Master IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a Recipe You Can Cook

Describing a recipe you can cook is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2. This topic allows examiners to assess your ability to explain processes, use cooking-related vocabulary, and express personal experiences. Let’s explore how to excel in this speaking task and achieve a high band score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask some general questions about cooking to warm you up. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:

1. Do you enjoy cooking?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do enjoy cooking. It’s a relaxing activity for me, and I like trying out new recipes when I have free time.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely! Cooking is not just a necessity for me; it’s a passion. I find it incredibly therapeutic to experiment with different ingredients and create delicious meals from scratch. It’s also a wonderful way to express creativity and share love with family and friends through food.

2. What’s your favorite dish to cook?

Band 6-7 Answer:
My favorite dish to cook is pasta with tomato sauce. It’s simple but tasty, and I can make it quickly after work.

Band 8-9 Answer:
I’m particularly fond of preparing a traditional dish from my hometown called describe a local dish you enjoy. It’s a complex dish that involves slow-cooking various spices and meats, resulting in a rich, aromatic stew. While it’s time-consuming, the end result is always worth the effort, and it never fails to evoke nostalgic memories of family gatherings.

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:

Describe a recipe you can cook

You should say:
- What the dish is
- How you learned to cook it
- What ingredients are needed
- And explain why you like cooking this dish

Band 6-7 Answer:
The dish I can cook is spaghetti carbonara. I learned to cook it from a YouTube video when I was in college. The main ingredients are spaghetti, eggs, bacon, parmesan cheese, and black pepper. I like cooking this dish because it’s quick and easy to make, and it tastes really good. It’s perfect for when I’m hungry but don’t have much time to cook.

Band 8-9 Answer:
The dish I’d like to describe is a classic Italian pasta dish called spaghetti carbonara. I initially learned to prepare this dish during my university years when I was eager to expand my culinary repertoire. After watching numerous cooking shows and experimenting with various techniques, I perfected my own version of this timeless recipe.

The key ingredients for an authentic carbonara are high-quality spaghetti, freshly grated Pecorino Romano cheese, crispy pancetta or guanciale, eggs, and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the harmony of its flavors.

What I particularly appreciate about cooking carbonara is the skill required to execute it flawlessly. The technique of tempering the eggs with hot pasta water to create a silky, creamy sauce without scrambling the eggs is a delicate process that I find both challenging and rewarding. Moreover, achieving the perfect al dente texture for the pasta while ensuring the sauce coats each strand evenly requires precision and attention to detail.

This dish holds a special place in my heart not only because of its delectable taste but also due to the memories associated with it. It reminds me of my time studying abroad in Italy, where I first tasted an authentic carbonara in a small trattoria in Rome. Now, every time I prepare this dish, it transports me back to those carefree days and allows me to share a piece of my experiences with friends and family through food.

Cooking spaghetti carbonara: An authentic Italian recipe

Follow-up questions:

1. How often do you cook this dish?

Band 6-7 Answer:
I cook carbonara about once or twice a month. It’s my go-to meal when I want something tasty but don’t have much time.

Band 8-9 Answer:
I tend to prepare carbonara roughly once a fortnight, although the frequency can vary depending on my schedule and cravings. It’s become somewhat of a culinary ritual for me, often serving as a comforting meal after a particularly hectic week or as a crowd-pleaser when entertaining friends. The dish’s versatility and relatively quick preparation time make it an ideal choice for both impromptu dinners and planned gatherings.

2. Have you ever made mistakes while cooking this dish?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I have made mistakes. Once, I overcooked the pasta, and another time, I accidentally scrambled the eggs. But these mistakes helped me learn and improve my cooking skills.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely, and I believe these culinary mishaps have been instrumental in honing my skills. One particularly memorable incident involved oversaturating the sauce with cheese, resulting in a gloppy texture rather than the desired silky consistency. Another time, in my overzealousness to achieve a crispy texture, I inadvertently carbonized the pancetta, imparting an unpleasant bitter note to the entire dish. However, I’ve come to view these mistakes as valuable learning experiences. They’ve taught me the importance of precision in measurement, timing, and temperature control – all crucial elements in perfecting this seemingly simple yet nuanced dish.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to cooking and food. Here are some examples:

1. Do you think cooking skills are important in today’s society?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think cooking skills are important. They help people eat healthier and save money. Also, cooking can be a fun hobby and a way to spend time with family and friends.

Band 8-9 Answer:
I firmly believe that cooking skills are increasingly crucial in contemporary society for several reasons. Firstly, in an era dominated by processed foods and fast-food chains, the ability to cook allows individuals to take control of their nutrition and make informed choices about their diet. This is particularly pertinent given the rising rates of obesity and diet-related health issues in many countries.

Secondly, cooking skills contribute to financial literacy and resource management. By preparing meals at home, people can significantly reduce their food expenses while often improving the quality of what they consume. This economic aspect is especially relevant for students, young professionals, and families on a budget.

Moreover, cooking has profound social and cultural implications. It serves as a medium for preserving cultural heritage, passing down traditional recipes through generations. In our increasingly globalized world, cooking also offers a unique avenue for cultural exchange and understanding.

Lastly, the act of cooking itself can be therapeutic and contribute to mental well-being. It provides a creative outlet, a sense of accomplishment, and can even be a form of mindfulness practice. In our fast-paced, often stressful lives, the simple act of preparing a meal can offer a much-needed respite and a connection to the present moment.

2. How has technology changed the way people cook?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Technology has made cooking easier and faster. We have many kitchen gadgets now, like electric mixers and food processors. Also, people can find recipes easily on the internet and watch cooking videos on YouTube.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Technology has revolutionized the culinary landscape in myriad ways. Perhaps most notably, it has democratized access to information. The proliferation of online recipe databases, cooking blogs, and video tutorials has made it possible for anyone with an internet connection to learn new cooking skills and explore diverse cuisines from around the world. This has led to a culinary renaissance of sorts, with home cooks becoming increasingly adventurous and knowledgeable.

Moreover, kitchen appliances have undergone a dramatic evolution. Smart ovens, precision cookers, and multi-functional devices like the Instant Pot have streamlined cooking processes, making it possible to achieve professional-level results with minimal effort. These technologies have not only saved time but also expanded the repertoire of dishes that the average home cook can confidently prepare.

However, this technological integration in cooking is not without its drawbacks. There’s an argument to be made that the reliance on gadgets and pre-programmed recipes might lead to a decline in fundamental cooking skills and intuition. Additionally, the constant connectivity enabled by smart kitchen devices could potentially erode the mindful, meditative aspect of cooking that many find therapeutic.

Nevertheless, on balance, I believe technology has had a largely positive impact on cooking. It has made quality cuisine more accessible, encouraged culinary exploration, and provided tools that allow busy individuals to prepare healthy, home-cooked meals despite time constraints. The key lies in striking a balance – leveraging technology to enhance our cooking capabilities while still maintaining a connection to the artistry and tradition of culinary practices.

Modern kitchen with advanced cooking technology

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To enhance your speaking performance, incorporate these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:

1. Culinary repertoire /ˈkʌlɪnəri ˈrepətwɑː/ (noun): The range of dishes one can cook.
   Example: “Mastering carbonara has significantly expanded my culinary repertoire.”

2. To hone /həʊn/ (verb): To refine or perfect a skill.
   Example: “I’ve spent years honing my pasta-making technique.”

3. Gastronomic /ˌgæstrəˈnɒmɪk/ (adjective): Related to the art of cooking and eating good food.
   Example: “Italy offers a gastronomic experience like no other country.”

4. Al dente /æl ˈdenteɪ/ (adjective): Cooked so as to be still firm when bitten (typically referring to pasta).
   Example: “The key to perfect carbonara is cooking the spaghetti al dente.”

5. To savor /ˈseɪvə/ (verb): To enjoy food or an experience slowly, in order to appreciate it fully.
   Example: “I love to savor each bite of a well-prepared meal.”

6. Epicurean /ˌepɪkjʊˈriːən/ (adjective): Devoted to the pursuit of sensual pleasure, especially good food and comfort.
   Example: “My interest in cooking stems from my epicurean nature.”

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a recipe:

1. Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate cooking-specific terms and descriptive language to vividly explain the recipe and cooking process.

2. Show enthusiasm: Demonstrate genuine interest in the topic through your tone and expressions.

3. Provide detailed explanations: Don’t just list ingredients; explain why they’re important and how they contribute to the final dish.

4. Connect to personal experiences: Relate the recipe to your life, culture, or memories to add depth to your answer.

5. Practice fluency: Aim for smooth delivery without long pauses. Regular practice with various recipes will help you speak more confidently about cooking-related topics.

6. Demonstrate critical thinking: In Part 3, analyze the broader implications of cooking in society, showing your ability to think abstractly and discuss complex ideas.

By following these tips and incorporating advanced vocabulary, you’ll be well-equipped to excel in describing a recipe you can cook in your IELTS Speaking test.