Describe a Person Who is Very Good at Cooking – IELTS Speaking Preparation

The IELTS Speaking test evaluates how effectively you can communicate in English. The examiners assess a range of criteria including fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, and pronunciation. One common speaking prompt is “Describe A Person Who Is Very Good At Cooking.” This prompt touches on descriptive skills, personal experiences, and the ability to articulate details.

II. Main Content

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, you’re asked to introduce yourself and answer general questions. Here are some typical questions:

1. Can you cook?
2. How often do you cook?
3. What’s your favorite dish to prepare?

Sample Response:

Examiner: Can you cook?

Candidate: Yes, I enjoy cooking. I find it therapeutic and it allows me to be creative with different ingredients. While I’m not a professional chef, I think I’m fairly good at preparing a variety of dishes.

Part 2: Cue Card

Here’s a sample cue card for this topic.

Cue Card:

Describe a person who is very good at cooking.
You should say:

• Who this person is
• How you know him/her
• What kinds of food he/she cooks
• And explain why this person is very good at cooking

Sample Answer:

The person I’d like to describe is my aunt, Lisa. I have known her all my life, and she is arguably the best cook in our family. She specializes in Italian cuisine, whipping up everything from hearty lasagna to delicate tiramisu with remarkable skill. What sets her apart is her meticulous attention to detail and her passion for fresh ingredients. For instance, she makes her own pasta from scratch, which is nothing short of impressive. Her culinary creations are not just food but an experience, leaving everyone eagerly anticipating the next family dinner. Her ability to balance flavors effortlessly and adapt recipes based on the ingredients she has on hand is truly inspiring.

Italian Dinner Spread

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the conversation becomes more abstract and detailed.

Examiner: What are the skills needed to become a good cook?

Candidate: To become a good cook, one must possess a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Understanding flavor profiles and having a keen sense of taste are essential. Furthermore, patience and an ability to follow the recipe meticulously are indispensable. Over time, developing a sort of culinary intuition helps, allowing cooks to adapt recipes and invent new dishes.

Examiner: Do you think it’s important to teach children how to cook?

Candidate: Certainly. Teaching children to cook imparts valuable life skills. It encourages healthy eating habits, fosters independence, and can even be a way for families to bond. Moreover, cooking can help children learn about different cultures and cuisines, cultivating an appreciation for diversity.

III. Vocabulary and Structures for High Scores

Key Vocabulary:

1. Meticulous /məˈtɪkjʊləs/ (adj.): showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise.

   • Example: She is meticulous about every ingredient she uses.

2. Culinary /ˈkʌlɪnəri/ (adj.): relating to cooking.

   • Example: He enrolled in a culinary school to become a chef.

3. Hearty /ˈhɑːti/ (adj.): wholesome and substantial.

   • Example: Her hearty lasagna is a family favorite.

4. Balance flavors (verb phrase): to combine different tastes in a way that is harmonious.

   • Example: She has the ability to expertly balance flavors in her dishes.

5. Intuition /ɪntjʊˈɪʃ(ə)n/ (noun): the ability to understand something immediately, without the need for conscious reasoning.

   • Example: Over the years, she has developed a culinary intuition.

Useful Structures:

1. Relative Clauses:

   • Example: The person who I’d like to describe is my aunt.

2. Complex Sentences:

   • Example: Not only does she make her own pasta from scratch, but she also ensures all ingredients are fresh.

3. Comparative Structures:

   • Example: What sets her apart is her meticulous attention to detail.

IV. Examiner’s Tips and Recommendations

1. Practice Regularly: Consistent practice will help you become more fluent.
2. Focus on Pronunciation: Clear pronunciation is critical for a high band score.
3. Use a Variety of Vocabulary: Demonstrating a range of vocabulary shows proficiency.
4. Be Confident and Calm: Stress can impact your performance negatively. Practice relaxation techniques.

By incorporating these strategies and practicing with the provided sample answers, you can enhance your speaking abilities and improve your chances of scoring highly on the IELTS Speaking test.