IELTS Speaking Practice: Public Holidays

Speaking Part 1
Q1: Can you describe the most popular public holiday in your country?
In my country, the most popular public holiday is definitely Tet, which is the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. It’s an occasion for family reunions, feasting on special dishes, and ushering in prosperity and good luck for the new year. The whole country virtually comes to a standstill, bathed in a festive atmosphere.
• Come to a standstill → Dừng lại hoàn toàn
• Usher in → Mở đường cho, đón chào
• Festive atmosphere → Không khí lễ hội
Q2: How do you usually spend your public holidays?
I typically spend public holidays with my family. We often engage in various activities such as going on a picnic, visiting relatives or just staying home and enjoying a delicious homemade feast. It’s always a great time to unwind and catch up with loved ones.
• Engage in → Tham gia vào
• Unwind → Thả lỏng, thư giãn
• Catch up with → Trò chuyện, bắt kịp
Q3: Do you think public holidays are important? Why or why not?
Absolutely, I believe public holidays are crucial. They not only commemorate significant events or cultural traditions, but also provide a much-needed break from the daily grind. It’s an opportunity to recharge, spend quality time with family and friends, and improve one’s mental wellbeing.
• Commemorate → Tưởng nhớ, kỷ niệm
• Daily grind → Cuộc sống thường nhật vất vả
• Mental wellbeing → Sức khỏe tinh thần
Exercises
- 1. Public holidays are a great time to ______ from the stress of everyday life.
- 2. During Tet, Vietnamese people ______ in various traditional customs and rituals.
- 3. The city ______ to a standstill during the New Year celebrations.
- 4. It’s important to take time to ______ with family and friends on public holidays.
- 5. Public holidays ______ significant historical or cultural events.
- 6. The festive ______ is palpable during the holiday season.
- 7. The long weekend gave me a chance to ______ and relax.
- 8. The parade was held to ______ the country’s independence day.
- 9. My family often ______ in outdoor activities during public holidays.
- 10. Having a break from the ______ grind is beneficial for mental health.
Answers
- 1. Unwind
- 2. Engage
- 3. Comes
- 4. Catch up
- 5. Commemorate
- 6. Atmosphere
- 7. Unwind
- 8. Commemorate
- 9. Engages
- 10. Daily.