The topic of describing a person who enjoys cooking and their signature dish is a popular one in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows candidates to showcase their vocabulary related to food, cooking, and personal descriptions. This theme has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests due to its universality and potential for diverse responses.
Describe a person who loves cooking for others is a common variation of this topic that you might encounter in your IELTS Speaking test. Being prepared for such questions can significantly boost your confidence and performance.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about cooking and food preferences. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Examiner: Do you enjoy cooking?
Candidate (Band 7-8 response):
“Absolutely! I find cooking to be both relaxing and rewarding. There’s something incredibly satisfying about transforming raw ingredients into a delicious meal. I particularly enjoy experimenting with new recipes and putting my own spin on traditional dishes. It’s not just about the end result, but also the creative process involved in cooking that I find appealing.”
IELTS candidate discussing cooking enthusiasm
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe a person who enjoys cooking and their signature dish
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What their signature dish is
- How they learned to cook this dish
- And explain why you think this is their signature dish
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about my aunt Sarah, who is an absolute whiz in the kitchen. Her culinary prowess is well-known in our family, and she never fails to impress us with her gastronomic creations.
Sarah’s signature dish is her mouthwatering beef Wellington. It’s a complex dish that requires considerable skill and patience to prepare. The dish consists of a tender beef fillet, wrapped in layers of pâté, duxelles (a finely chopped mixture of mushrooms, shallots, and herbs), and prosciutto, all encased in a golden, flaky puff pastry.
Sarah honed her culinary skills over many years, but she specifically learned to make beef Wellington during a cooking masterclass in London. She was so captivated by the intricate process and the harmonious blend of flavors that she spent months perfecting her technique.
I believe this has become her signature dish for several reasons. Firstly, it showcases her exceptional skill in handling various ingredients and cooking techniques. The dish requires precise timing and temperature control, which Sarah has mastered to perfection. Secondly, it reflects her attention to detail and commitment to excellence – every layer is prepared with utmost care, resulting in a visually stunning and delicious centerpiece. Lastly, this dish has become synonymous with special family gatherings, as Sarah only prepares it for momentous occasions, making it truly memorable and eagerly anticipated by all of us.”
Beef Wellington – a culinary masterpiece
Follow-up questions:
Examiner: How has cooking this dish influenced Sarah’s cooking skills overall?
Candidate (Band 8-9 response):
“Mastering this intricate dish has significantly enhanced Sarah’s overall culinary abilities. It has sharpened her precision in timing and temperature control, which are crucial skills in high-level cooking. Moreover, the complex layering technique has improved her ability to balance and combine flavors, a skill she now applies to other dishes. This experience has also boosted her confidence, encouraging her to tackle other challenging recipes and experiment with fusion cuisine.”
Examiner: Do you think signature dishes are important for professional chefs?
Candidate (Band 7-8 response):
“Yes, I believe signature dishes are quite important for professional chefs. They serve as a culinary calling card, showcasing the chef’s unique style and expertise. A well-crafted signature dish can set a chef apart in a competitive industry and attract food enthusiasts. It also gives restaurants a distinctive identity, potentially becoming a draw for customers. However, it’s equally important for chefs to maintain versatility and continue innovating beyond their signature creations.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: How do you think cooking habits have changed in recent years?
Candidate (Band 8-9 response):
“Cooking habits have undergone a significant transformation in recent years, driven by various factors. Firstly, there’s been a noticeable shift towards healthier eating, with more people opting for plant-based diets or incorporating superfoods into their meals. This has led to a surge in demand for ingredients like quinoa, kale, and chia seeds.
Secondly, globalization and increased cultural exchange have broadened culinary horizons. People are now more adventurous in their cooking, experimenting with international cuisines and fusion dishes. This has been facilitated by the wider availability of exotic ingredients in local supermarkets.
Moreover, the rise of social media and cooking shows has democratized culinary knowledge. Amateur cooks now have unprecedented access to recipes, techniques, and tips from world-renowned chefs. This has encouraged more people to try their hand at complex dishes that were once the domain of professionals.
Lastly, the recent global pandemic has had a profound impact on cooking habits. With restaurants closed and more time spent at home, many people rediscovered the joy of home cooking. This has led to a resurgence in traditional cooking methods like baking bread and preserving foods, as well as an increased interest in meal planning and batch cooking.”
Modern cooking trends and ingredients
Examiner: What role do you think technology will play in the future of cooking?
Candidate (Band 7-8 response):
“I believe technology will play an increasingly significant role in the future of cooking. We’re already seeing the integration of smart appliances in kitchens, such as refrigerators that can track food inventory and suggest recipes based on available ingredients. AI-powered cooking assistants might become more common, guiding amateur cooks through complex recipes with voice instructions and real-time adjustments.
3D food printing is another exciting development that could revolutionize food preparation, allowing for intricate designs and personalized nutrition. Additionally, virtual and augmented reality might be used to enhance cooking education, providing immersive experiences for learning new techniques.
However, it’s important to note that while technology can enhance efficiency and precision, the fundamental joy of cooking – the creativity, the sensory experience, and the personal touch – will likely remain rooted in human hands and hearts.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Culinary prowess (noun) – /ˈkʌlɪnəri ˈpraʊəs/ – exceptional skill in cooking
Example: Her culinary prowess was evident in every dish she prepared.Gastronomic creations (noun phrase) – /ˌɡæstrəˈnɒmɪk kriˈeɪʃənz/ – impressive or innovative dishes
Example: The chef’s gastronomic creations always left the diners in awe.Mouthwatering (adjective) – /ˈmaʊθˌwɔːtərɪŋ/ – delicious; appetizing
Example: The aroma of the mouthwatering beef stew filled the entire house.To hone one’s skills (phrasal verb) – /həʊn wʌnz skɪlz/ – to improve or perfect a skill through practice
Example: He spent years honing his culinary skills at various restaurants.Intricate process (noun phrase) – /ˈɪntrɪkət ˈprəʊses/ – a complex or detailed procedure
Example: Creating a perfect soufflé involves an intricate process of precise measurements and timing.Harmonious blend (noun phrase) – /hɑːˈməʊniəs blend/ – a well-balanced combination
Example: The dish was a harmonious blend of sweet, sour, and savory flavors.
Examiner’s Advice: To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, focus on using a wide range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures. Practice describing cooking processes and dishes in detail, and be prepared to discuss broader topics related to food and culinary trends. Remember to speak fluently and coherently, and don’t be afraid to elaborate on your answers with relevant examples and personal experiences.