The topic of describing a special family dish is a popular one in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess a candidate’s ability to discuss personal experiences, cultural traditions, and culinary knowledge. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests due to its universal appeal and cultural significance.
Describe a favorite tradition in your family can often involve special dishes, making it essential to be prepared for this type of question. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions about a dish that is special to your family across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about food and family meals. Here are some common questions and a sample answer:
Q: Do you enjoy cooking?
A: (Band 7-8) Absolutely, I find cooking to be both relaxing and creative. There’s something incredibly satisfying about transforming raw ingredients into a delicious meal. I particularly enjoy experimenting with different flavors and techniques, especially when preparing dishes that have been passed down through my family.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a dish that is special to your family
You should say:
- What the dish is
- How it is prepared
- When your family usually eats this dish
- And explain why this dish is special to your family
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
The dish that holds a special place in my family’s heart is Grandmother’s Secret Recipe Pho, a traditional Vietnamese noodle soup. This aromatic and comforting dish has been passed down through generations in our family.
The preparation of this dish is quite intricate and time-consuming. It starts with simmering beef bones and aromatic spices like star anise, cinnamon, and cloves for several hours to create a rich, flavorful broth. While the broth is cooking, we prepare the thinly sliced beef, fresh rice noodles, and an assortment of herbs such as Thai basil, cilantro, and mint. The final touch is a squeeze of lime and a dash of chili sauce, which adds a perfect balance of acidity and heat.
Our family typically enjoys this dish during special occasions and family gatherings, particularly during the Lunar New Year celebration. It’s become a cherished tradition to have the whole family gather around the table, each person customizing their bowl with their preferred combination of herbs and condiments.
This dish is special to our family for several reasons. Firstly, it represents our cultural heritage and helps us maintain a connection to our Vietnamese roots. Secondly, the process of preparing and sharing the meal brings us together, creating precious moments of bonding and conversation. Lastly, it serves as a tangible link to our grandmother, who originally perfected the recipe. Every time we enjoy this dish, we’re reminded of her love and the importance of preserving family traditions.
Follow-up questions:
Q: How has this dish evolved over the years in your family?
A: (Band 8-9) Over time, we’ve made subtle adjustments to accommodate changing tastes and dietary preferences. For instance, we now offer a vegetarian version with mushroom broth and tofu, ensuring that everyone can partake in this cherished tradition. Additionally, we’ve experimented with sourcing organic, locally-produced ingredients to enhance the flavor and align with our family’s growing interest in sustainable eating practices.
Q: Do you think traditional family recipes are at risk of being lost in modern society?
A: (Band 8-9) While there is a valid concern about the potential loss of traditional recipes in our fast-paced, convenience-oriented society, I believe there’s also a growing appreciation for culinary heritage. Many people are making concerted efforts to document and preserve family recipes, often sharing them on social media or food blogs. This digital preservation, combined with a renewed interest in cooking at home, particularly among younger generations, may actually help safeguard these culinary traditions for the future.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q: How do you think globalization has affected traditional cuisines around the world?
A: (Band 7-8) Globalization has had a significant impact on traditional cuisines worldwide. On one hand, it has led to a wonderful exchange of culinary ideas and ingredients, allowing chefs and home cooks to experiment with fusion cuisines and create exciting new dishes. This has broadened our palates and introduced us to flavors we might never have experienced otherwise.
However, there’s also a concern that this global mixing could lead to a homogenization of food cultures, potentially causing some traditional dishes to be forgotten or altered beyond recognition. That being said, I believe many communities are becoming more aware of the importance of preserving their culinary heritage as a response to globalization, leading to a renewed interest in local and traditional foods.
(Band 8-9) Moreover, globalization has sparked a dialectical relationship between local and global culinary trends. While we see the proliferation of international fast-food chains, we also witness a counter-movement emphasizing local, artisanal, and traditional foods. This tension has actually reinvigorated interest in many traditional cuisines, as people seek to reconnect with their cultural roots through food. Consequently, globalization has paradoxically both threatened and strengthened traditional cuisines, creating a complex and dynamic global food landscape.
Describe a meal you would like to cook for a special occasion is another topic that allows you to showcase your culinary knowledge and cultural awareness in the IELTS Speaking test.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test when discussing special family dishes, consider using the following vocabulary and phrases:
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Culinary heritage (noun) – /ˈkʌlɪnəri ˈherɪtɪdʒ/ – the traditional dishes and cooking methods of a particular culture or family
Example: “Our grandmother’s pho recipe is an important part of our culinary heritage.” -
Aromatic (adjective) – /ˌærəˈmætɪk/ – having a pleasant and distinctive smell
Example: “The aromatic spices in the broth fill the whole house with a wonderful scent.” -
Time-honored (adjective) – /taɪm ˈɒnəd/ – respected or valued because it has existed for a long time
Example: “We follow time-honored techniques when preparing this special dish.” -
To pass down (phrasal verb) – /pɑːs daʊn/ – to transmit something, especially a tradition or knowledge, to younger people
Example: “This recipe has been passed down through several generations in our family.” -
Comfort food (noun) – /ˈkʌmfət fuːd/ – food that provides consolation or a feeling of well-being
Example: “For many of us, this dish is the ultimate comfort food, reminding us of home and family.”
Describe a recent family gathering often involves discussing special meals, so these vocabulary items can be useful for that topic as well.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a special family dish:
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Practice describing the dish in detail, focusing on its appearance, aroma, taste, and texture. This will demonstrate your ability to use a wide range of descriptive language.
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Prepare personal anecdotes related to the dish, such as memories of preparing it with family members or special occasions when it was served. This adds authenticity and depth to your response.
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Be ready to discuss the cultural significance of the dish, linking it to broader themes such as tradition, family values, or national identity.
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Work on your pronunciation and fluency, particularly with food-related vocabulary and any specific terms related to your family’s cuisine.
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Develop your ideas fully, providing examples and explanations to support your points. This is especially important in Part 3 discussions.
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Use a range of grammatical structures and tenses when discussing the dish’s history, preparation, and significance to showcase your language proficiency.
By following these tips and incorporating the suggested vocabulary, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss your family’s special dish in the IELTS Speaking test, potentially leading to a higher band score.
Describe a unique custom in your culture can often involve special dishes as well, so being prepared to discuss food in various cultural contexts is valuable for the IELTS Speaking test.