Here is the Part 2 cue card we are working with this week:
Describe an event or ceremony most people go through in your culture. You should say:
-what the event or ceremony is
-when people usually experience it
-how it affects people
and explain your opinion about it
Step 1: Listen to the model response.
Step 2: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode and practise saying some of the sentences from the response.
Step 3: Work through the full exercise.
Step 4: Read through the full transcript (below) and note any of the language items you found challenging this week.
Step 5: Submit your five speaking samples to your Whatsapp group and wait for your instructor’s feedback.
Transcript
Describe an event or ceremony most people go through in your culture. You should say:
-what the event or ceremony is
-when people usually experience it
-how it affects people
and explain your opinion about it
I’d like to talk about the traditional ceremony of Diwali, which is widely celebrated in my culture.
Typically, Diwali falls in October or November, depending on the lunar calendar. The festival lasts for five days, with the main day being marked by the lighting of oil lamps and candles. We do this to symbolise the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.
Diwali has a profound impact on people in my culture. It is a time when families come together and adorn their houses with colourful decorations. This fosters a sense of unity and creates a positive and festive atmosphere. We also prepare sweet and savory dishes and exchange gifts to promote goodwill among friends and neighbours.
On a deeper level, Diwali holds cultural and spiritual significance. The rituals and prayers performed during the festival are believed to bring prosperity and good fortune. The symbolic significance of light dispelling darkness encourages introspection and pushes people to make positive changes in their life.
In my opinion, Diwali is not just a festival. It is a reflection of our cultural values and traditions. It brings joy and happiness to people’s lives, fostering a sense of belonging and community. The rituals associated with Diwali, such as lighting lamps and offering prayers, instill a sense of spirituality and mindfulness. Moreover, the emphasis on charity during Diwali encourages people to share their prosperity with those less fortunate. I believe that such traditions are essential in preserving the richness of our cultural heritage and promoting values that carry on for multiple generations.