As an IELTS instructor with over two decades of experience, I’ve encountered countless questions about the Speaking test. One that often arises is how to tackle questions about cooking, particularly the dreaded, “What food can you cook best?” While seemingly simple, this question can trip up even the most confident English speaker if they’re not prepared.

This article will guide you on how to confidently answer this question, showcasing your language skills and leaving a positive impression on the examiner.

Why this Question Matters in Your IELTS Speaking Test

The IELTS Speaking test evaluates your ability to communicate effectively in English. While vocabulary related to food and cooking might seem trivial, this question assesses several key skills:

1. Fluency and Coherence:

The examiner wants to see how smoothly and logically you can describe a process (cooking) and express your thoughts.

2. Lexical Resource:

This is your chance to shine by using a range of vocabulary related to food, cooking methods, ingredients, and even flavors.

3. Grammatical Range and Accuracy:

Using a variety of grammatical structures correctly showcases your command of the English language. Think about using conditionals (“If I have time…”), the passive voice (“The dish is prepared…”), or relative clauses (“My grandmother, who taught me to cook…”).

Crafting Your Delicious Response

1. Choose Your Dish Wisely

The dish you choose doesn’t have to be extravagant. Opt for something you genuinely enjoy cooking and can describe with enthusiasm. Familiarity allows you to speak more naturally and confidently.

2. Structure Your Answer

A structured response is key to a high score. Consider this framework:

• Introduction: Briefly introduce the dish and mention why you chose it.

  • “The dish I cook best is probably [dish name]. It’s a family recipe that’s been passed down for generations, and I always enjoy making it.”

• Main Body: Describe the cooking process step-by-step using vivid language.

  • “First, I finely chop some onions and garlic. Then, I sauté them in olive oil until they’re fragrant and golden.”

• Add Details: Include sensory details (taste, smell, texture) to make your description more engaging.

  • “The aroma of the spices fills the whole house, and the final dish is a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors.”

• Personal Touch: Share a personal anecdote or connection you have with the dish.

  • “I often cook this dish for special occasions, and it always reminds me of my childhood.”

3. Example Answer:

“If I had to choose one dish I cook best, it would have to be spaghetti carbonara. It might seem simple, but I find it incredibly satisfying to prepare. I start by rendering pancetta until it’s crispy, then I whisk eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, and a touch of black pepper in a separate bowl. The trick is to work quickly once the pasta is cooked al dente. You toss the hot pasta with the pancetta and fat, then stir in the egg mixture off the heat to create a silky smooth sauce. It’s absolutely delicious and always a hit with friends and family.”

Spaghetti Carbonara

Tips for Success:

• Practice makes perfect: Rehearse your answer beforehand, focusing on fluency and pronunciation.
• Expand your vocabulary: Learn a range of cooking verbs, ingredients, and descriptive words related to taste and texture.
• Don’t be afraid to be personal: Sharing a story or memory connected to the dish makes your answer more engaging and memorable.

Final Thoughts

Remember, the “What food can you cook best” question is an opportunity to showcase your language skills and personality. By preparing a well-structured, detailed, and engaging answer, you can impress the examiner and boost your IELTS Speaking score. Good luck, and happy cooking!