90. Topic: A Unique Cultural Custom
– Question 90: Describe a unique cultural custom from a different
country.
– You should say:
– What is the custom, and which country does it belong to?
– When and how is it celebrated or practiced?
– What is the cultural significance of this custom?
– How does it compare to customs in your own culture?
Model answer by Lifestyle Training Centre
One of the most unique cultural customs that I find fascinating is Thanksgiving in the United States. It’s a holiday that’s celebrated every year on the fourth Thursday in November, and it’s a time for families and friends to come together and give thanks for the blessings of the year. The custom dates back to the early colonial days when Pilgrims and Native Americans shared a feast to celebrate a successful harvest, making it a tradition that is steeped in history.
Thanksgiving is celebrated with a big feast. The centerpiece of the meal is usually roast turkey, which is often served alongside stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, gravy, and of course, pumpkin pie for dessert. The entire family gathers around the table, and the meal often extends into hours of conversation and laughter. Many families also participate in the tradition of going around the table and sharing what they’re thankful for, which adds a heartwarming touch to the occasion.
The cultural significance of Thanksgiving is rooted in gratitude and togetherness. It’s a day to take a step back from the hustle and bustle of life and appreciate the good things in life, whether that’s family, health, or prosperity. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of community, as people travel from near and far to reunite with loved ones. This spirit of generosity and giving thanks is what makes Thanksgiving so meaningful to Americans.
When compared to customs in my own culture, Thanksgiving feels a bit different. While we also have holidays that focus on family and giving thanks, such as harvest festivals, Thanksgiving is a much more grand and official celebration. It’s a time when the whole nation stops what they’re doing to reflect on the blessings in their lives. It’s also unique in its culinary traditions, particularly the turkey and pumpkin pie, which aren’t typically associated with the holidays in my culture.
What makes Thanksgiving truly unforgettable is the way it brings people together, no matter their differences. The shared tradition of expressing gratitude creates a sense of unity and harmony, which is why it remains such an important custom in American society. Even though I haven’t celebrated it myself, I can see how it has a lasting impact on both the people who partake in it and their sense of belonging.
In conclusion, Thanksgiving is a beautiful example of a cultural custom that not only focuses on family and food but also brings a sense of gratitude and connection. It’s a celebration that leaves people feeling thankful and fulfilled, and it’s a tradition that continues to thrive and evolve in the United States today.
List of vocabulary used:
- Thanksgiving – An annual holiday in the USA for giving thanks, traditionally for the harvest and blessings of the past year.
- Fourth Thursday in November – The specific day in November on which Thanksgiving is celebrated in the USA.
- Families – Groups of people related by blood or marriage, often gathered together for celebrations.
- Friends – People with whom one has a close relationship of mutual affection.
- Colonial days – The period during which the original European settlers lived in the colonies before the formation of the United States.
- Pilgrims – Early settlers of the USA who traveled from England seeking religious freedom.
- Native Americans – The indigenous peoples of the USA.
- History – The study or record of past events.
- Feast – A large and elaborate meal, typically one held for a special occasion.
- Roast turkey – A traditional dish commonly served for Thanksgiving, where a turkey is roasted.
- Stuffing – A mixture of ingredients, often including bread, herbs, and spices, cooked inside the turkey.
- Cranberry sauce – A condiment made from cranberries, often served with turkey.
- Mashed potatoes – A dish made from boiled potatoes mashed into a smooth consistency, commonly served as a side dish.
- Sweet potatoes – A type of potato with a sweet flavor, often served during Thanksgiving.
- Gravy – A sauce made from the juices of roasted meat, often poured over potatoes or turkey.
- Pumpkin pie – A dessert made from pumpkin filling in a pie crust, traditionally served during Thanksgiving.
- Heartwarming touch – A gesture or action that brings emotional warmth or makes people feel good.
- Gratitude – The quality of being thankful and showing appreciation.
- Togetherness – The state of being close to others, often creating a sense of unity.
- Good things – Positive aspects of life, such as family, health, and prosperity.
- Community – A group of people living in the same area or having a common interest.
- Generosity – The willingness to give or share with others.
- Customs in my own culture – Traditions and practices unique to one’s native culture.
- Harvest festivals – Celebrations that mark the gathering of crops and the abundance of the season.
- Grand – Impressive in size or appearance, often indicating importance.
- Official – Acknowledged by authority or accepted as a formal tradition.
- Blessings – Gifts or benefits, often seen as divine or fortunate.
- Culinary traditions – Cooking practices or food-related customs of a particular culture.
- Tradition – A custom or practice that is passed down from generation to generation.
- Expressing gratitude – The act of showing appreciation or thanks.
- Unity – The state of being united or joined together.
- Harmony – Agreement or concord, often used to describe peaceful relationships.
- Sense of belonging – The feeling of being accepted and valued within a group or community.
- Thankful – Feeling or showing gratitude.
- Fulfilled – Feeling content and satisfied with what has been achieved.
Idioms and Phrases:
- Steeped in history – Richly full of history or tradition.
- Centerpiece of the meal – The most important or central part of the meal.
- Extend into hours – To last for an extended period of time.
- Take a step back – To pause and reflect or reassess.
- Hustle and bustle – Busy and energetic activity or movement.
- A step back – A moment of reflection or slowing down.
- A reminder of – A prompt or indication of something important.
- Reflect on – To think carefully and thoughtfully about something.
- Stop what they’re doing – To pause their normal activities to focus on something important.
- When compared to – In contrast with or in relation to.
- Not typically associated with – Not usually linked or connected with.
- Truly unforgettable – So impactful that it cannot be easily forgotten.
- Brings people together – Creates unity or closeness among individuals.
- No matter their differences – Regardless of any disparities or disagreements.
- A lasting impact – An effect that continues for a long time.
- A sense of belonging – The feeling of being accepted or part of a group.
- In conclusion – To sum up or finalize the discussion.
IELTS Speaking Task Topics
Click on any topic to explore more!
Names
Learn about the importance of names and their cultural significance.
Study / Job
Discuss various aspects of studying and working in different fields.
Hometown
Explore the charm of your hometown and its unique features.
Accommodation
Understand various types of accommodation and living situations.
Weather
Learn about how weather influences daily life and activities.
Time
Discuss the concept of time, its importance, and time management.
Television
Talk about the role of television in modern entertainment.
Museum
Discuss the cultural importance of museums and historical exhibits.
Holidays
Explore the significance of holidays and different celebrations.
Films
Learn about the impact of films on culture and society.
Leisure Time
Discuss how leisure activities impact personal well-being.
Sport
Talk about the role of sports in health, entertainment, and culture.
Vegetables and Fruits
Discuss the health benefits and importance of fresh produce.
Maths
Explore the role of mathematics in various aspects of life.
Sky
Discuss the beauty and scientific significance of the sky.
Clothes and Fashion
Explore how clothing reflects culture and personal expression.
Weekend
Discuss the importance of weekends and ways people relax.
Reading
Learn about the importance of reading and various reading habits.
Sleep
Explore how sleep impacts physical and mental well-being.
Trees and Plants
Discuss the environmental and health benefits of plants.
Newspaper
Discuss the evolving role of newspapers in the digital age.
Text Messages
Explore the role of text messaging in modern communication.
Memorizing
Learn techniques for improving memory and memorization.
Traveling
Discuss the importance and impact of traveling in modern society.
Letters or Emails
Explore the differences and significance of letters vs. emails.
Swimming
Discuss the benefits of swimming for health and fitness.
Snacks
Explore the role of snacks in daily nutrition and lifestyle.
Photography
Discuss photography’s cultural and artistic significance.
Help
Talk about the importance of offering and receiving help.
History
Discuss historical events and their impact on modern society.
Handwriting
Explore the significance of handwriting in education and culture.
Music
Learn about the influence of music on emotions and society.
Colours
Discuss how colours affect perception and mood.
Teachers
Explore the role of teachers in shaping students’ futures.
Being Alone
Talk about the experience and benefits of spending time alone.
Teamwork
Learn the importance of teamwork in professional and social contexts.
Countryside
Explore the charm and benefits of living in the countryside.
Social Media
Discuss the impact of social media on society and relationships.
Friends
Explore the importance of friendships in life.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Talk about the future of AI and its role in society.
Climate Change
Discuss the causes and consequences of climate change.
Sustainable Transportation
Explore ways to make transportation more environmentally friendly.
Space Exploration
Learn about the latest advancements in space exploration.
Shopping
Explore how shopping influences culture and the economy.
Modern Technology
Discuss how modern technology is reshaping society.
Technology
Learn about the role of technology in everyday life.
Sustainable Living
Explore ways to live sustainably for the future of the planet.
Globalisation
Learn about the effects of globalisation on society and economies.
Global Warming
Discuss the causes, effects, and solutions to global warming.
Gender Equality
Explore the importance of gender equality in modern society.
Health and Fitness
Discuss the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Renewable Energy
Learn about renewable energy sources and their impact on the environment.
Cultural Traditions in Kerala
Explore the unique cultural traditions of Kerala, your hometown.
Cultural Traditions in Your Country
Learn about the cultural traditions in your country.
Education System
Discuss the education system in your country and its effectiveness.
Traditional Cuisine
Explore the significance of traditional cuisines in your culture.
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