Scorify.uzThe cue card
Describe a festival or celebration that you enjoyed.
You should say:
- what the festival was
- where and when it took place
- what people did
- and explain why you enjoyed it
Band 7 sample answer
A celebration I really enjoyed was Navruz, the spring festival, which I attended in the old part of my city two years ago. It takes place every March, and the whole country celebrates the beginning of spring.
The streets were decorated with flowers and bright flags, and there were stages with traditional music and dancing. Families sat on the grass, shared plov and sumalak, and children played games. I joined my cousins in a tug-of-war contest, and we laughed so much that my stomach hurt.
What I enjoyed most was the atmosphere. Everyone was smiling and friendly, and even strangers greeted each other with good wishes. It felt like one big family.
The food played a big part too. Every family brings a dish to share, so you can taste recipes from different regions in a single afternoon. I remember an old lady offering me a piece of her homemade sweets and insisting that I try them all.
I also like that the festival is a real tradition, not just a show. It reminds people of their roots, and every year I look forward to it more than any other celebration.
About 191 words, roughly 1 minutes of natural speech.
Key vocabulary
- festive atmosphere — a joyful, celebratory mood
- decorated — made beautiful with ornaments
- tradition — a custom passed down over time
- roots — family or cultural origins
- look forward to — wait for with pleasure
- gathering — a meeting of people
- uplifting — making you feel happy
Tips for this cue card
- Use sensory details: music, food, colours.
- Use present simple for what happens every year and past simple for your visit.
- Explain a feeling, not just events.
Part 3 follow-up questions
Why are festivals important?
Idea: They keep traditions alive and bring communities together.
Do you think festivals have become too commercial?
Idea: Some have, because of advertising and expensive gifts, but family traditions still matter.
Should governments fund local festivals?
Idea: Yes, within reason, because they support culture, tourism and local businesses.
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.