Describing a person who enjoys cooking and baking is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows candidates to showcase their vocabulary related to food, cooking methods, and personality traits. As an experienced IELTS examiner, I’ll guide you through answering questions on this topic effectively across all parts of the speaking test.
describe a person who enjoys cooking and their signature dish
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about cooking and food preferences. Here are some potential questions with sample answers:
Q: Do you enjoy cooking?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do enjoy cooking. I find it relaxing and creative. I like trying new recipes on weekends when I have more free time.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely! I’m quite passionate about culinary arts. For me, cooking is not just about preparing meals; it’s a form of creative expression. I particularly relish experimenting with fusion cuisine, blending flavors from different cultures to create unique dishes.
Q: What’s your favorite dish to cook?
Band 6-7 Answer:
My favorite dish to cook is pasta with homemade tomato sauce. It’s simple but delicious, and I can add different vegetables or meats to change it up.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I’m particularly fond of preparing a traditional Vietnamese dish called Pho. It’s a labor of love that involves simmering beef bones for hours to create a rich, aromatic broth, then garnishing it with fresh herbs and tender slices of meat. The complexity of flavors and the ritual of preparation make it a truly rewarding culinary experience.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:
Describe a person you know who enjoys cooking and baking.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What they like to cook or bake
- How you know about their cooking or baking
- And explain why you think they enjoy it so much
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
I’d like to talk about my aunt Sarah, who is an ardent cooking enthusiast. She’s in her early fifties and has been honing her culinary skills for as long as I can remember.
Sarah is particularly passionate about baking, especially creating elaborate pastries and decadent cakes. Her signature dish is a multi-layered opera cake, which is a French delicacy consisting of layers of almond sponge cake soaked in coffee syrup, ganache, and coffee buttercream, all topped with a chocolate glaze. It’s a complex and time-consuming recipe that showcases her patience and attention to detail.
I’ve had the privilege of observing her culinary prowess firsthand during family gatherings and holiday celebrations. She often takes charge of the kitchen, orchestrating the preparation of multiple dishes with the precision of a conductor leading an orchestra. It’s truly impressive to witness her effortlessly juggling various tasks, from kneading dough to tempering chocolate.
I believe Sarah finds such immense joy in cooking for several reasons. Firstly, it allows her to express her creativity. She often experiments with flavor combinations and presentation techniques, turning each dish into a work of art. Secondly, cooking serves as a form of stress relief for her. She once told me that the kitchen is her sanctuary, where she can lose herself in the rhythmic chopping of vegetables or the meditative process of kneading bread dough. Lastly, I think she derives great satisfaction from sharing her creations with others. The look of delight on people’s faces when they taste her food seems to fuel her passion even further.
In essence, for Sarah, cooking is not just a hobby; it’s a form of self-expression, a therapeutic outlet, and a way to spread joy to those around her.
Follow-up Questions
- How did Sarah develop her cooking skills?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Sarah learned to cook from her mother and grandmother. She also took some cooking classes and practices a lot at home.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Sarah’s culinary journey has been a lifelong pursuit. She initially honed her skills under the tutelage of her mother and grandmother, absorbing traditional family recipes and techniques. However, she didn’t stop there. Sarah has consistently sought to expand her culinary horizons by attending professional cooking workshops, voraciously consuming cookbooks and food literature, and even embarking on culinary tours to various countries to learn about different cuisines firsthand. Her dedication to continuous learning and experimentation has been instrumental in developing her impressive repertoire of cooking skills.
- Do you think cooking is an important skill for everyone to have?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think cooking is important for everyone. It helps you eat healthier and save money. It’s also useful for taking care of yourself and your family.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely, I believe cooking is an essential life skill that everyone should strive to develop. It goes beyond mere sustenance; it’s about empowerment and self-sufficiency. Being able to cook allows individuals to have greater control over their nutrition, potentially leading to healthier lifestyle choices. Moreover, cooking can be economically advantageous, reducing reliance on often costly prepared or takeout meals. From a cultural perspective, cooking is a powerful way to connect with one’s heritage or explore other cultures. Additionally, the process of cooking can be therapeutic and meditative, offering a creative outlet and a means of stress relief. In our increasingly fast-paced world, the ability to prepare a meal from scratch is not just practical, but can also be a grounding and fulfilling experience.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q: How have eating habits changed in your country over the past few decades?
Band 6-7 Answer:
In my country, people are eating more fast food now than before. They also order food delivery more often because it’s convenient. However, some people are trying to eat healthier foods like salads and whole grains.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The culinary landscape in my country has undergone a significant transformation over the past few decades. There’s been a noticeable shift towards convenience, with a surge in fast food consumption and the proliferation of food delivery services. This trend is largely driven by our increasingly fast-paced lifestyles and the ubiquity of technology.
However, paradoxically, we’re also witnessing a growing health consciousness. Many people are now more attuned to the nutritional value of their food, leading to increased demand for organic produce, plant-based alternatives, and “superfoods”. There’s also been a resurgence of interest in traditional, locally-sourced ingredients, perhaps as a counterpoint to globalization.
Another interesting development is the rise of “foodie” culture. Social media has played a significant role in this, with people sharing their culinary experiences online and seeking out novel, Instagram-worthy dishes. This has led to a more adventurous approach to eating, with many people eager to try fusion cuisines or exotic ingredients.
Lastly, there’s been a growing awareness of the environmental impact of our food choices. This has resulted in a trend towards more sustainable eating habits, such as reducing meat consumption or opting for locally produced foods to minimize carbon footprint.
Q: Do you think traditional cooking methods are being lost? Why or why not?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think some traditional cooking methods are being lost because people are busier now and want to cook quickly. They use microwaves and instant pots instead of old methods. But some people are trying to keep traditional methods alive by teaching them to younger generations.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The preservation of traditional cooking methods is indeed a complex issue in our modern world. On one hand, there’s a palpable risk of these time-honored techniques fading into obscurity. The frenetic pace of contemporary life often prioritizes speed and convenience over the often time-consuming traditional methods. The proliferation of kitchen gadgets and appliances, while undoubtedly useful, can sometimes supplant traditional techniques.
Moreover, the globalization of food culture, while exciting in many ways, can sometimes overshadow local culinary traditions. As international cuisines become more accessible, there’s a risk of traditional dishes and cooking methods being relegated to the sidelines.
However, it’s not all doom and gloom. There’s also a discernible countermovement aimed at preserving and reviving traditional cooking methods. This resurgence is driven by several factors:
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Cultural pride and identity: Many people are reconnecting with their culinary heritage as a way of preserving their cultural identity.
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Health considerations: Some traditional cooking methods are being recognized for their health benefits, such as slow cooking or fermentation.
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Sustainability: Many traditional methods are inherently more sustainable than modern industrial food production techniques.
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Culinary tourism: There’s a growing interest in authentic, traditional food experiences among travelers.
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Media attention: Food shows and documentaries often showcase traditional cooking methods, sparking interest among viewers.
In conclusion, while traditional cooking methods are under pressure in our fast-paced world, there’s also a growing appreciation for these techniques. The key lies in striking a balance between embracing modern conveniences and preserving our culinary heritage.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Culinary enthusiast /ˈkʌlɪnəri ɪnˈθjuːziæst/ (noun): A person who is very interested in cooking and food.
Example: “As a culinary enthusiast, Sarah always seeks out new recipes to try.” -
Gastronomic delight /ˌgæstrəˈnɒmɪk dɪˈlaɪt/ (noun phrase): A food or dish that is extremely pleasing to eat.
Example: “The chef’s signature dish was a gastronomic delight that left diners in awe.” -
To hone one’s skills /həʊn wʌnz skɪlz/ (phrase): To improve or perfect a skill through practice.
Example: “She spent years honing her baking skills before opening her pastry shop.” -
Culinary prowess /ˈkʌlɪnəri ˈpraʊəs/ (noun phrase): Great skill or expertise in cooking.
Example: “His culinary prowess was evident in every dish he prepared.” -
To experiment with flavors /ɪkˈsperɪmənt wɪð ˈfleɪvəz/ (phrase): To try different combinations of tastes in cooking.
Example: “The chef loves to experiment with flavors, creating unique fusion dishes.”
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing cooking and food-related topics:
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Expand your culinary vocabulary: Learn specific cooking terms, ingredients, and dish names to add depth to your responses.
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Practice describing tastes and textures: Being able to vividly describe food will showcase your language skills.
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Prepare personal anecdotes: Having stories about your own cooking experiences or memorable meals can make your answers more engaging.
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Stay informed about food trends: Knowledge of current culinary trends can help you discuss how eating habits are changing.
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Use idiomatic expressions: Incorporate food-related idioms to demonstrate your command of English (e.g., “That’s a piece of cake”, “The proof is in the pudding”).
Remember, the key to a high score is not just what you say, but how you say it. Aim for fluency, use a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures, and maintain clear pronunciation throughout your responses.