Part 1: Holidays
1. What is your favorite holiday? Why?
My favorite holiday is Novruz Bayram, the Persian New Year celebrated in Azerbaijan. I love it because it marks the arrival of spring and is filled with rich traditions, delicious food, and joyful gatherings with family and friends. The holiday emphasizes renewal, nature, and cultural heritage, which I find very meaningful.
2. How do you usually celebrate holidays?
I usually celebrate holidays by spending time with family and friends, preparing traditional meals, and participating in cultural activities. For Novruz, we clean our homes, bake special pastries like shekerbura and pakhlava, and set up a “haft sin” table with symbolic items. We also visit relatives and neighbors to exchange good wishes and gifts.
3. Do you prefer spending holidays with family or friends?
I prefer spending holidays with family, as it’s a time to reconnect and strengthen our bonds. However, I also enjoy including friends in our celebrations, as it adds to the festive atmosphere and creates wonderful memories.
4. What holiday traditions are important to you?
Important holiday traditions for me include preparing and sharing traditional foods, decorating our home, and participating in cultural and religious rituals. These traditions help preserve our heritage and create a sense of continuity and belonging.
5. How do holidays in your country differ from those in other countries?
Holidays in Azerbaijan often involve a mix of cultural, historical, and religious elements. For example, Novruz Bayram has ancient Zoroastrian roots and is unique in its emphasis on fire and water rituals. While many countries celebrate the New Year, the specific customs and symbols of Novruz are distinctive to Azerbaijani and Persian cultures.
6. Have you ever traveled during a holiday? Where did you go?
Yes, I have traveled during holidays. One memorable trip was visiting Istanbul during Eid al-Fitr. The city was vibrant with celebrations, and it was fascinating to experience the cultural similarities and differences in how the holiday is observed.
7. What is your most memorable holiday experience?
My most memorable holiday experience was a family reunion during Novruz Bayram a few years ago. We gathered at my grandparents’ home in the countryside, enjoyed traditional dishes, and participated in various customs. The highlight was jumping over bonfires, a symbolic act to cleanse away the past year’s misfortunes and welcome the new year with fresh energy.
8. Do you think holidays are important for people? Why?
Yes, holidays are important for people because they provide a break from routine, allowing time for rest, reflection, and celebration. They strengthen social bonds, preserve cultural traditions, and contribute to overall well-being by fostering a sense of community and belonging.
9. How do you feel when a holiday is approaching?
When a holiday is approaching, I feel excited and joyful. It’s a time to look forward to reuniting with loved ones, engaging in cherished traditions, and enjoying a festive atmosphere. The anticipation itself adds to the overall happiness and spirit of the holiday.
10. What holiday would you like to experience that you haven’t yet?
I would like to experience Christmas in a European country like Germany or Austria. The festive decorations, Christmas markets, and traditional customs like caroling and tree decorating seem enchanting. It would be fascinating to see how these traditions are celebrated and to immerse myself in the holiday spirit of a different culture.
Vocabulary for Band 9+ IELTS Speaking
1. Renewal – The action of extending the period of validity of something
2. Cultural heritage – The legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society
3. Symbolic – Serving as a symbol
4. Continuity – The unbroken and consistent existence or operation of something over time
5. Rituals – A religious or solemn ceremony consisting of a series of actions performed according to a prescribed order
6. Vibrant – Full of energy and life
7. Festive – Cheerful and celebratory
8. Distinctive – Characteristic of one person or thing, and so serving to distinguish it from others
9. Cleansing – The process of making something clean or pure
10. Anticipation – The action of anticipating something; expectation or prediction
11. Enchanting – Delightfully charming or attractive
12. Immerse – To involve deeply; absorb