In the IELTS Speaking test, you may be asked to discuss your interests in global traditions, and a common prompt is to describe a foreign culture that you like. This specific cue card is a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate high-level vocabulary related to social norms, history, and personal experiences, and this post provides a Band 9 model answer to help you achieve your target score.

The Cue Card

Describe a foreign culture that you like. You should say:
• Which culture it is
• How you know about it
• What you like the most about it
and explain why you find this culture particularly interesting.

Band 9 Sample Answer

To be perfectly honest, I’ve always been a bit of a culture vulture, but if I had to narrow it down, the foreign culture that has truly captivated me is that of Japan. I first became acquainted with Japanese traditions through a mix of Studio Ghibli films and Murakami novels, but it wasn’t until I actually traveled to Kyoto a couple of years ago that I truly grasped the depth of their societal fabric. What strikes me most about Japanese culture is the profound sense of “Omotenashi,” which is their unique approach to hospitality. It’s not just about being polite; it’s an anticipatory form of kindness where they look after guests’ needs before the guest even realizes they have them. I remember visiting a small, family-run tea house where the meticulous attention to detail—from the precise angle of the tea whisk to the seasonal motifs on the wagashi sweets—was just mind-blowing. Beyond the aesthetics, I’m deeply impressed by the juxtaposition of cutting-edge technology and ancient rituals. You can see a high-speed Shinkansen train zooming past a centuries-old wooden shrine, and yet, both seem to exist in perfect harmony. This culture is particularly interesting to me because it prioritizes collectivism and social harmony, or “Wa,” over individualistic desires. In a world that often feels increasingly chaotic and self-centered, the Japanese commitment to discipline, mutual respect, and the preservation of their heritage is incredibly refreshing. I find their philosophy of “Wabi-sabi”—finding beauty in imperfection and transience—to be a deeply moving way to view the world, and it’s something I’ve tried to incorporate into my own life ever since my visit.

Band 7 Sample Answer

I would like to talk about the culture of Japan, which I find very interesting. I first learned about it when I was a child because I loved watching Japanese cartoons and eating sushi. Later, I read some books about their history and the samurai. What I like the most about this culture is how polite and disciplined the people are. When I visited Tokyo last year, I was amazed at how quiet the subways were, even though they were crowded. People really respect each other’s space. I also love their traditional clothes, like the Kimono, and their beautiful festivals. This culture is interesting to me because it is so different from my own. In my country, people are often loud and informal, but in Japan, there are many rules for social behavior and etiquette. I think we can learn a lot from their hard work and how they take care of their environment. Everything in Japan is so clean and organized, which makes it a very pleasant place to visit. I hope to go back there again one day to learn more about their traditional arts, like calligraphy or the tea ceremony, because they seem very peaceful and meaningful.

How the Band 9 Answer Scores Top Marks

Fluency and Coherence

The Band 9 answer flows naturally with very few hesitations. The speaker uses sophisticated discourse markers and linking phrases to connect ideas, such as “To be perfectly honest,” “What strikes me most,” and “Beyond the aesthetics.” These transitions help the listener follow the narrative from the introduction of the culture to the specific personal experience and the final analytical reflection. The answer avoids the “robotic” feel of a prepared script by using natural fillers and varied sentence lengths, which is a key requirement for a high score in the General Overview of IELTS Speaking Test criteria.

Lexical Resource

The vocabulary used is both precise and topic-specific. Instead of just saying “I like culture,” the speaker uses the idiom “culture vulture.” They also introduce culture-specific terms like “Omotenashi,” “Wagashi,” and “Wabi-sabi,” but crucially, they explain these terms in English, demonstrating high-level paraphrasing skills. Phrases like “meticulous attention to detail,” “cutting-edge technology,” and “social harmony” show a wide range of vocabulary that is used accurately and naturally. This is much more effective than the simpler vocabulary found in the Describe a Foreign Country sample answer.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

The speaker employs a variety of complex structures. For instance, the use of a conditional at the start (“if I had to narrow it down…”) and the use of the present perfect to describe a lasting influence (“has fascinated me”) show grammatical flexibility. There is also a great use of relative clauses (“which is their unique approach to hospitality”) and appositives to add detail without starting new sentences. The grammar remains accurate throughout, even when the speaker is expressing complex philosophical ideas about collectivism and transience.

Pronunciation

While we cannot hear the text, a Band 9 performance would involve natural intonation to emphasize key points, such as the word “mind-blowing” or “refreshing.” The speaker would also use “chunking”—grouping words together into meaningful phrases—rather than speaking word-by-word. This mimics the natural rhythm of a native speaker, which is a core focus of the IELTS English Speaking Course.

Vocabulary and Idioms to Use

Grammar Structures That Boost Your Band Score

• Second Conditional for Hypotheticals: “If I could live in any other country to experience the culture, I would choose Italy.”
• Present Perfect for Life Experiences: “I have always been fascinated by how different cultures celebrate the New Year.”
• Relative Clauses for Detail: “The festival, which takes place every spring, attracts thousands of international tourists.”
• Passive Voice for Traditions: “Traditional recipes are passed down from generation to generation.”
• Not only… but also for Emphasis: “The culture is not only rich in history but also incredibly forward-thinking.”
• It is + Adjective + that/to: “It is fascinating to observe how social norms vary across the globe.”
• Used to / Would for Past Habits: “In the past, people would gather in the village square to share stories.”
• Participle Phrases: “Having visited the country twice, I feel I have a good grasp of their customs.”

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; for instance, you can find authentic Italian pizza in rural China or K-pop fans in Brazil. However, the downside is the “McDonaldisation” of the world, where unique local customs are overshadowed by dominant Western commercial interests. This leads to a certain cultural homogeneity where cities across the globe start looking and feeling the same. To prevent this, it’s vital that communities actively work to preserve their indigenous languages and rituals, ensuring that globalization doesn’t result in the total erosion of cultural identity. It’s a topic often discussed when students describe a foreign country that you like in more depth.

Is it important for people to learn about foreign cultures?

Absolutely, I believe it’s paramount in our increasingly interconnected world. Learning about another culture fosters empathy and breaks down the barriers of “us versus them.” When we understand the historical context and social values of another group, we are much less likely to harbor prejudices or misconceptions. Furthermore, it broadens our own horizons and allows us to see our own culture from a fresh perspective. Often, by studying others, we realize that while our customs might differ, our fundamental human desires for connection, safety, and happiness are universal. This kind of global mindset is essential for international cooperation and peace.

How has the way we experience other cultures changed with technology?

Technology has completely revolutionized cultural exchange. In the past, you had to physically travel or read books to learn about a distant land. Now, with platforms like YouTube and TikTok, we can virtually step into someone’s kitchen in Morocco or attend a wedding in India from our living rooms. This “armchair travel” makes cultural knowledge much more accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. However, there’s a risk that digital experiences can be superficial or even stereotypical. Seeing a 30-second clip of a traditional dance isn’t the same as understanding its spiritual significance, so while technology is a great starting point, it shouldn’t replace deep, immersive learning.

Do you think some cultures are becoming too similar?

Yes, there is definitely a trend toward cultural convergence, particularly among the younger generations. Because of the internet and global media, teenagers in Tokyo, London, and New York often listen to the same music, wear the same brands, and use the same slang. This can create a sense of global unity, but it also means that the distinct “flavor” of individual cultures is being diluted. If every high street in the world has the same coffee chains and clothing stores, we lose the sense of place that makes traveling so rewarding. It’s a bit like the situation described in the prompt about a job you would not like to do—monotony and lack of variety can be quite draining for the human spirit.

What is the best way to learn about a new culture?

In my opinion, nothing beats total immersion. While books and documentaries are helpful, living among the local people, eating their food, and attempting to speak their language provides a nuanced understanding that you just can’t get elsewhere. When you stay in a local neighborhood rather than a tourist resort, you observe the small, everyday habits that truly define a culture—how people greet each other, their sense of humor, and their daily routines. If travel isn’t possible, then engaging with the local diaspora in your own city through food, festivals, or language exchanges is the next best thing. It’s all about moving beyond the surface-level tourist attractions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Being Too General: Avoid saying “The culture is nice and the food is good.” Give specific examples like “the intricate tea ceremonies” or “the spice markets of Marrakech.”
• Focusing Only on Food: While food is part of culture, examiners want to hear about social norms, values, traditions, or history.
• Confusing Country with Culture: Don’t just list facts about the geography of the country; focus on the *people* and their *way of life*.
• Using Childish Vocabulary: Instead of “happy,” use “exuberant”; instead of “old,” use “ancient” or “venerable.”
• Ignoring the “Why”: The prompt asks why you like it. Make sure you provide a personal or philosophical reason, not just a description.
• Forgetting to Paraphrase: If you use a foreign word, always explain it in English to show your IELTS Speaking skills.

Practice Tips for This Cue Card

• Research a Specific Event: Find a specific festival or tradition (like Dia de los Muertos in Mexico) so you have concrete details to talk about.
• Record and Analyze: Record yourself speaking for two minutes. Listen back and check if you used any “Band 9” vocabulary from the table above.
• Mind Map Your Ideas: Create a mind map with branches for “Food,” “Values,” “History,” and “Personal Experience” to organize your thoughts during the 1-minute preparation time.
• Connect to Your Own Life: Think about how the foreign culture differs from your own; contrast is a great way to generate more content.
• Use the 1-Minute Wisely: Don’t write full sentences. Write keywords like “Omotenashi,” “Kyoto,” “Murakami,” and “Wabi-sabi” to prompt your memory.

Mastering the ability to describe a foreign culture that you like is a significant step toward a high IELTS score. By combining personal anecdotes with sophisticated vocabulary and a clear structure, you can impress the examiner and demonstrate your readiness for academic or professional life abroad. For more structured practice and expert feedback, consider enrolling in our IELTS English Speaking Course or exploring more IELTS Speaking Topics for 2026. Check out the IELTS Official Website for the latest test updates and regulations.