As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I’ve encountered countless speaking topics, and “Who taught you how to cook?” consistently appears. While seemingly simple, this question offers a fantastic opportunity to showcase your vocabulary and fluency in a relatable way. This article will delve into why this topic is relevant to IELTS, guide you on how to structure a compelling response, and provide practical tips to achieve a band 7 or higher.

Understanding the Significance of Food-Related Topics in IELTS Speaking

The IELTS Speaking test evaluates your ability to communicate effectively in English on a range of subjects. Food is a universal topic, making it highly relevant for the exam. Questions about cooking allow examiners to assess your:

• Vocabulary: You can demonstrate your knowledge of food-related terms, cooking methods, and descriptive language.
• Fluency and Coherence: Talking about a familiar topic like cooking helps you speak more naturally and connect your ideas smoothly.
• Grammar: You can showcase your grasp of different tenses (past, present, future) when discussing your cooking experiences.

Crafting Your Response to “Who Taught You How to Cook?”

While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, structuring your response effectively is key. Here’s a possible framework:

1. Introduction:

• Acknowledge the question: Begin by directly addressing the question, showing the examiner you’ve understood.
  • Example: “Well, to be honest, I didn’t have a formal cooking teacher…” or “It’s interesting you ask that, because I actually learned from…”
• Introduce the person: Briefly mention who taught you to cook.
  • Example: “…but my grandmother played a huge role in my culinary journey.”

2. Developing Your Story:

• Provide context: Explain your relationship with this person and why they taught you.
  • Example: “Growing up, I spent countless summers at my grandmother’s house. She was an incredible cook, and always let me help in the kitchen.”
• Describe the learning experience: Share specific details about what they taught you, focusing on sensory details and emotions.
  • Example: “I vividly remember the aroma of her signature dish, a traditional chicken curry, filling the house. She patiently taught me each step, from grinding spices to kneading dough.”
• Highlight key skills: Mention specific cooking techniques or recipes you learned.
  • Example: “She emphasized using fresh ingredients and taught me the importance of balancing flavors.”

3. Concluding Your Response:

• Bring it to the present: Briefly connect your past experience to your current cooking habits.
  • Example: “Nowadays, I love experimenting with new recipes, but my grandmother’s lessons remain the foundation of my cooking.”
• Add a personal touch: Conclude with a short, memorable statement about how this experience impacted you.
  • Example: “Her passion for food instilled in me a lifelong love for cooking.”

grandmother and grandchild cooking

Example Response

“It’s interesting you ask that, because I actually learned from watching cooking shows rather than a person. Growing up, my family wasn’t particularly interested in cooking, but I was always fascinated by the culinary arts. I would spend hours watching chefs on television, mesmerized by their techniques and creativity. Through careful observation, I taught myself basic knife skills, learned about different cuisines, and even attempted some challenging recipes. While I still consider myself an amateur cook, those early experiences ignited a passion that continues to this day. I love exploring new flavors and experimenting in the kitchen, constantly seeking to improve my skills.”

Essential Tips for Success

• Use a variety of vocabulary: Incorporate synonyms and descriptive language. For example, instead of repeatedly saying “cook,” use words like “prepare,” “whip up,” or “simmer.”
• Speak fluently and naturally: Don’t memorize answers. Practice speaking about cooking spontaneously to improve your fluency.
• Emphasize the sensory experience: Describe aromas, tastes, and textures to make your story more engaging.
• Be enthusiastic and positive: Your passion for the topic will shine through and impress the examiner.

Conclusion

Remember, the “Who taught you how to cook?” question is an opportunity to showcase your language abilities. By following these tips, structuring your response effectively, and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to impress the examiner and achieve your desired IELTS score. Good luck!