Category Archives: Part 2

Lesson 167: A party you attendedđź•ş

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This week, you will train to speak about a party you attended. This is a band 9 response scripted in response to a real IELTS Speaking Part 2 cue card.

Step 1: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode (audio version below).

Talk about a party you attended at some point in the past. You should say:
-what the party was for
-why you attended this party
-what happened at the party
and explain how you felt about the party
🧑‍🎓Target language:

profoundly (adv.)
-in a significant or important way

“He was a mentor and a guide who profoundly influenced my academic and personal growth.”

Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.

Step 3: Engage this week’s full speech shadowing lesson. (If you do not yet have access, click here to sign up for full lessons.)

Step 4: Below is Monday’s speech exercise. Post yourself saying this excerpt to your Whatsapp group. Exercises for Tuesday to Friday will be posted in the group by your instructor. (If you have not yet been added to a group, click here to sign up – select ‘Join a Whatsapp group’.)

Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲

“An important party I attended in the past was a surprise retirement celebration for my favourite university professor, Dr Ken Williams. The party honoured Dr Williams’ remarkable career and contributions to the field of literature over the past 40 years.”
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Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.📝

Transcript

Talk about a party you attended at some point in the past. You should say:
-what the party was for
-why you attended this party
-what happened at the party
and explain how you felt about the party

An important party I attended in the past was a surprise retirement celebration for my favourite university professor, Dr Ken Williams. The party honoured Dr Williams’ remarkable career and contributions to the field of literature over the past 40 years. This event took place about a year ago in the lobby of my professor’s university department and was organised by his colleagues and former students.

I attended this party because Dr Williams was more than just a professor to me. He was a mentor and a guide who profoundly influenced my academic and personal growth. Being part of this celebration was my way of showing appreciation for everything he had done for us.

The party itself was an unforgettable experience. The evening began with a heartfelt speech by the dean, followed by a series of tributes from former students and colleagues. There was a slideshow highlighting his career achievements and memorable moments from his teaching years.

Reflecting on this experience, I feel incredibly honoured and grateful to have been a part of such a special occasion. The party was a beautiful tribute to a remarkable individual who had made a lasting impact on so many lives. It was not only a great celebration but also a reminder of the importance of appreciating those who inspire us.

Lesson 166: An educational experience that impacted you professionally 🧑‍🎓

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This week, you will train to speak about your education. This is a great exercise to help with job interviews in English as well. Speaking at length about your education is not uncommon when interviewing with a potential employer.

Step 1: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode (audio and video version below).

Talk about an important educational experience you had that impacted you as a person or a professional. You should say:
-what the experience was
-when you had this experience
-how this experience impacted you
-and how you feel about this experience
🧑‍🎓Target language:

keen on
-interested in

“I am also sincerely keen on pursuing computer science as a career.”

Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.

Step 3: Engage this week’s full speech shadowing lesson. (If you do not yet have access, click here to sign up for full lessons.)

Step 4: Below is Monday’s speech exercise. Post yourself saying this excerpt to your Whatsapp group. Exercises for Tuesday to Friday will be posted in the group by your instructor. (If you have not yet been added to a group, click here to sign up – select ‘Join a Whatsapp group’.)

Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲

“An important educational experience that impacted me professionally was a first-year university course I took in computer programming. This experience took place during my first semester at university around four years ago.”
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Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.đź“ť

Transcript

Talk about an important educational experience you had that impacted you as a person or a professional. You should say:
-what the experience was
-when you had this experience
-how this experience impacted you
-and how you feel about this experience

An important educational experience that impacted me professionally was a first-year university course I took in computer programming. This experience took place during my first semester at university around four years ago.

The course was an introduction to the fundamentals of Java programming. It covered essential concepts such as object-oriented programming and a variety of data structures. Initially, I enrolled in the class because I had a general interest in technology, but I had little experience with programming. As the semester progressed, I found myself increasingly fascinated by the logical and creative aspects of coding.

Academically, it opened my eyes to the world of computer science. This newfound interest led me to pursue further courses in computer science, and I ultimately ended up changing my major to the subject. I now am a very skilled programmer and have built several programs that are quite popular online. I am also sincerely keen on pursuing computer science as a career.

Reflecting on this experience, I feel immensely grateful and inspired. The course not only expanded my academic and career prospects but also contributed significantly to my personal growth.

Lesson 164: An actor/actress you admire🤩

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This week, you will train to respond to a Part 2 cue card that asks your to speak about an actor or actress you admire. As always, this band 9 sample response was scripted by an active IELTS examiner.

Step 1: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode (audio and video version available below).

Describe an actor or actress you admire. You should say
-who he/she is
-what he/she looks like
-what kind of movies he/she appears in
and explain why you admire this actor/actress
🧑‍🎓Target language:

down to earth
-a person who is not pretentious

“Additionally, he has a reputation for being kind and generous to his fans and colleagues, and he comes across as a very down to earth person in interviews.”

Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.

Step 3: Engage this week’s full speech shadowing lesson. (If you do not yet have access, click here to sign up for full lessons.)

Step 4: Below is Monday’s speech exercise. Post yourself saying this excerpt to your Whatsapp group. Exercises for Tuesday to Friday will be posted in the group by your instructor. (If you have not yet been added to a group, click here to sign up – select ‘Join a Whatsapp group’.)

Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲

“One actor I greatly admire is Tom Cruise. He is an internationally renowned actor and producer, known for his dedication to his craft and his impressive filmography.”
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Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.đź“ť

Transcript

Describe an actor or actress you admire. You should say
-who he/she is
-what he/she looks like
-what kind of movies he/she appears in
and explain why you admire this actor/actress

One actor I greatly admire is Tom Cruise. He is an internationally renowned actor and producer, known for his dedication to his craft and his impressive filmography.

What more can I tell you about him? Tom Cruise is an American actor who has been a prominent figure in Hollywood for over three decades. Tom Cruise has a very distinctive appearance, and I think it’s safe to say most people would describe him as ‘handsome’. He is of average height and is known for his confident smile.

As for the movies he appears in, his films tend to span several different genres. I guess these days he is best known for roles in action films such as the Mission: Impossible series. However, he has also starred in dramatic movies like Jerry Maguire, Eyes Wide Shut and Minority Report, so I feel he is quite versatile in his acting.

There are several reasons why I admire Tom Cruise. Firstly, his willingness to push boundaries is truly inspiring. For example, he does a lot of his own stunts. I heard that several of the high-speed chases in the Mission: Impossible movies were carried out by him. Tom Cruise is also known for his professionalism and work ethic on set, which I think is admirable. Additionally, he has a reputation for being kind and generous to his fans and colleagues, and he comes across as a very down to earth person in interviews.

Lesson 161: A time when you woke up earlyđź‘€

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This week, we will examine a band 9 response to this Part 2 cue card:

Describe a time when you had to wake up early. You should say
-what time you woke up
-why you woke up at this time
-what you did after waking up
and explain how you felt about getting up at this time

Step 1: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode (audio and video version available below).

🧑‍🎓Target language:

grogginess (noun)
-feeling confused due to tiredness

“However, my anticipation of the interview quickly overshadowed any grogginess I felt.”

Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.

Step 3: Engage this week’s full speech shadowing lesson. (If you do not yet have access, click here to sign up for full lessons.)

Step 4: Below is Monday’s speech exercise. Post yourself saying this excerpt to your Whatsapp group. Exercises for Tuesday to Friday will be posted in the group by your instructor. (If you have not yet been added to a group, click here to sign up – select ‘Join a Whatsapp group’.)

Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲

“I’m going to talk about a time when I had to wake up early for an important job interview I had last year. I set my alarm for 5:00 AM, which is significantly earlier than my usual wake-up time.”
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Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.đź“ť

Transcript

Describe a time when you had to wake up early. You should say
-what time you woke up
-why you woke up at this time
-what you did after waking up
and explain how you felt about getting up at this time

I’m going to talk about a time when I had to wake up early for an important job interview I had last year. I set my alarm for 5:00 AM, which is significantly earlier than my usual wake-up time.

The reason I had to wake up so early was that the interview was scheduled for 8:30 AM in a different city. It was about a two-hour drive from my home. I wanted to make sure I had ample time to get ready, review my notes, and account for any potential traffic delays.

After getting out of bed, I immediately started my morning routine. I took a quick shower to help wake myself up fully and then prepared a light breakfast. As I ate, I started to review my resume and the company’s profile one last time to ensure I was well-prepared for any questions they might throw my way. Around 6:00 AM, I left my house and began the drive to the interview location.

Regarding how I felt about waking up at this unusually early hour, I would say it was a mix of excitement and a bit of nervousness. Initially, the early wake-up call was a bit of a shock to my system, as I am not typically a morning person. However, my anticipation of the interview quickly overshadowed any grogginess I felt. By the time I was on the road, the crisp morning air and the peaceful drive helped me to feel more awake and focused. I arrived to the interview with time to spare, and this gave me a sense of accomplishment for having managed my time so effectively.

Although waking up at 5:00 AM was challenging, it was necessary for the important occasion and led to a successful interview.

Thank you.

Lesson 158: A situation when people congratulated you🥳

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This week, you will train to speak about a situation when you were congratulated by others. This lesson uses a Part 2 cue card that was recently seen in a real IELTS Speaking exam.

Step 1: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode (audio and video version available below).

Describe a situation when people congratulated you. You should say:
-what you did
-when it was
-how they congratulated you
and explain how you felt about it
🧑‍🎓Target language:

comprehensive (adjective)
-includes all components

“The project involved developing a comprehensive marketing strategy.”

Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.

Step 3: Engage this week’s full speech shadowing lesson. (If you do not yet have access, click here to sign up for full lessons.)

Step 4: Below is Monday’s speech exercise. Post yourself saying this excerpt to your Whatsapp group. Exercises for Tuesday to Friday will be posted in the group by your instructor. (If you have not yet been added to a group, click here to sign up – select ‘Join a Whatsapp group’.)

Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲

“I’d like to talk about a situation when people congratulated me. This occurred last year when I successfully completed a challenging project at work.

The project involved developing a comprehensive marketing strategy for a new product our company was launching. It was a significant undertaking as it required not only a deep understanding of the market but also innovative thinking to differentiate our product from the competition.”
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Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.đź“ť

Transcript

Describe a situation when people congratulated you. You should say:
-what you did
-when it was
-how they congratulated you
and explain how you felt about it

I’d like to talk about a situation when people congratulated me. This occurred last year when I successfully completed a challenging project at work.

The project involved developing a comprehensive marketing strategy for a new product our company was launching. It was a significant undertaking as it required not only a deep understanding of the market but also innovative thinking to differentiate our product from the competition. I worked tirelessly for three months. I conducted extensive market research and coordinated with various departments. The end result was a marketing campaign that was highly profitable for the company.

The moment of recognition came during our annual company meeting last December. The CEO, in front of the entire company, highlighted the success of the project and praised my efforts specifically. He then invited me to the stage to receive a certificate of excellence.

The congratulatory gestures didn’t stop there. My colleagues gave me a standing ovation, and many came up to me personally after the meeting to shake my hand and offer their heartfelt congratulations.

It felt great to be recognised, and I also felt an overwhelming sense of pride and accomplishment. The experience not only boosted my confidence but also motivated me to continue striving for excellence in my work. Having my peers congratulate me in this way reinforced my belief in the importance of dedication and hard work.

Thank you.

Lesson 155: An appliance you use daily🔌

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This week, you will train to speak about an appliance that you use every day in your home. This could be a washing machine, microwave, food processor or some other electric machine you use to carry out a household task. In the model, the candidate chooses to speak about a coffee maker.

Step 1: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode (audio and video version available below).

Part 2 Cue Card

Talk about an appliance that is used daily in your home. You should say
-when you bought it
-who in your home uses this appliance the most
-how this appliance is useful to you
and give some advice about this type of appliance
🧑‍🎓Target language:

frequenting (verb)
-visiting often

“Its convenience saves us considerable time and money compared to frequenting coffee shops.”

Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.

Step 3: Engage this week’s full speech shadowing lesson. (If you do not yet have access, click here to sign up for full lessons.)

Step 4: Below is Monday’s speech exercise. Post yourself saying this excerpt to your Whatsapp group. Exercises for Tuesday to Friday will be posted in the group by your instructor. (If you have not yet been added to a group, click here to sign up – select ‘Join a Whatsapp group’.)

Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲

“I’m going to talk about an appliance my family and I use every day in our home, and that’s our trusty coffee maker. We got it approximately two years ago when we moved into our current residence.”
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Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.đź“ť

Transcript

Talk about an appliance that is used daily in your home. You should say
-when you bought it
-who in your home uses this appliance the most
-how this appliance is useful to you
and give some advice about this type of appliance

I’m going to talk about an appliance my family and I use every day in our home, and that’s our trusty coffee maker. We got it approximately two years ago when we moved into our current residence.

I live with my parents and out of all of us, I would say that I’m the primary user of this appliance. As an avid coffee drinker, I rely on it to kickstart my mornings and keep me energised throughout the day. My mother and father do use it from time to time, but they definitely don’t use it as much as I do.

Our coffee maker is useful because it greatly simplifies the process of making coffee. Before we got this appliance, I would have to manually boil the water and strain the coffee into a cup. With the coffee maker, all I have to do is add water, a paper filter and some coffee grinds and the coffee maker does the rest in about 10 minutes. Its convenience saves us considerable time and money compared to frequenting coffee shops.

For those considering purchasing a coffee maker, I would offer a few pieces of advice. Firstly, invest in a model that aligns with your preferences and lifestyle, whether it’s a basic drip machine or a more sophisticated espresso maker. Secondly, prioritise quality over price. Buying a durable coffee maker will save you from having to replace a cheap one every few years. And lastly, don’t underestimate the importance of regular cleaning to ensure optimal performance.

I have to say that our coffee maker is no longer just a household appliance. It’s a valuable tool that has enhanced our daily lives in more ways than one.

Lesson 152: A profession done in or near water🌊

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This week, you will train to speak about a profession that is related to water, such as a fisherman or ship captain.

Step 1: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode (audio and video version available below).

Describe a profession you know that is done near or in water. You should say:
-What the profession is
-Where it is typically done
-Why it is important
and say what skills or qualifications are required to do this job
🧑‍🎓Target language:

firsthand
-from personal experience

“Others spend a considerable amount of time diving underwater to observe marine life firsthand.”

Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.

Step 3: Engage this week’s full speech shadowing lesson. (If you do not yet have access, click here to sign up for full lessons.)

Step 4: Below is Monday’s speech exercise. Post yourself saying this excerpt to your Whatsapp group. Exercises for Tuesday to Friday will be posted in the group by your instructor. (If you have not yet been added to a group, click here to sign up – select ‘Join a Whatsapp group’.)

Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲

“The profession I want to talk about is that of a marine biologist. Marine biologists are scientists who study life in the oceans and other saltwater environments. They conduct research to understand marine organisms – their behaviours, habitats and ecosystems.”
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Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.đź“ť

Transcript

Describe a profession you know that is done near or in water. You should say:
-What the profession is
-Where it is typically done
-Why it is important
and say what skills or qualifications are required to do this job

The profession I want to talk about is that of a marine biologist. Marine biologists are scientists who study life in the oceans and other saltwater environments. They conduct research to understand marine organisms – their behaviours, habitats and ecosystems.

Marine biologists typically work in or near water bodies such as oceans, seas and coral reefs. Some may work in laboratories analysing samples collected from the field, while others spend a considerable amount of time diving underwater to observe marine life firsthand. They may also work on research vessels, coastal facilities, or even aquariums and marine parks.

This profession is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, marine biologists play a vital role in understanding and conserving marine biodiversity. By studying marine ecosystems, they can identify threats to various species, as well as develop strategies for their protection. Additionally, their research contributes to our understanding of climate change, which is a significant issue facing our planet today.

To become a marine biologist, one typically needs a strong educational background in biology. I am not a marine biologist, but I would assume this profession requires obtaining a bachelor’s degree followed by further studies at the graduate level. Practical experience through internships or volunteer work is probably highly valued in this field, too. Other skills key to becoming a marine biologist would include having excellent observation skills, critical thinking and a passion for the life forms that live in salt water.

I feel marine biologists contribute significantly to our understanding of the oceans and they play a crucial role in conserving these precious ecosystems for future generations.

Thank you.

Lesson 149: A person from another country that speaks your language well🎎

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This week’s lesson requires the candidate describe a person that speaks their native language well.

Step 1: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode (audio and video version available below):

Describe a person you know from another country who speaks your language fluently. You should say
-who he/she is
-what country he/she is from
-how he/she learned your language
-and explain how you feel about this person
🧑‍🎓Target language:

set apart
-something special or distinguished

“What truly sets Maria apart is her dedication to learning Japanese.”

Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.

Step 3: Engage this week’s full speech shadowing lesson.

Step 4: Below is Monday’s speech exercise. Post yourself saying this excerpt to your Whatsapp group. Exercises for Tuesday to Friday will be posted in the group by your instructor.

Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲

“I’m going to talk about a remarkable individual named Maria, who speaks my native language, Japanese, fluently. Maria is from Spain and first encountered Japanese during her university studies in Barcelona, where she developed a profound interest in Japanese culture and language.”
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Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.đź“ť

Transcript

Describe a person you know from another country who speaks your language fluently. You should say
-who he/she is
-what country he/she is from
-how he/she learned your language
-and explain how you feel about this person

I’m going to talk about a remarkable individual named Maria, who speaks my native language, Japanese, fluently. Maria is from Spain and first encountered Japanese during her university studies in Barcelona, where she developed a profound interest in Japanese culture and language.

What truly sets Maria apart is her dedication and unconventional approach to learning Japanese. For example, instead of relying solely on textbooks and classroom instruction, she sought out authentic Japanese materials, such as novels, podcasts and films. Additionally, before she moved to Japan, Maria actively engaged with native Japanese speakers through language exchange programmes and online communities. She now lives in Tokyo and seamlessly integrates into Japanese society, displaying a level of cultural fluency that is rarely seen among foreign language learners.

As someone who grew up in Japan, I can say with confidence that Maria is truly fluent in Japanese. Her pronunciation is near-native, and she effortlessly navigates complex grammatical structures with skill. Her proficiency in Japanese fills me with admiration and respect, and I feel truly inspired when I am around her. Her commitment to mastering the language reflects a genuine love for Japanese culture and a willingness to embrace new challenges.

I feel very lucky to know an amazing person like Maria. Just being around her motivates my own language pursuits!

Thank you.

Lesson 146: A relaxing place🥰

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This week’s lesson uses the following Part 2 cue card:

Describe a place you often go to relax. You should say
-where this place is
-why you go there to relax
-when you usually go there
-and explain how you feel when you are there

Step 1: Listen to this week’s sample.

Step 2: Tune in to this week’s IELTSCast episode and practise saying a few sentences from the sample.

Step 3: Work through the full exercise.

Step 4: Read through the below transcript and note the language that was new or challenging to you this week.

Step 5: Submit your speech samples to your Whatsapp group. Below is the speech sample for Monday:

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Transcript

Describe a place you often go to relax. You should say
-where this place is
-why you go there to relax
-when you usually go there
-and explain how you feel when you are there

Well, one place I frequently visit to unwind is a quiet public garden located on the outskirts of my city. 

This garden is situated about 20 kilometres from my residence, and I believe it’s maintained by a nearby church community. It is never busy and, to my mind, it is relaxing because it is a perfect coupling of natural beauty and tranquility. Whenever I go there, the garden is lush and full of colour and the birds are chirping in and around the nearby trees.

I typically visit this garden during weekends, which allows me to disconnect from the demands of work and immerse myself in nature. If I can make it there in the morning, the sunlight filters through the tree leaves and this creates a really relaxing atmosphere. This coupled with the refreshing scent of flowers is therapeutic and helps me recharge for the coming workweek.

As for how I feel, when I am in this serene environment, a profound sense of tranquility washes over me. The stress and tension accumulated during the week seem to dissipate as I absorb the beauty of my surroundings. It’s a very calming experience, and I guess it is not a stretch to say I feel as though I am one with nature. I feel absolutely amazing when I’m there.

I guess to wrap up, I would say this garden is much more than just a place. It is an escape from ordinary life and I am very happy it has become an integral part of my routine.

Lesson 144: An event or ceremony most people go through in your culture🪔

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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.

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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.