Of course! "Public holidays" is a very common and high-frequency topic in IELTS Speaking Parts 1, 2, and 3. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you tackle this topic effectively, with vocabulary, sample answers, and examiner tips.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner will ask you simple, personal questions. Keep your answers direct, but try to add a little extra detail to show your fluency.

Common Part 1 Questions:

1. How many public holidays are there in your country?
2. Is there a public holiday you particularly enjoy?
3. Do you think public holidays are important?
4. What do people usually do during public holidays in your country?
5. Did you celebrate any public holidays when you were a child?

Sample Answers for Part 1

Q: How many public holidays are there in your country?

"Well, in my country, China, we have quite a number of them. I'd say there are around 11 or 12 official public holidays throughout the year. These include things like the Spring Festival, which is our biggest one, and also National Day, Mid-Autumn Festival, and Labour Day, among others."

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Q: Is there a public holiday you particularly enjoy?

"Absolutely. My favourite one has to be the Mid-Autumn Festival. It usually falls in September or October. What I love most about it is the sense of togetherness. Families get together for a big dinner, and in the evening, we eat mooncakes and admire the full moon. It's a very peaceful and heart-warming holiday."

Q: Do you think public holidays are important?

"Definitely. I think they serve a really important purpose in our busy lives. First, they give us a much-needed break from work or study to relax and recharge our batteries. Second, they provide an opportunity to spend quality time with our families and friends, which strengthens our relationships. So, they're crucial for our well-being."

Part 2: Individual Long Turn

In Part 2, you will be given a cue card with a topic and some prompts. You have 1 minute to prepare and then need to speak for 1-2 minutes.

Cue Card:

Describe a public holiday that you particularly enjoyed.

You should say:

• What the public holiday is
• When and how you usually celebrate it
• What you did during this holiday on a particular occasion
• And explain why you enjoyed it so much

Sample Answer for Part 2 (Structure & Content)

(Introduction - What the holiday is & when) "I'd like to talk about a public holiday that I look forward to every single year, and that's the National Day holiday in China. It's on the 1st of October, and it commemorates the founding of the People's Republic of China. It's a week-long holiday, which is fantastic because it gives us plenty of time to travel or just relax at home."

(Body Paragraph 1 - How you usually celebrate it & what you did on a particular occasion) "Usually, during this week, many families choose to travel. I remember one specific year, a few years back, I decided to do something a bit different. Instead of joining the crowds at a famous tourist spot, I went back to my hometown to spend the holiday with my grandparents. My hometown is a small town in the countryside, so it's incredibly peaceful and quiet compared to the big city. We spent the days just enjoying the fresh air. My grandma taught me how to make some traditional dishes, and my grandpa and I would go for long walks in the fields in the morning. We didn't do anything grand or expensive, but it was perfect."

(Body Paragraph 2 - Why you enjoyed it so much) "I enjoyed it so much for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it was a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The tranquility of the countryside was exactly what I needed to de-stress. Secondly, and more importantly, it was a precious opportunity to connect with my family. We get so caught up in our busy lives that we often forget to slow down and appreciate the simple things. That holiday reminded me of the importance of family bonds and the joy that comes from spending quality time with loved ones. It was a holiday filled with laughter, good food, and a sense of peace that I still cherish today."

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract and complex questions related to the Part 2 topic. This is where you need to show your ability to discuss ideas, speculate, and compare.

Common Part 3 Questions:

1. How have public holidays changed in your country over the last few decades?
2. Do you think the way people celebrate public holidays will change in the future?
3. Do you think it's important for a country to have its own unique public holidays? Why?
4. Do you think there should be more public holidays?
5. What are the differences between public holidays and normal weekends?

Sample Answers for Part 3

Q: How have public holidays changed in your country over the last few decades?

"That's a great question. I think the biggest change is in how people choose to spend their time. In the past, public holidays were mostly about family gatherings at home or perhaps visiting a local park. It was much more low-key. However, with the rise of the middle class and better transportation, people now have the means and desire to travel. So, during the Golden Weeks, like National Day or Spring Festival, you see a massive exodus of people travelling to tourist destinations both domestically and internationally. It's become more about experiences and exploration than just a simple day off."

Q: Do you think the way people celebrate public holidays will change in the future?

"I believe so. As technology becomes more integrated into our lives, I can see celebrations becoming more virtual. For example, families who are separated by distance might celebrate together through video calls, sharing a virtual meal. Also, with growing environmental concerns, there might be a shift towards more eco-friendly celebrations. Instead of travelling long distances and creating a large carbon footprint, people might opt for 'staycations' or local activities. The core idea of celebration and rest will probably remain, but the methods are likely to evolve."

Q: Do you think it's important for a country to have its own unique public holidays? Why?

"Absolutely, I think it's incredibly important. Public holidays are a reflection of a country's history, culture, and values. They serve as a reminder of where the nation has come from and what it stands for. For instance, China's National Day or the US's Independence Day are not just days off; they are moments for national pride and reflection. These unique holidays help to foster a sense of national identity and unity among the citizens. They also provide an opportunity to pass on cultural traditions to the younger generation, ensuring that they are not forgotten."

Useful Vocabulary & Phrases

Here is a list of vocabulary you can use to elevate your answers.

Examiner's Tips for Success

1. Be Specific: Instead of saying "I travelled," say "I took a high-speed train to the coastal city of Xiamen." Specific details make your story more vivid and impressive.
2. Show Emotion: Use adjectives to describe your feelings. Was the holiday "joyful," "relaxing," "exhausting but fun," or "heart-warming"? This adds depth to your language.
3. Structure is Key: For Part 2, use the prompts on the cue card to structure your answer. For Part 3, use signposting language like "On the one hand..." or "Another point to consider is..." to guide the examiner through your argument.
4. Don't Just Answer, Explain: In Part 3, always explain why you hold a certain opinion. For example, instead of just saying "Yes, holidays are important," say "Yes, I believe they are important because they provide a vital break from our stressful routines and