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C1 Speaking Sample Test: Food & Diet

Posted on 28-09-2024 by theylem | 64 views

Part 1: Introduction & Interview (2-3 Minutes)

  1. Do you enjoy trying different types of food?
    Sample Answer:
    “Yes, I love trying different types of food because it’s a great way to experience other cultures. Every cuisine has its own unique flavors and ingredients, and I find it exciting to try dishes that are different from what I normally eat. I especially enjoy exploring new spices and cooking techniques.”

  2. What kind of diet do you think is best for maintaining good health?
    Sample Answer:
    “I think a balanced diet is best for maintaining good health. This includes a mix of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. It’s important to eat in moderation and have a variety of nutrients to support overall health. Drinking plenty of water and limiting processed foods and sugar are also key parts of a healthy diet.”

  3. Is it important to you where your food comes from?
    Sample Answer:
    “Yes, it is important to me. I try to buy locally sourced and organic food whenever possible, as I believe it’s fresher and often more sustainable. Knowing where your food comes from helps ensure that it’s produced ethically and without the use of harmful chemicals. Plus, supporting local farmers can have a positive impact on the community.”


Part 2: Long Turn (4 Minutes)

Prompt:
Describe a memorable meal you had.

  • You should say:
    • Where and when you had the meal
    • Who you were with
    • What you ate
  • And explain why this meal was memorable for you.

Sample Answer:
“A memorable meal I had was at a traditional Italian restaurant in Rome, about two years ago. I was traveling with a close friend, and we decided to have dinner at a small, family-run place recommended by a local. The atmosphere was very warm and welcoming, with soft lighting and the smell of fresh basil and garlic in the air. We ordered a classic pasta dish, carbonara, made with freshly cooked pasta, eggs, cheese, and pancetta. It was so flavorful and authentic, unlike anything I'd tasted before. What made the meal truly memorable was not just the food, but also the experience of sitting in a cozy corner of Rome, sharing good conversation, and immersing ourselves in Italian culture.”

Follow-up Question:
Do you think food is more about nutrition or enjoyment?
Sample Answer:
“I think food is a balance of both nutrition and enjoyment. While it’s important to eat well for your health, food is also about pleasure and social connections. Enjoying what you eat can enhance your overall well-being, and sharing meals with friends and family is a way to bond. Finding the right balance between eating healthily and enjoying your food is key to a happy lifestyle.”


Part 3: Collaborative Task (4 Minutes)

Task Prompt:
Here are some factors that influence people's food choices. Talk together about how important each factor is and decide which one has the greatest impact on what people eat.

  • Taste and flavor
  • Health and nutrition
  • Cultural background
  • Convenience and time
  • Cost and affordability

Sample Discussion Points:
“I think taste and flavor are the main reasons people choose certain foods, as they tend to prefer what they enjoy eating. However, health and nutrition are becoming increasingly important as people are more aware of the impact food has on their well-being. What are your thoughts on how cultural background influences food choices?”
“I agree, cultural background plays a significant role in determining what foods people eat and how they prepare meals. For example, someone from India might prefer spicy food, while someone from Japan might focus on fresh, simple flavors. But I also think that convenience and time are big factors, especially for those with busy lifestyles. Which factor would you say has the greatest influence overall?”

Extended Answer:
“In my opinion, cost and affordability have the biggest impact on food choices because not everyone has the means to buy fresh or organic produce regularly. While taste and nutrition are important, the price of food often dictates what people can afford to eat. However, a combination of all these factors generally shapes an individual’s diet.”


Part 4: Discussion (5 Minutes)

  1. How has the way people eat changed over the years?
    Sample Answer:
    “Eating habits have changed significantly over the years. In the past, families often ate home-cooked meals together, but now, with busy lifestyles and work schedules, many people tend to eat on the go or rely on fast food and ready-made meals. There’s also been a growing awareness of healthy eating, leading to trends like plant-based diets, gluten-free options, and organic foods. Additionally, food delivery apps have made it easier to order meals directly to your door, changing how we consume food.”

  2. Do you think traditional food is important? Why or why not?
    Sample Answer:
    “Yes, I think traditional food is very important because it’s a reflection of cultural heritage and history. Traditional dishes are often passed down through generations and hold a lot of sentimental value. They also showcase local ingredients and cooking techniques unique to a region. Preserving traditional food helps keep a culture alive and offers people a way to connect with their roots.”

  3. What are the benefits and drawbacks of following a strict diet, such as veganism or low-carb diets?
    Sample Answer:
    “The benefits of following a strict diet, like veganism or low-carb diets, include improving health, increasing energy levels, and sometimes losing weight. These diets can also align with certain ethical beliefs or lifestyle choices, such as animal rights or sustainability. However, the drawbacks include the challenge of finding suitable options when eating out, the need to plan meals carefully to ensure balanced nutrition, and, in some cases, the cost of buying specialized foods. While these diets can be beneficial, they require commitment and awareness of one’s nutritional needs.”

Follow-up Question:
Do you think that in the future, people will focus more on food for health or convenience?
Sample Answer:
“I think there will be a focus on both health and convenience. People are becoming more aware of the importance of a healthy diet, but they also lead fast-paced lives that require quick and convenient food options. I believe that the future will bring more ready-to-eat meals that are also healthy, along with sustainable and plant-based options that cater to both the demand for nutrition and the need for efficiency.”


Key Vocabulary and Phrases

  1. Balanced diet: A diet that contains a variety of different foods in the right proportions.

    • "Maintaining a balanced diet is key to good health."
  2. Locally sourced food: Food that is grown or produced close to where it is sold or consumed.

    • "I prefer buying locally sourced food to support local farmers."
  3. Plant-based diet: A diet primarily made up of plant foods, such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, grains, and legumes.

    • "A plant-based diet has many health and environmental benefits."
  4. Processed foods: Foods that have been altered from their natural state, often with added preservatives, flavors, or colors.

    • "Limiting processed foods can lead to a healthier lifestyle."
  5. Organic: Foods grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

    • "Organic fruits and vegetables are a healthier choice."
  6. Ready-made meals: Pre-cooked meals that can be quickly prepared and consumed.

    • "Ready-made meals are convenient for people with busy schedules."
  7. Convenience food: Food that is quick and easy to prepare, often pre-packaged or processed.

    • "Convenience food is popular among people who don't have time to cook."
  8. Cultural heritage: The traditions, customs, and practices that are part of a particular society’s history.

    • "Traditional food is an important part of cultural heritage."
  9. Spices: Aromatic substances used to flavor food, often from seeds, fruits, roots, or bark of plants.

    • "Indian cuisine uses a variety of spices to create flavorful dishes."
  10. Sustainable food: Food that is produced in a way that is environmentally friendly and supports local communities.

    • "Sustainable food choices are better for the planet."
  11. Food delivery apps: Mobile applications that allow users to order food from restaurants and have it delivered to their door.

    • "Food delivery apps have revolutionized the way people eat."
  12. Nutritional needs: The requirements of nutrients that a person needs to maintain health and well-being.

    • "It's important to meet your nutritional needs through a balanced diet."
  13. Flavors and ingredients: The combination of tastes and components used in cooking.

    • "The flavors and ingredients of a dish define its uniqueness."
  14. Ethical beliefs: Personal principles or morals that guide one’s choices, often influencing dietary decisions.

    • "Many people choose veganism based on ethical beliefs about animal rights."
  15. Social connections: The relationships and interactions people have with others, often formed over shared meals.

    • "Food plays a big role in creating social connections."
  16. Sentimental value: The importance of an object, place, or experience based on personal or emotional associations.

    • "Traditional dishes often hold sentimental value for families."
  17. Dietary preferences: The specific foods or eating habits that someone prefers, often based on health, taste, or ethics.

    • "Dietary preferences vary greatly from person to person."
  18. Gluten-free: Foods that do not contain gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.

    • "Gluten-free options are necessary for people with gluten intolerance."