The IELTS Speaking test assesses your ability to communicate effectively in English. Your performance is evaluated based on four key criteria: fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. To excel in this test, you should be able to convey your ideas clearly, use a wide range of vocabulary, structure your sentences properly, and pronounce words correctly.
In this guide, we will explore a common IELTS Speaking Part 2 topic, “Describe A Time When You Tried A New Food,” and provide detailed examples and analysis to help you prepare for the test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner will ask you general questions about yourself and familiar topics, such as your hobbies, studies, or where you live.
Common Questions in Part 1
- What kind of food do you like to eat?
- Do you prefer homemade food or dining out?
- Have you ever tried any foreign cuisine?
Sample Answer for Part 1
Question: Have you ever tried any foreign cuisine?
Answer: Yes, I have tried several foreign cuisines, but one that stands out to me is Japanese sushi. I first tried it at a Japanese restaurant in my hometown. I was intrigued by the presentation and the fact that it’s considered a delicacy in Japan. The flavor was unique, combining the taste of fresh raw fish with vinegared rice, and I absolutely loved it!
Part 2: Long Turn
In Part 2, you will be given a cue card with a topic and some bullet points. You will have one minute to prepare and then you will need to speak for up to two minutes.
Cue Card Example
Describe a time when you tried a new food. You should say:
- What food it was
- Where you ate it
- What it tasted like
- And explain how you felt about trying it
Sample Answer for Part 2
Answer:
One memorable experience of trying a new food was last year when I visited Bangkok, Thailand. I decided to try the famous street food dish called Pad Thai, which is a stir-fried noodle dish. I heard so much about it and saw many locals enjoying it, so I was curious to try it for myself.
I bought it from a small food cart located in a busy night market. The vendor prepared it quickly in a large wok, mixing noodles with shrimp, eggs, bean sprouts, and a rich, tangy sauce made from tamarind paste, fish sauce, and palm sugar.
The first bite was a burst of flavors – sweet, sour, salty, and slightly spicy. The combination of the chewy noodles, crunchy peanuts, and fresh lime was simply amazing. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and felt a sense of excitement and satisfaction. It also made me appreciate Thai cuisine even more and inspired me to try cooking it at home.
Bangkok Street Food
Follow-up Questions (Bullet Points)
Question: Would you recommend this food to a friend?
Answer: Absolutely! I think Pad Thai is a must-try for anyone visiting Thailand. It’s delicious, affordable, and a great way to experience the local culture.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner will ask you more abstract questions related to the topic in Part 2, requiring you to express and justify your opinions.
Example Questions and Answers
Question: How important is it for people to try new foods and cuisines?
Answer: Trying new foods can be very important as it broadens our culinary horizons and helps us understand different cultures. It’s an enjoyable way to explore new flavors and cooking techniques, which can be very enriching.
Question: Do you think food can influence a country’s culture?
Answer: Yes, food is a significant part of a country’s culture. It reflects the history, geography, and traditions of a place. For example, the use of spices in Indian cuisine tells a lot about the country’s history with trade and agriculture.
Tips for Success
- Practice Regularly: Regular practice is crucial to enhance your fluency and confidence in speaking English.
- Expand Your Vocabulary: Learn new words and phrases related to common IELTS topics.
- Record Yourself: Recording your answers can help you analyze and improve your pronunciation, intonation, and pacing.
- Seek Feedback: Get feedback from teachers or native speakers to identify areas for improvement.
- Stay Calm and Confident: Stay relaxed during the test and think of it as a conversation rather than a test.
For more detailed discussions and sample answers on different IELTS topics, you can refer to the following resources Describe a Memorable Journey You Had, What Kind of New Food Have You Tried Recently?, and Spill the Beans.
By effectively preparing and practicing your speaking skills, you can achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test.
