The topic of describing a new food experience is a common and engaging theme in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows candidates to showcase their vocabulary, cultural knowledge, and ability to express personal experiences. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests due to its universal appeal and relatability.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about food and eating habits. Here are some possible questions and a sample answer:
Question: Do you like trying new foods?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely! I’m quite adventurous when it comes to food. I relish the opportunity to expand my culinary horizons and experience different flavors and textures. Trying new foods is not just about satisfying hunger; it’s a way to explore different cultures and broaden my perspective on global cuisines.”
IELTS Speaking candidate discussing new foods
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Cue Card:
Describe a food you tried for the first time
You should say:
- What the food was
- When and where you tried it
- Who you were with
- And explain how you felt about this new food
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about the first time I tried sushi, which is a traditional Japanese dish. I remember it clearly because it was quite an eye-opening experience for me.
I tried sushi for the first time about two years ago when I went to a Japanese restaurant with my best friend. We had just finished our exams and wanted to celebrate by trying something new and exciting.
The restaurant was beautifully decorated with traditional Japanese elements, which added to the whole experience. My friend, who had tried sushi before, encouraged me to be open-minded and give it a shot.
At first, I was a bit hesitant because the idea of eating raw fish seemed strange to me. However, when I took my first bite, I was pleasantly surprised. The combination of flavors and textures was unlike anything I had tasted before. The rice was perfectly seasoned, and the fish was incredibly fresh.
Overall, I felt quite adventurous for trying something so different from my usual diet. It was a mixture of excitement and nervousness, but in the end, I found that I really enjoyed sushi. This experience taught me the importance of being open to new culinary adventures and not judging food before trying it.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to recount my first encounter with a rather exotic delicacy known as durian, often referred to as the ‘king of fruits’ in Southeast Asia. This memorable culinary experience took place during my backpacking adventure in Thailand last summer.
I was exploring the vibrant streets of Bangkok with a local guide I had befriended, and we stumbled upon a bustling night market. The pungent aroma of durian permeated the air, instantly piquing my curiosity. My guide, noticing my interest, insisted that I try this controversial fruit, assuring me it was an essential part of Thai culture.
Initially, I was somewhat apprehensive due to the fruit’s notoriously strong odor, which has led to its ban in many public places. However, I decided to embrace the challenge and expand my gastronomic horizons.
As I took my first bite, I was struck by the complexity of flavors and textures. The creamy, custard-like flesh had a unique blend of sweet and savory notes, with hints of almond and caramel. It was an acquired taste, to say the least, but I found myself intrigued by its peculiar charm.
This experience was truly eye-opening and taught me the value of stepping out of my comfort zone. It reinforced my belief that cultural immersion through food is one of the most enriching aspects of travel. While I can’t say I became an instant durian enthusiast, I gained a newfound appreciation for the diversity of global cuisines and the importance of keeping an open mind when it comes to trying new foods.”
IELTS candidate describing first experience with durian
Follow-up Questions:
- How did this experience change your attitude towards trying new foods?
- Would you recommend this food to others? Why or why not?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“This experience profoundly impacted my approach to trying new foods. It instilled in me a sense of culinary adventure and opened my eyes to the vast world of flavors out there. Now, I’m much more inclined to step out of my comfort zone and sample local specialties whenever I travel.
As for recommending durian, I would encourage others to try it, but with a caveat. It’s undeniably an acquired taste, and not everyone might appreciate its unique flavor profile. However, I believe it’s worth experiencing at least once, as it offers insight into Southeast Asian culture and challenges one’s preconceptions about food. It’s a perfect example of how food can be a gateway to understanding different cultures and broadening one’s horizons.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: How do you think globalization has affected people’s eating habits?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Globalization has undoubtedly had a significant impact on people’s eating habits worldwide. On one hand, it has introduced a wide variety of international cuisines to local markets, allowing people to experience flavors from across the globe without leaving their hometown. This has led to a more diverse and exciting food scene in many countries.
However, it has also contributed to the homogenization of food cultures to some extent. Fast food chains and global brands have become ubiquitous, sometimes overshadowing local culinary traditions. This can be both good and bad – while it provides consistency and familiarity for travelers, it may also lead to a loss of unique local food identities.
Moreover, globalization has raised awareness about nutrition and dietary habits from different parts of the world. For instance, the popularity of the Mediterranean diet or the increasing interest in plant-based eating are partly due to global information exchange. This has encouraged many people to adopt healthier eating habits.
On the flip side, it has also facilitated the spread of less healthy eating patterns, such as the increased consumption of processed foods in some developing countries. Overall, I believe globalization has both enriched and challenged traditional eating habits, creating a more complex and interconnected global food culture.”
Examiner: Do you think it’s important for people to maintain their traditional cuisine in the face of globalization?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely, I believe it’s crucial to maintain traditional cuisines amidst the wave of globalization, and there are several compelling reasons for this.
Firstly, traditional cuisine is an integral part of cultural identity. It embodies the history, values, and practices of a community, often passed down through generations. Preserving these culinary traditions helps to maintain a connection with one’s heritage and fosters a sense of belonging. In an increasingly globalized world, this cultural anchor becomes even more important.
Secondly, traditional cuisines often reflect the local environment and available resources. They are usually based on sustainable practices that have evolved over centuries to make the best use of local ingredients. Maintaining these food traditions can contribute to environmental sustainability and support local economies.
Moreover, traditional cuisines offer a wealth of knowledge about nutrition and health. Many traditional dishes are based on a balanced combination of ingredients that provide essential nutrients. This wisdom, accumulated over generations, can be invaluable in addressing modern health challenges.
However, it’s important to note that preserving traditional cuisine doesn’t mean resisting all change. Culinary traditions can evolve and incorporate new elements while still maintaining their essence. The key is to find a balance between preservation and innovation.
In conclusion, while embracing the diversity that globalization brings to our plates, we should also strive to keep our traditional cuisines alive. They are not just about food, but about preserving culture, supporting sustainability, and maintaining diverse knowledge systems. It’s about celebrating our differences in an increasingly homogenized world.”
Balancing traditional cuisine with global influences
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
Culinary adventure /ˈkʌlɪnəri ədˈventʃə(r)/ (noun phrase): An exploration of new and exciting foods.
Example: “Trying street food in Bangkok was a real culinary adventure.”Gastronomic /ˌɡæstrəˈnɒmɪk/ (adjective): Related to the art of cooking and eating good food.
Example: “The city is known for its gastronomic delights.”Pungent /ˈpʌndʒənt/ (adjective): Having a strong, sharp smell or taste.
Example: “The pungent aroma of the spices filled the kitchen.”Acquired taste /əˈkwaɪəd teɪst/ (noun phrase): Something that you begin to like only after trying it several times.
Example: “Coffee is often an acquired taste for many people.”Palate /ˈpælət/ (noun): A person’s ability to distinguish between and appreciate different flavors.
Example: “Traveling has really helped to educate my palate.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing food experiences:
- Use a variety of descriptive adjectives to vividly portray the food and your experience.
- Incorporate idiomatic expressions and advanced vocabulary related to food and taste.
- Structure your answer logically, covering all points mentioned in the cue card.
- Express your personal opinions and feelings about the experience.
- Practice speaking about different types of food and cuisines to build your confidence and fluency.
Remember, the key to a high score is not just in what you say, but how you say it. Aim for clear pronunciation, natural intonation, and a good range of grammatical structures. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!
For more practice on describing personal experiences, you might find it helpful to describe a memorable day you spent with friends. This can help you improve your ability to narrate events and express emotions, which are valuable skills for the IELTS Speaking test.