As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I’ve encountered countless Speaking test topics. One that often arises, particularly at the lower levels, is “Who does the cooking in your family?”. While seemingly simple, this question offers a great opportunity to demonstrate your English fluency and vocabulary.

Understanding the Significance of the Topic

This question might seem trivial, but it allows the examiner to assess several things:

• Vocabulary: Can you discuss everyday activities, food, and family relationships using a range of vocabulary?
• Grammar: Can you accurately use present simple tense, frequency adverbs, and vocabulary related to cooking and meals?
• Fluency and Coherence: Can you answer promptly, elaborate on your responses, and connect your ideas smoothly?

Tackling the “Who Does the Cooking in Your Family” Question

Here’s a breakdown of how to effectively address this topic:

1. Provide a Direct Answer

Start by directly answering the question. Be clear and concise.

• Example: “In my family, my mother is usually the one who does the cooking.”

2. Elaborate and Provide Details

Don’t stop at the direct answer. Expand on your response by providing specific details about your family’s cooking arrangements.

• Example: “My mother loves to cook and she’s fantastic at it. She prepares most of our meals, especially traditional dishes.”

3. Discuss Variations and Reasons

Families have different cooking dynamics. Mention any variations in your household and explain why things are done that way.

• Example: “However, my father enjoys making breakfast on weekends. He makes amazing pancakes, which is a real treat for us.”

family-cooking-together|Family Cooking Together|A photo of a happy family of four cooking together in their kitchen. The mother is teaching her young daughter how to crack an egg, while the father helps his son stir something in a pot on the stove.

4. Share Your Preferences (If Applicable)

If relevant, talk about your own role in the kitchen and what you enjoy cooking or eating.

• Example: “I’m not much of a cook myself, but I help out by setting the table and washing the dishes. I really appreciate my mother’s cooking!”

Sample IELTS Speaking Response

Examiner: Who usually does the cooking in your family?

Candidate: Well, my mother is the primary cook in our house. She has a real passion for cooking, and she’s always experimenting with new recipes. She usually prepares lunch and dinner on weekdays. My father often helps out by chopping vegetables or preparing ingredients. On weekends, we sometimes eat out as a family, which gives my mother a break from cooking.

Tips for Success

• Use a Variety of Vocabulary: Instead of repeating “cook,” use synonyms like “prepare,” “whip up,” or verbs specific to cooking methods like “bake,” “fry,” or “steam.”
• Speak in Complete Sentences: Avoid one-word answers or fragmented sentences. Aim for clarity and grammatically correct responses.
• Practice Regularly: Familiarize yourself with common IELTS topics and practice speaking about them. This will boost your confidence during the actual exam.

Remember, the IELTS Speaking test evaluates your ability to communicate effectively in English. By following these tips and practicing regularly, you can confidently tackle the “Who does the cooking in your family?” question and impress the examiner with your language skills.