The topic of describing a favorite dish is a popular one in IELTS Speaking exams, particularly in Part 2. This subject allows candidates to showcase their vocabulary, fluency, and ability to structure a coherent response. Given its relevance to everyday life and cultural experiences, it’s likely to remain a common theme in future IELTS tests.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask some general questions about food and cooking. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Examiner: Do you enjoy cooking?
Candidate: Absolutely. I find cooking to be a therapeutic and creative outlet. There’s something incredibly satisfying about transforming raw ingredients into a delicious meal. Plus, I love experimenting with different flavors and techniques to expand my culinary repertoire.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card for the Long Turn section:
Describe a favorite dish you like to prepare
You should say:
- What the dish is
- How you learned to make it
- What ingredients are needed
- And explain why you enjoy preparing this dish
Band 6-7 Response:
One of my favorite dishes to prepare is spaghetti carbonara. I learned how to make it from an Italian friend when I was studying abroad. The main ingredients are spaghetti, eggs, Parmesan cheese, pancetta, and black pepper. To make it, you cook the pasta, fry the pancetta, and then mix everything together with the eggs and cheese to create a creamy sauce.
I really enjoy preparing this dish because it’s relatively simple but incredibly tasty. There’s a certain satisfaction in getting the timing right so that the eggs don’t scramble but create a smooth sauce. It’s also a great dish to share with friends, and I love seeing their reactions when they taste it for the first time.
Band 8-9 Response:
My absolute favorite dish to prepare is a classic Italian spaghetti carbonara. I had the privilege of learning this culinary gem from a seasoned chef during a gastronomic tour of Rome. The beauty of carbonara lies in its simplicity and authenticity, requiring just a handful of high-quality ingredients: al dente spaghetti, freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese, premium guanciale, farm-fresh eggs, and a generous grind of black pepper.
The preparation process is a delicate dance of timing and technique. The key lies in expertly tempering the eggs with the pasta’s residual heat to create a silky, luxurious sauce without scrambling. What truly captivates me about preparing this dish is the opportunity to elevate simple ingredients into a harmonious symphony of flavors and textures. There’s an immense satisfaction in mastering the nuances of this apparently simple yet deceptively complex dish.
Moreover, carbonara holds a special place in my heart as it evokes fond memories of my time in Italy and serves as a conduit for cultural exchange when I prepare it for friends and family. It’s not just a meal; it’s a celebration of culinary tradition and the power of food to bring people together.
Follow-up questions:
Examiner: How often do you prepare this dish?
Band 6-7 Response: I try to make carbonara at least once a month. It’s become a bit of a tradition for my friends and me to get together for a pasta night, and carbonara is often the star of the show.
Band 8-9 Response: I make a point of preparing carbonara on a regular basis, typically bi-weekly. It’s become something of a ritualistic culinary practice for me, allowing me to continually refine my technique and experiment with subtle variations. Additionally, it’s become a cherished tradition among my social circle, often serving as the centerpiece for our gastronomic gatherings.
Examiner: Have you ever had any disasters while cooking this dish?
Band 6-7 Response: Oh, definitely! When I was first learning to make carbonara, I accidentally scrambled the eggs a few times. It was pretty disappointing, but it taught me the importance of temperature control in cooking.
Band 8-9 Response: Indeed, I have. In my early attempts at mastering this dish, I encountered a few culinary mishaps. The most memorable disaster occurred when I inadvertently overheated the pasta, resulting in a rather unappetizing scrambled egg pasta instead of the silky carbonara I was aiming for. However, these setbacks proved invaluable, as they underscored the critical importance of precise temperature control and timing in achieving the perfect consistency.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: How has globalization affected traditional cuisine in your country?
Band 6-7 Response: Globalization has had a significant impact on traditional cuisine in my country. We now have access to a wide variety of international ingredients and dishes. While this has enriched our culinary landscape, it has also led to some traditional dishes becoming less popular, especially among younger generations.
Band 8-9 Response: Globalization has undeniably revolutionized the culinary landscape of my country, ushering in a myriad of changes. On one hand, it has exponentially expanded our access to diverse ingredients and cooking techniques, fostering a new wave of fusion cuisines that blend traditional flavors with international influences. This cross-pollination of culinary ideas has undoubtedly enriched our gastronomic repertoire.
However, this culinary globalization is a double-edged sword. While it has broadened our palates, it has also posed challenges to the preservation of traditional cuisines. Some time-honored dishes are at risk of fading into obscurity, particularly among the younger generation who are increasingly drawn to international flavors. This has sparked a movement to revitalize and reimagine traditional recipes, striking a delicate balance between honoring culinary heritage and embracing global influences.
Examiner: Do you think it’s important for people to know how to cook?
Band 6-7 Response: Yes, I think knowing how to cook is very important. It allows people to eat healthier by controlling what goes into their meals. It’s also a valuable life skill that can save money and provide a sense of independence. Plus, cooking can be a great way to relax and express creativity.
Band 8-9 Response: I firmly believe that culinary literacy is not just important, but essential in today’s world. The ability to cook empowers individuals on multiple levels. Firstly, it grants autonomy over one’s nutrition, allowing for informed decisions about ingredient quality and nutritional content, which is paramount in an era plagued by diet-related health issues.
Moreover, cooking transcends mere sustenance; it’s a fundamental life skill that fosters independence, financial savvy, and resourcefulness. In a broader context, culinary knowledge serves as a gateway to cultural understanding and preservation. It allows individuals to connect with their heritage, explore diverse traditions, and participate in the cultural exchange that food facilitates.
describe a holiday tradition in your family
Additionally, in our fast-paced, often disconnected world, the act of cooking can be profoundly therapeutic, offering a mindful respite from daily stressors. It provides a creative outlet that nurtures both body and soul, and when shared, becomes a powerful tool for building and strengthening relationships. Thus, cooking skills are not just about feeding oneself, but about nourishing communities, preserving cultures, and promoting overall well-being.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
-
Culinary (adjective) /ˈkʌlɪnəri/ – relating to cooking
Example: Her culinary skills are exceptional. -
Gastronomic (adjective) /ˌɡæstrəˈnɒmɪk/ – relating to good food
Example: The city is known for its gastronomic delights. -
Al dente (adjective) /æl ˈdenteɪ/ – cooked so as to be still firm when bitten
Example: The pasta should be cooked al dente for the best texture. -
To elevate (verb) /ˈelɪveɪt/ – to raise or lift up, especially in status or quality
Example: Her unique spice blend elevates even the simplest dishes. -
Harmonious (adjective) /hɑːˈməʊniəs/ – forming a pleasing or consistent whole
Example: The chef created a harmonious blend of flavors in the dish.
describe a unique family tradition you have
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a favorite dish:
- Use varied vocabulary: Incorporate culinary terms and descriptive adjectives to bring your dish to life.
- Provide detailed explanations: Don’t just list ingredients; explain why you choose them and how they contribute to the dish.
- Show enthusiasm: Your tone and choice of words should convey your passion for cooking and the dish you’re describing.
- Structure your response: Use clear organization in your long turn, addressing all parts of the cue card.
- Practice fluency: Aim for smooth delivery without long pauses or hesitations.
- Engage with follow-up questions: Expand on your answers in Part 3, showing depth of thought and ability to discuss abstract ideas.
Remember, the key to success is not just in knowing the language, but in using it effectively to communicate your thoughts and experiences.