The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal experiences and preferences, including topics related to food. One common question that candidates may encounter is describing a food they disliked as a child but now enjoy. This topic allows examiners to assess your ability to discuss changes in taste preferences over time, reflect on past experiences, and articulate reasons for shifting opinions. Let’s explore how to effectively answer this question and maximize your score in the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test, you may be asked some general questions about food preferences. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Q: Do you enjoy trying new foods?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do enjoy trying new foods. I think it’s interesting to taste different flavors and cuisines from around the world. It’s a good way to learn about other cultures too.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely! I’m quite adventurous when it comes to culinary experiences. I relish the opportunity to broaden my palate by sampling diverse cuisines from various cultures. It’s not just about the flavors; I find that exploring new foods offers fascinating insights into different traditions and ways of life.
Q: Has your taste in food changed much since you were a child?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, my taste in food has changed a lot since I was a child. When I was young, I was quite picky and didn’t like many vegetables. Now, I enjoy a wider variety of foods, including many vegetables I used to dislike.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Most definitely. My palate has evolved dramatically since childhood. As a youngster, I was rather finicky and tended to shy away from anything remotely unfamiliar or complex in flavor. However, as I’ve matured, I’ve developed a much more sophisticated palate. I now actively seek out foods I once avoided, particularly those with intricate flavor profiles or unusual textures. It’s quite remarkable how our tastes can transform over time.
Part 2: Long Turn
In Part 2, you might receive a cue card related to the topic of food preferences. Here’s a sample cue card:
Describe a food that you disliked as a child but enjoy now
You should say:
- What the food is
- Why you disliked it as a child
- When and why you started to like it
- And explain how you feel about this change in your taste
Here are sample responses for different band scores:
Band 6-7 Answer:
The food I want to talk about is broccoli. When I was a child, I really didn’t like broccoli at all. I thought it looked strange, like little trees, and I didn’t like the smell when it was cooked. Also, the texture was too tough for me.
I started to like broccoli when I was in university. My roommate was a good cook and made a delicious broccoli soup. I tried it and was surprised that I liked it. After that, I started to eat broccoli in different ways, like in stir-fries or steamed with some sauce.
I feel quite happy about this change in my taste. It’s good to be able to enjoy more vegetables now, and broccoli is very healthy. I think it’s interesting how our tastes can change as we grow up.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The food I’d like to discuss is Brussels sprouts, a vegetable that I absolutely abhorred as a child but now thoroughly enjoy. As a youngster, I found their appearance rather unappetizing – small, round, and an unappealing shade of green. Their smell when cooked was equally off-putting to me, and I couldn’t fathom why adults seemed to relish them so much.
My turning point with Brussels sprouts came during my university years. I was at a friend’s house for a holiday dinner, and the host had prepared roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze and crispy bacon. The enticing aroma piqued my curiosity, and I decided to give them another chance. To my astonishment, I found them utterly delicious. The roasting process had caramelized the natural sugars, creating a delightful nutty flavor, while the balsamic glaze added a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
This experience sparked a newfound appreciation for Brussels sprouts, and I began experimenting with different preparation methods. I discovered that I particularly enjoy them when they’re charred on the outside but still tender within, often paired with complementary flavors like garlic, lemon, or Parmesan cheese.
Reflecting on this change in my palate, I find it fascinating how our tastes can evolve over time. It’s a reminder of the importance of keeping an open mind and being willing to revisit foods we may have dismissed in the past. This shift has not only expanded my culinary horizons but also enhanced my nutritional intake, as Brussels sprouts are incredibly nutrient-dense. Overall, I’m thrilled with this transformation in my taste preferences, as it’s opened up a whole new world of flavors and culinary experiences.
Follow-up questions:
- Do you think it’s common for people’s food preferences to change as they grow older?
- How can parents encourage children to try foods they initially dislike?
Band 6-7 Answer:
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Yes, I think it’s quite common for people’s food preferences to change as they get older. As we grow up, we try more foods and our tastes develop. Also, we might become more health-conscious and start to like healthier foods.
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Parents can encourage children to try new foods by setting a good example and eating those foods themselves. They can also make the foods look interesting or involve children in cooking. It’s important not to force children but to keep offering the foods regularly.
Band 8-9 Answer:
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Absolutely, I believe it’s exceedingly common for people’s culinary preferences to evolve as they mature. This shift can be attributed to various factors, such as exposure to diverse cuisines, physiological changes in our taste buds, and a growing awareness of nutritional needs. Moreover, as we age, we often become more adventurous and open-minded, willing to challenge our preconceptions about certain foods.
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Parents can employ several effective strategies to encourage children to broaden their palates. Firstly, leading by example is crucial – children are more likely to try foods they see their parents enjoying. Additionally, involving children in the cooking process can pique their interest and make them more invested in trying the final product. Parents can also present foods in creative ways, such as arranging vegetables into fun shapes or incorporating them into dishes the child already enjoys. It’s important to maintain a positive, pressure-free environment around food, offering gentle encouragement rather than forceful insistence. Lastly, persistence is key – it often takes multiple exposures before a child accepts a new food, so parents should continue to offer diverse options without becoming discouraged.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner may ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Q: How do you think food preferences in your country have changed over the past few decades?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think food preferences in my country have changed quite a lot over the past few decades. People are now more interested in international cuisines and are willing to try new foods. There’s also more awareness about healthy eating, so many people are choosing healthier options. Fast food has become more popular too, especially among young people.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The culinary landscape in my country has undergone a significant transformation over the past few decades. We’ve witnessed a paradigm shift from traditional, locally-sourced cuisine to a more globalized palate. This change can be attributed to several factors, including increased international travel, the influx of immigrants bringing their native cuisines, and the proliferation of food-related media.
There’s been a noticeable surge in interest for authentic international cuisines, moving beyond the westernized versions that were previously popular. Simultaneously, there’s a growing appreciation for our own culinary heritage, with many chefs reimagining traditional dishes with modern techniques and presentations.
Health consciousness has also played a pivotal role in shaping food preferences. We’ve seen a marked increase in demand for organic, plant-based, and “clean” eating options. This has led to the rise of specialty diets like veganism and gluten-free eating, which were relatively unheard of a few decades ago.
Paradoxically, while there’s a trend towards healthier eating, we’ve also seen the rapid expansion of the fast-food industry. This dichotomy reflects the complex relationship modern consumers have with food, balancing health concerns with the need for convenience in our fast-paced society.
Overall, I’d say our national palate has become more diverse, health-conscious, and adventurous, while still retaining elements of our culinary traditions.
Q: Do you think the globalization of food culture has more positive or negative impacts?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think the globalization of food culture has both positive and negative impacts. On the positive side, we can now enjoy foods from all over the world and learn about different cultures through their cuisine. It’s also given us more variety in our diets. However, it might be causing some traditional local foods to become less popular, which could be seen as a negative impact.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The globalization of food culture is a complex phenomenon with multifaceted implications. On the positive side, it has undeniably broadened our culinary horizons, allowing us to experience a vast array of flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques from around the world. This exposure has fostered cultural understanding and appreciation, as food often serves as a gateway to learning about different traditions and ways of life.
Moreover, globalization has spurred innovation in the culinary world, leading to exciting fusion cuisines and novel gastronomic experiences. It has also improved access to a wider variety of nutritious foods in many parts of the world, potentially contributing to better nutrition on a global scale.
However, there are certainly drawbacks to consider. The homogenization of food culture is a significant concern, as it can lead to the erosion of local culinary traditions and the loss of regional food diversity. This is particularly problematic in terms of preserving cultural heritage and maintaining biodiversity in our food systems.
Additionally, the global food trade has raised issues related to food security, environmental sustainability, and ethical consumption. The carbon footprint associated with transporting food across long distances and the exploitation of labor in some food production systems are serious concerns.
In weighing these factors, I believe the globalization of food culture has had a net positive impact. However, it’s crucial that we approach it mindfully, striving to preserve local food traditions while enjoying the benefits of culinary globalization. The key lies in finding a balance between embracing global cuisine and supporting local food systems and cultures.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, it’s important to use a range of sophisticated vocabulary and phrases. Here are some key terms related to the topic of changing food preferences:
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Evolve /ɪˈvɒlv/ (verb): To develop gradually
Example: “My taste in food has evolved significantly since childhood.” -
Palate /ˈpælət/ (noun): A person’s ability to distinguish between and appreciate different flavors
Example: “As I’ve grown older, my palate has become more refined.” -
Culinary /ˈkʌlɪnəri/ (adjective): Related to cooking or kitchen
Example: “I’ve become much more adventurous in my culinary choices.” -
Acquire a taste (phrase): To learn to like something over time
Example: “I gradually acquired a taste for spicy foods in my twenties.” -
Aversion /əˈvɜːʃən/ (noun): A strong dislike or disinclination
Example: “As a child, I had a strong aversion to brussels sprouts.” -
Broaden one’s horizons (phrase): To expand one’s range of experiences or interests
Example: “Trying new cuisines has really broadened my culinary horizons.” -
Sophisticated /səˈfɪstɪkeɪtɪd/ (adjective): Refined, complex, or elegant
Example: “My tastes have become more sophisticated as I’ve been exposed to different cuisines.” -
Transformation /ˌtrænsfəˈmeɪʃən/ (noun): A complete change in form or appearance
Example: “The transformation in my food preferences has been quite remarkable.”
Using these terms and phrases in your responses can demonstrate a wide vocabulary and help you achieve a higher score in the IELTS Speaking test.
Tips from an IELTS Examiner
As an IELTS examiner, I recommend the following strategies to excel in the Speaking test:
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Practice regularly: Engage in English conversations daily, even if it’s just talking to yourself about various topics.
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Expand your vocabulary: Learn new words and phrases related to common IELTS topics, including food and changing preferences.
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Use varied sentence structures: Mix simple and complex sentences to showcase your language skills.
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Provide specific examples: When describing your experiences, give detailed examples to support your points.
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Stay on topic: Listen carefully to the questions and ensure your answers are relevant and focused.
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Speak fluently: Try to speak at a natural pace without long pauses. If you need time to think, use filler phrases like “Well, let me think about that…”
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Show enthusiasm: Demonstrate interest in the topic through your tone and facial expressions.
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Self-correct when necessary: If you make a mistake, don’t be afraid to correct yourself. This shows awareness of language use.
By following these tips and practicing regularly, you can improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test and potentially achieve a higher band score.
describe a traditional dish from your culture
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about having perfect grammar or an extensive vocabulary. It’s about effectively communicating your ideas and experiences in a clear, coherent, and engaging manner. With practice and preparation, you can confidently discuss topics like changing food preferences and demonstrate your English language proficiency.