As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I often encounter students who feel apprehensive about the seemingly simple questions in the IELTS Speaking test. One such question is, “Is there any food you don’t like?” While it appears straightforward, many struggle to provide a compelling and nuanced response. This article will delve into why this question arises, how to formulate an impressive answer, and provide practical tips to excel in your IELTS Speaking exam.

Why This Question Matters in IELTS Speaking

The IELTS Speaking test assesses your ability to communicate effectively in English. Examiners use questions like “Is there any food you don’t like?” to evaluate several aspects of your language proficiency:

• Vocabulary Range: Can you use a variety of words related to food, taste, and preferences?
• Fluency and Coherence: Can you speak smoothly, connect your ideas logically, and elaborate on your answers?
• Grammatical Accuracy: Can you use correct grammar structures while speaking spontaneously?
• Pronunciation: Can you pronounce words clearly and use intonation to convey meaning effectively?

Crafting Your Winning Response

Here’s a breakdown of how to structure a compelling answer that showcases your language skills:

1. Direct and Honest Answer

Begin by directly answering the question. It’s perfectly acceptable to admit you dislike certain foods. For instance:

• “To be honest, I’m not particularly fond of durian.”
• “Actually, I’m not a big fan of spicy food.”

2. Elaborate on Your Dislike

Provide a reason for your dislike. This demonstrates your ability to express opinions and provide justifications:

• “… because I find the smell quite overpowering.”
• “…as I have a sensitive stomach and spices tend to upset it.”

3. Expand with Examples or Anecdotes

To make your answer more engaging and demonstrate fluency, consider adding a brief anecdote or example:

• “I remember trying durian once on a trip to Thailand, and the taste just wasn’t for me.”
• “Growing up, my family didn’t eat many spicy dishes, so my palate never really developed a tolerance for them.”

4. Transition to Likes (Optional)

If you want to further demonstrate your vocabulary, you can smoothly transition to discussing foods you do enjoy:

• “However, I am a huge fan of seafood. I could eat grilled salmon every day!”
• “Instead, I tend to gravitate towards milder flavors, like those found in Mediterranean cuisine.”

Example Answer

“Is there any food you don’t like?”

“Yes, actually. I’m not a big fan of bitter gourd. I find its bitterness quite intense, even when it’s cooked with other strong flavors. I remember my grandmother used to make it often, and I would always try to avoid eating it! On the other hand, I absolutely love sweet fruits like mangoes and pineapples – they’re my weakness!”

Bitter Gourd

Key Tips for Success

• Be Authentic: Don’t feel pressured to invent dislikes. Be genuine in your response.
• Mind Your Tone: Avoid being overly negative or critical about the food. Keep your tone neutral or slightly humorous.
• Focus on Fluency: It’s better to speak naturally and fluently than to get stuck searching for the perfect word.
• Practice Makes Perfect: Rehearse answering this question and similar ones to build confidence and fluency.

Conclusion

Remember, the IELTS Speaking test is about demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively. By preparing thoughtful responses, using a variety of vocabulary, and speaking confidently, you can turn a simple question like “Is there any food you don’t like?” into an opportunity to shine.