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IELTS Speaking Sample Test: Topic 5 - Food and Eating Habits

Posted on 02-10-2024 by theylem | 21 views

Part 1 (Introduction)

1. What’s your favorite type of food?
"I’m a big fan of Italian cuisine. I love the combination of fresh ingredients like tomatoes, basil, and olive oil. Dishes like pasta, risotto, and pizza are not only delicious but also offer a range of flavors that I find very satisfying."

2. Is there any food you don’t like?
"Yes, I’m not particularly fond of seafood, especially shellfish like oysters and clams. I think it's the texture and the strong taste that I don't enjoy."

3. How often do you eat out?
"I usually eat out about once or twice a week. It’s a nice way to take a break from cooking and try something new. I enjoy visiting different restaurants and cafes to experience various cuisines, but I also like to maintain a healthy diet, so I don’t eat out too often."

4. Do you think breakfast is important?
"Absolutely. I think breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It helps to kickstart your metabolism and provides you with the energy you need to stay focused and productive throughout the morning. I always try to have a balanced breakfast, like oatmeal with fruits or whole-grain toast with eggs."

5. Have your eating habits changed over time?
"Yes, definitely. When I was younger, I used to eat a lot of junk food like chips and sweets. However, as I’ve grown older, I’ve become more health-conscious. Now, I try to incorporate more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains into my meals."


Part 2 (Long Turn)

Describe a special meal you had. You should say:

  • Where you had it
  • Who you had it with
  • What you ate And explain why it was special.

Response:

"A special meal that I will always remember was a dinner I had with my family at a seaside restaurant during our vacation in Thailand. We had the chance to enjoy an incredible view of the ocean while the sun was setting, which made the atmosphere truly magical.

We ordered a variety of dishes, but the highlight for me was the grilled fish, which was incredibly fresh and perfectly seasoned with local herbs and spices. We also shared some papaya salad, sticky rice, and coconut-based curries. The meal was special not only because of the delicious food but also because it was a rare occasion for all of us to be together, enjoying each other’s company without any distractions.

The whole experience felt like a celebration of family, culture, and flavor, and that’s what made it truly memorable."


Part 3 (Discussion)

1. What are the advantages of eating at home rather than dining out?
"One of the main advantages of eating at home is that it's generally healthier since you have more control over the ingredients and cooking methods. You can also save a lot of money because dining out frequently can be quite expensive. Additionally, home-cooked meals often have a more personal touch, allowing you to experiment with different flavors and recipes that suit your preferences."

2. How do eating habits differ across cultures?
"Eating habits vary greatly across cultures. For instance, in many Asian countries, rice is a staple food and is usually eaten with every meal, whereas in Western cultures, meals are often centered around bread or potatoes. Also, the meal structure differs; some cultures emphasize a large lunch, while others have a more substantial dinner. The use of spices, sauces, and eating customs, such as using chopsticks versus forks and knives, also vary from culture to culture."

3. How can people be encouraged to eat healthily?
"People can be encouraged to eat healthily through better education about nutrition, making healthy options more accessible and affordable, and by creating a supportive environment. For example, schools and workplaces can provide healthy food choices, and community programs can teach people how to prepare nutritious meals. Moreover, promoting healthy eating through social media and public campaigns can also motivate people to make better food choices."


Key Vocabulary and Pronunciation

Vocabulary Pronunciation (IPA) Meaning Example Sentence
Cuisine /kwɪˈziːn/ A style or method of cooking, especially from a particular country or region "I enjoy trying different cuisines."
Satisfying /ˈsætɪsfaɪɪŋ/ Making you feel pleased by providing what you need or want "A hearty soup is very satisfying on a cold day."
Metabolism /məˈtæbəlɪzəm/ The process by which your body converts food into energy "A healthy breakfast boosts your metabolism."
Health-conscious /ˈhɛlθˌkɒnʃəs/ Being aware of and making choices that contribute to good health "She is very health-conscious about her diet."
Junk food /ʤʌŋk fuːd/ Food that is unhealthy but quick and easy to eat "Eating too much junk food can lead to health issues."
Grilled /grɪld/ Cooked by direct exposure to heat, typically on a grill "I love grilled vegetables as a side dish."
Seasoned /ˈsiːzənd/ Having had salt, herbs, or spices added for flavor "The chicken was well-seasoned with herbs."
Staple food /ˈsteɪpl fuːd/ A food that is eaten routinely and is a dominant part of a diet "Rice is a staple food in many Asian countries."
Meal structure /miːl ˈstrʌkʧər/ The way meals are organized and eaten during the day "Different cultures have different meal structures."
Affordable /əˈfɔrdəbəl/ Reasonably priced; not too expensive "Healthy food should be affordable for everyone."
Accessible /ækˈsɛsɪbəl/ Easy to approach, reach, or obtain "Fresh fruits and vegetables should be more accessible."
Barbecue /ˈbɑːrbɪkjuː/ A meal that is cooked outdoors on a grill "We had a barbecue on the beach last summer."
Balance /ˈbæləns/ A situation in which different elements are in the correct proportions "A balanced diet includes fruits, vegetables, and protein."
Nutritional education /njuːˈtrɪʃənl ˌɛdjuˈkeɪʃən/ Teaching about the principles of healthy eating "Nutritional education is essential for healthy living."
Flavor /ˈfleɪvər/ The distinctive taste of a food or drink "Herbs add a lot of flavor to dishes."
Papaya salad /pəˈpaɪə ˈsæləd/ A spicy Thai salad made with shredded papaya "Papaya salad is a refreshing dish."
Whole grains /hoʊl greɪnz/ Grains that contain all the essential parts and naturally occurring nutrients "Whole grains are an important part of a healthy diet."
Kickstart /ˈkɪkˌstɑːrt/ To start something, usually quickly or energetically "A glass of water helps kickstart your metabolism."
Personal touch /ˈpɜrsənəl tʌʧ/ An element added to make something unique or special "Cooking at home gives your meals a personal touch."
Soaking in the sun /ˈsoʊkɪŋ ɪn ðə sʌn/ Enjoying being out in the sunlight "We spent the day soaking in the sun at the beach."
Bonfire /ˈbɒnfaɪər/ A large fire built outdoors, often for warmth or celebration "We sat around the bonfire and shared stories."
Routine /ruːˈtiːn/ A regular way of doing things in a particular order "Having a morning routine helps me start the day right."