The topic of describing a food you disliked as a child but now enjoy is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests. It has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being a popular topic in future tests. This subject allows examiners to assess candidates’ ability to discuss personal experiences, explain changes in preferences over time, and use descriptive language effectively.
Let’s explore how to approach this topic in each part of the IELTS Speaking test, providing sample answers and useful tips to help you achieve a high band score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about food preferences. Here are some possible questions and a sample answer:
Examiner: Do you like trying new foods?
Candidate (Band 8-9 response): Absolutely! I’m quite adventurous when it comes to cuisine. I believe that exploring different flavors and dishes is an excellent way to broaden one’s culinary horizons. It’s not just about the taste, but also about experiencing diverse cultures through their traditional foods.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a food you disliked as a child but now enjoy
You should say:
- What the food is
- Why you disliked it as a child
- How you started to like it
- And explain how you feel about it now
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The food I’d like to talk about is broccoli. As a child, I absolutely detested this green vegetable, mainly due to its strong, slightly bitter taste and its unusual tree-like appearance. I remember pushing it around my plate, trying to avoid eating it at all costs.
My aversion to broccoli stemmed from a combination of factors. Firstly, its texture was quite different from the softer vegetables I was used to. Secondly, I found its flavor overwhelming, especially when it was simply boiled and served plain, which was often the case in my household.
However, my perception of broccoli began to shift when I was in my late teens. A friend of mine, who was an aspiring chef, prepared a roasted broccoli dish with garlic and parmesan. The transformation in taste and texture was remarkable. The roasting process had caramelized the edges, giving it a slightly sweet and nutty flavor, while the garlic and cheese added depth and richness.
This experience opened my eyes to the potential of broccoli as an ingredient. I started experimenting with different cooking methods and flavor combinations. I discovered that I particularly enjoyed it in stir-fries, where its crisp texture complemented other vegetables perfectly.
Now, I can honestly say that broccoli is one of my favorite vegetables. I appreciate its versatility in cooking and its numerous health benefits. It’s packed with vitamins and fiber, making it an excellent addition to any meal. This change in my taste preferences serves as a reminder that our palates evolve as we grow older, and it’s always worth giving foods a second chance.
What I find most fascinating about this journey is how a simple change in preparation method completely altered my perception of broccoli. It’s a testament to the power of cooking techniques in transforming ingredients and the importance of keeping an open mind when it comes to food.”
Describe a food you disliked but now enjoy by exploring different cooking methods and flavor combinations, as demonstrated in this example with broccoli.
Examiner’s 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 eat foods they don’t like?
Sample answers:
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(Band 8-9) “It’s quite common for people’s palates to evolve as they age. This change can be attributed to various factors, such as exposure to diverse cuisines, changes in taste bud sensitivity, and a growing appreciation for nutrition. As we mature, we often become more open to experimenting with flavors and textures that we might have found unappealing in childhood. Additionally, our understanding of food’s cultural significance and health benefits can influence our preferences, leading us to embrace foods we once avoided.”
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(Band 8-9) “Parents can employ several strategies to encourage children to eat foods they initially dislike. Firstly, leading by example is crucial; children are more likely to try new foods if they see their parents enjoying them. Secondly, involving children in meal preparation can spark their interest in different ingredients. Creative presentation, such as arranging vegetables into fun shapes, can make healthy foods more appealing. Gradually introducing new flavors by mixing them with familiar ones can also be effective. Lastly, maintaining a positive attitude and avoiding pressure are essential, as forcing children to eat certain foods can create long-lasting negative associations.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: How do you think food preferences differ between generations?
Candidate (Band 8-9): “Food preferences across generations can vary significantly, influenced by a multitude of factors. Older generations often lean towards traditional, locally-sourced foods that reflect their cultural heritage and the limited variety available during their formative years. They may prioritize hearty, home-cooked meals and be less inclined to experiment with exotic cuisines.
In contrast, younger generations tend to be more adventurous in their food choices. This can be attributed to globalization and increased exposure to diverse culinary traditions through travel, social media, and the internet. They’re often more health-conscious and environmentally aware, leading to a rise in vegetarian, vegan, and sustainable food options.
Moreover, convenience plays a larger role in younger people’s food preferences. With busier lifestyles, there’s a greater demand for quick, easy-to-prepare meals or takeout options. This has led to the popularity of meal delivery services and ready-to-eat products.
Technological advancements have also shaped generational food preferences. Younger people are more likely to use food apps, follow food bloggers, and share their culinary experiences online, which influences their choices and exposes them to new trends.
However, it’s important to note that these are general trends, and individual preferences can vary widely within generations. Factors such as personal experiences, cultural background, and health considerations continue to play significant roles in shaping food preferences across all age groups.”
Describe a food you disliked as a child but like now by considering how generational differences and cultural influences can impact our evolving food preferences.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Culinary horizons /ˈkʌlɪnəri həˈraɪzənz/ (noun phrase): The range of one’s knowledge and experience with different types of food.
Example: “Traveling abroad has really expanded my culinary horizons.” -
Aversion /əˈvɜːʃən/ (noun): A strong dislike or disinclination.
Example: “As a child, I had a strong aversion to any green vegetables.” -
Caramelize /ˈkærəməlaɪz/ (verb): To heat sugar until it turns brown and develops a characteristic sweet nutty flavor.
Example: “Roasting vegetables at high temperatures can caramelize their natural sugars, enhancing their flavor.” -
Versatility /ˌvɜːsəˈtɪləti/ (noun): The ability to adapt or be adapted to many different functions or activities.
Example: “The versatility of tofu makes it a popular ingredient in many cuisines.” -
Palate /ˈpælət/ (noun): A person’s appreciation of taste and flavor, especially when sophisticated and discriminating.
Example: “As I grew older, my palate became more refined, and I started to appreciate complex flavors.” -
Nutritional value /njuːˈtrɪʃənl ˈvæljuː/ (noun phrase): The amount of nutrients provided by a food in relation to the energy it provides.
Example: “I now choose foods based on their nutritional value rather than just their taste.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing food preferences:
- Use a variety of descriptive adjectives to talk about food textures, flavors, and appearances.
- Incorporate idiomatic expressions and phrasal verbs related to food and eating habits.
- Discuss not just personal preferences, but also broader topics like cultural significance of foods, nutritional aspects, and changing food trends.
- Practice explaining your opinions and experiences in detail, using examples to illustrate your points.
- Work on your pronunciation of food-related vocabulary, especially ingredients and cooking terms from various cuisines.
- Develop your ability to discuss abstract concepts related to food, such as the psychology of taste preferences or the impact of globalization on eating habits.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Aim for fluency, coherence, and a natural conversation flow while showcasing your vocabulary and grammatical range.