As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I often find that students get flustered by seemingly simple Speaking test questions. One such question is “What kind of new food have you tried recently?”. While it appears straightforward, it can actually be a fantastic opportunity to showcase your vocabulary and fluency. Let’s dive into how to approach this question effectively.
Understanding the Question’s Intent
Remember, the IELTS Speaking test isn’t just about assessing your vocabulary; it’s about evaluating your ability to communicate effectively in English. When examiners ask about a new food you’ve tried, they’re interested in:
- Your Range of Vocabulary: Can you describe food using precise and varied language?
- Your Fluency and Coherence: Can you speak smoothly and connect your ideas logically?
- Your Grammar Accuracy: Are you using correct tenses and grammatical structures?
Crafting Your Response
1. Think Beyond the Obvious
Avoid generic answers like “I tried pizza recently.” Instead, think of a dish that’s a little more unique or specific to your culture.
Example:
Instead of: “I tried pizza recently.”
Say: “A little while ago, I had the chance to sample gozleme for the first time, which is a traditional Turkish savory pastry.”
2. Describe the Food Vividly
Use descriptive language to paint a picture in the examiner’s mind. Mention:
- Taste and Texture: Was it spicy, sweet, crunchy, creamy?
- Ingredients: What was it made with?
- Preparation: Was it fried, baked, steamed?
Example:
“The gozleme was filled with savory spinach and feta cheese, all encased in a wonderfully thin and crispy dough. It was freshly made right in front of me on a hot griddle.”
3. Share Your Impressions
Did you like the food? Why or why not? This is a chance to express your opinion and use more complex vocabulary.
Example:
“I must say, I was pleasantly surprised. The combination of flavors and textures was delightful. I found it to be a much lighter and more flavorful alternative to pizza.”
4. Connect to a Broader Topic
If possible, relate the food experience to a larger topic, like culture, travel, or personal preferences. This demonstrates your ability to develop your ideas and hold a conversation.
Example:
“The experience made me want to explore Turkish cuisine further. I’m quite interested in trying their traditional desserts next.”
Sample Answer Using the Tips
“Recently, I had the pleasure of trying a Vietnamese dish called Bún Chả for the very first time. It’s a fascinating combination of cold rice vermicelli noodles, grilled pork patties, fresh herbs, and a light, tangy dipping sauce. The flavors were so fresh and vibrant – a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and sour. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a light and flavorful meal.”
Final Tips
- Practice Speaking: The key to acing the IELTS Speaking test is practice. Record yourself answering this and similar questions to identify areas for improvement.
- Don’t Memorize: While it’s good to have some prepared ideas, avoid memorizing entire responses. The examiners will be able to tell, and it might hinder your natural fluency.
- Be Yourself: Relax and be yourself! The examiners want to hear you speak naturally and confidently.
Remember, the IELTS Speaking test is an opportunity to demonstrate your English skills. By preparing thoughtfully and practicing regularly, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your desired score. Good luck!