Of course! Talking about a "foreign culture" is a very common and high-scoring topic in IELTS Speaking. It allows you to demonstrate a wide range of vocabulary, grammar, and your ability to express opinions and personal experiences.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you tackle this topic, broken down into:
- Key Vocabulary & Phrases
- Part 1: Introduction & Interview
- Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
- Part 3: Two-way Discussion
- Tips for a High Score
Key Vocabulary & Phrases
Using precise and topic-specific vocabulary is crucial for a high band score.
Nouns (名词)
- Culture /ˈkʌltʃər/ - 文化
- Tradition /trəˈdɪʃən/ - 传统
- Custom /ˈkʌstəm/ - 风俗，习俗
- Heritage /ˈherɪtɪdʒ/ - 遗产，传统
- Lifestyle /ˈlaɪfstaɪl/ - 生活方式
- Cuisine /kwɪˈziːn/ - 烹饪，菜肴
- Etiquette /ˈetɪket/ - 礼节，规矩
- Value /ˈvæljuː/ - 价值观
- Norm /nɔːrm/ - 准则，规范
- Festival /ˈfestəvl/ - 节日
- Taboo /təˈbuː/ - 禁忌
Adjectives (形容词)
- Fascinating /ˈfæsɪneɪtɪŋ/ - 迷人的，吸引人的
- Intriguing /ɪnˈtriːɡɪŋ/ - 引起兴趣的
- Diverse /daɪˈvɜːrs/ - 多样化的
- Rich /rɪtʃ/ - 丰富的
- Complex /ˈkɒmpleks/ - 复杂的
- Vastly different - 截然不同
- Eye-opening - 令人大开眼界的
- Distinctive /dɪˈstɪŋktɪv/ - 有特色的
Verbs (动词)
- To be fascinated by - 对...着迷
- To be intrigued by - 被...所吸引
- To immerse oneself in - 沉浸于
- To adapt to - 适应
- To appreciate - 欣赏，感激
- To encounter - 遇到，体验到
- To embrace - 拥抱，接受
- To broaden one's horizons - 开阔眼界
- To break down stereotypes - 打破刻板印象
Phrases (短语)
- Cultural differences - 文化差异
- Cultural exchange - 文化交流
- Cultural shock - 文化冲击
- Globalization /ˌɡloʊbələˈzeɪʃn/ - 全球化
- A melting pot of cultures - 文化的大熔炉
- To have a deep understanding of - 对...有深刻的理解
- It's a world apart - 那简直是另一个世界
Part 1: Introduction & Interview
In Part 1, the questions are simple and personal. Keep your answers short, clear, and direct.
Q: Are you interested in learning about foreign cultures?
A: Absolutely! I find it absolutely fascinating. I believe learning about how other people live, what they value, and their unique traditions is a great way to broaden my horizons. It makes the world feel much bigger and more interesting.
Q: Have you ever learned a foreign language?
A: Yes, I have. I've been learning English for many years, which has been a gateway for me to access a lot of Western culture, like movies, music, and literature. It's been a really eye-opening experience.
Q: Is there a foreign culture that you would like to learn more about?
A: Without a doubt, I'd love to learn more about Japanese culture. I'm particularly intrigued by its blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology. The concept of 'omotenashi'—their incredible hospitality—also really appeals to me.
Q: What do you think is the best way to learn about a foreign culture?
A: I think the best way is to immerse yourself in it, either by traveling to the country or by making friends with people from that culture. Reading books and watching documentaries are also great, but there's nothing like real-life experience.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
This is where you need to structure a detailed 2-minute answer. Use the P.E.E.L. method (Point, Explain, Example, Link) to build your response.
Cue Card:
Describe a foreign culture that you are interested in.
You should say:
- what this culture is
- how you learned about this culture
- what you find most interesting about it
- and explain why you are interested in this culture.
Sample Answer:
(Point - Introduce the culture) I'd like to talk about my deep interest in Japanese culture. It's a culture that I've found to be incredibly rich, diverse, and full of fascinating contrasts.
(Explain - How you learned about it & what's interesting) I first got hooked on Japanese culture through its anime and manga when I was a teenager. At first, it was just about the entertaining stories, but as I got older, I started to appreciate the deeper cultural elements embedded within them. For example, I learned about the importance of respect, harmony, and community in Japanese society.
What I find most interesting, though, is the concept of 'wabi-sabi' (侘寂). This is a traditional Japanese world view centered on the acceptance of transience and imperfection. It's the beauty of things that are imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete. You see this in everything from a simple, handcrafted ceramic bowl with a slight asymmetry to the way a beautiful garden changes with the seasons. It’s a philosophy that is the complete opposite of our modern culture of chasing perfection and new things.
(Example - Give a specific example) A perfect example of this is the Japanese tea ceremony. It’s not just about drinking tea; it's a highly choreographed ritual that emphasizes mindfulness, respect, and finding beauty in simplicity. The movements are deliberate and graceful, and the environment is carefully prepared to be calm and serene. It’s a moment to appreciate the present and find peace in the imperfect, which I find incredibly appealing.
(Link - Why you are interested) The reason I'm so interested in this culture is that it offers a different perspective on life. In our fast-paced, consumer-driven world, the Japanese emphasis on mindfulness, minimalism, and finding beauty in imperfection feels like a much healthier and more sustainable way to live. It has taught me to slow down and appreciate the small things, and I believe these values can make life more meaningful.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract and complex questions. You need to develop your ideas, discuss implications, and analyze the topic.
Q: Why do you think some people are more interested in foreign cultures than others?
A: I think it comes down to a few factors. Firstly, personality plays a big role; some people are naturally more curious and open-minded. Secondly, exposure is key. People who have traveled, studied abroad, or have international friends are more likely to be interested. Finally, I think globalization and the internet have made foreign cultures so much more accessible. You can watch a K-drama, listen to Latin music, or follow a travel blogger from anywhere in the world, which sparks interest in a way that wasn't possible before.
Q: How has globalization affected different cultures around the world?
A: That's a great question. The impact is a double-edged sword. On the positive side, globalization has led to a wonderful cultural exchange. We can enjoy food, music, and art from all over the world, which enriches our own lives. However, on the negative side, it can also lead to cultural homogenization, where local traditions and unique characteristics get lost as Western, particularly American, culture becomes more dominant. For instance, you see the same fast-food chains and shopping malls in many major cities, which can make them feel less unique.
Q: Do you think it's important for people to learn about foreign cultures? Why?
A: I strongly believe it is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it fosters tolerance and breaks down stereotypes**. When you understand another culture, you're less likely
