Country IELTS Speaking Part 2 Cue Card Questions with Answers

I am going to talk about a law in Portugal which I find good. As of June 2010, this law legalises same-sex marriage it means that same-sex couples have the same rights as heterosexuals to officialise their union through marriage.

I think it’s a fantastic law, which, quite frankly, should have been put in place eons ago. For far too long, homosexuals have been seen as unnatural parts of society, when, truly, they are human beings, just like everyone else. For many people, marriage is a huge milestone in life, and it should be granted to anyone who chooses it, including same-sex couples. Legalising marriage for same-sex couples is a huge stepping stone towards progress and a more accepting society. Although homosexuals and same-sex couples still suffer discrimination in various areas of their lives, the fact that marriage is now a lawful action makes it easier to defend and protect their rights.

I have a lot of homosexual friends who are overjoyed by the opportunities that lie ahead thanks to this law. Some of my friends consider it a long-overdue, yet, hopeful change for a better society. Some are still discriminated against despite the law, which they often find discouraging. However, they are grateful for their marital status, and what it means to them on a personal level.

I am not sure that I would change anything about this law in particular, but on a related-note, I am aware of the fact that conversion therapy has not been made illegal, which I personally find horrendous. I believe it is cruel to make an individual not only deny, but despise who they are, just so they can fit within old-fashioned norms of society. I sincerely hope such practice changes in the future.

I am going to talk about a fairly recent law that was introduced in Norway. In 2006, the dual-nationality law was implemented allowing Norwegian citizens to have a second citizenship, rather than having to renounce their Norwegian nationality for another nationality.

My parents, for instance, are both French. With the current law of dual citizenship, I am able to apply for French citizenship in addition to my Norwegian nationality. This means I am able to receive the same rights as a French person, to work and live in France. Dual-nationalities may help people avoid being separated from their families, or lessen paperwork complications when visiting one another. It can also help people who find themselves with their backs against the wall in certain difficult economic or political situations, allowing them to seek refuge in a safer environment. For instance, with the COVID-19 pandemic, retreating to a different country might have provided a safer option for some people with dual nationality.

I think that this law is extremely useful and necessary. It helps create bridges between cultures, and I am a proponent of cultural diversity. I think that it provides such peace of mind for people who may be in situations that seem inescapable. It is wonderful to offer opportunities for people to live in different countries so that they can learn and enrich their lives through experiencing new cultures and ways of thinking.

That being said, like most things in life, it is a double-edged sword. With rights also come responsibilities. For instance, if a person has dual-citizenship with a country that requires military service, this may cause not only ideological issues, but also paperwork complications, particularly if that country is at war with the nation of the other citizenship a person possesses.

I am going to talk about the tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving in the United States of America. Thanksgiving is a key celebration there, and it takes place on the fourth Thursday of November, every year. It does not fall on the same date every year, but I guess it helps keep things interesting! There is no clear proof as to where the celebration of Thanksgiving emanated from, however it was made official by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863.

Thanksgiving is a chance for families to gather and spend time together. It is possible to celebrate Thanksgiving with friends, as well, however most people celebrate with their relatives. When we celebrate it at home, we invite my siblings’ partners, my grandparents, my aunts and uncles and my cousins. It’s quite a big deal in my family. Each year, however, a different branch of the family hosts the celebration in their own household. There is a lot of preparation work to be done especially for large groups of people, so it is necessary to share the load by rotating venues every year.

The main event of the day is the meal. The meal generally consists of a myriad of dishes in generous amounts. Some believe that Thanksgiving was originally a feast to celebrate a successful harvest. The abundance of food is a reference to such theory. Before the meal, some families may choose to say a prayer to show gratitude for the food they were able to prepare. Some families may also choose to verbally share what they are grateful for.

I enjoy the celebration very much. We always have a ball with my family, and it’s a fantastic opportunity to catch up with family members I don’t often get to see, and even play some entertaining board games!

I am going to talk about a plant that is very common and famous in France, and which happens to be lavender. Lavender grows best in war, sunny weathers, and is most commonly found in southern France, particularly in the region of Provence. The most renowned location is Valensole, where numerous tourists come to visit its bountiful fields of lavender.

Lavender is not only famous in France, but all around the world. The scent of lavender seems to be quite popular in a myriad of cleaning products, such as toilet sprays and laundry detergents. It is also used in many soaps and air fresheners. Fresh lavender in France is often placed in small bags and hung in closets, in order to ensure that any bad smells that accumulate over time, dissipate. I have many friends from different countries who love the scent of lavender. Some of them even use it in spray form, by targeting a couple of squirts to their pillow before going to bed. They claim that the gentle scent helps them fall asleep.

I personally am very fond of the scent of lavender. I find it enchanting and extremely relaxing. Now that I live abroad, I appreciate lavender even more, as it reminds me of home. Whenever I travel to visit my kinfolks, I bring back some lavender-themed souvenirs for my friends, but also for myself. Whenever I feel homesick, I close my eyes and smell the lavender bag I keep under my pillow. There is no place like home, and such small tokens help me get through rough days and tough times.