The topic “Describe A Meal You Had With Friends” is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests. It has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being a popular subject in future tests. This topic allows examiners to assess candidates’ ability to discuss personal experiences, describe social interactions, and express opinions about food and dining customs.

Describe a special meal someone prepared for you is a related topic that may also come up in your IELTS Speaking test. Being prepared for such variations can help you perform better in the exam.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about meals and dining with friends. Here are some possible questions and a sample answer:

Examiner: Do you often eat meals with friends?
Candidate (Band 8-9 response): Absolutely, I’d say I dine out with friends quite frequently. In fact, I make it a point to catch up with my social circle over meals at least once or twice a week. It’s a wonderful way to unwind after a hectic work schedule and stay connected with those who matter most to me.

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:

Describe a meal you had with friends
You should say:

• When and where you had this meal
• Who you had the meal with
• What food you ate
• And explain why this meal was memorable

Sample Answer (Band 8-9)

I’d like to share about an unforgettable meal I had with my closest friends last summer. It was a balmy evening in July, and we decided to have a potluck dinner at my friend Sarah’s apartment, which has a stunning rooftop terrace overlooking the city skyline.

There were five of us – Sarah, Mike, Emma, David, and myself. We’ve been friends since university, and despite our busy schedules, we make it a priority to get together regularly. This particular dinner was extra special because it was the first time we’d all managed to meet up in person after months of pandemic-related restrictions.

For the meal, we each contributed a dish. I prepared a colorful Mediterranean salad with fresh vegetables and feta cheese. Sarah, being an excellent baker, made a mouthwatering spinach and ricotta quiche. Mike brought his signature dish – succulent grilled chicken skewers marinated in lemon and herbs. Emma contributed a delectable pasta salad with sun-dried tomatoes and olives, while David rounded off our feast with a decadent chocolate mousse for dessert.

This meal stands out in my memory for several reasons. Firstly, the food was absolutely divine – a perfect blend of flavors and textures that complemented each other beautifully. But more than that, it was the warmth and joy of reuniting with my closest friends that made it truly special. We spent hours laughing, sharing stories, and reminiscing about old times. The atmosphere was magical – the twinkling city lights below us, the gentle summer breeze, and the sound of our laughter echoing into the night.

What really struck me was how this simple meal reminded us of the importance of human connection. After months of virtual interactions, being able to share a meal and genuine moments together felt incredibly precious. It reinvigorated our friendships and left us all feeling grateful for the bonds we share.

Describe a recent conversation that made you laugh could be another interesting topic to explore, as laughter and enjoyment are often key elements of memorable meals with friends.

Follow-up Questions

Examiner: Do you think the atmosphere is important when having a meal with friends?
Candidate (Band 8-9): Absolutely, I believe the atmosphere plays a crucial role in enhancing the dining experience with friends. A welcoming and comfortable environment can significantly contribute to the overall enjoyment of the meal. It sets the tone for conversation and helps everyone relax and open up. Whether it’s a cozy restaurant, a picturesque outdoor setting, or someone’s home, the right atmosphere can transform a simple meal into a memorable occasion.

Examiner: How do eating habits differ between younger and older generations in your country?
Candidate (Band 8-9): There’s a noticeable generational divide in eating habits in my country. The older generation tends to adhere more strictly to traditional cuisine and meal times. They often prefer home-cooked meals and view dining as a family-centric activity. In contrast, the younger generation is more open to international cuisines and experimental fusion foods. They’re also more likely to eat out frequently or order takeaways, partly due to busier lifestyles. Additionally, younger people are generally more health-conscious, with many opting for vegetarian, vegan, or organic options, which is less common among older individuals.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: How have eating habits changed in your country over the past few decades?
Candidate (Band 8-9): There’s been a significant shift in eating habits in my country over recent decades. One of the most notable changes is the increased popularity of international cuisines. Whereas in the past, people primarily ate traditional local dishes, now it’s common to find a wide variety of global foods in restaurants and home kitchens alike.

Another major trend is the growing awareness of health and nutrition. Many people are now more conscious of what they eat, opting for organic produce, reducing meat consumption, or following specific diets like vegetarianism or veganism. This shift has been driven by increased access to information about nutrition and the global push towards healthier lifestyles.

The rise of fast food and convenience meals is another significant change. With busier lifestyles and longer working hours, many people now rely more on ready-made meals or takeaways. This has led to concerns about the decline of traditional cooking skills and the potential health impacts of processed foods.

Lastly, there’s been a noticeable change in meal structures. The traditional three-meal pattern is less rigid now, with many people opting for multiple smaller meals or snacks throughout the day. Meal times have also become more flexible, adapting to individual schedules rather than fixed societal norms.

Examiner: Do you think traditional cuisine in your country is in danger of disappearing?
Candidate (Band 6-7): I don’t think our traditional cuisine will completely disappear, but it’s definitely changing. Many young people prefer international food or fast food these days. They don’t cook traditional dishes as much as older generations. However, during holidays and special occasions, traditional food is still very important. Also, some restaurants are trying to modernize traditional recipes to make them more appealing to younger people.

Candidate (Band 8-9): While I wouldn’t say our traditional cuisine is in imminent danger of extinction, it’s undeniably facing challenges in the modern era. The rapid influx of global cuisines and the fast-paced lifestyle of younger generations have led to a decline in the everyday preparation of traditional dishes.

However, I believe there are several factors safeguarding our culinary heritage. Firstly, traditional cuisine remains deeply intertwined with our cultural identity and is still prominently featured during festivals and family gatherings. Secondly, there’s a growing movement among chefs and food enthusiasts to preserve and reinvent traditional recipes, adapting them to modern tastes and presentation styles without losing their essence.

Moreover, the recent surge in food tourism has reignited interest in authentic local cuisines, both among domestic and international travelers. This has incentivized restaurants and local communities to maintain and showcase their traditional dishes.

That said, conscious efforts are needed to ensure the knowledge and skills required to prepare traditional foods are passed down to younger generations. Initiatives like cooking classes in schools, food festivals celebrating local cuisine, and media programs focusing on traditional recipes could play a crucial role in preserving our culinary heritage for future generations.

Describe a special family tradition you follow is another topic that often involves discussions about traditional meals and cuisines, which can be relevant to this conversation.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Culinary heritage /ˈkʌlɪnəri ˈherɪtɪdʒ/ (noun phrase): The traditional dishes and cooking methods of a particular culture or region.
   Example: Our culinary heritage is a reflection of our country’s diverse history and geography.

2. Gastronomic experience /ˌgæstrəˈnɒmɪk ɪkˈspɪəriəns/ (noun phrase): An event or occasion involving the enjoyment of good food.
   Example: The meal wasn’t just about eating; it was a complete gastronomic experience.

3. Epicurean delight /ˌepɪkjʊˈriːən dɪˈlaɪt/ (noun phrase): A food or dish that gives great pleasure to someone who enjoys eating.
   Example: The chef’s signature dish was an epicurean delight that left us all in awe.

4. To savor /ˈseɪvə/ (verb): To enjoy food or an experience slowly, in order to appreciate it fully.
   Example: We took our time to savor each course of the meal.

5. Ambiance /ˈæmbiəns/ (noun): The character and atmosphere of a place.
   Example: The restaurant’s cozy ambiance made our dinner even more enjoyable.

Describe a meal you had in a restaurant recently could be a good opportunity to use some of these vocabulary items in context.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a meal with friends:

1. Use a variety of descriptive language to bring your experience to life. Don’t just say the food was “good” – describe the flavors, textures, and presentation.

2. Incorporate idiomatic expressions naturally into your speech. For example, “It was a feast for the senses” or “We were in foodie heaven.”

3. Discuss not just the food, but the overall experience – the atmosphere, the company, and why it was memorable.

4. Practice linking your ideas smoothly using a range of connecting phrases.

5. Expand on your answers in Part 3 by giving examples and explaining your opinions in detail.

6. Work on your pronunciation and intonation to ensure your speech is clear and engaging.

Remember, regular practice is key to improving your speaking skills. Try to engage in English conversations as often as possible, perhaps by joining language exchange groups or describe a place where you go to meet friends regularly to practice your English.

IELTS Speaking test preparation

By following these tips and consistently practicing, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss any topic, including memorable meals with friends, in your IELTS Speaking test.