IELTS Speaking Topic: Public Holidays (Vocabulary & Sample Answers)

“Public Holiday” is a common topic in IELTS Speaking, appearing across all three parts of the test. So, how can you discuss such a familiar topic in an impressive way that scores high marks?

Let’s explore this comprehensive guide from Ms. Can Thu Ha, an 8.0 IELTS instructor at ECE Language Center. This article provides you with high-scoring vocabulary, effective sentence structures, and detailed sample answers for all three parts.

I. Essential “High-Scoring” Vocabulary for Public Holidays

To express your ideas fluently and accurately, building a strong lexical resource is crucial. Below are the high-value words and phrases you shouldn’t miss.

II. IELTS Speaking Part 1: Public Holidays

Part 1 consists of short questions about personal experiences. Answer directly and extend your response by one or two sentences to demonstrate your language proficiency.

Question 1: What’s your favourite public holiday?

I’d say Tết, the Lunar New Year, is definitely my favourite. It’s not only a time for family reunions but also a period filled with traditional customs, delicious food, and a festive atmosphere that makes everyone cheerful.

Question 2: Do you usually celebrate public holidays with your family or friends?

Mostly with my family. Public holidays are rare chances for us to gather around, share meals, and strengthen family bonds, which we can’t always do during busy working days.

Question 3: What do people in your country usually do during public holidays?

It depends on the holiday, but generally, people either travel, visit relatives, or take part in public festivities. Some prefer staying at home to rest, but many enjoy joining street parades or cultural events.

Question 4: Do you think public holidays are important?

Absolutely. They give people a well-deserved break from the daily grind and, more importantly, they reinforce our sense of cultural identity and community spirit.

III. IELTS Speaking Part 2: Describe a public holiday

You will have one minute to prepare and two minutes to speak. Use the structures and vocabulary you’ve learned to make your response more impressive.

Describe a public holiday in your country. You should say:

• What it is
• How people celebrate it
• What you usually do
• And explain why you like or dislike it

Sample Answer:

One of the most significant public holidays in Vietnam is Tết, or Lunar New Year. It usually falls in late January or early February, depending on the lunar calendar.

During this time, people thoroughly clean and decorate their houses with peach blossoms or kumquat trees to symbolize prosperity. Families prepare traditional dishes like bánh chưng, which is a square sticky rice cake, and they visit relatives to exchange best wishes for the new year. This period is rich with traditional customs and rituals.

As for me, I usually spend Tết with my family. We have a big reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve, and the next few days are filled with visiting relatives and giving lucky money to children. Personally, what I like most about Tết is the festive atmosphere — the streets are beautifully decorated, and everyone seems to be in a joyful mood.

Overall, I think Tết is a meaningful holiday because it not only gives people a fresh start but also strengthens family ties and preserves our cultural heritage.

IV. IELTS Speaking Part 3: Public Holidays – In-depth Discussion

Part 3 expands on the topic with more abstract questions. Demonstrate your ability to analyze and present arguments logically.

Question 1: Why do countries have public holidays?

Public holidays serve multiple purposes. They commemorate historical events, preserve cultural traditions, and allow citizens to rest. More importantly, they foster social cohesion by reminding people of shared values and a collective identity, creating a sense of belonging and unity.

Question 2: Do you think public holidays are becoming less important nowadays?

In some ways, yes. With globalization, many people see holidays as opportunities for travel or shopping rather than cultural reflection. However, I believe the underlying traditions are still valued, especially by older generations who want to preserve our cultural heritage.

Question 3: Should there be more public holidays in your country?

That’s debatable. On one hand, more holidays would mean more time for rest and family bonding. On the other hand, too many holidays could negatively impact productivity and the economy. So, I think the current number is reasonable.

Question 4: How do public holidays affect the economy of a country?

They can have both positive and negative effects. While businesses might lose working days, tourism and hospitality industries usually thrive during holidays. In fact, many countries use festivals and holidays as opportunities to boost local economies.

Conclusion

We hope this comprehensive guide from Ms. Can Thu Ha has provided you with a clear and deep understanding of the “Public Holiday” topic. Remember to practice the vocabulary and sample questions to turn this knowledge into natural, reflexive skills. Wishing you effective study sessions and great success!

Check out other academic articles consulted by Ms. Can Thu Ha:

• IELTS Speaking topic public holiday
• IELTS Writing task 2 topic work
  
• IELTS Writing task 2 topic economy