Festivals are an important part of every culture, so they often appear in IELTS Speaking topics. You might be asked about your favorite festivals, how you celebrate them, or their importance in your country. Below are sample answers, common vocabulary, and natural expressions to help you speak more fluently and confidently in this topic.
Useful Vocabulary & Phrases
- celebration (noun) — a special event or occasion
- festival (noun) — a day or period of celebration, often cultural or religious
- public holiday (noun) — a day when most people don’t have to work
- traditional customs (noun) — activities that have been passed down for generations
- religious festival (noun) — a festival connected to a religion
- cultural festival (noun) — a celebration of a country’s traditions or arts
- family gathering (noun) — when family members come together to celebrate
- decorations (noun) — items used to make a place festive or colorful
- fireworks (noun) — bright explosions used to celebrate special occasions
- atmosphere (noun) — the mood or feeling of a place
- to give offerings (verb phrase) — to present gifts or items to honor gods or ancestors
- to dress up (verb phrase) — to wear special or fancy clothes for a festival
- to exchange gifts (verb phrase) — to give presents to each other
- festive spirit (noun phrase) — the happy and cheerful feeling during a festival
- carnival (noun) — a public event with music, dancing, and colorful costumes
These words and expressions will make your speech sound more natural and descriptive when talking about festivals.
Sample Questions & Answers
Below are common IELTS Speaking Part 1 questions about festivals, with sample Band 7–8 responses.
1. What is your favorite festival?
My favorite festival is Tet, or the Lunar New Year, which is the most important celebration in Vietnam. It’s a time when families gather, decorate their homes, and prepare traditional dishes. I love the cheerful atmosphere, the colorful decorations, and especially the feeling of starting a new year with hope and positivity.
2. How do people celebrate festivals in your country?
In my country, people celebrate festivals by spending time with their families, cooking traditional food, and visiting relatives. During some festivals, like Mid-Autumn, children carry lanterns and eat mooncakes. At other times, such as Tet, people give lucky money to children and enjoy fireworks. Each festival has its own customs, but they all bring people together.
3. Do you prefer traditional festivals or modern celebrations?
I prefer traditional festivals because they remind us of our culture and history. I think it’s important to preserve traditional customs, especially in a modern world where people are becoming more focused on technology. However, modern celebrations like music festivals are also enjoyable and help people relax.
4. What do you usually do during festivals?
I usually spend time with my family, help decorate the house, and prepare special meals. Sometimes, I visit relatives and friends to exchange greetings and gifts. For me, festivals are not just about fun but also about strengthening family bonds and appreciating what we have.
5. Are festivals important to you? Why?
Yes, festivals are very important to me because they bring people closer together and remind us of our roots. They also give us a break from our busy lives and allow us to enjoy time with loved ones. I believe festivals play a big role in maintaining cultural identity and community spirit.
