Learning to cook a new dish is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2. As someone interested in describe a traditional food from your country, you’ll find this guide helpful for achieving a high band score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions about cooking and food:
- Do you like cooking?
- How often do you cook?
- What’s your favorite food to cook?
- Did you learn cooking from your parents?
IELTS Speaking Part 1 Common Questions About Cooking
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I absolutely adore cooking, especially on weekends when I have more time to experiment with different recipes. I learned the fundamentals from my mother, but I’ve also been expanding my culinary horizons through online cooking courses. Currently, I’m particularly passionate about Asian cuisine.”
Part 2: Cue Card
Describe a food you would like to learn how to cook
You should say:
- What the food is
- Why you want to learn to cook it
- How difficult you think it will be
- And explain how you plan to learn it
IELTS Speaking Part 2 Cue Card About Cooking
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’ve always been fascinated by the art of making authentic Japanese ramen, which is far more complex than the instant variety most people are familiar with. This culinary masterpiece requires multiple components, from the meticulously prepared broth to the perfectly seasoned chashu pork.
My enthusiasm for learning this dish stems from my profound appreciation of Japanese culture and my desire to describe a food that you would like to try. The process seems incredibly challenging, particularly the broth, which needs to simmer for hours to achieve the right depth of flavor.
To master this dish, I plan to take a systematic approach. First, I’ll enroll in an online course taught by a Japanese chef. Then, I’ll break down the recipe into components – starting with the basic broth, then moving on to the more intricate elements like marinated eggs and chashu. I believe it might take several months to perfect the technique, but I’m thoroughly committed to the learning process.”
Part 3: Discussion Questions
- How have cooking methods changed in recent years?
- Why do some people prefer traditional cooking methods?
- What impact has technology had on cooking?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Modern cooking has undergone a significant transformation with the advent of smart kitchen appliances. While some people still describe a favorite meal you enjoy cooking using traditional methods, others have embraced technological innovations like sous-vide cooking and air fryers.
Traditional cooking methods often hold cultural significance and are believed to preserve authentic flavors. This is particularly true when people want to describe a dish from another country you would like to try.”
Key Vocabulary and Expressions
- Culinary expertise /ˈkʌlɪnəri eksˈpɜːtiz/ (n): cooking skills
- To perfect /pəˈfekt/ (v): to make something perfect
- Time-consuming /taɪm kənˈsjuːmɪŋ/ (adj): taking a lot of time
- To master /ˈmɑːstə/ (v): to become very skilled at
- Intricate /ˈɪntrɪkət/ (adj): complicated or detailed
Remember to use these expressions naturally and practice them in context to achieve a higher band score in your IELTS Speaking test.
