The topic “Describe a person who loves cooking for others” is a popular one in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2. This theme allows candidates to showcase their descriptive skills, vocabulary related to cooking and personality traits, and ability to structure a coherent response. Let’s explore how to approach this topic effectively to achieve a high band score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask some general questions about cooking. Here are a few examples with suggested responses:
Q: Do you enjoy cooking?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do enjoy cooking. It’s a nice way to relax after a long day at work. I usually cook simple dishes like stir-fries or pasta, but sometimes I try new recipes on weekends.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely! I find cooking to be an incredibly therapeutic and rewarding experience. There’s something profoundly satisfying about transforming raw ingredients into a delicious meal. I particularly enjoy experimenting with fusion cuisine, blending flavors from different culinary traditions to create unique dishes.
Q: Who does most of the cooking in your family?
Band 6-7 Answer:
In my family, my mother does most of the cooking. She’s really good at it and enjoys preparing meals for us. Sometimes I help her in the kitchen, especially during holidays.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The culinary responsibilities in my household are fairly evenly distributed. My father is the resident expert when it comes to traditional dishes, while my mother excels at international cuisine. I’ve taken on the role of the family’s experimental chef, often introducing new recipes I’ve discovered online or learned from friends.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:
Describe a person who loves cooking for others
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What kind of food they like to cook
- Who they usually cook for
- And explain why they enjoy cooking for others
Band 6-7 Sample Answer:
The person I want to talk about is my aunt, Lisa. She really loves cooking for our family and friends. She’s been doing it for as long as I can remember.
My aunt likes to cook all kinds of food, but she’s especially good at making Italian dishes. She makes amazing pasta and pizza from scratch. She also bakes really delicious cakes and cookies.
She usually cooks for our big family gatherings, like birthdays and holidays. Sometimes she also cooks for her neighbors or for community events at the local church.
I think she enjoys cooking for others because it makes her happy to see people enjoying her food. She puts a lot of love and effort into her cooking, and it’s her way of showing she cares about people. Also, I think cooking is like a hobby for her – she finds it relaxing and fun.
Band 8-9 Sample Answer:
I’d like to describe my grandmother, Elizabeth, who is an absolute culinary enthusiast and derives immense pleasure from preparing meals for others. Her passion for cooking has been a defining characteristic of her personality for as long as I can recall.
My grandmother’s culinary repertoire is impressively diverse, spanning various cuisines and techniques. However, her true forte lies in traditional British cuisine, with a particular flair for hearty roasts, exquisite pies, and delectable puddings. She also has a knack for infusing classic recipes with modern twists, creating unique flavor profiles that never fail to tantalize our taste buds.
Elizabeth’s cooking is not limited to family occasions; she extends her culinary prowess to a wide array of beneficiaries. While she regularly prepares sumptuous feasts for our extended family gatherings, she also volunteers her skills at the local community center, providing nutritious meals for the elderly and less fortunate. Additionally, she frequently hosts dinner parties for her wide circle of friends, using these occasions to showcase her latest culinary creations.
I believe my grandmother’s joy in cooking for others stems from multiple factors. Primarily, it serves as her love language – a tangible way to express affection and care for those around her. The act of cooking itself is deeply therapeutic for her, offering a creative outlet and a sense of purpose. Moreover, the positive feedback and appreciation she receives fuel her passion and motivate her to continually refine her craft. Ultimately, I think cooking allows her to leave a lasting legacy, creating memories and traditions that will be cherished long after the meals are over.
Follow-up Questions:
- Has this person taught you any cooking skills?
- What’s the most memorable meal this person has cooked for you?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, my aunt has taught me some basic cooking skills. She showed me how to make a simple pasta sauce and how to bake cookies. The most memorable meal she cooked was for my 18th birthday. She made all my favorite dishes, including a three-layer chocolate cake.
Band 8-9 Answer:
My grandmother has been an invaluable mentor in my culinary journey. She’s imparted a wealth of knowledge, from fundamental techniques like perfecting the art of sauce reduction to more advanced skills such as crafting delicate pastries. Her most memorable culinary creation was undoubtedly the extravagant feast she prepared for my university graduation. The pièce de résistance was a intricately decorated tiered cake that paid homage to my academic achievements, complete with edible books and a miniature graduation cap.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q: Why do you think some people prefer to eat out rather than cook at home?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think some people prefer eating out because it’s more convenient. They might be too busy to cook or they just don’t enjoy cooking. Also, restaurants offer a wider variety of food than most people can cook at home.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The preference for dining out over home cooking can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, in our fast-paced modern society, many individuals find themselves constrained by time, making the convenience of restaurants highly appealing. Additionally, eating out offers a social dimension that home cooking often lacks, providing opportunities for networking and strengthening relationships. Furthermore, restaurants can offer culinary experiences that might be challenging to replicate at home, either due to the complexity of dishes or the need for specialized ingredients and equipment. Lastly, for some, dining out serves as a form of entertainment and escapism, allowing them to immerse themselves in different atmospheres and cuisines without the effort of preparation and cleanup.
Q: How has technology changed the way people cook?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Technology has made cooking easier and faster. We have appliances like microwaves and food processors that save time. Also, people can now easily find recipes online and watch cooking videos to learn new techniques.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Technology has revolutionized the culinary landscape in numerous ways. Smart appliances have streamlined many cooking processes, allowing for more precise temperature control and timing. The proliferation of online recipes and cooking tutorials has democratized culinary knowledge, enabling amateur cooks to attempt complex dishes that were once the domain of professionals. Social media platforms have fostered a culture of food sharing and inspiration, leading to rapid dissemination of food trends and techniques. Moreover, advancements in food science have led to the development of novel cooking methods like molecular gastronomy, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the kitchen. However, this technological integration also raises questions about the preservation of traditional cooking methods and the potential loss of the tactile, intuitive aspects of cooking that many consider an art form.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
-
Culinary enthusiast [ˈkʌlɪnəri ɪnˈθjuːziæst] (noun phrase): A person who is very interested in and enjoys cooking.
Example: As a culinary enthusiast, she spends most of her weekends experimenting with new recipes. -
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 craving more. -
To tantalize taste buds [ˈtæntəlaɪz teɪst bʌdz] (verb phrase): To excite or stimulate the sense of taste in a pleasurable way.
Example: Her unique blend of spices tantalizes taste buds and keeps customers coming back for more. -
Culinary prowess [ˈkʌlɪnəri ˈpraʊəs] (noun phrase): Great skill or expertise in cooking.
Example: His culinary prowess was evident in every dish he prepared for the competition. -
To hone one’s skills [həʊn wʌnz skɪlz] (verb phrase): To improve or perfect a skill through practice.
Example: She spent years honing her skills in French cuisine before opening her own restaurant.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a person who loves cooking for others:
- Use varied vocabulary: Incorporate cooking-related terms and idiomatic expressions to demonstrate linguistic range.
- Provide specific details: Offer concrete examples of dishes, techniques, or events to make your description vivid and engaging.
- Discuss broader implications: In Part 3, consider the societal, cultural, or personal impacts of cooking for others.
- Maintain fluency: Practice speaking on this topic to ensure smooth delivery without long pauses.
- Show enthusiasm: Your tone and facial expressions should convey genuine interest in the subject matter.
- Structure your response: In Part 2, address all points on the cue card in a logical, coherent manner.
Remember, consistent practice and exposure to a wide range of cooking-related vocabulary and concepts will significantly enhance your performance on this topic.
For more IELTS Speaking practice, you might find it helpful to review topics like describing a gift you received or a time when someone cooked a special meal for you. These related themes can help broaden your vocabulary and improve your ability to discuss personal experiences fluently.