Hello, listeners, welcome to the IELTS TIME Podcast. Today, we’re focusing on celebrations, gift-giving, and cultural traditions. You’ll first hear Joseph answering six Part 3 questions on this topic. Then, I’ll walk you through his answers, highlight useful vocabulary, and share some tips on how to approach these questions yourself.
Let’s get started!
Why do people give cakes to others on special occasions?
I believe people give cakes on special occasions because cakes symbolize celebration, joy, and togetherness. For many, a cake is more than just a dessert — it’s a centerpiece that marks an important moment, whether it’s a birthday, wedding, or graduation. The act of sharing a cake reflects generosity and affection, and it helps create a sense of community among those present. Culturally as well, cakes have become almost synonymous with celebration in many parts of the world. In a way, giving someone a cake is a sweet and universally appreciated gesture that shows you’ve made an effort to make their day memorable.
Do you think people enjoy giving gifts more than receiving them? Why?
Yes, I do think many people genuinely enjoy giving gifts more than receiving them. While receiving a present is always pleasant, the act of giving allows people to express their love, appreciation, or gratitude in a meaningful way. There’s a certain emotional satisfaction that comes from seeing someone’s face light up when they open a thoughtfully chosen gift. It creates a sense of connection and joy that’s often more fulfilling than the material benefit of receiving something. Moreover, giving a gift can reflect a person’s creativity and effort, which adds to the emotional value of the gesture. In a way, it reinforces relationships and makes both the giver and the receiver feel valued.
How have birthday celebrations changed in your country over the years?
Birthday celebrations have evolved quite significantly in my country over the past few decades. In the past, birthdays were relatively simple and often celebrated at home with close family, a homemade cake, and maybe a few small gifts. Nowadays, especially among younger generations, celebrations have become much more elaborate and social-media-driven. It’s common to see themed parties held at restaurants or event venues, complete with professional decorations, custom cakes, and even hired photographers. Technology has also played a role — people now post about birthdays online, send virtual greetings, and even organize group video calls. In essence, birthdays have shifted from being intimate family affairs to larger, more public expressions of celebration, often influenced by global trends.
Do young and older people have the same attitude towards celebrations?
Generally speaking, I think young and older people tend to have quite different attitudes toward celebrations. Younger individuals often see celebrations as a chance to socialize, have fun, and share their experiences on social media. They usually prefer more lively, large-scale events, often with music, dancing, and elaborate setups. In contrast, older people might value the sentimental or traditional aspects of celebrations more. For them, it’s less about extravagance and more about meaningful connections — spending quality time with family or close friends. Of course, there are exceptions, but in most cases, age influences not only how people celebrate but also what they consider meaningful in a celebration.
In your opinion, is food an important part of cultural traditions? Why or why not?
Absolutely, I believe food plays a central role in cultural traditions. It’s not just about sustenance — it carries deep symbolic meaning and reflects a community’s history, values, and identity. Traditional dishes are often tied to specific festivals, religious rituals, or life milestones, and preparing or sharing them is a way of preserving heritage. For example, in many cultures, certain ingredients or cooking methods are passed down through generations, becoming part of a shared narrative. Moreover, food brings people together — it fosters a sense of belonging and helps bridge generational gaps. So in my view, food is not only important, but essential to maintaining and celebrating cultural traditions.
Do you think people spend too much money on parties and celebrations these days?
Yes, in many cases, I do think people tend to go overboard with spending on parties and celebrations nowadays. There’s often a desire to impress others or create a “picture-perfect” event, especially with the influence of social media. As a result, people might invest heavily in decorations, venues, entertainment, and even things like professional photography. While it’s understandable to want to make special occasions memorable, the focus sometimes shifts from genuine connection to outward appearance. That said, it really depends on personal values and cultural norms. Some still prefer modest gatherings with close friends and family, where the emotional experience matters more than the budget. But overall, I think excessive spending has become more common than it used to be.
Welcome back! We just heard Joseph tackling six questions on this topic. Now, let’s unpack his responses one by one, highlighting the language he used, why it worked so well, and how you can adapt similar ideas no matter your own cultural background.
Question 1: Why do people give cakes to others on special occasions?
Joseph explained that cakes don’t just represent a sweet treat—they actually symbolize celebration and joy. To “symbolize” something means that the cake stands for or represents the feelings and ideas tied to the event. He called the cake a “centerpiece,” which is a focal point or main attraction at a celebration.
By saying cakes are a universally appreciated gesture, Joseph emphasized that giving a cake is widely recognized as a thoughtful and affectionate way to celebrate, no matter where you come from.
If cakes aren’t a traditional treat in your culture, swap in something relevant — like mooncakes, baklava, or traditional sweets — and explain their significance in a similar way. That shows the examiner you can personalize your answers while using rich vocabulary.
Question 2: Do you think people enjoy giving gifts more than receiving them?
Joseph’s answer really highlighted the ’emotional satisfaction’ people get from giving gifts. This phrase means the happiness or fulfillment someone feels emotionally, rather than just enjoying a physical object. He contrasted this with the material benefit of receiving a gift, focusing on how giving strengthens relationships.
This is a perfect example of showing depth in your answer — talking about feelings and social connections, not just the surface level of the act.
If in your culture gift-giving is more formal or duty-driven, you can say that the enjoyment might come from respecting traditions or showing gratitude, which adds variety and cultural insight to your answer.
Question 3: How have birthday celebrations changed in your country over the years?
Joseph used the word elaborate to describe how modern birthday parties often involve detailed planning, decorations, and themes. He compared this to the past, when celebrations were more intimate, meaning small-scale and private, usually involving just family.
He also mentioned how celebrations have become ‘social-media-driven.’ The phrase ‘social-media-driven’ means that social media platforms influence how people plan and share their parties today. That’s a great modern touch to show awareness of changing cultural trends.
Depending on your background, you could talk about how certain celebrations were introduced recently or how traditions have blended with global influences. Using words like “global trends” or “modernized” helps demonstrate awareness of cultural shifts.
Question 4: Do young and older people have the same attitude towards celebrations?
Joseph drew a clear contrast here using language like in contrast, which helped him show the difference between age groups clearly. He said younger people prefer lively, social celebrations full of energy, while older people value more sentimental and meaningful gatherings — sentimental meaning emotional and connected to memories or feelings.
This shows how you can discuss generational differences thoughtfully, which is something IELTS examiners appreciate.
If your family or community celebrates differently across generations, describe those differences using contrasting language to make your answer more dynamic and organized.
Question 5: Is food an important part of cultural traditions?
Joseph’s answer was very strong because he emphasized food’s symbolic meaning — that is, food represents more than just nourishment; it carries cultural identity and history. He talked about how recipes and cooking methods are often passed down through generations, which means they’re taught from parents to children over many years.
He also mentioned food’s role in fostering community, meaning it helps people feel connected and united. These expressions really lift an answer from basic to impressive.
Share specific examples from your culture to illustrate your point. For instance, mention a festival dish that everyone looks forward to or a family recipe that has been preserved for decades.
Question 6: Do you think people spend too much money on parties and celebrations these days?
Joseph said that many people tend to ‘go overboard.’ This is an informal phrase meaning to do something to an excessive or extreme degree. He explained that this is often driven by the desire to create a “picture-perfect” event, which means an event that looks flawless, often for showing off on social media.
At the same time, he acknowledged that some people prefer ‘modest’ gatherings. The word ‘modest’ here means simple and not extravagant. This balanced view shows critical thinking, which is very valuable in Part 3 answers.
Overall, Joseph’s responses demonstrated a wide range of vocabulary naturally integrated with clear explanations and personal insight. Notice how he avoided short or simple answers, instead expanding his ideas fully with examples and comparisons.
Remember, no matter your culture or experience, you can use similar language patterns and tailor your answers with examples that reflect your own life.
Alright, that’s all for today’s episode. Thanks for tuning in — and until next time, keep practicing and keep speaking!
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