Similar to describe a dish you tried that was unusual, questions about cooking and food preparation frequently appear in IELTS Speaking tests. This topic allows candidates to demonstrate their vocabulary range and ability to describe processes clearly.
Part 1: Introduction Questions
Common questions include:
- Do you enjoy cooking?
- How often do you cook at home?
- Who taught you how to cook?
- What’s your favorite dish to prepare?
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 basics from my grandmother, who was incredibly skilled at traditional cooking. These days, I make it a point to cook at least four times a week, as I find it both therapeutic and rewarding.”
Part 2: Cue Card
Describe a local dish you enjoy cooking
You should say:
- What the dish is
- How you learned to cook it
- What ingredients are needed
- And explain why you enjoy cooking this particular dish
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I want to talk about Pho, a Vietnamese noodle soup that I really like cooking. I learned to make it from my mother about two years ago. The main ingredients are rice noodles, beef or chicken, and various spices like star anise and cinnamon. We need bean sprouts and herbs too. I enjoy cooking it because it reminds me of family gatherings. The process takes about 3 hours, but the result is worth it.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share my experience cooking traditional Vietnamese Pho, which has become my signature dish. I initially picked up the basics from my mother, but I’ve since refined my technique through countless attempts and research. The dish requires meticulous preparation of various components: carefully selected beef bones for the broth, aromatic spices like star anise, cinnamon, and cardamom, and fresh herbs such as Thai basil and cilantro. What particularly captivates me about cooking Pho is how it represents the perfect harmony between different flavors and textures. The process is rather time-consuming, typically taking 6-8 hours for the broth alone, but I find it incredibly meditative and deeply satisfying.”
For those interested in describe a favorite food from your childhood, similar descriptive techniques can be applied.
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q: How have cooking methods changed in recent years?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Modern cooking methods have undergone a significant transformation in recent years. With the advent of smart kitchen appliances and air fryers, people are increasingly gravitating towards healthier cooking methods. However, I believe there’s also a parallel movement of people reverting to traditional cooking techniques, seeking to preserve cultural heritage through food preparation.”
Modern and traditional cooking methods side by side
Just as describe a dish you would like to learn how to cook demonstrates aspirational cooking interests, discussing current cooking methods shows awareness of culinary trends.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
- Meticulous preparation /məˈtɪkjʊləs/ (adj): Showing great attention to detail
- Refined technique (phrase): Improved and perfected method
- Aromatic spices (phrase): Fragrant seasonings
- Culinary heritage (phrase): Food-related cultural traditions
- Time-consuming (adj): Requiring a lot of time
- Therapeutic /ˌθerəˈpjuːtɪk/ (adj): Having a beneficial effect on body or mind
Examiner’s Tips
- Use specific cooking terminology
- Describe processes clearly and chronologically
- Include personal experiences and emotions
- Demonstrate awareness of cultural significance
- Support main points with relevant examples
Similar to how you might describe a favorite restaurant in your city, focus on providing vivid details and personal connections when describing your cooking experiences.
