雅思口语foreign festival该如何准备？-科普教育网

Of course! "Foreign festival" is a very common topic in IELTS Speaking, especially in Part 1 and Part 2. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you tackle this topic effectively, with vocabulary, sample answers, and key strategies.

（图片来源网络，侵删）

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner will ask simple, direct questions. Your answers should be direct but also provide a little extra detail.

Possible Questions & Sample Answers:

Do you like celebrating foreign festivals? Why or why not?

Answer (Positive): "Yes, I absolutely do. I find foreign festivals fascinating because they offer a wonderful glimpse into different cultures and traditions. It's like a window to the world. For example, celebrating Halloween or Christmas allows me to understand how people in other countries express their beliefs and have fun. It's also a great excuse to try new food, listen to different music, and just have a good time with friends."
（图片来源网络，侵删）

Answer (Neutral/Negative): "I have mixed feelings about it. On one hand, I think it's interesting to learn about other cultures, and I enjoy the festive atmosphere. However, I sometimes feel that in my country, some foreign festivals are overly commercialized. People focus more on shopping and partying than on the actual cultural significance, which can make them feel a bit hollow."

Which foreign festival do you like the most?

Answer: "If I had to choose, I'd probably say Diwali, the Indian festival of lights. I'm not Indian, but I've seen documentaries and attended a few cultural events celebrating it. What I love most is the symbolism behind it—the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. The way families light up their homes with oil lamps and decorate with colourful rangoli patterns is just beautiful and creates such a warm, joyful atmosphere."

How do people in your country celebrate foreign festivals?

Answer: "It really depends on the festival. For something like Christmas, it's become quite mainstream. People put up Christmas trees, exchange gifts, and some families even have a big dinner. For more specific festivals like St. Patrick's Day, the celebrations are usually more localized, often organized by cultural communities or in pubs with people wearing green and enjoying Irish music. Generally, the focus is on the fun, social aspects rather than deep religious or traditional observances."

Do you think it's important to learn about foreign festivals?

Answer: "Definitely. Learning about foreign festivals is a fantastic way to promote cultural understanding and tolerance. It helps break down stereotypes and shows us that, despite our differences, people everywhere share common desires for happiness, family, and celebration. It broadens our horizons and makes us more open-minded global citizens."

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

This is where you need to speak for 1-2 minutes. Use the P.E.E.L. structure (Point, Explain, Example, Link) to build a coherent and detailed answer.

Cue Card:

Describe a foreign festival that you are interested in. You should say:

what festival it is

where it is celebrated

what people do during this festival

and explain why you are interested in it.

Sample Answer:

(Point) The foreign festival that I find most captivating is Oktoberfest, which is held in Munich, Germany. It's not just a beer festival; it's a massive cultural event that I've been fascinated with for years.

(Explain & Where) It's the world's largest volksfest, or folk festival, and it's held annually in Munich, Bavaria, running from late September to the first weekend in October. What's unique is that it's actually a celebration of the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese in 1810, and it has evolved into this huge, joyous gathering.

(What people do) During the festival, the entire city seems to come alive. The main event is, of course, the enormous beer tents, each run by a different brewery. These tents can hold thousands of people, and they are filled with long, communal tables. People, many in traditional Bavarian attire like lederhosen for men and dirndls for women, sit together, sing traditional songs, and drink the special Oktoberfest beer. Besides drinking, there's also a huge amount of food—things like giant pretzels, sausages, and roast chicken. There are also amusement rides, games, and parades that add to the festive and lively atmosphere.

(Why you are interested) I'm interested in Oktoberfest for a few reasons. Firstly, it represents a powerful sense of community and tradition. Seeing thousands of people from all over the world come together to celebrate a shared culture is really impressive. It’s not just about drinking; it's about camaraderie, music, and enjoying life. Secondly, I'm a big fan of German culture, especially their efficiency, craftsmanship, and love for celebration. Oktoberfest is a perfect embodiment of this. It's a joyful, no-holds-barred celebration. Finally, I'm just drawn to the energy and the unique experience. It seems like an unforgettable way to connect with people and create amazing memories. Hopefully, one day I can experience it firsthand!

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Here, the examiner will ask more abstract and complex questions. You need to develop your ideas, discuss pros and cons, and speculate.

Possible Questions & Sample Answers:

Why do you think some foreign festivals have become more popular than others?

"I think there are a few key reasons. Firstly, media exposure plays a huge role. Festivals like Halloween and Christmas are heavily promoted in movies, TV shows, and social media, making them seem exciting and accessible. Secondly, simplicity and universal appeal are important. Halloween, with its focus on costumes and candy, is easy to understand and participate in, regardless of your cultural background. In contrast, a festival with deep religious or historical roots might be less accessible to outsiders. Finally, commercialization is a major factor. Businesses love to capitalize on festivals by selling themed products, which further boosts their popularity and visibility in the global market."

Do you think it's a good thing that foreign festivals are becoming more commercialized?

"That's a double-edged sword. On the positive side, commercialization can keep these traditions alive by making them relevant and profitable. It ensures that they are widely celebrated and not forgotten. However, the downside is that the original cultural and spiritual meaning can get lost. For instance, Christmas has become heavily focused on consumerism and shopping, and some people feel the religious significance of the birth of Christ is overshadowed. So, while commercialization helps with popularity, it can sometimes dilute the authentic cultural experience."

How can people learn more about the true meaning of a foreign festival?

"I believe a multi-faceted approach is best. First, education is key. Schools and cultural centres could offer workshops or short courses explaining the history and significance of these festivals. Second, authentic experiences are invaluable. Instead of just going to a commercial bar for St. Patrick's Day, one could try to attend a cultural event hosted by an Irish community or even visit the country itself. Finally, media can play a constructive role. Documentaries, well-researched articles, and even travel bloggers who focus on cultural immersion can provide a much deeper understanding than just seeing a festival as a party."

Do you think globalisation will lead to a single, global culture, or will it preserve cultural diversity?

"That's a fascinating question. While it's true that globalisation spreads certain ideas and trends—like fast fashion or pop music—I don't think it will erase cultural diversity. On the contrary, I believe it can enrich it. When cultures interact, they don't just blend into one; they influence and borrow from each other. For example, yoga from India has become a global wellness practice, but it has also evolved in different countries. I think we'll see more hybrid cultures emerge, where local traditions are infused with global influences. So, while we might share some common global festivals, our core cultural identities and unique celebrations will likely remain strong, creating a richer, more diverse global tapestry."