IELTS Speaking Part 1 – Food and Cooking Sample Questions and Answers

  1. Do you enjoy cooking? Why or why not?

Sample Answer: Yes, I enjoy cooking. It allows me to be creative and experiment with different flavors and ingredients. Cooking also gives me a sense of accomplishment when I prepare a delicious meal from scratch. Moreover, cooking at home is a healthier and more cost-effective alternative to eating out. It allows me to have control over the ingredients and portion sizes, ensuring that I consume nutritious and balanced meals.

Vocabulary:

  • Flavors: (noun) distinctive tastes or combinations of tastes.
  • Ingredients: (noun) the components used in preparing a dish.
  • Accomplishment: (noun) a sense of achievement or completion.
  • Cost-effective: (adjective) providing value for money; economical.
  1. What is your favorite dish to cook? Why do you enjoy cooking it?

Sample Answer: My favorite dish to cook is a traditional pasta carbonara. I enjoy cooking it because it combines simple ingredients to create a flavorful and comforting meal. The process of making the creamy sauce from scratch and tossing it with al dente pasta feels incredibly satisfying. Moreover, the aroma that fills the kitchen while cooking is delightful. It’s a dish that brings people together and creates a warm and enjoyable dining experience.

Vocabulary:

  • Carbonara: (noun) an Italian pasta dish made with eggs, cheese, pancetta, and black pepper.
  • Al dente: (adjective) cooked so as to be firm when bitten.
  • Satisfying: (adjective) providing a feeling of contentment or fulfillment.
  • Aroma: (noun) a pleasant or distinctive smell.
  1. Why do you think it’s important for people to learn how to cook?

Sample Answer: Learning how to cook is important for several reasons. Firstly, it promotes a healthier lifestyle as individuals have control over the ingredients used and can make nutritious choices. Cooking also encourages independence and self-sufficiency as one can prepare their own meals rather than relying on processed or takeout food. Furthermore, cooking fosters creativity and allows individuals to explore different flavors and cuisines. It can also be a shared activity, bringing family and friends together.

Vocabulary:

  • Independence: (noun) the ability to take care of oneself and make decisions without relying on others.
  • Self-sufficiency: (noun) the ability to meet one’s own needs without external assistance.
  • Fosters: (verb) encourages or promotes.
  • Cuisines: (noun) the characteristic style of cooking of a particular country or region.
  1. How does food play a role in different cultures? Why is food an important aspect of cultural identity?

Sample Answer: Food plays a significant role in different cultures as it reflects their history, traditions, and values. Each culture has its unique ingredients, cooking techniques, and traditional dishes that are passed down through generations. Food brings people together and acts as a social bond during celebrations, festivals, and gatherings. It serves as a way to showcase cultural heritage and express identity. Exploring diverse cuisines also allows individuals to appreciate and understand other cultures.

Vocabulary:

  • Reflects: (verb) shows or represents.
  • Traditions: (noun) customs or practices passed down from generation to generation.
  • Social bond: (noun) a connection or relationship formed through shared experiences.
  • Heritage: (noun) the traditions, customs, and achievements of a particular culture or group.