Part 1 (Introduction)

1. What is your favorite festival?
"My favorite festival is New Year’s Eve. I love the excitement of starting a new year with new possibilities and goals. The celebration involves fireworks, family gatherings, and a lot of delicious food, which makes it a joyful and memorable occasion."

2. How do you usually celebrate festivals in your country?
"In my country, festivals are usually celebrated with family gatherings, traditional meals, and various activities like music, dance, and games. People often take time off work to celebrate together and participate in cultural customs, like exchanging gifts or wearing traditional clothing."

3. Are there any festivals that are specific to your region?
"Yes, in my region, we celebrate a harvest festival called [Regional Festival Name], which takes place in autumn. It's a time to thank nature for a good harvest, and people participate in parades, folk dances, and prepare special dishes using seasonal ingredients."

4. Do you think festivals are important?
"Yes, I believe festivals are very important because they bring people together and strengthen community bonds. They also serve as a way to preserve cultural traditions and pass them on to younger generations. Festivals provide a break from the daily routine and are an opportunity to celebrate life."

5. Have festivals changed over the years in your country?
"Yes, festivals have changed in some ways. With the influence of technology and globalization, some festivals have become more commercialized. People also use social media to share their experiences, and celebrations have become larger and more spectacular. However, the core values and traditions are still upheld."

Part 2 (Long Turn)

Describe a festival or tradition that you enjoy. You should say:

• What it is
• How it is celebrated
• What you like about it And explain why this festival or tradition is important to you.

Response:

"A festival that I truly enjoy is Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights. It’s celebrated mainly in India and among Indian communities around the world. Diwali is a five-day festival that symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.

During Diwali, people decorate their homes with oil lamps, candles, and colorful lights. They also clean and renovate their houses as a sign of welcoming positivity. On the main day, families gather for a big feast, wear new clothes, exchange sweets, and burst fireworks to celebrate.

What I like most about Diwali is the sense of joy and togetherness that it brings. The entire atmosphere is filled with light, music, and festivities. It's also a time for reflecting on the past year and praying for a prosperous year ahead.

Diwali is important to me because it represents hope and new beginnings. It’s a time to reconnect with family and friends and be thankful for what we have. The traditions and customs make it a meaningful and joyous occasion."

Part 3 (Discussion)

1. How do festivals and traditions contribute to a sense of community?
"Festivals and traditions play a crucial role in fostering a sense of community by bringing people together. During festivals, families, friends, and even strangers come together to celebrate, share meals, and participate in communal activities. These shared experiences strengthen social bonds, promote unity, and help people feel connected to their cultural roots."

2. What is the role of traditional clothing in festivals?
"Traditional clothing is an important aspect of festivals, as it represents cultural heritage and allows people to express their identity. Wearing traditional attire during festivals not only shows respect for cultural customs but also adds to the festive atmosphere. It’s a way to honor the past and showcase the beauty of one’s culture, and it helps to distinguish different festivals by their unique styles of clothing."

3. How do you think globalization has affected traditional festivals?
"Globalization has had both positive and negative effects on traditional festivals. On the one hand, it has helped spread awareness and appreciation of different cultures and festivals around the world. For example, festivals like Chinese New Year and Oktoberfest are celebrated in many countries outside their places of origin. On the other hand, globalization can also lead to the loss of certain customs, as festivals become commercialized and some traditional practices are replaced by more modern elements."

Key Vocabulary and Pronunciation