Describe a traditional product from your country – IELTS speaking
Describe a traditional product in your country
You should say;
- What it is
- What it’s made from
- How people use it
And explain why you think it’s special
“I think one of the most special and unique traditional products in Vietnam has to be the Ao dai, which is the most popular and widely recognized national costume of the country. Ao dai literally translates as “long dress”, and it is indeed a long figure hugging dress that is worn over a pair of loose fitting trousers. The ao dai is usually made from silk, which of course is cool to wear in Vietnam’s hot climate, and there are normally two splits above the waste which makes movement more comfortable.
As I mentioned the dress is usually made from high quality silk, of various and often very bright colours. Traditionally, when choosing an ao dai, each colour had a different meaning, for example gold was for kings and queens, red was for good luck and was worn during new year or for weddings, while white represented innocence and was often worn by schoolgirls, and still is,even today.
These days Vietnamese girls and women love to wear the ao dai for photo shoots,especially in beautiful settings. It’s still very popular in present times to wear it during new year or “Tet”, and of course a bride will very often wear an ao dai for her wedding, as well as many of the guests.
I think the ao dai is really an important and very special symbol of Vietnam, and is appreciated by both young and old alike. It’s also a unique and special souvenir that many foreign tourists to Vietnam will take home with them.
Thank you…”
Describe a traditional product in your country – Part 3
Do you think traditional products are important to a country?
“Yes, in my opinion a country’s traditional products are extremely important, and keep the local people in touch with their culture and traditions. Within many countries, there are different ethnic groups, which often have their own traditional dress or costumes, that set them aside from other groups. I think this diversity is not only very interesting, but also important to preserve.
What’s more, traditional products can be a source of financial earning, and bring benefits to local economies, especially when tourists have an interest in these products, and buy them.
On top of that, some of these traditional products have been made in the same way for hundreds, or even thousands of years, and I really think it’s extremely important to preserve these traditions.”
What are some examples of traditional products in Vietnam?
“Well, as Vietnam has such a long history, and a very interesting culture, I think there are actually lots of great examples of traditional products to be found in the country. I already talked about the ao dai, but there are other kinds of traditional clothes to choose from, as there are many different ethnic groups to be found in Vietnam, each with their own style of traditional costume.
Vietnamese coffee is also very different to western style coffee, and is something just about every tourist to Vietnam will try, and also very often take home as a souvenir.
There are also many other items to be found, such as a range of different silk products, old propaganda posters, traditional paper lanterns, and even more that I can’t think of right now. Oh! another very popular traditional product especially unique to Vietnam would of course be conical hats, which are hugely popular with locals and tourists alike.”
Do you think it’s important for children to learn about traditional products or handicrafts?
“Yes, absolutely… I believe it’s extremely important for children to learn as much as possible about traditional products from their country. I think being taught about these things like this will help children to understand both the history and culture of their country better, as well as learning where we all came from.
I think that this is something that should be, and actually is often taught in schools today. Children often learn to make paper lanterns and other traditional handicrafts, especially around new year or Tet, which actually gives them a lot of enjoyment, as well as helping to keep these different traditions alive, and relevant for future generations.”
There are also many museums around the country where a lot of very old traditional products are on display, as well as some villages where people are welcome to visit and watch some of these products being produced as they have been for generations. So, I believe there are many ways for children to learn about these different products, and to enjoy themselves as they learn.”
More links to part 2 and part 3 example answers with audio
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Describe a person who likes to grow plants
Describe a bad shopping experience
Describe a photo that you are proud of
Describe a friend from your childhood
Describe a time you lost something important
