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 tips.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner will ask you simple, personal questions about public holidays.
Common Part 1 Questions:
- How many public holidays are there in your country?
- Is there a public holiday you particularly enjoy? (Why?)
- Do you think public holidays are important?
- What do people usually do during public holidays in your country?
- Has the way people celebrate public holidays changed in recent years?
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
This is where you need to speak for 1-2 minutes on a specific topic. The cue card will give you a central theme and some prompts to guide your answer.
Example Cue Card:
Describe a public holiday that you celebrate in your country.
You should say:
- What the public holiday is
- When it takes place
- What people usually do on this day
- And explain how you feel about this holiday.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract and in-depth questions related to the topic from Part 2.
Common Part 3 Questions:
- What is the role of public holidays in a country?
- Do you think the number of public holidays in a country should be increased?
- How do public holidays affect the economy of a country?
- Do you think traditional public holidays will be celebrated in the same way in the future?
- Compare public holidays in your country with those in other countries.
- Is it better to have a long holiday or several short ones?
Key Vocabulary & Phrases
Using a range of topic-specific vocabulary will significantly boost your score.
| Category | Vocabulary | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Types of Holidays | National holiday (for the whole nation) | National Day is a major public holiday in many countries. |
| Public holiday / Bank holiday (UK) | All banks are closed on this public holiday. | |
| Festival (often cultural/religious) | The Spring Festival is the most important festival in China. | |
| Long weekend (a holiday + weekend) | We often take a short trip during a long weekend. | |
| Paid leave / Time off | Many people use their paid leave to extend the holiday. | |
| Verbs for Celebrating | Celebrate | We celebrate this holiday by getting together with family. |
| Commemorate / Mark | Anzac Day commemorates those who served in the military. | |
| Observe (a more formal word) | How do you observe this holiday in your culture? | |
| Honour | We honour our ancestors during this festival. | |
| Get together with family/friends | It's a time to get together with loved ones. | |
| Feelings & Atmosphere | Look forward to | I always look forward to the Spring Festival. |
| A sense of tradition | This holiday gives me a strong sense of tradition. | |
| Joyful / Festive atmosphere | The city has a very festive atmosphere during the holiday. | |
| Relaxing / A much-needed break | It's a relaxing break from the daily routine. | |
| Commercialized | Some people feel that Christmas has become too commercialized. | |
| Opinions | It plays a vital role in... | Public holidays play a vital role in preserving our culture. |
| It's a great opportunity to... | It's a great opportunity to recharge your batteries. | |
| From my perspective,... | From my perspective, we need more holidays. | |
| I'm of the opinion that... | I'm of the opinion that holidays should be meaningful. |
Sample Answers
Here are sample answers for each part, aiming for a high Band 8-9 score.
Part 1 Sample Answers
Q: Do you think public holidays are important?
Absolutely, I think they are incredibly important. From my perspective, they serve a dual purpose. On one hand, they provide people with a much-needed break from their busy work and study schedules, which is crucial for mental well-being and preventing burnout. On the other hand, they play a vital role in preserving and passing on our cultural heritage, as many holidays are tied to historical events or ancient traditions.
Q: Has the way people celebrate public holidays changed in recent years?
Yes, definitely. I think the most significant change is the rise of technology and social media. While traditional customs like family dinners are still very much alive, many people now share their celebrations online, posting photos and sending digital greetings. Also, there's a growing trend of "staycations" and short domestic trips, as people prefer to explore their own country rather than just staying at home. So, the core values remain, but the methods of celebration are becoming more modern and diverse.
Part 2 Sample Answer (Describe a public holiday)
(I will describe the Mid-Autumn Festival in China.)
"Sure, I'd like to talk about the Mid-Autumn Festival, which is one of the most cherished traditional holidays in China.
This festival always falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, which usually corresponds to late September or early October in the Gregorian calendar. At this time of year, the moon is believed to be at its fullest and brightest, symbolizing family reunion and prosperity.
On this day, people have a few key traditions. The most common activity is gathering with family for a big, elaborate dinner. After the meal, families will go outside to admire the full moon. A very important part of the festival is eating mooncakes, which are rich, round pastries often filled with lotus seed paste or red bean paste and salted egg yolk in the center, symbolizing the moon. Children also love carrying colourful lanterns of various shapes, which creates a really magical and festive atmosphere, especially in the evening.
As for how I feel about this holiday, I absolutely love it. It's a time that gives me a profound sense of warmth and connection. In our fast-paced modern life, it's a wonderful opportunity to slow down, put aside work, and truly focus on my family. I really look forward to it every year because it’s not just about the mooncakes or the lanterns, but about strengthening family bonds and enjoying a moment of peace and togetherness under the beautiful autumn sky."
Part 3 Sample Answers
Q: What is the role of public holidays in a country?
"I believe public holidays play a multifaceted role in society. Firstly, and most obviously, they offer a vital opportunity for rest and relaxation, allowing citizens to recharge their batteries and return to their work with renewed energy and productivity. Secondly, they are fundamental to cultural preservation. Many holidays commemorate historical events, honour national heroes, or celebrate religious and agricultural traditions, thereby keeping a nation's collective memory and identity alive. Lastly, they can also have a significant economic impact, boosting sectors like tourism, retail, and hospitality as people spend money on travel, gifts, and entertainment."
Q: Do you think traditional public holidays will be celebrated in the same way in the future?
"That's a great question. I think the core significance of these holidays will undoubtedly endure, as they are deeply rooted in our culture and values. However, the way we celebrate them is bound to evolve. For instance, while the tradition of a family gathering for a big meal will likely remain, the context might change. With more people living far from home due to work, virtual gatherings via video calls might become a more common part of the celebration. Also, as environmental concerns grow, there might be a shift towards more eco-friendly practices, like reducing waste from festive decorations or food. So, the essence stays, but the expression adapts to modern life."
Tips for a High Score
- Be Specific: Don't just say "we eat food." Say "we have a reunion dinner with dishes like dumplings and fish, which symbolize prosperity."
- Use a Range of Vocabulary: Integrate the words and phrases from the list above naturally into your answers.
- Show Opinions: Use phrases like "I believe...", "From my perspective...", "It seems to me that..." to demonstrate critical thinking.
- Use Linking Words: Connect your ideas smoothly with words like however, furthermore, as a result, on the one hand... on the other hand.
- Extend Your Answers: In Part 1, give a reason or an example for your answers. In Part 2, use the prompts to structure your story. In Part 3, develop your ideas with explanations and examples.
- Be Natural: Don't memorize answers. Understand the ideas and vocabulary so you can talk about the
