Tutor’s guide: How to talk about festivals in English?

04-10-2024

What's A Festival?

A festival is defined by the dictionary as a day or period of celebration, usually in observance of a religious holiday. The majority of celebrations have a religious component. For instance, Diwali, Hanukkah, or Christmas. However, there are also traditional celebrations, such as the Indian Holi Festival of Colours and the Mongolian Naadam Festival.

Here are a few instances of international festivals:

  • Chinese New Year
  • Diwali
  • December

By posing and responding to certain questions, you might initiate a conversation about a well-known celebration in your nation or culture. Examine the inquiries found in the preceding section. Try now to respond with your information regarding a holiday you enjoy celebrating.

  1. In what location is it observed?
  2. What is the purpose of the festival?
  3. What time is it?
  4. How is it observed by people?
  5. Who is it celebrated by?
  6. Why is this celebration so significant?

Try to respond to these questions by describing a festival that you enjoy.

English tutoring online on https://livexp.com/skills/english is the place to practice given questions and useful phrases. You can discuss the festival in a relaxed environment, discuss mistakes, and difficult phrases so that in a real environment you won't get confused, and discuss the festival calmly and confidently.

Online tutor kit: English words To Use

These are some expressions that can be used when discussing festivals.

Consuming Food and Drinks

Around the world, eating specially prepared food is a common method for people to celebrate festivals.

During a festival, people frequently consume extremely traditional cuisine from their nation.

For instance, on Christmas Day, roast chicken or turkey is a common meal in England. They don't consume hamburgers or pizza!

Queries

  • In your nation, what kind of cuisine is consumed during festivals?
  • Do people have any favourites when it comes to snacks?
  • What is the customary beverage at festivals in your society?
  • When do these meals get consumed?
  • When is the ideal time or day to eat these meals?

Giving Presents

Another method that people celebrate festivals is by giving gifts.

In England, giving gifts to friends, family, and loved ones is a common practice. Anything the recipient likes could be given as a present; for example, clothes or a book.

Queries

  • In your nation, do people exchange gifts during festivals?
  • What sort of presents?
  • People prefer to donate money occasionally. Is this a common practice in your nation?
  • Is there a particular moment to present the gifts?
  • Do individuals have any favourite phrases to say when they give or receive a gift?

Queries

  • Do you celebrate festivals with unique parties in your culture?
  • These parties are when? Is the party scheduled for a specific day?
  • What other festival events are there?
  • Do people congregate in public squares? Or elsewhere in the city?

Queries

  • In your community, are there certain clothing items that people enjoy dressing up for during festivals?
  • Do people prefer to wear a particular colour?
  • How about unique costumes? Do folks in your nation wear this at festivals?

Try to respond to all of the questions in each of the aforementioned sections. Put your responses in writing and then speak them aloud!

Concerns Regarding Festivals

  • Which holidays hold the greatest significance in your nation?
  • What time are they there?
  • Does your family enjoy participating in these festivals?
  • Do these celebrations have a religious significance? or ethnic? Make an effort to clarify the distinction.
  • Does your family attend a church, temple, or mosque during these religious festivals?
  • Are these festivals observed with special religious services?
  • Are there particular prayers said for certain holidays?
  • What sort of cuisine is served during these celebrations?
  • Could you cook this meal by yourself? Who is the maker?
  • Do you enjoy this dish? Why not? Why not?
  • Does your country value gift-giving during festivals?
  • What sort of presents do individuals exchange?
  • Who bestows them?
  • To whom are they given?
  • Are all banks and post offices open during major festivals in your nation?
  • Are all companies operating at this moment, or are they closed?
  • Which myths or stories are connected to festivals in your nation? Make an effort to discuss them.
  • During festivals, what kind of decorations do people hang in their homes?
  • Do they sing any particular tunes at festivals? What do they consist of? What are they trying to say?
  • In your nation, are there celebrations or unique events held during festivals?
  • Are these gatherings intended for adults or kids? or both?
  • Do you enjoy participating in your nation's festivals?
  • What do you enjoy doing in the summertime?
  • Do you prefer to unwind and spend time alone yourself during festivals? or interact with other people?