Intensive English 2

Unit 4: Customs &

Traditions
Speaking Part 2
 Here are three quick tips
for Speaking Part 2

1. Use the short preparation time

well
Think about how you would answer the
question in your own language, then
write down as many ideas as possible
in English.

2. Give real examples

Say what you really think, talk about
your real life, and give real examples.
Examples are important; whenever you
don't know what to say, give an
example from your own experience.

3. Don't worry about grammar

You haven't got time to think about
passives or conditionals. Focus on
answering the question, your ideas and
vocabulary.
 I'm going to talk about France and French culture. I know France quite well because it
was the first foreign country that I visited as a child. I've been on several family holidays
there, and I would like to live in Paris for a while after finishing university as I have some
Let us look relatives living there.
at this
sample The first thing that comes to mind when I think about France is the bread! I love the fact
answer for that French people buy fresh baguettes every morning, usually from small local bakeries
Part 2 on a or 'patisseries‘.
foreign One slightly negative difference I noticed in Paris is that Parisians don't seem to make
culture. friends with their work colleagues to the same extent as we do here in Vietnam. I really
like the café culture in France. You can always find somewhere interesting to sit and have
What are the a coffee and chat to friends or just watch the world go by. I actually put on a bit of weight
strengths of when I lived in France because I got into a habit of having a croissant or a cake in every
nice café that I found.
this
student’s Another thing I would like to mention is that the last time I went to France on holiday, I
answer? played a bowling game every day. The game consists of throwing metal balls as close to a
target ball as possible. It’s the perfect game for a relaxing afternoon when the weather’s
hot.
Speaking Skills: Customs and Traditions

Speaking Part 2: Task Card

What is your favourite traditional festival or

celebration in your country. Think about:

• What is being celebrated

• What people do
• Is there any special food?

Explain why this one is your favourite over all

others

Make notes for 1 minute beforehand

Customs and Traditions

Look at the task card and write your

answer in three or four paragraphs.

What is your favourite traditional festival or

celebration in your country. Think about:

• What is being celebrated

• What people do
• Is there any special food?

Explain why this one is your favourite over

all others
Discuss

What festivals or
celebrations would
you like to see one
day?

Why are festivals

important to people?

Do you know about

any new festivals that
have recently started?