Updated on January 03, 2025
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Different Cultures

This vocabulary set focuses on discussing cultural differences, traditions, and global practices. These words can help you navigate all four sections of the IELTS, as topics related to culture and diversity are frequently addressed.

Different Cultures Flashcards - Vocabulary Practice for IELTS

These exercises focus on Different Cultures Vocabulary

 

List of Different Cultures Words for the IELTS

Word/Phrase

Definition

Example

Issue

A topic or problem that requires discussion or attention.

The cultural issue of gender roles is widely debated.

Related Topic

A subject connected to another topic.

Multiculturalism is a related topic to globalization.

Special Occasion

A notable or important event.

Weddings and birthdays are considered special occasions in most cultures.

I Mean

A phrase used to clarify or explain.

I mean, cultural traditions vary greatly across regions.

Similar To

Having likeness or resemblance to something.

This festival is similar to Thanksgiving in the United States.

Take Place

To occur or happen.

The festival takes place annually in March.

Wedding

A marriage ceremony and associated celebrations.

The couple planned a traditional wedding in their hometown.

Divided Into

Separated into parts or groups.

The presentation was divided into three sections.

First of All

Used to introduce the first point.

First of all, let’s discuss the history of this tradition.

Then Again

Used to introduce a contrasting point.

The food was good; then again, it was quite expensive.

Secondly

Used to introduce the second point.

Secondly, cultural diversity promotes mutual understanding.

Despite

Without being affected by.

Despite the challenges, the festival was a success.

Moreover

In addition to what has been said.

The festival attracts tourists; moreover, it boosts the local economy.

Unsurprisingly

As expected; not surprising.

Unsurprisingly, cultural festivals attract large crowds.

Refer To

To mention or describe something.

The term refers to traditional dance styles in Japan.

Consequences

Results or effects of an action or event.

Ignoring cultural norms can lead to unintended consequences.

Tourist Attractions

Places that attract visitors.

The Eiffel Tower is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the world.

Artistic Styles

Distinct methods or forms of art.

The museum showcases various artistic styles, including Baroque and Modernism.

Slightly

A small amount; not significantly.

This dish is slightly spicy compared to the traditional recipe.

Overlap

To share similarities or common features.

Cultural practices often overlap in neighboring regions.

Immediately

Without delay.

The news about the festival spread immediately through social media.

Confusion

A lack of understanding or clarity.

The differences in customs caused some confusion among tourists.

Reign

The period during which a ruler is in power.

The tradition began during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

To Last

To continue for a period of time.

The celebration is expected to last for three days.

Flower Pattern

A design featuring floral elements.

Traditional garments often have flower patterns symbolizing nature.

Actually

In fact; used to emphasize the truth.

The festival is actually older than historians initially thought.

Revival

The process of becoming active or popular again.

There has been a revival of traditional crafts in recent years.

Incorporate

To include or combine as part of something.

Modern architecture often incorporates elements of traditional design.

Subdivision

A smaller part of a larger group or area.

Each subdivision of the festival represents a different region.

Post-War Peace Treaty

An agreement to end conflict after a war.

The post-war peace treaty emphasized cultural cooperation.

Disappearance

The process of something vanishing or ceasing to exist.

The disappearance of some traditions is a concern for cultural preservation.

Playground Sports

Games typically played by children outdoors.

Traditional playground sports like leapfrog are still popular in some countries.

Explanation

A statement that makes something clear.

The guide provided an explanation of the local customs.

Ban

To officially prohibit something.

The government placed a ban on certain activities during the pandemic.

Survey

A study to gather information.

The survey revealed tourists’ preferences for cultural experiences.

Chasing Game

A game where participants run after each other.

Tag is a classic example of a chasing game.

Genuinely

Truly or sincerely.

The locals are genuinely proud of their heritage.

Underneath

Below or beneath something.

The patterns are hidden underneath the fabric layers.

Wrap

To cover or enclose something.

The bride’s dress was carefully wrapped in silk.

String

A thin piece of cord or thread.

Decorations were hung using colorful strings.

Swing

To move back and forth.

Children enjoy playing on the swings at the park.

Evidence

Information that supports a claim.

The evidence suggests that the tradition dates back centuries.

Forbid

To prohibit or disallow.

Some cultures forbid eating certain foods during festivals.

Available

Ready for use or accessible.

Tickets for the event are now available online.

Lack Of

Absence or shortage of something.

The lack of understanding about other cultures can cause conflicts.

Supervise

To oversee or manage.

Volunteers supervise activities during the festival.

Discourage

To deter or dissuade.

Strict rules may discourage creativity in cultural events.

Ridiculous

Absurd or unreasonable.

The idea of banning cultural celebrations is ridiculous.

Violent Games

Games involving aggression or physical harm.

Parents often discourage children from playing violent games.

Mad

Extremely angry or upset.

The delay in starting the event made some attendees mad.

Horse Chestnut

A type of tree or its seeds, often used in traditional games.

Children used horse chestnuts in their playground games.

Leapfrog

A game where players jump over each other.

Leapfrog is a classic playground sport.

Marbles

Small glass balls used in traditional games.

Playing marbles is a popular pastime in many cultures.

The Same As

Identical or similar to something.

This dish is the same as one I tried in Thailand.

Different From

Not the same as something else.

Traditional art forms are different from modern styles.

In Comparison With

When compared to something else.

In comparison with urban areas, rural festivals are more traditional.

Incredibly

To a great degree; extremely.

The festival was incredibly well-organized this year.

Exactly

Precisely or without error.

The costumes are exactly as described in the guide.

As Well As

In addition to.

The celebration includes music as well as dance performances.

Except

Not including.

Everyone was invited to the wedding except the distant relatives.

Apart From

Besides; other than.

Apart from cultural dances, the festival features local cuisine.

Cereal

A grain used as food.

Breakfast often consists of cereal in many cultures.

Noodle Soup

A dish made with noodles and broth.

Noodle soup is a staple in many Asian cuisines.

Bride

A woman on her wedding day.

The bride wore a traditional gown for the ceremony.

Groom

A man on his wedding day.

The groom gave a heartfelt speech during the reception.

Celebration

A joyful event to mark an occasion.

The New Year’s celebration included fireworks and music.

Attitude

A way of thinking or feeling about something.

His positive attitude toward other cultures helped him adapt quickly.

Turn Into

To change or transform into something.

Over time, the small gathering turned into a large festival.

Connected With

Related to or associated with something.

The art exhibit is connected with the local cultural heritage.

Cause and Effects

The reasons for and results of something.

Understanding the cause and effects of cultural change is important.

Suggest Solutions

To propose ways to solve a problem.

The report aims to suggest solutions for preserving cultural traditions.

Extent

The degree to which something happens or is true.

The extent of cultural diversity in the city is remarkable.

Illustration of Different Cultures

Usage in IELTS Exam Formats

Reading Section

  • Words like refer to, survey, and available often appear in passages about traditions and cultural practices.

Listening Section

  • Terms such as cause and effects, tourist attractions, and special occasion may be used in recordings about cultural events or festivals.

Writing Section

  • Use phrases like despite, turn into, extent, and suggest solutions to enhance your essays on cultural topics in Task 2.

Speaking Section

  • Employ terms like celebration, different from, and genuinely when discussing cultural experiences in Part 1 or Part 2 of the Speaking Test.

Common Mistakes

  1. Confusing "Apart From" and "Except":

    • Mistake: "I love all festivals apart from Christmas."

    • Correction: "I love all festivals except Christmas."

  2. Overgeneralizing "Special Occasion":

    • Mistake: "Every weekend is a special occasion."

    • Correction: "Birthdays and weddings are considered special occasions."

  3. Misusing "Extent" in Non-Comparative Contexts:

    • Mistake: "The extent of my meal was delicious."

    • Correction: "The extent of cultural diversity in the city is remarkable."

  4. Using "Ban" for Temporary Restrictions:

    • Mistake: "The school banned eating in class for a day."

    • Correction: "The school prohibited eating in class temporarily."

  5. Mixing "Similar To" and "Same As":

    • Mistake: "This festival is the same as Thanksgiving."

    • Correction: "This festival is similar to Thanksgiving."

FAQ 

What is the difference between "refer to" and "mention"?

"Refer to" implies a direct connection or description, while "mention" is a brief acknowledgment.

How can I use "extent" in IELTS Writing?

Use "extent" to express degrees, e.g., "To what extent do you agree that preserving cultural traditions is important?"

What’s the difference between "similar to" and "different from"?

"Similar to" highlights likeness, while "different from" emphasizes dissimilarities.

Can "special occasion" be used in informal contexts?

Yes, but it typically describes significant events like weddings or festivals, not daily activities.

Why is "genuinely" important in Speaking tasks?

"Genuinely" conveys sincerity, useful when expressing personal opinions, e.g., "I genuinely enjoy learning about other cultures."
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