As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I’ve encountered the “favorite food” question countless times in IELTS Speaking Part 1. It might seem simple, but this question offers a fantastic opportunity to showcase your vocabulary and fluency in English. This guide provides you with everything you need to know to confidently answer questions about your favorite food in the IELTS Speaking test.
Why does the examiner ask about your favorite food?
The examiner isn’t actually interested in what you eat. They are assessing your ability to:
- Speak fluently and naturally on a familiar topic.
- Use a range of vocabulary related to food, cooking, and taste.
- Provide extended answers, giving reasons and examples to support your choices.
- Demonstrate good grammar and pronunciation.
How to Answer “What is Your Favorite Food?”
1. State Your Favorite Food Clearly
Start with a clear and concise statement about your favorite food. Don’t be afraid to choose something specific.
Examples:
- “My absolute favorite food is Bún Chả, a Vietnamese dish with grilled pork and noodles.”
- “I’m a big fan of anything spicy, but if I had to choose, I’d say my favorite food is Kimchi Jjigae, a Korean kimchi stew.”
2. Elaborate and Explain
This is where you showcase your language skills. Expand on your answer by:
- Describing the food: “It’s a delicious combination of fresh vegetables, grilled pork, and rice noodles, all served in a flavorful broth.”
- Explaining how it’s prepared: “The pork is marinated in a blend of fish sauce, lemongrass, and garlic, then grilled over charcoal for a smoky flavor.”
- Mentioning why you like it: “I love the combination of textures and flavors, and it always reminds me of my time living in Vietnam.”
- Sharing an anecdote: “My grandmother used to make the most amazing Kimchi Jjigae. It was always bubbling away on the stove, filling the house with the most delicious smell.”
Bun Cha
3. Use Rich Vocabulary
Instead of basic words like “good” or “tasty,” use more descriptive vocabulary:
- Taste: savory, tangy, spicy, rich, aromatic, delicate, flavorful, refreshing.
- Texture: crispy, crunchy, chewy, tender, juicy, creamy, smooth.
- Cooking methods: simmered, roasted, grilled, steamed, fried, baked.
4. Practice Speaking Naturally
The key is to sound natural and confident. Practice speaking about your favorite food beforehand, focusing on:
- Fluency: Speaking at a steady pace without too many pauses.
- Pronunciation: Paying attention to the sounds of words and stress patterns.
- Intonation: Varying your pitch and tone to sound engaging.
Example Answer
“My favorite food is Pad Thai, which is a stir-fried noodle dish from Thailand. It’s made with rice noodles, tofu, eggs, bean sprouts, and often shrimp or chicken. The noodles are stir-fried in a wok with a tamarind-based sauce, which gives it a sweet and sour flavor. I love the combination of textures and flavors, and it’s a dish I could eat every day!”
Tips for Success
- Don’t memorize answers: Focus on developing your vocabulary and fluency so you can speak naturally.
- Be specific: Choose a specific dish and provide details.
- Use linking words: Use words like “because,” “also,” and “in addition” to connect your ideas.
- Practice regularly: The more you practice, the more confident you will become.
Remember, the “favorite food” question is an opportunity to shine! By following these tips, you can impress the examiner and achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test.