Traditional product (Part 2/Cue Card--IELTS Speaking)

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Describe a traditional product of your country that you have used.

You should say:
    what the product is
    when you tried this product for the first time
    what it is made of

and explain how you feel about it.

Sample Answer 1

The traditional product that I've used from my country, India, is a wooden comb. I remember trying it for the first time when I was a child and my grandmother used to comb my hair with it. So, I've been using it since childhood.

The comb is made of high-quality wood and crafted by skilled artisans who have been making them for generations. The wood is typically neem or sandalwood, which not only makes it durable but also imparts a pleasant fragrance to it.

As for my personal experience, I find it to be much gentler on my hair compared to plastic combs. The wooden teeth are smooth and polished, and they do not create static electricity that can make your hair frizzy. Also, it does not cause any damage to the hair or scalp, unlike metal combs.

Moreover, in Ayurveda, which is an ancient Indian system of medicine, the use of a wooden comb is considered beneficial for promoting hair growth and reducing hair fall. It is believed that the natural oils in the wood nourish the hair and stimulate the scalp, which results in stronger and healthier hair.

So, I continue to use a wooden comb as I feel that it is a great way to connect with our roots and appreciate the rich cultural heritage of India. It is not just a functional product but also a symbol of our traditions and values.

Sample Answer 2

As a Korean, one traditional product that I have used and adore is called "hanji", which is a type of handmade Korean paper.

The first time I tried using hanji was when I was visiting a small village in the countryside. There, I had the opportunity to make my own hanji paper from scratch, which was an incredible experience.

It is made from the bark of the paper mulberry tree, which is indigenous to Korea. The bark is first boiled and pounded into a pulp, which is then mixed with water and poured over a wooden frame. The resulting sheet of paper is then dried in the sun, resulting in a thin, yet strong and durable, paper.

What I love most about hanji is its versatility. It can be used for a wide range of purposes, from writing and painting to crafting and even as a building material. It's also eco-friendly and sustainable, as it's made from natural materials and is biodegradable.

As a writer, I particularly appreciate the unique texture and feel of hanji paper. Its fibrous texture provides a lovely tactile experience when writing or drawing, and its durability ensures that the work will stand the test of time. In fact, hanji paper has been used for centuries in Korea for important documents and art pieces.

Using this paper reminds me of the rich cultural heritage of Korea and its dedication to art and craftsmanship. Its natural materials and eco-friendliness also make me proud to use it and preserve this traditional practice for future generations to enjoy.

Noteworthy vocabulary from the sample answers:

• Artisans: Skilled workers who make things by hand, often using traditional methods
• Crafted: Made with skill and attention to detail
• Neem: A type of evergreen tree native to India, the oil and leaves of which are used in traditional medicine
• Sandalwood: A type of fragrant wood that is often used in Indian traditional medicine, cosmetics, and perfumes
• Frizzy: A term used to describe hair that is dry, damaged, and prone to tangling
• Nourish: To provide food or other substances that are necessary for growth, health, and good condition
• Stimulate: To encourage or promote growth, activity, or interest
• Cultural heritage: The traditions, customs, beliefs, and artefacts that are passed down from generation to generation within a culture
• Roots: The origins or foundational elements of something
• Functional: Serving a practical purpose or intended use
• Values: The principles, beliefs, or standards that are considered important or desirable by a particular culture or society
• Handmade: Made by hand, often with great care and attention to detail
• Countryside: Rural areas, outside of cities or urban areas
• Indigenous: Originating or occurring naturally in a particular place; Native
• Pounded: Crushed or hit repeatedly with a heavy object
• Biodegradable: Capable of being broken down naturally by living organisms and the environment
• Versatility: The ability to be used in many different ways or for many different purposes
• Tactile experience: An experience that involves the sense of touch
• Stand the test of time: To remain effective or successful over a long period of time
• Craftsmanship: Skill in making things by hand, often using traditional methods
• Art pieces: Works of art, such as paintings, sculptures, or installations
• Rich cultural heritage: A culture that has a long history of art, traditions, customs, and beliefs

Here is some more advanced vocabulary that can be used when talking about traditional products

• Authenticity: The quality of being genuine or true to its origins
• Exquisite: Extremely beautiful and delicate, often with intricate details
• Heirloom: An item of value, such as a piece of jewellery or a family recipe, that is passed down from generation to generation
• Local speciality: A product that is unique or specific to a certain region or area
• Cultural icon: A symbol or representation of a culture, often used to represent a country or region
• Culinary tradition: The customs and practices surrounding food preparation and consumption within a particular culture or region
• Authentic flavour: The true or original taste of a product, often associated with a particular culture or region
• Signature dish: A dish that this unique or iconic to a particular culture of a region
• Exotic flavour: A unique or unusual taste, often associated with products from foreign or distant cultures
• Time-honoured: A tradition or practice that has been respected and maintained over a long period of time
• Regionally distinct: A product that is specific to a particular region or area and reflects its unique characteristics
• Timeless beauty: A quality of enduring attractiveness or appeal, often associated with traditional products
• Rich history: A long and complex past, often associated with traditional products and practices
• Revered tradition: A practice or custom that is deeply respected and valued within a culture or region
• A staple: Refers to a product that is essential or basic to a particular culture or region, often referring to traditional foods or products that are commonly consumed or used

Here are some idioms that can be used when talking or writing about traditions and traditional products:

• Old as the hills: Used to describe something that is old and has been around for a long time, often referring to traditions or practices that have been passed down through generations
• Standing the test of time: Refers to something that has endured and remained successful or effective over a long period of time, often referring to traditional practices or products
• As good as gold: Refers to something that is of high quality, often used to describe traditional products that are well-made and durable
• A labour of love: Refers to something that has been made or done with great care and dedication, often referring to traditional crafts or practices
• A taste of tradition: Refers to a product or dish that embodies the traditional flavours and ingredients of a particular culture or region
• A cultural treasure: Refers to something that is of great value and importance to a particular culture or region, often referring to traditional practices or artefacts
• Keeping alive the flame: Refers to the act of preserving and passing down traditional practices or customs, often used to describe efforts to maintain cultural heritage
• Rooted in tradition: Refers to something that is firmly based on the customs and practices of a particular culture or region
• Made with tender loving care: Refers to something that has been made with great care and attention to detail, often referring to traditional crafts or practices
• An acquired taste: Refers to something that may not be immediately appealing or enjoyable, but can become more enjoyable with repeated exposure, often referring to traditional foods or drinks
• A slice of history: Refers to something that represents a particular period of time or historical era, often referring to traditional artefacts or products
• Steeped in tradition: Refers to something that is infused with the customs and practices of a particular culture or region, often referring to traditional products or practices
• A link to the past: Refers to something that connects the present to the history and traditions of a particular culture or region
• A legacy: Refers to something that has been handed down through generations, often referring to traditional practices or products
• A time-honoured tradition: Refers to a practice or custom that has been observed for a long time and is highly respected, often referring to traditional cultural practices
• The fabric of society: Refers to the shared customs, practices, and values that hold a society together, often referring to traditional practices or products

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