Describing a time when you cooked a meal for someone else is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme allows examiners to assess your ability to narrate personal experiences, express emotions, and use culinary vocabulary. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic effectively and boost your speaking score.
Describe a person who has taught you an important life skill can be a related topic, as cooking is often a skill passed down through generations or learned from mentors.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about cooking. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Examiner: “Do you enjoy cooking?”
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely! I find cooking to be a therapeutic and rewarding experience. There’s something magical about transforming raw ingredients into a delicious meal. I particularly enjoy experimenting with different flavors and cuisines, which allows me to broaden my culinary horizons.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a time when you cooked a meal for someone else
You should say:
- Who you cooked for
- What you cooked
- Why you decided to cook for this person
- And explain how you felt about the experience
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share an unforgettable experience when I cooked a special meal for my grandmother’s 80th birthday. It was a momentous occasion, and I wanted to express my love and gratitude through food.
I decided to prepare her favorite dish, which is a traditional beef stew that she used to make for our family gatherings. This choice was particularly significant because it represented a passing of the torch – me taking on the role of the family cook for this important event.
The preparation process was both exciting and nerve-wracking. I spent days perfecting the recipe, making sure to include all the authentic ingredients and cooking techniques that my grandmother had taught me over the years. The aroma of the slow-cooked beef, combined with aromatic herbs and vegetables, filled the house with a sense of nostalgia and anticipation.
As I served the meal, I felt a mix of emotions – pride in my culinary achievement, nervousness about whether it would meet her high standards, and profound love for the woman who had inspired my passion for cooking. The look of joy and surprise on her face when she tasted the stew was priceless. It was a deeply moving moment that reinforced the power of food to connect generations and express emotions that words sometimes cannot.
This experience was incredibly rewarding and taught me the true value of cooking for others. It’s not just about the food itself, but the love, care, and memories that go into each dish. Since then, I’ve found myself more eager to cook for loved ones, seeing it as a meaningful way to show appreciation and create lasting memories.”
Cooking a special meal for grandmother's birthday
Examiner: “How did this experience change your approach to cooking?”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“This experience was truly transformative. It heightened my appreciation for the emotional aspect of cooking. Now, I approach each meal as an opportunity to create not just flavors, but memories. I’m more mindful of the recipients’ preferences and the stories behind family recipes. It’s deepened my connection to my culinary heritage and inspired me to document and preserve these culinary traditions for future generations.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: “Do you think cooking skills are as important today as they were in the past?”
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe cooking skills remain crucial in today’s world, albeit for different reasons than in the past. While convenience foods and dining out options have become more accessible, there’s a growing awareness of the health benefits of home-cooked meals. Cooking from scratch allows people to control ingredients and portion sizes, which is vital in combating lifestyle diseases.
Moreover, in our fast-paced society, cooking has become a form of mindfulness and stress relief for many. It offers a creative outlet and a way to connect with cultural roots. The rise of cooking shows and food-focused social media demonstrates a renewed interest in culinary skills.
However, the nature of these skills has evolved. Today’s cooks often need to be adept at adapting recipes for dietary restrictions or using modern kitchen gadgets. Sustainability and ethical sourcing of ingredients have also become important considerations.
In essence, while the necessity of cooking for survival may have diminished, its importance for health, culture, and personal well-being has arguably increased.”
Describe a recent accomplishment you are proud of could be linked to mastering a challenging recipe or hosting a successful dinner party.
Examiner: “How has technology changed the way people cook at home?”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Technology has revolutionized home cooking in numerous ways. Smart appliances have made complex cooking techniques more accessible to amateur cooks. For instance, sous vide machines allow precise temperature control, while multi-functional cookers can handle tasks from slow cooking to pressure cooking with the touch of a button.
The internet has become an invaluable resource for home cooks. Recipe websites and cooking apps provide instant access to a vast array of cuisines and techniques. Video tutorials on platforms like YouTube have democratized culinary education, allowing people to learn from top chefs without attending formal classes.
Social media platforms have created virtual communities of food enthusiasts, facilitating the exchange of recipes and cooking tips. This has led to the rapid spread of food trends and the revival of traditional recipes.
However, this technological influence isn’t without its drawbacks. The constant connectivity can lead to information overload and pressure to create Instagram-worthy meals. There’s also concern that reliance on gadgets might lead to a loss of basic cooking skills.
Overall, while technology has undoubtedly enhanced convenience and expanded culinary horizons, it’s important to strike a balance between embracing these innovations and maintaining fundamental cooking knowledge.”
Modern kitchen with smart appliances
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Culinary heritage (noun) – /ˈkʌlɪnəri ˈherɪtɪdʒ/ – The traditional dishes and cooking methods passed down through generations.
Example: “Exploring my grandmother’s recipes helped me connect with my culinary heritage.”To experiment with flavors (phrase) – /tuː ɪkˈsperɪmənt wɪð ˈfleɪvəz/ – To try different combinations of tastes in cooking.
Example: “I love to experiment with flavors, combining unexpected ingredients to create unique dishes.”Aromatic (adjective) – /ˌærəˈmætɪk/ – Having a pleasant and distinctive smell.
Example: “The aromatic spices filled the kitchen, making everyone’s mouth water.”To perfect a recipe (phrase) – /tuː pəˈfekt ə ˈresɪpi/ – To improve a dish through practice until it’s exactly right.
Example: “It took me months to perfect my grandmother’s beef stew recipe.”Mindful eating (noun) – /ˈmaɪndfʊl ˈiːtɪŋ/ – The practice of being fully attentive to your food as you buy, prepare, serve, and consume it.
Example: “Cooking my own meals has helped me practice mindful eating, appreciating each ingredient and flavor.”
Examiner’s Advice: To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing cooking experiences, focus on using descriptive language that engages the senses. Practice narrating your cooking experiences, paying attention to the emotions involved and the impact of these experiences. Incorporate culinary vocabulary naturally into your responses, and be prepared to discuss broader topics related to food and cooking in Part 3. Regular practice with a variety of cooking-related topics will help you feel more confident and articulate during the actual test.