The IELTS Reading section is a crucial component of the test, assessing your ability to comprehend complex texts and extract relevant information. Today, we’ll focus on a topic that has gained significant attention in recent years: reducing food waste in catering. This subject has appeared in various forms in past IELTS exams and, given its growing importance in sustainability discussions, is likely to resurface in future tests.

Food waste in catering

Practice Text: Tackling Food Waste in the Catering Industry

The Growing Problem of Food Waste

Food waste is a global issue that has far-reaching environmental, economic, and social impacts. The catering industry, in particular, contributes significantly to this problem. According to recent studies, up to 40% of food prepared for events and functions goes to waste. This not only represents a massive loss of resources but also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions when food decomposes in landfills.

Innovative Solutions

Fortunately, many catering companies are now implementing innovative strategies to reduce food waste. One such approach is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to predict food consumption patterns. By analyzing data from past events, AI algorithms can help caterers more accurately estimate the amount of food needed for each function.

Another promising solution is the adoption of ‘nose-to-tail’ and ‘root-to-stem’ cooking philosophies. These approaches encourage chefs to use all parts of animals and plants, reducing waste and often creating unique, flavorful dishes. For example, vegetable peels and stems can be transformed into delicious soups or garnishes, while less popular cuts of meat can be slow-cooked to perfection.

Portion Control and Presentation

Effective portion control is crucial in reducing food waste. Many caterers are moving away from large, elaborate buffets towards more controlled serving methods. Smaller plates, individual portions, and live cooking stations not only reduce waste but also enhance the dining experience by ensuring food is fresh and presented beautifully.

Collaboration with Local Communities

Some forward-thinking catering companies have established partnerships with local food banks and charities. Any unused, safe-to-eat food is donated to those in need, turning potential waste into a valuable community resource. This approach not only reduces waste but also strengthens the company’s corporate social responsibility profile.

Technology-Driven Solutions

Digital platforms are emerging as powerful tools in the fight against food waste. Apps that connect caterers with local consumers or charities can help redistribute surplus food quickly and efficiently. Some companies are even using blockchain technology to track food from source to plate, identifying inefficiencies in the supply chain and reducing waste at every step.

Education and Training

Perhaps the most crucial aspect of reducing food waste in catering is education. Many companies are investing in comprehensive training programs for their staff, teaching them about the importance of waste reduction and providing practical skills to minimize waste in food preparation and service.

Measuring and Monitoring

The old adage “what gets measured, gets managed” holds true for food waste reduction. Progressive catering companies are implementing sophisticated waste tracking systems, allowing them to identify problem areas and measure the success of their waste reduction initiatives over time.

Questions

1. According to the text, what percentage of food prepared for events typically goes to waste?
   A) 20%
   B) 30%
   C) 40%
   D) 50%

2. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a strategy for reducing food waste in catering?
   A) Using AI to predict food consumption
   B) Implementing ‘nose-to-tail’ cooking
   C) Offering larger portion sizes
   D) Donating surplus food to charities

3. The text suggests that smaller plates and individual portions can:
   A) Increase food waste
   B) Reduce food waste and enhance dining experience
   C) Make events more expensive
   D) Complicate the catering process

4. What technology is mentioned as being used to track food from source to plate?
   A) Artificial Intelligence
   B) Blockchain
   C) GPS
   D) RFID

5. True, False, or Not Given: All catering companies are required by law to donate unused food to charities.

6. True, False, or Not Given: Digital platforms can help redistribute surplus food quickly and efficiently.

7. True, False, or Not Given: ‘Root-to-stem’ cooking involves using all parts of plants in food preparation.

8-10. Complete the following sentences using NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage:

8. Many caterers are moving away from large, elaborate ___ to reduce waste.

9. Some companies use ___ technology to identify inefficiencies in the supply chain.

10. The text suggests that ___ is perhaps the most crucial aspect of reducing food waste in catering.

Answer Key

1. C) 40%
   Explanation: The text states, “According to recent studies, up to 40% of food prepared for events and functions goes to waste.”

2. C) Offering larger portion sizes
   Explanation: The text mentions using AI, ‘nose-to-tail’ cooking, and donating surplus food, but it actually suggests smaller portions as a strategy, not larger ones.

3. B) Reduce food waste and enhance dining experience
   Explanation: The passage states, “Smaller plates, individual portions, and live cooking stations not only reduce waste but also enhance the dining experience.”

4. B) Blockchain
   Explanation: The text mentions, “Some companies are even using blockchain technology to track food from source to plate.”

5. Not Given
   Explanation: The text mentions that some companies donate food, but it doesn’t state that this is a legal requirement for all catering companies.

6. True
   Explanation: The passage states, “Apps that connect caterers with local consumers or charities can help redistribute surplus food quickly and efficiently.”

7. True
   Explanation: The text mentions ‘root-to-stem’ cooking and explains it as an approach that “encourage[s] chefs to use all parts of animals and plants.”

8. buffets
   Explanation: The text states, “Many caterers are moving away from large, elaborate buffets towards more controlled serving methods.”

9. blockchain
   Explanation: The passage mentions, “Some companies are even using blockchain technology to track food from source to plate.”

10. Education
    Explanation: The text says, “Perhaps the most crucial aspect of reducing food waste in catering is education.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overlooking key phrases: Pay attention to phrases like “up to” or “according to recent studies” which can be crucial for accurately answering questions.

2. Falling for distractors: In multiple-choice questions, incorrect options often contain information from the text but used in a different context.

3. Making assumptions: For True/False/Not Given questions, stick strictly to the information provided in the text. Don’t bring in outside knowledge or make assumptions.

4. Exceeding word limits: In sentence completion tasks, always adhere to the stated word limit.

5. Incorrect spelling: Even if your answer is conceptually correct, spelling errors can cost you marks.

Vocabulary Focus

• Sustainability (noun): The ability to maintain at a certain rate or level.
• Innovative (adjective): Featuring new methods; advanced and original.
• Algorithm (noun): A process or set of rules to be followed in calculations or other problem-solving operations.
• Elaborate (adjective): Involving many carefully arranged parts or details; detailed and complicated in design and planning.
• Inefficiencies (noun): Lack of efficiency or effectiveness.

Grammar Spotlight

Notice the use of present simple tense for stating facts and describing current situations:

“Food waste is a global issue that has far-reaching environmental, economic, and social impacts.”

This structure (Subject + be + noun/adjective) is commonly used to define or describe something in academic writing.

Tips for IELTS Reading Success

1. Practice active reading: Engage with the text by underlining key points and making mental summaries as you read.

2. Improve your time management: Allocate your time wisely between reading the passage and answering questions.

3. Expand your vocabulary: Regularly learn new words and phrases related to common IELTS topics.

4. Develop your skimming and scanning skills: These are crucial for quickly locating specific information in the text.

5. Read widely: Expose yourself to various types of texts to improve your reading speed and comprehension.

Remember, consistent practice is key to improving your IELTS Reading score. Regularly attempt practice tests and analyze your mistakes to identify areas for improvement. With dedication and the right strategies, you can achieve the score you desire.

For more tips on improving your IELTS performance, check out our guide on how to reduce waste in the workplace, which provides valuable insights that can be applied to various IELTS reading topics.