Scorify.uzThe cue card
Describe a tradition that is important in your family.
You should say:
- what the tradition is
- when and how it takes place
- who takes part in it
- and explain why it is important to your family
Band 7 sample answer
A tradition that matters a lot to my family is our Friday plov at my grandparents' house. It is nothing formal, but in our family it is almost a rule that everyone gathers there once a week, and we have done this for as long as I can remember.
On Friday mornings my grandfather goes to the market to choose the meat, rice and carrots, and he insists on cooking the plov himself in a big cast-iron pot over a gas burner in the yard. My uncles, aunts and cousins arrive around noon, and while the food is cooking, the men talk about politics and football, and the children run around. We usually eat together at a long table, with green tea and salad.
It is important because it keeps the family close. Today everybody is busy with work or studies, and without this habit we might see each other only at weddings. I have also learned the recipe by watching my grandfather, and he has promised to teach me the secret of the perfect rice. I would like to keep the tradition alive when I have my own family, perhaps even adding a few new dishes so that younger generations enjoy it as much as I do.
Last week, my cousin who lives in Russia visited us, and even though he had not been home for two years, he went straight to my grandfather's house on Friday as if he had never left. That small moment showed me how strongly the tradition connects us.
About 255 words, roughly 2 minutes of natural speech.
Key vocabulary
- hand down — pass to the next generation
- get together — meet socially
- a custom — a traditional way of behaving
- close-knit — having strong relationships
- keep alive — continue to practise
- a gathering — a meeting of people
- sense of belonging — feeling part of a group
Tips for this cue card
- Choose a small, real tradition rather than a huge festival.
- Use present simple for habits and a short example for color.
- Say how you hope to continue it.
Part 3 follow-up questions
Are traditions disappearing in your country?
Idea: Some are fading in cities because of busy lifestyles, but many remain strong at weddings and holidays.
Is it important to keep old traditions?
Idea: Yes, they give identity and unity, as long as they adapt when they no longer suit modern life.
How can young people learn about traditions?
Idea: Through family stories, school activities, museums and by taking part in celebrations.
More discussion questions with full answers: IELTS Speaking Part 3 topics.
Study guides
How Is IELTS Scored in Speaking and Writing? Criteria, Weighting and Rounding
The short answer first, then the Speaking and Writing criteria tables, how Task 1 and Task 2 combine and how the overall band is rounded.
IELTS Speaking Band Descriptors Explained in Plain English
The IELTS Speaking test is marked on four criteria. Here is what each one means at bands 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, with short examples you can compare with your own answers.
IELTS Speaking Part 2: How Many Minutes to Speak (With a Practice Timer)
How long Part 2 lasts (1 minute to prepare, 1–2 minutes to speak), a practice timer, a four-step structure and a model answer.