IELTS Speaking exams often feature questions about people and their hobbies. One popular topic is describing someone who enjoys cooking. This theme allows candidates to showcase their vocabulary, fluency, and ability to provide detailed descriptions. Let’s explore how to excel in this speaking task and boost your IELTS score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In the first part of the speaking test, you may encounter questions related to cooking. Here are some common questions and sample answers:
- Do you enjoy cooking?
- How often do you cook?
- What’s your favorite dish to prepare?
Let’s focus on the first question:
Do you enjoy cooking?
Band 6-7 answer:
“Yes, I do enjoy cooking. It’s a great way to relax after a long day and try new things. I especially like making pasta dishes and experimenting with different sauces.”
Band 8-9 answer:
“Absolutely! I find cooking to be an incredibly rewarding and therapeutic experience. There’s something magical about transforming raw ingredients into a delicious meal. I particularly relish the creative aspect of developing my own recipes and infusing traditional dishes with unique flavors.”
Person cooking pasta in kitchen
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a person who enjoys cooking:
Describe a person who enjoys cooking
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What kind of food they like to cook
- How you know about their cooking
- And explain why you think they enjoy cooking so much
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about my aunt Sarah, who is an absolute culinary enthusiast. She’s been passionate about cooking for as long as I can remember, and her kitchen is like a gastronomic laboratory where she constantly experiments with flavors and techniques.
Sarah has a penchant for fusion cuisine, skillfully blending elements from various culinary traditions. She particularly enjoys creating innovative Asian-inspired dishes with a Western twist. For instance, one of her signature creations is a sushi burrito that combines the flavors of Japanese sushi with the convenience of a Mexican wrap.
I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing her cooking firsthand during numerous family gatherings and special occasions. She often hosts elaborate dinner parties where she showcases her latest culinary inventions. It’s always a treat to be invited to one of her events, as you never know what unique flavor combinations you might encounter.
I believe Sarah’s passion for cooking stems from her love of creativity and self-expression. For her, the kitchen is a canvas where she can bring her culinary visions to life. She finds immense satisfaction in the entire process, from sourcing the finest ingredients to plating the final dish with artistic flair. Moreover, I think she genuinely enjoys the way her cooking brings people together, creating memorable experiences and fostering connections through shared meals.
In essence, Sarah’s love for cooking goes beyond mere food preparation; it’s a form of artistry and a means of nurturing relationships. Her enthusiasm is truly infectious, and it’s impossible not to be inspired by her culinary adventures.”
Aunt Sarah cooking fusion cuisine
Follow-up questions:
- How has this person’s cooking influenced you?
- Do you think cooking is an important skill to have? Why or why not?
Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):
“Sarah’s culinary passion has had a profound impact on me. Her innovative approach to cooking has inspired me to be more adventurous in the kitchen and to view food preparation as an art form rather than a chore. I’ve learned to appreciate the nuances of different cuisines and to experiment with unusual ingredient combinations. Moreover, observing her dedication has taught me the value of pursuing one’s passions wholeheartedly, regardless of the field.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: “Do you think cooking skills are becoming less important in modern society?”
Band 6-7 answer:
“I don’t think so. While we have more options for eating out or ordering in, cooking is still important. It helps people eat healthier and save money. Also, many people enjoy cooking as a hobby.”
Band 8-9 answer:
“While it’s true that the proliferation of food delivery services and ready-made meals might suggest a decline in the importance of cooking skills, I believe they remain crucial in modern society. Cooking at home allows for greater control over nutrition and ingredients, which is increasingly important given the rising health consciousness among people. Moreover, cooking serves as a valuable life skill that promotes independence and can lead to significant cost savings in the long run.
Additionally, we’re witnessing a renaissance of home cooking, fueled by cooking shows, food blogs, and social media. This trend highlights a growing appreciation for culinary skills as a form of creative expression and cultural preservation. In many ways, cooking has evolved from a necessary chore to a celebrated art form and a means of connecting with one’s heritage or exploring other cultures.
Furthermore, the recent global pandemic has underscored the importance of being able to prepare meals at home, reminding us that cooking skills can be essential during times of crisis. Therefore, I would argue that rather than becoming less important, cooking skills are being revalued and reimagined in our modern context.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Culinary enthusiast /ˈkʌlɪnəri ɪnˈθjuːziæst/ (noun): A person who is very interested in and enjoys cooking.
Example: “My friend is a real culinary enthusiast; he’s always trying out new recipes.”Gastronomic /ˌgæstrəˈnɒmɪk/ (adjective): Relating to the art or science of good eating.
Example: “The city is known for its gastronomic delights, attracting food lovers from all over.”Penchant /ˈpentʃənt/ (noun): A strong liking or taste for something.
Example: “She has a penchant for spicy foods and often adds extra chili to her dishes.”Fusion cuisine /ˈfjuːʒən kwɪˈziːn/ (noun): A style of cooking that combines elements from different culinary traditions.
Example: “The restaurant specializes in fusion cuisine, blending Asian and Mediterranean flavors.”Innovative /ˈɪnəvətɪv/ (adjective): Featuring new methods or ideas; original and creative in thinking.
Example: “His innovative cooking techniques have earned him a Michelin star.”Artistry /ˈɑːtɪstri/ (noun): Creative skill or ability.
Example: “The chef’s plating demonstrates true artistry, turning each dish into a visual masterpiece.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a person who enjoys cooking:
- Use a wide range of vocabulary related to cooking and food.
- Provide detailed and specific examples to illustrate your points.
- Discuss not just the act of cooking, but also the motivations and emotions behind it.
- Connect the topic to broader themes such as creativity, culture, and social interactions.
- Practice speaking about different aspects of cooking to improve fluency and confidence.
Remember, the key to success is not just in knowing what to say, but in expressing your ideas coherently and naturally. Regular practice and expanding your culinary vocabulary will help you describe a person who enjoys cooking and their signature dish with ease and sophistication.
By mastering this topic, you’ll be well-prepared not only for questions about cooking enthusiasts but also for related themes such as describing a person who loves traveling or describing a recent gathering with your friends where food might have played a significant role. These interconnected topics showcase your ability to discuss various aspects of daily life and personal interests, which is crucial for success in the IELTS Speaking test.