As an IELTS instructor with over two decades of experience, I often get asked by my students, “How do I answer ‘What is your favourite food?’ in the IELTS Speaking test?” It might seem like a simple, even trivial question, but it’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase your English language skills. This seemingly innocuous question allows examiners to assess your vocabulary, grammar, fluency, and coherence, all crucial aspects of the IELTS Speaking test.
The Significance of “Favourite Food” in the IELTS Speaking Test
The IELTS Speaking test evaluates your ability to communicate effectively in English. While the question about your favourite food might appear straightforward, it tests your ability to:
- Utilize a range of vocabulary: Discussing food opens up opportunities to use descriptive adjectives, food-related nouns, and verbs related to cooking and eating.
- Demonstrate grammatical accuracy: You can showcase your understanding of tenses (present, past, future) while describing your experiences and preferences.
- Maintain fluency and coherence: Answering naturally and linking your ideas logically demonstrates fluency.
- Provide extended answers: Instead of giving one-word responses, elaborate on your reasons for liking the dish, how it’s prepared, and its cultural significance.
Crafting Your Delicious Response
Here’s how to approach the “favourite food” question effectively:
1. Choose a Dish (and Have a Backup!)
Select a dish you’re familiar with and can easily describe. Having a backup option is wise in case your mind goes blank!
2. Structure Your Answer
- Introduce your favourite food: “If I had to pick a favourite, it would have to be…”
- Describe the dish: “It’s a traditional (country) dish made with…”. Be specific about ingredients, flavours, and cooking methods.
- Explain why it’s your favourite: “I particularly enjoy this dish because…” This is where you can use descriptive language and sensory details. Do you love the aroma? The texture? The way it makes you feel?
- Share a personal anecdote (optional): “I remember trying this dish for the first time…” A brief, relevant anecdote can make your response more engaging.
3. Example Answer
“My favourite food would have to be Pad Thai. It’s a classic Thai noodle dish, stir-fried with tofu, eggs, and vegetables, and seasoned with a delicious tamarind sauce. What I love most about Pad Thai is the perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savoury flavours. It’s a dish that always tantalizes my taste buds. I remember my first trip to Thailand; I must have eaten Pad Thai every day! It’s a dish that evokes such wonderful memories.”
pad-thai|pad thai|A plate of Pad Thai with tofu, eggs, vegetables, and a scattering of peanuts.
Tips for Success
- Practice, practice, practice: Rehearse your answer until you feel comfortable speaking about it naturally.
- Expand your food vocabulary: Learn synonyms and descriptive terms related to food, taste, and texture.
- Don’t be afraid to be specific: The more details you provide, the more engaging your response will be.
- Be genuine and enthusiastic: Your passion for the dish will shine through and make your answer memorable.
Remember, the IELTS Speaking test is about demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively. By approaching the “favourite food” question strategically and with a sprinkle of personality, you’ll be well on your way to achieving a high score.