As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I often encounter students who feel anxious about describing festivals and celebrations, particularly the food aspect. This uncertainty can affect their fluency and confidence in the IELTS Speaking exam. This article focuses on tackling questions like “What special food is associated with this festival?” effectively, equipping you with the vocabulary and strategies to impress your examiner.
Understanding the Significance of Food-Related Vocabulary in IELTS
Knowing how to describe festival foods is crucial for several reasons:
- Cultural Insight: Food is an integral part of any culture. Describing festival foods demonstrates your understanding and appreciation of different traditions.
- Vocabulary Enhancement: You can showcase a wider range of vocabulary related to food, taste, preparation methods, and cultural significance.
- Fluency and Coherence: Being able to speak about this topic naturally and smoothly contributes to better fluency and coherence in your Speaking exam.
Approaching “What Special Food is Associated with this Festival?”
Here’s a breakdown of how to effectively answer questions about festival foods:
1. Identify Key Information
Listen carefully to the examiner’s question. Are they asking about a specific festival, or do you need to provide an example yourself?
2. Name the Food and Festival Clearly
State the name of the special food and the festival it’s associated with. For instance:
- “A traditional food enjoyed during the Lunar New Year is Nian Gao, a sticky rice cake.”
- “One dish synonymous with Thanksgiving in Canada is butter tarts, small pastries filled with a sugary syrup.”
3. Describe the Food Using Sensory Details
Go beyond simply naming the dish. Use vivid adjectives to describe:
- Taste: “savoury,” “sweet,” “tangy,” “spicy”
- Texture: “crispy,” “chewy,” “creamy,” “crunchy”
- Appearance: “colourful,” “golden brown,” “steamed,” “baked”
- Ingredients: “made with glutinous rice flour,” “often includes dried fruits and nuts,” “traditionally roasted over an open fire”
Bánh Chưng
4. Explain the Cultural Significance
This is key to showcasing a deeper understanding. Briefly explain:
- Why is this specific food eaten during this festival?
- “It’s believed to symbolize prosperity and good fortune for the coming year.”
- “It’s a dish that brings families together, representing togetherness and gratitude.”
- Are there any special customs or beliefs associated with the food?
- “Families often gather to make the dumplings together, which is seen as a bonding activity.”
- “There’s a tradition of hiding a coin inside one of the cakes, and whoever finds it is said to have good luck.”
5. Example from an IELTS Speaking Test
Examiner: “Tell me about a festival in your country where special food is prepared.”
Candidate: “Well, in Vietnam, we celebrate the Lunar New Year, or Tết, with great enthusiasm. And a food that holds a special place during this time is Bánh Chưng. It’s a square-shaped cake made with glutinous rice, mung beans, and pork, all wrapped in banana leaves and boiled for hours. It’s quite a labour of love to prepare, often involving the whole family. Bánh Chưng symbolizes Earth and the nourishment it provides. Having it on our table during Tết signifies prosperity and reminds us of our roots.”
Tips for Success
- Expand your Vocabulary: Regularly learn new words related to food and cooking, especially those specific to your culture.
- Practice Describing: Choose a few festivals you know well and practice describing the special foods associated with them. Use the tips above to make your descriptions detailed and engaging.
- Don’t Memorize: While it’s good to have a few examples ready, avoid memorizing entire responses. The examiner is looking for natural, spontaneous language.
Conclusion
By mastering the art of describing festival foods, you can significantly enhance your IELTS Speaking performance. Remember to use vivid language, explain cultural significance, and practice regularly. With preparation and confidence, you’ll be well-equipped to impress the examiner and achieve your desired score!