Similar to describe a recent day trip you enjoyed, questions about eating habits and snacks frequently appear in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 1 and Part 3 discussions.
IELTS Speaking examiner discussing food habits with candidate
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common examiner questions about snacks:
- Do you often eat snacks?
- What kinds of snacks are popular in your country?
- Did you eat many snacks when you were a child?
- Do you think it’s healthy to eat snacks?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
“Well, I try to maintain a balanced approach to snacking. While I do enjoy the occasional snack, I’m quite mindful of what I eat. In my country, traditional snacks like dried fruits and nuts are quite popular, which I believe are relatively wholesome options. As for whether it’s healthy, I think it really depends on the choice of snacks and portion control. Nutritious snacks can actually help maintain stable blood sugar levels throughout the day.”
Part 2: Cue Card
Describe a healthy snack you like to eat
You should say:
- What this snack is
- When you usually eat it
- Where you buy it from
- And explain why you think it’s healthy
Various healthy snack options including fresh fruits and nuts
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
“I’d like to talk about my go-to healthy snack, which is a homemade trail mix consisting of almonds, walnuts, and dried cranberries. I typically prepare this nutrient-rich combination in small portions and carry it in a reusable container.
I tend to have this snack during my mid-morning break at work, as it provides me with a sustainable energy boost without the crash that comes with sugary alternatives. I source the ingredients from a local organic store that specializes in high-quality nuts and dried fruits.
What makes this snack particularly healthy is its impressive nutritional profile. The nuts are packed with healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals, while the dried cranberries provide antioxidants and natural sweetness. It’s also incredibly versatile and convenient, making it perfect for maintaining a balanced diet during busy days.”
Similar to describe a memorable day you spent outdoors, the key to a high-scoring response is providing specific details and personal experiences.
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q1: Do you think people’s snacking habits have changed over the years?
Band 8-9 Response:
“There has been a significant shift in snacking patterns over the past decade. People are becoming increasingly health-conscious and are gravitating towards nutritious alternatives to traditional snacks. This transformation is largely driven by greater awareness of health issues and the proliferation of information about nutrition through social media and health apps.”
Modern healthy snacking trends and choices
Q2: How can parents encourage children to eat healthy snacks?
Just as describe an activity you enjoy doing outdoors requires detailed explanation, this response should be comprehensive and well-structured.
Band 8-9 Response:
“Parents can implement various strategies to promote healthy snacking habits. First, they can lead by example by choosing nutritious snacks themselves. Additionally, they could involve children in the preparation process, making it fun and educational. It’s also crucial to maintain consistency and avoid using unhealthy treats as rewards, which might create negative associations with healthy foods.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
- Nutritional value /njuːˈtrɪʃənl ˈvæljuː/ (n.) – the amount of nutrients in food
- Mindful eating /ˈmaɪndfʊl ˈiːtɪŋ/ (n.) – paying attention to what and how you eat
- Portion control /ˈpɔːʃn kənˈtrəʊl/ (n.) – managing the amount of food eaten
- Energy-dense /ˈenədʒi dens/ (adj.) – containing high levels of calories
- Wholesome /ˈhəʊlsəm/ (adj.) – good for your health
Examiner’s Tips
- Use specific examples to support your points
- Demonstrate awareness of both pros and cons
- Employ a range of advanced vocabulary naturally
- Maintain good fluency while organizing thoughts
- Show critical thinking in Part 3 responses
Similar to describe a time when you stayed up all night for a special reason, preparation and practice are key to achieving a high score in the IELTS Speaking test.
