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Topic Vocabulary & Exercises

19. Celebrations

  VOCABULARY  

IELTS celebrations topic title image containing text "Celebrations"

Audio File

Topic Vocabulary:

build-up (noun [c]):

Definition: The growth of excitement or tension before a big event.

Example: There was a lot of build-up and excitement before the big concert.


community spirit (noun phrase):

Definition: The feeling of togetherness and support among members of a community.

Example: The community spirit was evident at the fundraising event for the local school.


costume (noun [c]):

Definition: Clothes worn for a particular occasion or event, often representing a particular character or theme.

Example: She wore a pirate costume to the Halloween party.


dress up (phrasal verb):

Definition: To wear formal or fancy clothes for a special occasion or event.

Example: They dressed up in their best outfits for the wedding ceremony.


exchange gifts (verb phrase):

Definition: To give and receive presents or gifts as a gesture of goodwill or celebration.

Example: They exchanged gifts on Christmas morning and shared a special moment together.


feast (noun [c]):

Definition: A large and elaborate meal, often shared with friends or family for a special occasion or celebration.

Example: They prepared a feast for Thanksgiving and invited all their loved ones to share the meal.


flamboyant (adjective):

Definition: Someone or something that is very showy or extravagant, often to get attention or to be noticed.

Example: The singer's flamboyant costume and energetic performance wowed the audience.


float (noun [c]):

Definition: A decorated vehicle or platform that is used in a parade for entertainment or display purposes.

Example: The float representing the local sports team was a hit with the crowd during the parade.


heritage (noun [u]):

Definition: The traditions, customs and objects that are handed down from generation to generation in a culture.

Example: The museum's exhibit showcases the city's rich cultural heritage.


let your hair down (idiom):

Definition: To relax and be yourself without worrying about what others might think.

Example: After a week of hard work, she decided to let her hair down and have some fun at the party.


live (adjective):

Definition: To experience something in real-time, not recorded.

Example: Do you want to watch the live broadcast of the concert, or would you rather see a recording?


long weekend (noun phrase):

Definition: A period of time, typically three or four days, that includes a weekend and a holiday or special event.

Example: They're planning to take advantage of the long weekend and go on a road trip.


parade (noun [c]):

Definition: A special event where a group of people, often in colourful costumes, walk together.

Example: We watched the annual Christmas parade and enjoyed the festive atmosphere and colourful decorations.


pass down (phrasal verb):

Definition: Traditions or practices that are handed down from one generation to the next.

Example: The family recipe for apple pie has been passed down through generations.


reveller (noun [c]):

Definition: Someone who enjoys celebrating and having fun, often at a party or a festival.

Example: The revellers at the New Year's Eve party danced and sang until midnight.


roots (noun [pl]):

Definition: The place or culture that a person or thing originally comes from.

Example: Even though she was born in a different country, she still feels connected to her roots.


sound system (noun):

Definition: A set of speakers and other electronic equipment used to amplify and play music or other sounds.

Example: The DJ had a powerful sound system that made the music sound amazing.


stall (noun [c]):

Definition: A small, simple structure used for selling things at a market or fair.

Example: The market had many stalls selling fruits, vegetables, and handmade crafts.


street vendor (noun phrase):

Definition: Someone who sells goods or services on the street, often from a small cart or a stand.

Example: The street vendor sold fresh fruits and vegetables from his cart on the corner.


the life and soul of the party (idiom):

Definition: The person who brings a lot of energy, fun, and excitement to a social event.

Example: Tom is always the life and soul of the party as he knows how to make everyone laugh.

Exercise 1: Multiple-Choice Exercise

Choose the best vocabulary word to complete each sentence.


1. The yearly village fair is important to building  ___________ among the villagers.

a) parade

b) reveller

c) community spirit


2. The dancers wore ___________ costumes during their performance.

a) float

b) flamboyant

c) dress up


3. During the long weekend, families gathered for a festive ___________.

a) feast

b) heritage

c) build-up


4. The ___________ set up stalls selling handmade crafts.

a) businessmen

b) street vendors

c) revellers


5. The land has been  ___________ from one generation to the next for 240 years.

a) passed down

b) lived on

c) inherited


6. He’s normally so serious but he ___________ at the Christmas party.

a) dressed up

b) let his hair down

c) life and soul of the party


7. He didn’t have a ___________ for the fancy dress party.

a) costume

b) sound system

c) float


8. Her great grandmother’s ring was an important part of the family ___________.

a) roots

b) history

c) heritage


9. The ___________ continued dancing until 5am the next morning.

a) dancers

b) dj’s

c) revellers


Exercise 2: Gap-fill Exercise

Fill in the blanks with the appropriate word from the list provided below.


1. The ___________ for the upcoming festival is getting everyone excited.

2. The ___________ featured colourful floats and lively music.

3. The community gathered for a potluck ___________ to celebrate the holiday.

4. To experience the local culture, visitors can explore the ___________ markets.

5. For Halloween, kids love to ___________ as their favourite characters.

6. The staff weren’t at work on Monday because it was a  ___________.

7. The music from the ___________ echoed through the entire festival grounds.

8. During the holiday season, it's common to ___________ gifts with friends and family.

9. Street vendors set up colourful ___________ to sell handmade crafts.

10. He caught everyone's attention thanks to his  ___________ costume.


Exercise 3: Matching Exercise

Match words from A with words from B to form noun phrases and phrasal verbs.


A

community

dress

exchange

long

pass

sound

street


B

weekend

up

system

gifts

vendor

down

spirit

Vocabulary Answer Key:

Exercise 1: 1c, 2b, 3a, 4b, 5a, 6b, 7a, 8c, 9c

Exercise 2: 1. build-up, 2. parade, 3. feast, 4. street, 5. dress up, 6. long weekend, 7. sound system, 8. exchange, 9. stalls, 10. Flamboyant

Exercise 3: community spirit, dress up, exchange gifts, long weekend, pass down, sound system, street vendor

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