Describe a Foreign Culture That You Like

The International English Language Test is the widely accepted language proficiency test that can help you to migrate abroad to fulfil your goals. Be it an academic purpose or a General purpose, IELTS is a compulsory requirement to ensure your language proficiency. Learn More about the cue card questions here!

IELTS

The IELTS speaking test can generally be divided into three sections. The candidates should give a thorough introduction. The introductory session will be continued by the speaking cue card test. The speaking cue card test will be conducted strategically.

For the speaking cue card test, the examiner will provide you with a bunch of questions. The questions will be presented in the task card. The examiner will give you the questions which you are supposed to answer. Your answer should be crisp and clear.

The precise answer will score you better marks. The candidates will get a total of 11-14 minutes to complete the task. Here you will get various topics you ought to answer. Here you will get a clear idea of how to describe a foreign culture that you like.

The IELTS speaking test includes cue card questions that will help you to understand the language proficiency in better terms. Read the article to understand how to answer the cue card questions efficiently. 

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Understanding the ‘Describe’ Cue Card Questions

The cue card question “describe a foreign culture that you like” asks you to explain and describe a foreign culture that you admire. If you find any of the foreign cultures interesting, try to learn the basic elements and features of the culture. Jot down the points that can help you to describe the culture in a better way.

Part 2 of the speaking test is also known as the Individual Long Turn. In this section, the candidates will get a maximum of one minute to prepare thoroughly. The examiner will request you to speak about the topic for up to two minutes.

The topic selection will also be done in the allotted time. While explaining the foreign culture you like, you need to describe the interesting aspects of the culture, the cultural speciality, cultural differences, specifications, attractive features, traditions etc.

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Practising various topics will help you enhance your language fluency. Your speaking skills will reach the next level with the help of such cue card practices. You will learn how to express yourself efficiently and effectively without any distractions. You need to be precise while expressing yourself.

Your answer should be detailed and engaging. You have to give stress to the cultural aspects rather than beating around the bush. Your fluency and ability to make sense while talking will fetch you more marks. 

While you engage with a topic like Describe a foreign culture that you like:

• While dealing with such a topic, you need to give particular attention to certain aspects of your answer
• What is special about the village you chose to share 
• How do you get to know about this specific cultural context 
• What are the key differences between your culture and the foreign culture you chose to describe
• Describe why you like this culture in particular 
• If you are capable of answering all these questions while you speak, you will get the top scores for the second part of the speaking test.

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Individual language proficiency is assessed based on the scores on the IELTS test. This is the most common criterion for migrating abroad. On a given topic the candidates are supposed to talk continuously without any difficulty to prove the communication skills and the language proficiency of the candidate.

Cue card questions will be based on specific topics. The topics will be provided only at the time of the test. You have to give an apt description of your personal experience with the culture.

You should clearly describe the way you understand the culture. Your communication skills and fluency will be tested equally. You have to handle language in a manner which reflects your command over language.

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Test Format

There are three parts to the Speaking test of IELTS. The speaking test can be subdivided into three parts namely Introduction and Interview followed by Individual long turn and two-way discussion. 

The first part of the test is for 4-5 minutes where the examiner will ask for an introduction. The individual identity will be confirmed and they will ask you questions about the family, work etc. The second part of the IELTS exam will be based on the cue card.

The cue card will be given to the candidates with topics you ought to speak about. Some of the cue cards also include the topics that you should cover while you talk. You can jot down the points to never miss the major points. The allotted time for part 2 is 3-4 minutes. Around 2 minutes will be provided for the preparation.

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The examiner will also ask questions based on the questions in the cue card. During the speaking test, the third section is purely dedicated to two-way discussion. The candidates can speak more about the subject. The topic that you get to discuss is commonly known as cue.

The cue card questions will automatically trigger you to speak more on a given subject. A brief description of a special topic will be given to the candidates as a part of understanding the speaking skills of the candidates. There may be questions related to the topic too.

The candidates will be given time to jot down the key points that they ought to present. You have to then speak about the topic. While you describe the topic, you need to speak fluently without any hindrances.

You need to prove your language proficiency through this task. Your pronunciation should be enhanced. You need to only use the standard form of the same.

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How to Approach “Describe a Foreign Culture That You Like”?

When you start describing a particular culture, you need to choose a culture you are comfortable with. If you are familiar with a culture it will be easy for you to speak more about that particular culture. Choosing the culture you are interested in is very important.

Cultural aspects

Make sure that you are familiar with that culture. Speaking with confidence is important. So while choosing a culture, you need to be very vigilant. Choose a culture you are familiar with through books, films or travel. 

The key focus should be on the cultural aspects. Make sure that you are giving more importance to the cultural aspect while speaking about a culture. You can give stress to the food patterns, music, and festivals that have created a specific impression on you. 

Personal insights 

You can add what attracted you towards the culture. You can answer the question, of why you like this culture in this section. You can also explain how it aligns with your taste and interests. You can also describe the cultural significance which created a long-lasting impression. 

Use detailed descriptions and examples 

Make sure that you are precise and descriptive. You have to describe the aspects of the culture in a precise manner. You need to be respectful while you talk about other cultures. Make sure that you are using the appropriate words and expressions to define the foreign culture you like the most. 

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Structuring Your Answer: The Ideal Format for” Describe a Foreign Culture That You Like”

You have to stick to a particular format while you describe the foreign culture you are interested in. If your answer is well structured, that signals your interest and ability to coordinate and communicate ideas most effectively. Here is the advisable way to structure your cue card answers 

Introduction 

Effectively introduce the culture. You need to stress how and why this culture is important to you. Describe the most appealing factor about the culture you wish to describe. 

Body paragraphs 

Give more stress to the cultural aspects in a polished manner.Choose the subsidiary elements of the culture like arts, literature or religion to substantiate your answer.  Your connection with the culture. How do you find this culture appealing and how you are connected with it? In short, your affection for the culture is particularly important. 

Conclusion 

Summarise the cultural aspects you described above. Give more insights into it. Explain how the culture has positively impacted you and influenced your growth. This is the perfect section where you should explain how deeply this culture has aided you in moulding the worldview through a better lens.

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Example Answer: A Model Response for “Describe a Foreign Culture That You Like”

I would like to talk about Japanese culture which had a huge impact on my life. Japanese culture is known for balancing the traditional and modern aspects alike which inspired me from the moment I got to know about it. 

Japan has a rich history which easily blends traditional and modern values which I find fascinating every time I come across something related to Japanese culture. 

The fine blend of art, architecture, literature, food and language shows the incredibility of Japanese culture. The  Japanese culture has a unique space for innovative ideas while they promote the traditional way of life attracts me towards the Japanese culture.

I learned about Japanese culture for the first time from the documentaries I watched while studying. I had the opportunity to visit Tokyo which opened up new gateways to explore the Japanese culture.

I am particularly keen on Japanese music, cuisine, and literature which exposes the Japanese culture in all its aspects. The Japanese movies always have a special space in my life. While engaging with natives, I could uncover their cultural practices. 

There are many differences between  Japanese and Indian cultures. One of the key differences is the stress on minimalism in Japanese tradition compared to the Indian culture. The cuisine always seems to have a place for authentic fresh ingredients.

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The use of subtle flavours is another aspect of the culture which stands out. The customs such as tea ceremonies make the Indian culture distinct from them. While compared to the relaxed social practices in India, the Japanese culture gives more importance to polite etiquette. The Japanese etiquette is more formal when compared to Indian culture.

The simplicity and ease with which Japanese natives deal with the cultural aspects always fascinate me. The Japanese culture offers a new insight into the culture and perspectives can be easily changed. Firsthand experience of the Japanese culture has changed my perspective of life.

I have a personal interest in Japanese culture as the traditional and modern integration offers more opportunities to the people. Japanese culture has rich sources which I find fascinating and unique at the same time.

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Tips for Practicing and Preparing for the ‘Describe’ Cue Cards

While describing the cue card questions, you can use the tips and tricks given below for better understanding. 

Practice regularly

You have to speak and practice on various topics that can help you understand the flow of the answers.

Use sample cue cards

You can use the sample cue cards to create a suitable environment for the practice of the answers.

Extend your vocabulary 

Use unique words to describe the culture. You have to describe ideas most effectively. You have to use the keywords to express your ideas most effectively.

Use stopwatch 

Use a stopwatch to understand when and where to start and stop your answers. Try answering demo cue card questions which will help you to understand the time frame. Answer the questions in the given time frame itself.

Personal experience 

You have to include your experience while answering this question. The travel experience and your exposure to the culture strengthen your answer. 

Maintain formal tone

While you discuss your experience with a foreign culture, you need to stick to the formal tone to enrich your answer.

Approach with confidence 

Approach your questions with confidence. Your goal is to impress your examiner with your language capabilities. You have to prove your proficiency level by adhering to the aspects of the culture. Don’t panic. Stay calm and composed. Focus on the question and the answer that the examiner is expecting from you.

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If you can follow the tips and tricks discussed above, you can easily crack your next cue card questions without any worries.

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