Speaking for IELTS
How to talk about a traditional product of your country that you bought
What are some good ideas for a traditional product to talk about?
Here are 13 ideas for a traditional product you could describe:
- Handwoven textiles
- Traditional pottery
- Artisan jewellery
- Local produce such as fruits, vegetables, grains, and spices
- Musical instruments
- Carved woodwork
- Crafted furniture
- Regional clothing items like sarongs and saris
- Handcrafted baskets or bags
- Hand-dyed fabrics and accessories
- Local artwork or paintings
- Antique items such as coins, stamps, or postcards
- Hand-crafted toys or trinkets
How to describe a traditional product in 5 easy steps:
- Begin by identifying the product's unique features and characteristics, design elements of the product, such as its shape and color.
- Describe the history of the item, its cultural significance, and how it is made. Highlight any special materials that are used to make the product and their source (e.g., locally sourced ingredients).
- Explain how people use the product, and its utility value for people in different regions or different situations.
- Explain the economic impact of the product, such as how it is sold and its pricing.
- Finally, describe any symbolic importance of the product, such as its value to a particular culture or its role in traditional ceremonies or festivals. For example, some products may be seen as good luck charms or collector's items.
Finally, remember that traditional products come from all types of communities and cultures across the world – so don't limit yourself to just one region when describing them.
Consider items like musical instruments from Africa, pottery from Mexico, clothing from India, or jewelry from Asia – there are many examples of a traditional product you could describe.
IELTS Part 2 Speaking
In the second part (Part 2) of the IELTS Speaking exam you will be presented with a prompt card on a particular subject, which will have tips that you ought to mention in your answer.
- The second portion of the IELTS Speaking test presents the chance to speak extensively about a subject.
- Before you start, you will get one minute to get ready to discuss the topic on the cue card.
- A pencil and paper is normally given to so that you can make some quick notes for your answer.
- After the 1 minute, you should talk for between 1 to 2 minutes.
- This section of the IELTS Speaking interview offers you the chance to talk more on the given topic.
- And then the IELTS examiner will ask you a few questions on the to finish off.
- IELTS Speaking Part 2 lasts for around 3 or 4 minutes in total.
How to practice
Get your IELTS partner to pay attention whilst you respond to the question topic.
Make sure you can talk about it for more than 1 minute.
Ask your IELTS study partner to come up with 1 or 2 questions about the subject shown on the topic card.
Record yourself while giving your answer Ask your study partner to record you and when you have finished answering listen and analyse your response.
How would you change your answer? What aspects of it could be better?
This IELTS cue card was featured in an IELTS speaking exam this week.
It asks you to describe/talk about a traditional product from your country.
You should say:
- what it is
- how it is made
- when you tried it for the first time
and explain why you like it. Traditional product cue card
Describe a traditional product in your country
IELTS Cue Card Sample Answer
India is a country well-known for its culture, which is rich in tradition. It is a diverse yet amazingly unified country. The people living in different parts of the country have many varied cultures, customs, and traditions.
I come from the state of Punjab, and one of the traditional products of the region is the kurta pajama (for men), or a kurti for women.
I got my first one when I was still a young child, but I still wear them today because they are so comfortable – that’s why I like them so much.
This style of collarless shirt is not only popular in India, but also in many different parts of the world. There are many different types of fabrics available, but linen is probably the most popular and sought-after fabric for a traditional kurta. Various styles are popular nowadays.
For example, there is the straight-cut kurta, which is a loose-fitting top that usually goes down to just above or below the knee. This style is very traditional for men.
But women also like to wear a shorter version of a kurta, called a kurti. Traditionally, the kurta was worn with loose pajamas, shalwars, or maybe churidars, but nowadays, it's more common to see people wearing it with jeans.
The kurta is used both for casual and formal occasions, depending on the style and design, so it’s very flexible.
As I said, the kurta has become popular in many other countries outside of India. For example, in the 1960s and 1970s, in the USA, many hippies used to like wearing the straight-cut version of the kurta. It was thought to be very fashionable at the time.
A traditional kurta does not have a collar. But many variants nowadays feature a stand-up collar, sometimes called a mandarin collar.
The main styles of kurta are the Kali kurta which is like a dress with various geometric panels in it typically. The front and back feature a couple of rectangular panels normally, and it's popular with men and women.
The Bhopal kurta is a loose-fitting version that has pleats positioned at the waist. This makes it flow, so it’s similar to a skirt. Its length varies, typically finishing somewhere between the knees and the ankles, and people normally wear it with straight pajamas.
And then there is the Hyderabadi kurta, which takes its name from Hyderabad, a formerly royal state. It’s a shorter version, typically sitting on the waist, and features a keyhole opening at the neck. The Hyderabadi kurta, traditionally, was white, but nowadays people wear all different kinds of colors.
And that’s a very traditional product from my country.