking part in the ritual. 

The Haldi ceremony is a beautiful mix of traditions and a fun day out. 

It is the most looked up to pre-wedding ceremonies because it promises an endless riot of fun and laughter. I am eagerly waiting to attend my best friend’s Haldi ceremony so I could smear the turmeric paste all over her. 

Part 3 Questions

What is the importance of traditional festivals?

Traditional festivals are an integral element of a community or region's culture and tradition. People get the chance to extravagantly commemorate their traditions during these holidays. Such celebrations bring together members of one group and members of other communities, as well as people from different cultures. As a result, these holidays are ideal times for communal enjoyment.

Do you think it is important to celebrate events?

I'm not sure how I feel about this. On the one hand, I believe it is wonderful to commemorate events so that we have something to look forward to (and feel enthusiastic for) throughout the year, but I detest the pressure that comes with special occasions. For instance, during the Christmas season, individuals frequently forget to just relax and take it all in when spending time with their loved ones because they are too busy worrying about buying gifts and decorating their homes. But when I stop to think about it, I can't picture life without special occasions.

What’s the difference between festivals now and in the past?

Our culture has long included festivals. Nevertheless, over time, there have been changes in the way they are honoured. Festivals in the past involved participating in holy ceremonies, travelling, and spending time with loved ones. Festivals are now viewed as holidays where people go to expensive locations and flaunt on social media.

Do you think western festivals like Christmas are replacing traditional festivals in your country?

I think it's inappropriate to generalise about how festivals are observed in one culture. However, the over-worship of western culture has drawn people's focus away from customary holidays. As a result, people, especially children, are more familiar with western holidays like Halloween and Christmas than they are with our traditional celebrations. With today's generation, such a dynamic is becoming more and more typical.

Do you think it is wrong for children not to celebrate traditional festivals?

The lack of understanding that young children have about traditional festivals is one of the most common excuses for them to skip them. Nowadays, kids tend to spend more time online and less time learning about our history from their elders. Children should participate in cultural events and traditional festivities, in my opinion, to better understand our culture.

Do you think teenagers should learn about traditions?

Yes, it is essential for teenagers to understand about culture and heritage. Young people in their twenties and thirties are their generation's future. 

 As a result, their identity and social values are negatively impacted if they are not knowledgeable about their heritage. Teenagers should also learn about their traditions because doing so fosters a sense of respect for them.