The IELTS Speaking Test evaluates your ability to express yourself in English and is divided into three parts: Introduction and Interview, Long Turn, and Two-way Discussion. The question “Describe a time when you went to a new restaurant” is a popular topic in Part 2 of the exam. This guide will help you understand how to tackle such a question effectively to achieve a high Band score.
I. Introduction
In the IELTS Speaking Test, candidates’ performances are assessed based on four criteria: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation. It is important to be familiar with these criteria as it helps to understand what examiners look for in a high-scoring answer.
The question “Describe a time when you went to a new restaurant” appears frequently in IELTS Speaking exams, making it essential for candidates to prepare well. This article will provide sample answers, tips, and strategies to help you excel in the IELTS Speaking Test.
II. Main Content
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, examiners ask straightforward questions related to familiar topics. Here are some example questions and a sample answer to get you started.
Example Question:
- What types of food do you like to eat?
Sample Answer:
“I love eating Italian cuisine the most. I find pasta dishes incredibly delicious, and the variety of sauces always excites my taste buds. Additionally, sushi has become one of my go-to meals because of its fresh ingredients and unique flavors.”
Part 2: Long Turn
In this section, you are given a cue card with a topic and then you must speak about it for 1-2 minutes. Below is a cue card example for “Describe a time when you went to a new restaurant,” along with a sample answer.
Cue Card:
Describe a time when you went to a new restaurant. You should say:
- Where the restaurant is
- What the restaurant looks like
- What food you ordered
- And explain how you felt about the experience
Sample Answer:
“Last month, I visited a new Italian restaurant in downtown called ‘La Bella’. The restaurant is located just a few blocks from my office, making it a convenient choice for a weekday dinner. The ambiance of the place was quite enchanting—with dim lighting, cozy seating, and a charming vintage decor that immediately made me feel relaxed.
The restaurant’s menu was extensive, but I decided to go with their recommended specials for the evening. I ordered a classic Margherita pizza and a side of bruschetta. The pizza had a delightfully thin crust, topped with fresh basil leaves and mozzarella cheese that melted in my mouth. The bruschetta was equally impressive with its perfectly toasted bread and aromatic tomato and basil topping.
My overall experience at ‘La Bella’ was outstanding. The staff was extremely welcoming, the food was delectable, and the atmosphere was perfect for a casual yet enjoyable dining experience. I felt pleasantly surprised and completely satisfied with every aspect of the visit, and I’ve since recommended the restaurant to all my friends.”
Follow-up Questions:
- How did you find out about the restaurant?
- Have you visited that restaurant again since your first visit?
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
This part involves a deeper discussion on topics related to Part 2. Here, the examiner will ask more abstract questions.
Example Questions:
- What are some reasons why people enjoy eating out at restaurants?
- How has the restaurant industry changed in recent years?
Sample Answers:
Examiner: What are some reasons why people enjoy eating out at restaurants?
Candidate: “Eating out at restaurants provides an opportunity for people to relax and unwind without the stress of cooking and cleaning. It also allows them to try new cuisines and dishes that they may not be able to prepare at home. Moreover, dining out can be a social activity, where friends and family can gather and spend quality time together. The experience of being served and the ambiance of a restaurant often enhance the overall enjoyment of the meal.”
Examiner: How has the restaurant industry changed in recent years?
Candidate: “The restaurant industry has undergone significant changes recently. With the rise of technology and online services, many restaurants now offer online reservations and home delivery options, making dining more convenient. There’s also a growing trend towards healthy and sustainable eating, with many restaurants focusing on organic and locally-sourced ingredients. Additionally, cultural diversity in cuisine has expanded, offering customers a wider variety of food choices from around the world.”
III. Vocabulary and Useful Phrases
Important Vocabulary
Ambiance (n): /ˌɑːm.biˈɑːns/ – The character and atmosphere of a place.
- “The restaurant had a cozy and welcoming ambiance.”
Extensive (adj): /ɪkˈsten.sɪv/ – Covering a large area; comprehensive.
- “The menu was very extensive, with dishes from various cuisines.”
Delectable (adj): /dɪˈlek.tə.bəl/ – Extremely delicious.
- “The food was absolutely delectable.”
Pleasantly surprised (phrase): Feeling happy and surprised.
- “I was pleasantly surprised by the high quality of service.”
Example Phrases
- “The ambiance of the place was quite enchanting“
- “I felt pleasantly surprised and completely satisfied“
- “A delightful thin crust topped with fresh basil leaves and mozzarella cheese“
IV. Examiner’s Tips
- Practice Fluency and Coherence: Try to speak fluently without too many pauses. Connect your ideas logically.
- Enhance Your Lexical Resource: Use a variety of vocabulary. Avoid repetition and include advanced words and phrases naturally.
- Focus on Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Use a mix of simple and complex sentences correctly.
- Improve Your Pronunciation: Be clear and try to speak with the proper intonation. Practice difficult words.
By preparing effectively and practicing regularly, you can enhance your chances of scoring high in the IELTS Speaking Test.
a modern Italian restaurant
For more tips on mastering different IELTS speaking topics, check our article on describe a time when you experienced a cultural festival.