The IELTS Speaking test often includes topics related to everyday life experiences, and describing a new recipe you tried at home is a common theme. This article will provide you with valuable tips and sample answers to help you excel in this particular topic and improve your overall speaking skills for the IELTS exam.
Understanding the IELTS Speaking Test Structure
Before we dive into the specific topic, let’s briefly review the structure of the IELTS Speaking test:
- Part 1: Introduction and Interview (4-5 minutes)
- Part 2: Individual Long Turn (3-4 minutes)
- Part 3: Two-way Discussion (4-5 minutes)
Now, let’s explore how you can tackle questions related to describing a new recipe you tried at home in each part of the test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about cooking and food. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Question: Do you enjoy cooking?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do enjoy cooking. It’s a fun way to relax after a long day and experiment with different flavors. I try to cook at least a few times a week.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely! I find cooking to be an incredibly rewarding and therapeutic activity. Not only does it allow me to unleash my creativity in the kitchen, but it also gives me a sense of accomplishment when I craft a delicious meal from scratch. I make it a point to dedicate time to cooking several times a week.
Question: Have you ever tried cooking something new recently?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I recently tried making a new pasta dish. It was a bit challenging at first, but the end result was quite tasty.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Indeed, I recently ventured into the world of Thai cuisine and attempted to make a traditional Pad Thai from scratch. It was quite an enlightening experience as I had to source some exotic ingredients and master new cooking techniques. The process was both challenging and exhilarating, and I was pleasantly surprised by how authentic the final dish tasted.
Part 2: Individual Long Turn
In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic and some bullet points. Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a new recipe:
Cue Card
Describe a new recipe you recently tried at home.
You should say:
- What the recipe was
- Where you found the recipe
- Why you decided to try it
- And explain how it turned out
You have one minute to prepare your answer, and you should speak for 1-2 minutes.
IELTS Speaking Cue Card
Sample Answer (Band 6-7)
I’d like to talk about a new recipe I tried recently, which was homemade pizza. I found the recipe on a cooking website while browsing for dinner ideas. I decided to try it because I love pizza, and I thought it would be fun to make it from scratch instead of ordering takeout.
The recipe involved making the dough, preparing the tomato sauce, and choosing the toppings. I used simple ingredients like flour, yeast, and olive oil for the dough. For the toppings, I chose mozzarella cheese, mushrooms, and bell peppers.
Making the pizza was a bit challenging at first, especially kneading the dough and getting it into a round shape. However, I followed the instructions carefully and managed to put it all together.
When it came out of the oven, I was pleasantly surprised by how good it looked and smelled. The crust was crispy, and the toppings were well-cooked. It tasted delicious, maybe not as perfect as a restaurant pizza, but I was proud of my effort. Overall, it was a fun experience, and I plan to make homemade pizza again, maybe trying different toppings next time.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
I’d be delighted to share my experience of trying a new recipe recently, which was a traditional Japanese ramen from scratch. I stumbled upon this recipe in a renowned culinary magazine that featured a special section on authentic Asian cuisines. The intricate process and the promise of a rich, umami-packed bowl of comfort food instantly captivated me, prompting me to take on this culinary adventure.
The decision to attempt this recipe was driven by my passion for exploring diverse cuisines and my desire to recreate the memorable ramen experience I had during my trip to Tokyo last year. I saw it as an opportunity to challenge my culinary skills and immerse myself in Japanese cooking techniques.
The recipe was quite elaborate, involving multiple components. I had to prepare the rich, pork-based broth which simmered for hours, marinate and char the chashu pork, and master the art of making perfectly springy ramen noodles from scratch. One of the most intriguing aspects was making the ajitsuke tamago – soft-boiled eggs marinated in a sweet and savory sauce.
When it came to the final result, I was absolutely thrilled. The broth was deeply flavorful and had a beautiful, silky texture. The homemade noodles had just the right amount of chewiness, and the chashu pork was tender and succulent. The marriage of flavors and textures in the bowl was truly remarkable.
While it was a time-consuming process, the end result was incredibly rewarding. Not only did I end up with a delectable meal, but I also gained a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship involved in Japanese cuisine. This experience has ignited a new passion for recreating complex dishes at home, and I’m already planning my next culinary expedition.
Follow-up Questions
- How often do you try new recipes?
- Do you think cooking skills are important? Why or why not?
- How has technology changed the way people cook at home?
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask you more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some sample questions and answers:
Question: How do you think cooking habits have changed in recent years?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think cooking habits have changed quite a bit in recent years. More people are interested in healthy eating and are cooking at home more often. There’s also a trend towards trying cuisines from different countries. Additionally, online recipes and cooking videos have made it easier for people to learn new cooking skills.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The evolution of cooking habits in recent years has been quite remarkable. We’ve witnessed a significant shift towards more health-conscious meal preparation, with an emphasis on organic, locally-sourced ingredients. There’s also been a surge in interest for plant-based diets and sustainable eating practices.
Moreover, the globalization of cuisine has led to a fascinating fusion of flavors and techniques from various cultures, broadening our culinary horizons. The advent of social media and online cooking platforms has democratized culinary knowledge, allowing amateur cooks to access expert techniques and exotic recipes at their fingertips.
Another notable change is the rise of meal kit services and smart kitchen appliances, which have revolutionized home cooking by making it more accessible and less time-consuming for busy individuals. These developments have collectively transformed the landscape of home cooking, making it more diverse, health-focused, and technologically driven than ever before.
Question: Do you think traditional cooking methods are being lost? Why or why not?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think some traditional cooking methods are being lost, especially in cities. People are busier now and often choose quick and convenient cooking methods. However, there’s also a growing interest in preserving traditional cuisines, so some people are making an effort to learn and use old cooking techniques.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The preservation of traditional cooking methods in the face of modernization is a complex issue. On one hand, there’s an undeniable trend towards faster, more convenient cooking techniques, particularly in urban areas where time is at a premium. This shift has led to a decline in the practice of certain time-intensive, traditional methods.
However, I believe we’re also witnessing a countermovement that seeks to revive and celebrate these traditional techniques. There’s a growing appreciation for the cultural significance of traditional cooking methods, seen in the resurgence of artisanal food production and the popularity of cooking shows that showcase heritage recipes.
Moreover, the slow food movement and an increased focus on culinary authenticity have sparked renewed interest in traditional cooking methods. Many chefs and home cooks are actively working to preserve these techniques, viewing them as invaluable cultural heritage.
In essence, while some traditional methods may be less commonly practiced in everyday cooking, they’re being preserved and celebrated in other ways. The challenge lies in striking a balance between embracing modern conveniences and maintaining our culinary traditions for future generations.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To enhance your speaking performance, incorporate these sophisticated words and phrases:
Culinary adventure /ˈkʌlɪnəri ədˈventʃər/ – an exciting experience related to cooking or food
Example: Trying that new recipe was a real culinary adventure.Gastronomic delight /ˌgæstrəˈnɒmɪk dɪˈlaɪt/ – a food or dish that gives great pleasure
Example: The homemade pasta was a true gastronomic delight.To experiment with flavors /tuː ɪkˈsperɪmənt wɪð ˈfleɪvəz/ – to try different taste combinations
Example: I love to experiment with flavors when I’m cooking.To master a technique /tuː ˈmɑːstər ə tekˈniːk/ – to become very skilled at a particular method
Example: It took me weeks to master the technique of making perfect sushi rice.Fusion cuisine /ˈfjuːʒən kwɪˈziːn/ – a style of cooking that combines elements from different culinary traditions
Example: The restaurant specializes in Asian-Latin fusion cuisine.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a new recipe:
- Use a variety of vocabulary related to cooking and food preparation.
- Provide detailed descriptions of the process, ingredients, and flavors.
- Express your opinions and feelings about the experience.
- Use a range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences.
- Speak fluently and coherently, avoiding long pauses.
- Practice describing different recipes and cooking experiences to improve your ability to discuss this topic in detail.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is practice and preparation. Good luck with your exam!