IELTS Speaking - Birthdays


IELTS Speaking

Topic: Birthdays

Do you like birthday celebrations?

Yes, mostly, they’re fun and can be quite important when it’s a special birthday, such as a 15th or 50th, especially when it’s a family member or someone you’re really close to.

What do you typically do on your birthday?

On my birthday, I typically spend time with my loved ones. We usually go out for a special meal or sometimes have a small get-together at home. I also make sure to treat myself to something special, like a new book or an item I've been wanting for a while.

Do you prefer to celebrate your birthday with family or friends?

I think both are important, but if I had to choose one, I'd prefer celebrating with family. Birthdays for me are more about appreciating the people who've been there from the beginning, and that's my family.

Do you enjoy surprise parties or do you prefer to be informed beforehand?

To be honest, I enjoy both. I love the thrill of planning a surprise and seeing the look of shock and happiness on the birthday person's face. On the other hand, knowing about a party beforehand gives me time to prepare, maybe buy a new outfit or think about a thoughtful gift.

How do you celebrate your birthdays? With family or friends?

It’s changed over the years, in the past when I was growing up it was more of a celebration with my immediate family, but in recent years, although I’ve celebrated it with my family and spent time with them on the day – I’ve tended to celebrate it more with my boyfriend and other friends because we are quite a close group.

So we’ll usually go out for a nice meal together, just the two of us and then later on maybe meet up with some other friends and do something together.

As for my family I usually visit them or they visit me and we have a special meal together, that’s kind of a tradition we have for all birthdays in the family.

Have you ever forgotten someone's birthday?

Yes, unfortunately, I have. It was a friend's birthday and I completely forgot about it until I saw the birthday wishes on social media. I felt really bad and made sure to apologize and make it up to them.



How do people in your country typically celebrate birthdays?

In my country, birthdays are celebrated in a variety of ways, largely influenced by one's cultural background, personal preferences, and life stage. For children, birthdays often involve themed parties with fun games, colorful decorations, and a cake adorned with their favorite cartoon character.

As people grow older, birthdays might take on a more subdued and intimate tone, such as a meal with close friends or a family gathering. There's a common tradition of 'milestone birthdays', like the 18th or 50th, being celebrated with grander parties.

In some regions, it's customary to gift the birthday individual with an odd number of flowers, as it is believed to bring good luck. People also take to social media to wish their friends and share photos from the celebrations, making birthdays a blend of offline traditions and online interactions.

Are there any special traditions associated with birthdays in your country?

Yes, indeed. In addition to the general birthday celebrations, we have a unique tradition called 'Name Day' in my country. This is a day that is associated with one's given name and is often celebrated in a similar manner to birthdays.

The 'Name Day' is usually marked by the name of a saint, and people bearing that name celebrate it much like a second birthday. Friends and family members usually visit or call to wish them, and small gifts or flowers are often given.

This tradition not only adds to the celebratory spirit of birthdays but also strengthens the cultural identity and social bonds among people. Furthermore, it's considered good luck to celebrate your Name Day, and many individuals attach as much, if not more, importance to it as to their actual birthday.

This tradition, I believe, makes our way of celebrating birthdays quite unique and interesting.



Do children and adults in your country celebrate birthdays in the same way?

No, children and adults in my country don't usually celebrate birthdays in the same way. For children, birthdays are often big events, with parties featuring lots of games, a themed birthday cake, and presents galore. The child's classmates, friends, and sometimes even their entire school grade are invited. It's a day filled with laughter, fun, and a lot of running around.

On the other hand, adults tend to have more subdued celebrations. Some might organize a small gathering with family and close friends, while others might prefer a quiet dinner at their favorite restaurant. Many adults see birthdays as a time for reflection, a moment to consider the year that has passed and the year that is to come.

That being said, there are no hard and fast rules, and adult celebrations can sometimes be just as elaborate as children's parties, especially when marking significant milestones, such as turning 30, 40, or 50. It really comes down to individual preferences and cultural norms.

Is there a specific age that is considered particularly significant in your country?

Yes, in my country, turning 18 is considered a particularly significant milestone as it marks the transition from adolescence to adulthood. This is the age when individuals gain the legal right to vote, drive, and are considered fully responsible for their actions. It symbolizes a stage in life when one is expected to take on new roles and responsibilities.

Many families host a large celebration to honor this important phase of life. The 18th birthday party often includes a coming-of-age ceremony, where the individual receives symbolic gifts that represent adulthood. It is a widely acknowledged and celebrated event, perceived as an important rite of passage into adulthood.



How do you feel about the way birthdays are celebrated in your country?

I have a profound appreciation for the way birthdays are celebrated in my country. It's a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, facilitating a sense of community while honoring individual preferences.

The inclusion of unique customs like the 'Name Day' fosters cultural identity and adds a distinctive touch to our celebrations. The variety in birthday traditions across different age groups keeps the celebrations dynamic and adaptable.

As for the emphasis on milestone birthdays like the 18th, it not only marks personal growth but also symbolizes societal transition, thereby reinforcing the sense of community.

However, I believe there's scope for more inclusivity in our celebrations. For instance, taking into account the preferences of introverted individuals who might prefer quieter, low-key celebrations could enhance the overall birthday culture.

Furthermore, integrating environmentally-friendly practices into our celebrations, such as opting for reusable decorations or locally-sourced food, would make our birthday traditions more sustainable and responsible.

Ultimately, I appreciate our current traditions while also recognizing opportunities for improvement and adaptation.


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