IELTS Speaking Question Set: Traditions

This comprehensive practice set will help you prepare for all three parts of the IELTS Speaking test, focusing on the theme of traditions.

The IELTS Speaking test lasts approximately 11-14 minutes in total, with Part 1 taking 4-5 minutes, Part 2 taking 3-4 minutes (including preparation time), and Part 3 taking 4-5 minutes.

This practice set mirrors the actual test structure to give you the most authentic preparation experience possible.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview (4-5 minutes)

In this section, the examiner will ask general questions about yourself and familiar topics. Here are practice questions related to traditions:

1. Do you enjoy celebrating traditional festivals in your country? Why/why not?
2. Are there any traditional foods that you particularly like? What are they?
3. How important are family traditions in your culture?
4. Have you ever participated in a traditional ceremony? What was it like?
5. Are there any traditional skills or crafts that you know how to do?
6. Do you think young people in your country are interested in traditions? Why/why not?
7. Has technology changed the way people celebrate traditions in your country?
8. Are there any traditional games that you played as a child?

Note: The examiner may ask follow-up questions based on your responses to explore the topic further.

Part 2: Individual Long Turn (3-4 minutes)

In this section, you will be given a topic card with prompts. You will have 1 minute to prepare your thoughts and then speak for 1-2 minutes about the topic. The examiner will then ask 1-2 follow-up questions.

Topic Card:

Describe a traditional celebration or festival that is important in your culture.

You should say:

• What the celebration is and when it takes place
• How people usually celebrate this tradition
• What personal role you play in this celebration
• And explain why this tradition is important to you or your culture

Remember: You have 1 minute to prepare your thoughts and 1-2 minutes to speak. The examiner will tell you when to stop.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion (4-5 minutes)

This section involves a more in-depth discussion about abstract ideas related to the topic in Part 2. The examiner will ask questions that require more complex responses:

1. How do you think traditions and cultural celebrations might change in the next fifty years?
2. What role do you think governments should play in preserving cultural traditions?
3. Some people believe globalization is causing traditional customs to disappear. Do you agree or disagree with this view?
4. How can societies balance maintaining traditions while also embracing progress and modernity?
5. Do you think some traditions can be harmful or restrictive? Can you give examples?
6. What factors do you think determine which traditions survive through generations and which ones fade away?
7. How do traditions contribute to a person’s sense of identity and belonging?
8. In what ways might traditions from different cultures influence each other in today’s interconnected world?

Sample Answers

Part 1 Sample Answer:

Q: Do you enjoy celebrating traditional festivals in your country?

“Yes, I absolutely love celebrating traditional festivals. In my country, we have several important celebrations throughout the year, but Diwali is probably my favorite. It’s known as the Festival of Lights and involves decorating homes with oil lamps, exchanging gifts, and enjoying special meals with family. What I particularly enjoy is the sense of togetherness it creates—everyone puts aside their differences and celebrates as one community. Plus, the beautiful lights and decorations create such a magical atmosphere that’s quite unlike everyday life.”

Part 2 Sample Answer:

Describe a traditional celebration or festival that is important in your culture.

“I’d like to talk about Lunar New Year, which is the most significant traditional celebration in my culture. It usually falls in January or February according to the lunar calendar.

The celebration typically lasts for about fifteen days, with the first day being the most important. People prepare for it weeks in advance by thoroughly cleaning their homes to sweep away bad luck and make room for good fortune. On New Year’s Eve, families gather for a reunion dinner which is considered the most important meal of the year. Traditional foods like dumplings and fish are served because they symbolize wealth and prosperity.

My personal role in this celebration has evolved over the years. As a child, my main responsibility was to help with decorations and receive red envelopes containing money from older relatives. Now that I’m older, I help my parents prepare the reunion dinner and give red envelopes to younger family members. Last year, I was also responsible for organizing some of the family activities during the celebration.

This tradition is particularly important to me because it reinforces family bonds and cultural identity. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s one of the few times when extended family members make a genuine effort to reunite, sometimes traveling long distances to be together. The rituals and customs also connect us to our ancestors and cultural heritage, providing a sense of continuity across generations. Additionally, the emphasis on starting the new year with good fortune and positive energy creates a sense of renewal and hope that I find meaningful and uplifting.”

Part 3 Sample Answer:

Q: How do you think traditions and cultural celebrations might change in the next fifty years?

“I believe traditions will undergo significant transformations over the next half-century, primarily due to technological advancements and shifting social values. Traditional celebrations won’t necessarily disappear, but they’ll likely be adapted to fit modern lifestyles and sensibilities.

For one thing, I expect many traditions will incorporate virtual or augmented reality elements, allowing family members who live far apart to share experiences despite physical distance. We’re already seeing the beginnings of this with video calls during holiday celebrations, but future technology will likely create more immersive shared experiences.

Another probable change is increased environmental consciousness in how traditions are celebrated. For instance, festivals that traditionally involve releasing lanterns or balloons might adapt more eco-friendly alternatives. Similarly, the excessive consumption that characterizes many modern celebrations might be moderated in favor of more sustainable practices.

I also anticipate that as societies become increasingly diverse and multicultural, we’ll see more hybrid celebrations that combine elements from different cultural traditions. This cross-pollination of customs could lead to entirely new traditions that reflect our increasingly globalized world.

That said, I think the core values behind most traditions—like family togetherness, cultural identity, and marking life’s important transitions—will remain relevant. Humans have a fundamental need for ritual and community, so while the external forms may change, the underlying purpose of traditions will likely endure, albeit expressed in ways that resonate with future generations.”

We encourage you to practice answering these questions and share your responses in the comments below.

You can record yourself if possible to evaluate your performance.

Our team will provide brief feedback on your responses to help you improve.

Remember, consistent practice is key to success in the IELTS Speaking test!