Cue Card

Describe a traditional celebration (a festival or ceremony) in your country that you enjoy

You should say:

• what it is
• what you do during this celebration
• who you celebrate with; and,
• explain why you enjoy it.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. Is it important for students to learn about traditional festivals at school?
2. Do children like learning about traditional festivals?
3. Why do people hold festivals to celebrate something?
4. Are traditional festivals disappearing?
5. Is music important during a traditional festival?
6. Do you think good food is important at a festival?

Sample Cue Card Answer

Fourth of July is my favorite time of the year. There's something about the smell of sizzling burgers and hot dogs on the grill, the sound of kids laughing and playing in the sprinklers, and the sight of American flags waving in the wind that just screams summer. My family and I always head down to the lake for the day, where we soak up the sun, swim, and try to catch a few fish. But the real highlight of the day is the fireworks display at night. We find a spot on the beach, spread out a blanket, and watch in awe as the sky lights up with explosions of color and sound. It's truly magical. What I love most about the Fourth of July, though, is the sense of community that comes with it. Neighbors become friends, strangers become acquaintances, and everyone comes together to celebrate our nation's birthday. It's a day to put aside our differences and just enjoy each other's company.

As the night winds down and the fireworks come to an end, we gather around the campfire to roast marshmallows and swap stories. It's a time for family traditions, like my grandma's famous potato salad and my dad's annual rendition of 'America the Beautiful' on his harmonica. It's a time for making memories that will last a lifetime. And it's a time to reflect on what it means to be American – the freedom, the diversity, the resilience. The Fourth of July is more than just a celebration; it's a reminder of who we are and what we stand for as a nation.

As I look around at the sea of faces, all smiling and laughing together, I'm reminded of the power of tradition and community. In a world that can sometimes feel divided and chaotic, the Fourth of July is a much-needed respite. It's a day to put aside our differences and come together as one. And as I watch the fireworks light up the sky, I'm filled with a sense of pride and gratitude for this country and its people.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

screams summer

something that is very typical or characteristic of summer

The smell of BBQ screams summer to me.

The sound of the ice cream truck screams summer.

put aside our differences

to forget or ignore the things that make us different or disagree

We put aside our differences and worked together to finish the project.

The two countries were able to put aside their differences and sign a peace treaty.

Sample Part 3 Answers

Is it important for students to learn about traditional festivals at school? I think it's really important for students to learn about traditional festivals at school. You see, traditional festivals are a big part of our cultural heritage, and learning about them helps students understand where they come from and what makes their community special. When students learn about traditional festivals, they're not just learning about dates and customs - they're learning about the history and values that shape their community.

Do children like learning about traditional festivals? Kids love learning about traditional festivals! Who wouldn't want to learn about colorful parades, delicious foods, and fun games? But what really gets kids excited is the sense of connection they feel to their community when they learn about traditional festivals. They start to understand that they're part of something bigger than themselves, and that's a really powerful feeling.

Why do people hold festivals to celebrate something? People hold festivals to celebrate something because it's a way to come together and mark important events or milestones. Festivals are a way to say, 'Hey, this is something important to us, and we want to celebrate it!' Whether it's a harvest festival, a cultural celebration, or a holiday, festivals bring people together and create a sense of community and connection.

Are traditional festivals disappearing? Unfortunately, yes, some traditional festivals are disappearing. As communities change and grow, old traditions can get lost. But that's why it's so important to learn about and celebrate traditional festivals - so we can keep them alive for future generations. By sharing our traditions and customs with others, we can help keep our cultural heritage alive and thriving.

Is music important during a traditional festival? Music is a huge part of traditional festivals! It's a way to bring people together and create a sense of energy and excitement. Whether it's traditional folk music, modern pop songs, or cultural drumming, music is a key part of many festivals. It helps set the mood, creates a sense of community, and gets people moving and dancing.

Do you think good food is important at a festival? Good food is essential at a festival! Food is a big part of many cultural celebrations, and it's often a way to share traditions and customs with others. When we share food, we're sharing a part of ourselves, and that's what makes festivals so special. Plus, let's be real - who doesn't love trying new foods and drinks at a festival?

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

cultural heritage

the customs, traditions, and values that are passed down from one generation to the next

Learning about traditional festivals helps students understand their cultural heritage.