IELTS Speaking : Family Tradition

Take one minute to prepare a talk on the following subject.
Take notes if you like and remember to include reasons and examples.
You should then speak for between one and two minutes.

Describe your favourite family tradition.

You should say:

  • what the tradition is
  • when it occurs
  • what you do

and explain why it is your favourite tradition.

Test Tip

For Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking exam, you will be given a task card, a pencil and some paper and you will have one minute to prepare.

1) Use this minute to make notes that will help you to keep talking for two minutes.
2) Read the task card carefully and identify the different prompts you should talk about.
3) Use clear signals when you move on from one prompt to the next.

Model answer


Click here to listen:

My favourite family tradition is most certainly Thanksgiving, which is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November. Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday. Actually, everyday should be a day of Thanksgiving. My family loves to celebrate this holiday.

It is a yearly tradition for our family to gather at my grandma’s house for Thanksgiving. I always look forward to this event. My cousins and other family members that I do not get to see often are there. My grandma and other family members prepare a big meal. There is always plenty for everyone. The main thing is of course the turkey. I like turkey, especially the legs. My uncle never eats turkey. He says it is an ugly bird, and he doesn’t want to eat it. When I was younger, I would always want to get the wishbone and break it. We also have sides to go along with the turkey. Everyone loves my grandma’s mashed potatoes. We also have rolls, dressing, cranberry sauce, and yams. Then, for dessert we have fresh pumpkin pie with whipped cream. Before we eat everyone always gathers around the table and someone says the blessing.

Thanksgiving is always a good time of fellowship and bonding for my family. We usually watch some of the parade on television or a football game. Sometimes after everyone is done eating, we play card games like Rook. You can see why this is a favorite tradition for me and my family. I wish we could do it more often.


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