The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about cooking and food, making it essential for test-takers to be prepared to discuss culinary experiences. One common topic is describing a dish you recently learned to cook. This article will guide you through answering such questions effectively, providing sample responses and key vocabulary to help you achieve a high score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about cooking. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

1. Do you enjoy cooking?

Band 6-7 Answer: Yes, I do enjoy cooking. It’s a relaxing activity for me, and I like trying new recipes when I have free time.

Band 8-9 Answer: Absolutely! I find cooking to be an incredibly rewarding experience. Not only does it allow me to unleash my creativity in the kitchen, but it also gives me a sense of accomplishment when I master a new dish. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of sharing a homemade meal with friends and family.

2. How often do you cook?

Band 6-7 Answer: I try to cook at least a few times a week. It depends on how busy I am with work or studies.

Band 8-9 Answer: I make it a point to cook on a regular basis, typically 4-5 times a week. I believe that home-cooked meals are not only healthier but also provide an opportunity to experiment with different flavors and techniques. Even on my busiest days, I try to whip up a quick, nutritious meal rather than resorting to takeout.

Frequency of cooking chart for IELTS Speaking

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a dish you learned to cook recently:

Describe A Dish You Learned To Cook Recently
You should say:

• What the dish is
• Why you decided to learn how to cook it
• How you learned to cook it
• And explain how you felt after cooking it for the first time

Band 6-7 Sample Answer:

The dish I recently learned to cook is spaghetti carbonara. I decided to learn how to make it because I love Italian food, and it seemed like a simple but delicious meal. I learned to cook it by watching some YouTube videos and following a recipe I found online. The process involved cooking the pasta, frying bacon, and mixing eggs with cheese to create the sauce. After cooking it for the first time, I felt pretty happy with the result. It tasted good, and I was proud of myself for trying something new in the kitchen.

Band 8-9 Sample Answer:

The culinary creation I recently added to my repertoire is the classic Italian dish, spaghetti carbonara. I was inspired to master this particular recipe after a memorable trip to Rome, where I indulged in the most exquisite carbonara I’d ever tasted. Determined to recreate that gastronomic experience at home, I embarked on a journey to perfect this seemingly simple yet notoriously tricky dish.

To hone my skills, I delved into various resources. I started by watching acclaimed chefs demonstrate their techniques on cooking shows and YouTube channels. Additionally, I pored over authentic Italian cookbooks and even reached out to a friend’s Italian grandmother for her time-honored tips. The learning process was a delicate balance of understanding the importance of high-quality ingredients – like guanciale and Pecorino Romano – and mastering the technique of creating a creamy sauce without scrambling the eggs.

After multiple attempts and fine-tuning my approach, I finally took the plunge and prepared the dish for my family. As I served the steaming plates of perfectly al dente pasta coated in a silky, rich sauce, I felt a surge of accomplishment. The first bite was a moment of truth, and to my delight, it transported me right back to that charming trattoria in Rome. The harmonious blend of flavors – the saltiness of the pork, the sharpness of the cheese, and the luxurious texture of the sauce – was spot on.

The experience left me feeling utterly elated and profoundly satisfied. Not only had I successfully replicated a beloved dish, but I had also pushed my culinary boundaries and gained a deeper appreciation for the art of Italian cooking. This achievement has fueled my passion for exploring more complex recipes and expanding my culinary horizons.

Homemade spaghetti carbonara on a plate

Examiner’s follow-up questions:

1. Do you think cooking skills are important in today’s society?

Band 6-7 Answer: Yes, I think cooking skills are quite important. They help us eat healthier and save money on dining out. Also, cooking can be a good way to relax and be creative.

Band 8-9 Answer: Absolutely, I believe cooking skills are increasingly valuable in our modern society. In an era of processed foods and busy lifestyles, the ability to prepare nutritious, home-cooked meals is crucial for maintaining good health and fostering family bonds. Moreover, cooking is a life skill that promotes independence, creativity, and cultural understanding. It’s also an excellent way to practice mindfulness and reduce stress. In the long run, cooking at home can lead to significant financial savings and give individuals greater control over their diet and overall well-being.

2. How has technology changed the way people cook?

Band 6-7 Answer: Technology has made cooking easier and more accessible. We can find recipes online quickly, use appliances like slow cookers or air fryers, and even watch cooking videos to learn new techniques. It’s also easier to measure ingredients accurately with digital scales.

Band 8-9 Answer: Technology has revolutionized the culinary landscape in numerous ways. Smart appliances have made cooking more precise and efficient, with features like temperature control and pre-programmed settings for various dishes. The internet has democratized access to recipes and cooking techniques from around the world, allowing home cooks to expand their culinary horizons without leaving their kitchens. Social media platforms and cooking apps have created vibrant communities where people can share recipes, tips, and food photography, fostering a global exchange of culinary knowledge. Additionally, innovations like sous-vide cooking and molecular gastronomy have brought restaurant-quality techniques into home kitchens, enabling amateur cooks to achieve professional results.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to cooking and food. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

1. How do you think cooking habits have changed in recent years?

Band 6-7 Answer: I think people are cooking more varied dishes now because they can easily find recipes online. There’s also more interest in healthy eating and international cuisines. Many people are trying to cook at home more to save money and eat better.

Band 8-9 Answer: Cooking habits have undergone a significant transformation in recent years, largely driven by technological advancements and changing societal values. We’ve seen a marked shift towards more health-conscious cooking, with many people embracing plant-based diets or focusing on nutrient-dense ingredients. The rise of food blogging and social media influencers has sparked interest in gourmet home cooking and food presentation, encouraging people to experiment with diverse cuisines and techniques.

Additionally, the global pandemic has reinvigorated the trend of home cooking, with many rediscovering the joys of preparing meals from scratch. There’s also been an increased emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, such as using locally sourced ingredients and reducing food waste. These changes reflect a broader cultural shift towards viewing cooking not just as a necessity, but as a form of self-expression and a way to connect with others.

2. Do you think traditional cooking methods are being lost?

Band 6-7 Answer: Yes, I think some traditional cooking methods are being lost as people prefer quicker, more convenient ways of cooking. However, there’s also a growing interest in preserving traditional recipes and techniques, especially among food enthusiasts.

Band 8-9 Answer: While there is certainly a risk of traditional cooking methods fading in our fast-paced, technology-driven world, I believe we’re also witnessing a concurrent revival of these time-honored techniques. On one hand, the convenience of modern appliances and pre-prepared meals has led to a decline in the practice of certain labor-intensive or time-consuming cooking methods. However, there’s also a growing appreciation for artisanal and authentic culinary practices.

Many chefs and food enthusiasts are actively working to preserve and promote traditional cooking techniques, recognizing their cultural significance and often superior results. We’re seeing a resurgence of interest in practices like fermentation, slow cooking, and hand-milling grains. Cooking shows, documentaries, and food tourism are also playing a crucial role in keeping these traditions alive by educating the public about their importance and encouraging people to incorporate them into modern cooking. This balance between innovation and tradition is shaping the future of cuisine, ensuring that while we embrace new technologies, we don’t lose touch with our culinary roots.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To boost your IELTS Speaking score when describing a dish you learned to cook, incorporate these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:

1. Culinary adventure /ˈkʌlɪnəri ədˈventʃə/ (noun): An exploration of new foods or cooking techniques.
   Example: Learning to make sushi was a real culinary adventure for me.

2. To perfect (a dish) /pəˈfekt/ (verb): To make something as good as possible through practice.
   Example: It took me several attempts to perfect my risotto recipe.

3. Gastronomic delight /ˌɡæstrəˈnɒmɪk dɪˈlaɪt/ (noun phrase): A food that is extremely pleasing to eat.
   Example: The homemade tiramisu was an absolute gastronomic delight.

4. To master (a technique) /ˈmɑːstə/ (verb): To gain complete knowledge or skill in a particular subject.
   Example: After many practice sessions, I finally mastered the art of making croissants.

5. Flavor profile /ˈfleɪvə ˈprəʊfaɪl/ (noun phrase): The combination of flavors in a dish.
   Example: The curry had a complex flavor profile, with hints of cumin and coriander.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a dish you learned to cook:

1. Use a wide range of vocabulary related to cooking and food.
2. Provide detailed descriptions of the cooking process and your emotions.
3. Use idiomatic expressions and advanced grammatical structures naturally.
4. Speak fluently and coherently, organizing your ideas logically.
5. Show enthusiasm and engage with the topic to demonstrate your language skills fully.

Remember, practice is key. Try describing different dishes you’ve cooked to friends or language partners to build confidence and fluency. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!

describe a skill you have mastered can be another interesting topic to explore in your IELTS Speaking practice. Whether it’s a cooking technique or any other skill, being able to articulate your learning process and achievements is crucial for success in the test.