As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I often get asked about common IELTS Speaking topics. One question that frequently arises is: “What was the last meal you cooked?”. While seemingly simple, this question can help the examiner assess your vocabulary, fluency, and ability to elaborate on personal experiences. This article will delve into how to effectively answer “What was the last meal you cooked?” and other related questions in your IELTS Speaking test.

Understanding the Task

The examiner isn’t simply interested in the name of the dish you last prepared. They want to see how well you can:

• Use a range of vocabulary related to food and cooking.
• Describe a process clearly and sequentially.
• Express your likes, dislikes, and reasons behind them.
• Maintain a natural and engaging conversation.

Answering “What Was the Last Meal You Cooked?”

1. Choose a Dish You Can Describe Well

Select a meal that you genuinely enjoy cooking and talking about. Ideally, it should be a dish with a few steps involved so you can demonstrate your vocabulary and fluency. Avoid overly simple or complex recipes.

2. Structure Your Answer

A structured answer is easier for the examiner to follow and showcases your organization skills. Consider this framework:

• Introduction: Briefly mention the dish and when you last cooked it.
  • “The last meal I cooked was spaghetti carbonara, which I made just a couple of nights ago.”
• Ingredients and Preparation: Describe the key ingredients and the basic steps involved in cooking the dish.
  • “It’s a classic Italian dish with a creamy sauce. I started by frying some pancetta until crispy, then added garlic and cooked it for a minute. In the meantime, I cooked the spaghetti al dente.”
• Personal Touch: Share a detail that makes your version of the dish special or your own. This could be a family recipe, a unique ingredient, or a personal preference.
  • “I like to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of a kick. It’s how my grandmother used to make it.”
• Outcome and Feelings: Briefly describe how the meal turned out and how you felt about it.
  • “It turned out delicious! My family loved it, and it was really satisfying to see everyone enjoying a meal I had cooked.”

3. Use Vivid Language

Instead of basic verbs like “cook” or “put”, try using more descriptive alternatives:

• Instead of “cook”: simmer, sauté, sear, roast, bake, grill, whisk, fold
• Instead of “put”: sprinkle, drizzle, garnish, mix, combine, stir

Spaghetti Carbonara

4. Be Prepared for Follow-Up Questions

The examiner will likely ask you follow-up questions to keep the conversation going. These might include:

• Do you enjoy cooking? Why or why not?
• Who usually does the cooking in your household?
• What kind of food did you eat growing up?
• Do you think it’s important for people to learn how to cook?

Think about possible follow-up questions related to your chosen dish and prepare some thoughtful responses.

Example Answer

Let’s put it all together with a sample answer:

Examiner: What was the last meal you cooked?

Candidate: “The last meal I cooked was chicken stir-fry, which is a regular in our house because it’s quick and easy to make. I started by marinating bite-sized chicken pieces in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. While the chicken was marinating, I chopped up some colorful vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and broccoli. Then, I stir-fried the chicken in a wok until it was golden brown and cooked through. Next, I added the vegetables and stir-fried them until they were tender-crisp. To finish it off, I tossed everything together with a savory sauce made with oyster sauce, soy sauce, and a touch of honey. It’s always a hit with my family, and I love that it’s a healthier alternative to takeout.”

Tips for Success

• Practice Makes Perfect: Practice describing the cooking process and your chosen dish to build fluency and confidence. Record yourself speaking to identify areas for improvement.
• Expand Your Vocabulary: Learn a variety of words related to food, cooking methods, tastes, and textures.
• Be Authentic: Choose a dish and describe it in a way that reflects your genuine experience and preferences.
• Relax and Enjoy the Conversation: Speaking about a familiar topic like cooking should be enjoyable. Let your personality shine through and engage with the examiner naturally.

Remember, the IELTS Speaking test evaluates your ability to communicate effectively in English. By preparing thoughtfully, using vivid language, and demonstrating your passion for the topic, you can impress the examiner and achieve your desired score.