If you are preparing for your speaking exam, you might find that you need to describe a foreign culture that you are interested in, as this has become a very frequent topic in recent test cycles. This guide provides a comprehensive Band 9 model answer, a simplified Band 7 version, and a deep dive into the vocabulary and grammar required to impress your examiner.

The Cue Card

Describe a foreign culture that you are interested in.
You should say:
• Which culture it is and how you first became interested in it
• What specific aspects of this culture you find most appealing
• How you have learned about this culture
And explain why you are so interested in this particular culture.

Band 9 Sample Answer

I’ve always been something of a globetrotter at heart, but if I had to pinpoint one culture that has truly captivated my imagination, it would have to be the Japanese culture. My fascination actually began quite serendipitously during my teenage years when I stumbled upon a documentary about the concept of ‘Omotenashi,’ which is their unique approach to hospitality. What struck me most was the meticulous attention to detail and the profound sense of respect ingrained in every social interaction. Since then, I’ve delved deeper into their customs, primarily through literature and by visiting the country a couple of years ago. I spent a significant amount of time in Kyoto, where the juxtaposition of ancient Shinto shrines and cutting-edge technology is just breathtaking. I find their aesthetic of ‘Wabi-sabi’—the beauty of imperfection and transience—to be incredibly moving, especially in our modern world that is so obsessed with artificial perfection. I’ve also tried to immerse myself in the language, which has given me a window into their collective mindset; for instance, the way their grammar prioritizes the listener over the speaker speaks volumes about their social harmony. I suppose the core reason I’m so drawn to Japan is the sheer discipline and the silent dignity with which people conduct themselves. It’s a culture that manages to preserve its thousand-year-old heritage while simultaneously being a global leader in innovation. Had I not experienced it firsthand, I probably wouldn’t have realized how much their values of patience and precision resonate with my own personal philosophy. It’s a culture that doesn’t just exist; it performs every action with a sense of purpose, and that is something I find deeply inspiring.

Band 7 Sample Answer

The foreign culture I am most interested in is Japanese culture. I first became interested in it when I was a child because I loved watching Japanese animations and reading manga. As I grew older, I started to care more about their traditional lifestyle and their food, like sushi and ramen. I have learned a lot about this culture by watching travel vlogs on YouTube and reading some history books. Last year, I even started taking basic Japanese lessons online because I want to understand their way of thinking better. The aspect I like most is their politeness and how they respect elders. For example, they have very specific ways of bowing depending on who they are talking to. I am interested in this culture because it is very different from my own. In my country, people are very loud and expressive, but in Japan, people are more reserved and quiet. I think we can learn a lot from their discipline and how they keep their cities so clean and organized. If I have the chance in the future, I would love to describe a foreign country you want to visit as Japan because I want to see the cherry blossoms in person.

How the Band 9 Answer Scores Top Marks

Fluency and Coherence

The Band 9 answer flows naturally without any noticeable effort to find words. The speaker uses sophisticated discourse markers and cohesive devices to link ideas together smoothly. For instance, phrases like “My fascination actually began…” and “I suppose the core reason…” signal the direction of the story. The use of the word “serendipitously” shows a high level of fluency, as it fits perfectly into the narrative flow without sounding forced. You can find more advice on maintaining this flow in our Speaking Tips section.

Lexical Resource

The vocabulary used is both precise and sophisticated. Instead of just saying “a mix,” the speaker uses “juxtaposition,” and instead of “very old,” they use “thousand-year-old heritage.” The inclusion of culture-specific terms like “Omotenashi” and “Wabi-sabi” demonstrates that the speaker has a deep interest in the topic, which is exactly what the examiner is looking for. The vocabulary is not just “advanced” for the sake of it; it is used accurately to convey subtle meanings, such as “meticulous attention to detail” and “social harmony.”

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

The response showcases a wide variety of complex structures. We see a third conditional in “Had I not experienced it firsthand, I probably wouldn’t have realized…”, which is a hallmark of Band 9 performance. There are also relative clauses (“which is their unique approach…”) and present perfect continuous forms. The grammar is used as a tool to express complex thoughts rather than just to show off, ensuring that the accuracy remains flawless throughout the two-minute talk.

Pronunciation

While we cannot hear the text, the choice of words suggests a speaker who understands word stress and intonation. Words like “imagination,” “serendipitously,” and “philosophy” require correct syllable stress to be understood. A Band 9 speaker would use “chunking”—grouping words together—and use intonation to emphasize key points, such as the contrast between “ancient” and “cutting-edge.” For more on this, check out our IELTS English Speaking Course.

Vocabulary and Idioms to Use

Word/Phrase	Meaning	Example Sentence
Serendipitously	By luck or a happy accident.	I serendipitously found a book about Persian art in a local library.
Juxtaposition	Placing two things together for contrast.	The juxtaposition of old traditions and new technology is fascinating.
Ingrained	Firmly fixed or established (of a habit or belief).	Respect for elders is deeply ingrained in their social fabric.
Captivate	To attract and hold the interest of.	The vibrant festivals of Brazil have always captivated me.
Resonate with	To evoke a feeling of shared belief or importance.	Their focus on minimalism really resonates with my own lifestyle.
Quintessential	The most perfect or typical example of a quality.	Drinking tea is a quintessential part of British culture.
Immerse oneself	To involve oneself deeply in a particular activity.	I want to immerse myself in the local language to understand the people.
A window into	Something that helps you understand a situation.	Their folk music provides a window into their historical struggles.
Social harmony	Peaceful interaction between members of a group.	The culture prioritizes social harmony over individual desires.
Meticulous	Showing great attention to detail; very careful.	The preparation of the traditional meal was absolutely meticulous.

Grammar Structures That Boost Your Band Score

• Cleft Sentences: “What struck me most was the level of hospitality.” (Focuses the examiner’s attention on your main point).
• Inversion for Emphasis: “Not only do they value hard work, but they also prioritize family time.”
• Third Conditional: “If I hadn’t seen it for myself, I would never have believed how organized they are.”
• Present Perfect for Life Experience: “I have always been fascinated by the way they blend religion and daily life.”
• Passive Voice: “The traditions are passed down from generation to generation with great care.”
• Participle Phrases: “Having lived there for a month, I realized that my initial assumptions were wrong.”
• Relative Clauses: “The festival, which takes place every February, attracts millions of visitors.”

Part 3 Follow-up Questions

How does globalization affect local cultures?

Globalization is a double-edged sword when it comes to local traditions. On one hand, it allows for a wonderful cross-pollination of ideas; you can find authentic Italian pasta in Tokyo or Japanese sushi in New York. However, there is a significant risk of cultural homogenization, where unique local customs are overshadowed by dominant global brands and lifestyles. When every high street in the world starts looking the same, we lose the ‘soul’ of specific regions. I believe it is crucial for governments to actively protect their intangible heritage—like folk songs or traditional crafts—to ensure that globalization doesn’t turn the world into one giant, identical shopping mall. It’s about finding a balance between being a global citizen and maintaining your local roots.

Is it better to learn about a culture by traveling or by reading books?

While both have their merits, I would argue that traveling offers a visceral experience that books simply cannot replicate. A book can give you the historical context and the ‘what’ of a culture, but traveling gives you the ‘feel.’ When you are physically present, you absorb the atmosphere, the smells, the sounds, and the unwritten social cues that define a people. For example, you might describe a situation you remember when you had to use a foreign language to communicate, and that struggle teaches you more about the local patience and kindness than any textbook ever could. Books are the foundation, but travel is the structure built upon it.

Why do some people fear foreign cultures?

Fear of the unknown is a basic human instinct, and I think that’s where the apprehension toward foreign cultures stems from. People often feel comfortable within their own ‘cultural bubble’ because they understand the rules and expectations. When faced with a different set of values or behaviors, it can feel threatening to their own identity. This is often exacerbated by a lack of education or negative portrayals in the media. However, once people engage in meaningful dialogue and realize that, despite our different customs, our fundamental human emotions and needs are the same, that fear usually evaporates. Education and cultural exchange programs are the best antidotes to this kind of xenophobia.

What are the benefits of living in a multicultural society?

Living in a multicultural society is incredibly enriching because it broadens your perspective in ways you might not even realize. Exposure to different viewpoints challenges your own biases and fosters a more tolerant and open-minded worldview. From a practical standpoint, it also drives innovation; when people from diverse backgrounds collaborate, they bring different problem-solving approaches to the table. Plus, on a more everyday level, the culinary and artistic variety is fantastic. It makes a community more vibrant and resilient. I think it prepares individuals to thrive in our increasingly interconnected world, as they learn the vital skill of intercultural communication early on.

Should foreigners follow all the local customs when they visit a country?

I believe there’s a distinction between following every minor custom and showing fundamental respect. It is vital for visitors to adhere to local laws and be mindful of significant social taboos—for instance, dressing modestly in religious sites. Following the ‘when in Rome, do as the Romans do’ philosophy helps prevent offense and shows that you value the host culture. However, locals usually don’t expect foreigners to be perfect experts in their traditions. As long as a traveler shows a genuine effort to be polite and observant, most people are very forgiving of small cultural faux pas. It’s more about the intention and the attitude of respect than flawless execution of every ritual.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Being too generic: Avoid saying “I like the food and the people.” Be specific. Mention a particular dish like Paella or a specific social value like hospitality.
• Focusing only on the country: Remember, the prompt asks about the culture. While the country is related, you should talk about traditions, beliefs, and social behaviors. For more on this distinction, see our guide on how to describe a foreign country.
• Using “robotic” lists: Don’t just list facts you read on Wikipedia. Use phrases like “What I found fascinating was…” or “It really surprised me that…” to make it sound personal.
• Neglecting the “Why”: Many students spend too much time on the “What” and forget to explain why they are interested. The “why” is where you show your range of abstract vocabulary.
• Over-relying on stereotypes: Try to look beyond the most obvious stereotypes (like “all French people wear berets”) to show a deeper understanding.

Practice Tips for This Cue Card

1. Mind Map: Draw a circle with the culture in the middle. Add branches for Food, History, Social Etiquette, and Personal Connection. This helps you organize your thoughts in the 1 minute of preparation time.
2. Record Yourself: Use your phone to record a 2-minute talk. Listen back for “ums” and “ahs.” Try to replace those pauses with fillers like “Let me see…” or “That’s an interesting point.”
3. Focus on Connectors: Practice using contrast words like “Conversely,” “On the flip side,” or “In spite of this” to link your ideas.
4. Read Beyond Travel Guides: Look up some cultural philosophies (like the Japanese Ikigai or the Danish Hygge). Mentioning these specific concepts will instantly boost your Lexical Resource score.
5. Simulate the Test: Have a friend ask you the Part 3 questions listed above. Try to give long, detailed answers that last about 45-60 seconds each.

Mastering the ability to describe a foreign culture that you are interested in requires a blend of personal storytelling and sophisticated vocabulary. By practicing the structures and vocabulary provided in this guide, you will be well on your way to achieving a Band 7 or higher. For more practice on similar topics, you might want to read our post on how to describe a foreign country that you like. For more formal preparation, visit the IELTS Official Website to stay updated on the latest test formats.