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PART 2 IELTS – CHRISTMAS
You should say:
What the festival is
Why it is celebrated
How it is celebrated
And explain why it is important
1. WHAT IS THE FESTIVAL IS?
- I want to talk about Christmas, which has become increasingly popular in
Vietnam, even though it originally comes from Western cultures. Christmas,
or as we call it, "Lễ Giáng Sinh," is celebrated on the 25th of December, and
it’s a time when people come together to enjoy the festive atmosphere and
spread love and joy.
2. WHY IT IS CELEBRATED?
- The reason behind this celebration is, of course, its religious roots. It
commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, a central Christian figure.
- While Vietnam is predominantly a Buddhist country, globalization and the
strong presence of Catholic communities, particularly in cities like Hanoi and
Ho Chi Minh City, have made Christmas a widely recognized occasion here.
3. HOW IT IS CELEBRATED?
- People celebrate Christmas in Vietnam by blending traditional Western
customs and local Vietnamese culture.
- During this time, significant streets, shopping malls, and churches are
beautifully decorated with Christmas trees, fairy lights, and ornaments.
- Families and friends gather to exchange gifts, share meals, and even sing
Christmas carols.
- One unique feature in Vietnam is the vibrant atmosphere around churches,
such as St. Joseph’s Cathedral in Hanoi, where large crowds gather for
midnight Mass or to admire the decorations.
- Restaurants and cafes also join the festive spirit by offering special menus and
hosting Christmas-themed events.
4. EXPLAIN WHY IT IS IMPORTANT?
- What makes Christmas particularly special in Vietnam is its ability to unite
people, regardless of religion.
- It is less about the religious aspect and more about embracing the universal
values of generosity, kindness, and togetherness.
- It has also become a time for families to reconnect, especially in urban areas
where life is often busy and stressful.
- I find Christmas to be an incredibly heartwarming festival because it fills the
air with positivity and gives everyone a chance to take a step back from their
hectic lives to enjoy the company of their loved ones.
5. In conclusion, although Christmas is not a traditional Vietnamese festival, it has
grown to hold a special place in our hearts. It is a meaningful and joyous occasion
that brightens up the end of the year.
NEW WORDS
1. Increasingly /ɪnˈkriː.sɪŋ.li/
Meaning: More and more over time.
Example: "Christmas has become increasingly popular in Vietnam."
2. Predominantly /prɪˈdɒm.ɪ.nə[Link]/
Meaning: Mainly, for the most part.
Example: "Vietnam is predominantly a Buddhist country."
3. Commemorate /kəˈmem.ə.reɪt/
Meaning: To remember and honor a significant event or person.
Example: "It commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ."
4. Blend /blend/
Meaning: A mixture of different things or styles.
Example: "It blends traditional customs and local culture."
5. Vibrant /ˈvaɪ.brənt/
Meaning: Full of energy, color, and life.
Example: "The vibrant atmosphere around churches is unique."
6. Embrace /ɪmˈbreɪs/
Meaning: To accept or adopt something willingly.
Example: "People embrace the universal values of generosity and kindness."
7. Generosity /ˌdʒen.əˈrɒs.ɪ.ti/
Meaning: The quality of being kind and giving.
Example: "Generosity is a key theme of Christmas."
8. Unite /juːˈnaɪt/
Meaning: To come together or bring people together for a common purpose or to
achieve something.
Example: The festival aims to unite people of all cultures in a celebration of love
and harmony.
9. Hectic /ˈhek.tɪk/
Meaning (English): Full of activity, or very busy and fast-paced, often in a stressful
way.
Life in the city can be quite hectic, especially during the holiday season.
