Questions and sample answers
What is your favourite food?
I love plov, our national dish. It is made with rice, carrots and meat, and the smell alone makes me hungry. My father cooks it every Sunday, so it also reminds me of family.
Do you enjoy cooking?
Yes, although I am not an expert. I can prepare simple dishes like pasta and omelettes, and I am slowly learning more complicated recipes from videos online.
Do you prefer eating at home or in restaurants?
I prefer home cooking because it is healthier and cheaper, but I enjoy going to a restaurant with friends once or twice a month for a change.
Is food in your country healthy?
Traditional food contains lots of vegetables, fruit and bread, which is healthy. However, many dishes are quite oily, and fast food is becoming more common among young people.
What did you eat for breakfast today?
I had tea with bread, cheese and a boiled egg. I am usually in a hurry in the morning, so I keep breakfast simple.
Have your eating habits changed over the years?
Yes. I used to eat a lot of sweets, but now I try to eat more fruit and drink water instead of fizzy drinks because I want to stay in good shape.
Useful vocabulary
- national dish — a food typical of a country
- home-cooked — made at home
- nutritious — good for your health
- greasy — containing too much oil
- a balanced diet — eating different foods in healthy amounts
- fizzy drinks — sweet drinks with bubbles
- mouth-watering — looking or smelling delicious
Tips for this topic
- Add sensory detail: taste, smell, texture.
- Use comparisons: “healthier than”, “not as spicy as”.
- Past habits: “I used to…” is a safe, accurate structure.
Study guides
How Is IELTS Scored in Speaking and Writing? Criteria, Weighting and Rounding
The short answer first, then the Speaking and Writing criteria tables, how Task 1 and Task 2 combine and how the overall band is rounded.
IELTS Speaking Band Descriptors Explained in Plain English
The IELTS Speaking test is marked on four criteria. Here is what each one means at bands 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, with short examples you can compare with your own answers.
IELTS Speaking Part 2: How Many Minutes to Speak (With a Practice Timer)
How long Part 2 lasts (1 minute to prepare, 1–2 minutes to speak), a practice timer, a four-step structure and a model answer.