Speaking

Part 1
Customs & Traditions
Speaking Part 1: Signposting
Language

Try to use natural sounding

words and expressions in order
to get a good mark in this part
of the test. Aim to use some of
the language below as you
practice Part 1 today.

Inserting natural phrases
Well, I’d have to say that . . .
It’s tough to say, but I’d . . .
In my opinion, . . .
Negative statements
I’m not convinced that . . .
To be perfectly honest, I . . .
Between the two of us, . . .
Examples
As an example, . . .
For instance, . . .
Perhaps you’re aware of . . .
Expressions
One thing I never expected was
...
Never in a million years did
I...
It’s common knowledge that . . 
 Speaking Skills: Customs and Traditions

You are going to work with a partner to practice Part 1

of the Speaking Test. 

A is the examiner. B is the candidate. 

A ask questions to B on the following topics.

Let’s talk about festivals

• What is the most important festival in your country?
• How do people celebrate festivals in your country?
• What special food do people eat at festivals in
Vietnam?
• Do you think festivals are important for the society?

Now let’s talk about your family

• How many people are there in your family?
• Do you all live in the same house? Why or why
not?
• What things do you like doing together? 
• What are the occasions which families
 Speaking Skills:
Customs and Traditions
Let’s continue practicing Part 1 of the
Speaking Test. Change roles. This time B is
the examiner and A is the candidate. 

B ask questions to A on the following topics.

Let’s talk about meetings

• Do you enjoy meeting people from different
cultures?
• What are some things you talk about?
• What should not talk about when you meet
a new person?
• Do you like to make friends with new
people? Why/Why not? 

Now let’s move on to talk about customs

• What are your favourite customs?
• What customs do you think should be
revised?
• Are there different customs for men and
women?
• What customs are found in Vietnam about
eating?
 Now look at the following questions. Write a short paragraph for
each answer. Include a topic sentence, supporting sentence and
example.

Example

How do people celebrate festivals in your country?

Well, I’d have to say that most people in my country like to spend time with their
family. People travel to their hometowns to meet family members. For example, I
usually go home to my hometown Hue to meet my parents, grandparents and
other relatives.

• What is the most important festival in your country?

• How many people are there in your family?
• Do you enjoy meeting people from different cultures?
• What are your favourite customs?