IELTS Speaking · Part 3
Culture and tradition: IELTS Speaking Part 3 questions
Last updated 2 September 2026
In short
Discussion questions
The examiner usually opens the discussion with: "Which traditions are most important to people in your country?", then works up from concrete to abstract.
Development (societal)
Why do you think some traditions survive while others disappear?
Cause & effectHow have traditions in your country changed during your lifetime?
ComparisonDo you think it is important to keep old traditions alive?
OpinionIs it possible to be modern and traditional at the same time?
Evaluation
Depth (abstract & hypothetical)
What are the effects of globalisation on local cultures?
EvaluationShould governments do more to protect traditional culture?
OpinionHow might cultural traditions change as the world becomes more connected?
SpeculationIf all countries shared one culture, would anything be lost?
Hypothesis
Useful vocabulary for this theme
Band 7+ language for discussing culture and tradition.
- pass down
- hand something on through the generations
- “These recipes have been passed down in my family for years.”
- a rich heritage
- a valuable, deep-rooted cultural history
- “My country has a rich heritage that I'm genuinely proud of.”
- cultural identity
- the sense of belonging to a particular culture
- “Our language is a huge part of our cultural identity.”
- time-honoured
- respected because it has existed for a long time
- “We still follow some time-honoured customs at weddings.”
- embrace other cultures
- openly welcome and value different cultures
- “Living abroad taught me to embrace other cultures.”