- Cooking
IELTS Speaking Part 1: Sample Questions with Answers
1. Do you enjoy cooking? Why or why not?
Sample Answer, C1 English Level, Advanced, Band Score 6.5-7.5
Yes, I absolutely adore cooking. There is something so satisfying about transforming simple ingredients into a delicious meal. I find it relaxing and therapeutic to spend time in the kitchen, experimenting with different flavors and techniques. In fact, cooking is one of my favorite hobbies, and I love to share my culinary creations with my friends and family.
I really enjoy cooking because it’s fun and rewarding. I love being able to combine different ingredients and flavors to create something delicious. For me, cooking is a great way to de-stress and unwind after a long day. It’s also a great way to impress my friends and family when they come over for dinner.
Cooking is one of my greatest passions. I find the process of creating a meal from scratch to be incredibly satisfying, and there’s nothing quite like the sense of accomplishment that comes from serving a delicious meal to your loved ones. I enjoy experimenting with new ingredients and flavors, and I’m always looking for ways to improve my skills in the kitchen. To me, cooking is not just a hobby or a chore, it’s an art form, and one that I’m constantly striving to perfect.
2. What type of dishes do you like to cook the most?
Sample Answer, C1 English Level, Advanced, Band Score 6.5-7.5
As someone who enjoys cooking, I like to prepare a wide range of dishes, but I have a particular fondness for Italian cuisine. I love the simplicity and elegance of Italian dishes, as well as the emphasis on using fresh, high-quality ingredients. Pasta dishes are among my favorites, but I also enjoy making risottos, pizzas, and antipasti. There’s something so satisfying about creating a delicious, hearty Italian meal from scratch.
I really like to cook Italian food the most. It’s simple but elegant, and it uses fresh ingredients. I love making pasta dishes, risottos, pizzas, and antipasti. There’s just something so satisfying about creating a delicious Italian meal from scratch.
As a seasoned home cook, I enjoy preparing a wide variety of dishes, but if I had to choose a favorite, it would have to be Italian cuisine. From the rich, creamy risottos to the crispy, thin-crust pizzas, Italian food never fails to delight my taste buds. I’m particularly drawn to the emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients and the way that simple techniques are used to create complex, flavorful dishes. Whether it’s a classic spaghetti carbonara or a hearty lasagna, there’s something deeply satisfying about crafting a perfect Italian meal.
3. Are there any dishes that you find difficult to prepare?
Sample Answer, C1 English Level, Advanced, Band Score 6.5-7.5
Yes, there are definitely some dishes that I find challenging to prepare. For example, I struggle with making soufflés because they require such precise timing and technique. I also find it difficult to make sushi rolls because the process of rolling them properly can be quite tricky. However, I enjoy taking on these challenges and learning new skills in the kitchen.
I find some dishes quite challenging to make. Soufflés can be difficult because they need to be timed perfectly, and sushi rolls can be tricky to roll up properly. But I like to take on these challenges and learn new skills in the kitchen.
Despite my extensive experience in the kitchen, there are still a few dishes that I find daunting to prepare. One of the most challenging dishes for me is the soufflé, which requires a precise balance of ingredients and technique to achieve the perfect rise. Another dish that can be tricky to prepare is sushi, particularly when it comes to the art of rolling and cutting the delicate ingredients. However, I relish the opportunity to push my culinary boundaries and tackle these difficult recipes, as it allows me to continuously develop my skills and expand my repertoire of dishes.
4. How did you learn to cook?
Sample Answer, C1 English Level, Advanced, Band Score 6.5-7.5
I learned to cook from my mother, who is an excellent cook herself. As a child, I would often watch her prepare meals in the kitchen and help out with small tasks. Over time, I began to develop my own skills and techniques in the kitchen, and I eventually became passionate about cooking on my own. I also love to experiment with new recipes and techniques, and I have taken cooking classes to further develop my skills.
I learned to cook from my mother, who is also a great cook. When I was young, I used to watch her cook and help her with small tasks. Gradually, I started to develop my own cooking skills and became interested in cooking. I also like to try new recipes and techniques, and I’ve taken some cooking classes to improve my skills.
As a cooking enthusiast, I am often asked how I developed my culinary skills. For me, it all started with my mother, who is a talented home cook. From a young age, I would watch her in the kitchen, asking questions and helping out with small tasks. Over time, I began to develop my own techniques and recipes, drawing inspiration from cookbooks and online resources. I have also taken cooking classes and attended culinary workshops to refine my skills and learn new techniques from expert chefs. Ultimately, my love of cooking and my desire to continuously improve my craft have been the driving forces behind my development as a home cook.
5. Do you have anyone in your family who is good at cooking?
Sample Answer, C1 English Level, Advanced, Band Score 6.5-7.5
Yes, my grandmother is an excellent cook. She has been cooking for many years and has developed a wide variety of recipes that have been passed down through the generations. Her dishes are always delicious, and she has a real talent for combining flavors and textures. I have learned a lot from her over the years and always look forward to her cooking.
My grandmother is a great cook. She has been cooking for many years and has lots of recipes that have been passed down through our family. Her food always tastes amazing, and she is really good at combining different flavors and textures. I’ve learned a lot from her over the years and love her cooking.
In my family, we are fortunate to have several talented home cooks, but one person who stands out as a true culinary master is my grandmother. Her cooking is exceptional, and she has honed her skills over many years of experimentation and refinement. From traditional family recipes to modern fusion cuisine, she is a true expert in the kitchen. Her dishes are always a feast for the senses, with complex flavors and beautiful presentation. I have been fortunate enough to learn from her and am continually inspired by her passion for cooking and her commitment to excellence.
6. What ingredients do you think are essential in every kitchen?
Sample Answer, C1 English Level, Advanced, Band Score 6.5-7.5
In my opinion, there are a few key ingredients that every kitchen should have. Firstly, a variety of fresh herbs and spices can really enhance the flavor of any dish. Secondly, quality oils such as olive oil and vegetable oil are essential for cooking and baking. Finally, basic staples like flour, sugar, and salt are always useful to have on hand for a variety of recipes.
I think there are some ingredients that every kitchen needs. Fresh herbs and spices can make a big difference in the taste of your food. Good oils like olive oil and vegetable oil are important for cooking and baking. And having things like flour, sugar, and salt can be helpful for many recipes.
As an experienced home cook, I believe that there are several key ingredients that are essential in any kitchen. These include a wide range of high-quality herbs and spices, which can be used to add depth and complexity to a wide variety of dishes. Additionally, having a variety of oils, including olive oil, coconut oil, and vegetable oil, is crucial for everything from sautéing to baking. Finally, basic staples like flour, sugar, and salt are indispensable for a multitude of recipes, making them must-have ingredients in any well-stocked kitchen. By having these ingredients on hand, any cook can elevate their dishes to the next level and create truly delicious meals.
7. What's the most delicious meal you've ever cooked?
Sample Answer, C1 English Level, Advanced, Band Score 6.5-7.5
It’s difficult for me to choose just one meal as the most delicious I’ve ever cooked, but I would say a homemade lasagna that I prepared for a dinner party was a big hit. The dish consisted of layers of homemade pasta, a hearty meat sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. It took a lot of time and effort to prepare, but the end result was absolutely worth it.
I’m not sure which meal is the best I’ve ever cooked, but I made a lasagna for a dinner party once that everyone really liked. I used homemade pasta, meat sauce, and lots of cheese. It took a while to make, but it turned out great.
As a seasoned home cook, I’ve prepared many delicious meals over the years, but one dish that stands out in my memory is a homemade lasagna that I made for a dinner party. This lasagna was truly a labor of love, featuring homemade pasta, a rich and flavorful meat sauce made with high-quality ingredients, and plenty of gooey melted cheese. The end result was a dish that was deeply satisfying and bursting with complex flavors. It’s no wonder that my guests raved about it for weeks afterward!
8. Do you often follow recipes or do you cook by intuition?
Sample Answer, C1 English Level, Advanced, Band Score 6.5-7.5
I would say that it depends on the dish that I am preparing. For more complex recipes, I often follow a recipe to ensure that I get the measurements and cooking times just right. However, for simpler dishes or meals that I have made before, I tend to cook by intuition and adjust the recipe as I go based on my own tastes and preferences.
It depends on what I’m making, but usually, I follow a recipe for more complicated dishes. For simpler meals, I cook based on my intuition and change the recipe a bit as I go.
As an experienced cook, I have developed a sense of intuition when it comes to cooking, but I still rely on recipes for more complex or unfamiliar dishes. However, even when I do follow a recipe, I often make adjustments based on my own preferences and the ingredients that I have on hand. Ultimately, I believe that the best dishes are created by striking a balance between following a recipe and using one’s intuition and creativity in the kitchen.
9. Do you think it's important to know how to cook? Why or why not?
Sample Answer, C1 English Level, Advanced, Band Score 6.5-7.5
Yes, I strongly believe that it is important to know how to cook. Cooking is a fundamental life skill that not only allows us to feed ourselves but also to prepare nutritious and delicious meals for our families and friends. In addition, cooking can be a creative and enjoyable activity that can help us to relax and unwind after a busy day.
I think it’s important to know how to cook because it’s a basic skill that lets us make food for ourselves and others. Cooking can also be a fun and creative way to unwind.
In my opinion, cooking is an essential life skill that everyone should learn. Cooking allows us to take control of what we eat, and it is also a creative and rewarding activity that can help us to develop a deeper appreciation for the food that we consume. In addition, being able to cook can help us to build stronger relationships with our loved ones, as we can share delicious and nutritious meals with them. Overall, I believe that cooking is an important part of a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle.
10. Do you know any good cooks?
Sample Answer, C1 English Level, Advanced, Band Score 6.5-7.5
Yes, I know a few good cooks. One of my friends is a professional chef and always impresses me with her skills in the kitchen. She has a great palate and knows how to balance flavors perfectly. I have also met some home cooks who are fantastic at creating delicious and inventive dishes.
Yeah, I know some great cooks. One of my buddies is a chef and she always amazes me with what she makes. She has a really good sense of taste and knows how to mix ingredients just right. I’ve also met some people who cook at home who are really good at coming up with yummy dishes.
Without a doubt, I have come across several exceptionally skilled cooks. One of my acquaintances is a professional chef who exhibits an extraordinary level of proficiency in the kitchen. Her mastery of flavors is unparalleled, and she consistently delivers well-balanced and delectable dishes. Additionally, I have encountered several home cooks who demonstrate a remarkable talent for creating innovative and scrumptious meals. Their abilities to blend ingredients and experiment with different cooking techniques are truly impressive.
11. Did you ever help your parents cook meals as a child?
Sample Answer, C1 English Level, Advanced, Band Score 6.5-7.5
Yes, I did help my parents cook meals when I was a child. My mother loved to cook and I enjoyed spending time in the kitchen with her. She would let me help with simple tasks like stirring or chopping vegetables, and as I got older, she taught me how to prepare more complex dishes. I think that learning how to cook from an early age gave me a strong foundation in the kitchen and helped me develop a love for cooking.
When I was a child, I used to assist my parents with cooking meals. My mother enjoyed cooking, and I liked spending time with her in the kitchen. I was allowed to do simple tasks like stirring or cutting vegetables, and as I grew up, she taught me how to make more complicated dishes. I think that my early exposure to cooking helped me gain a good base in the kitchen and made me fond of cooking.
During my childhood, I used to assist my parents in preparing meals, which I enjoyed. My mother had a passion for cooking, and I cherished spending time with her in the kitchen. Initially, I was allowed to perform simple tasks such as stirring or cutting vegetables, and as I matured, she instructed me on how to prepare more intricate dishes. I believe that my initial exposure to cooking helped me establish a robust foundation in the kitchen, which instilled in me a love for cooking that has lasted throughout my life.
12. What would you like to learn to cook in the future?
Sample Answer, C1 English Level, Advanced, Band Score 6.5-7.5
There are many dishes that I would like to learn to cook in the future. However, one of the dishes that I am particularly interested in learning how to prepare is sushi. Sushi is a traditional Japanese dish that involves using vinegared rice, raw fish, and other ingredients such as vegetables, seaweed, and wasabi. The art of preparing sushi requires precision, skill, and patience, and I find it fascinating how every piece of sushi is meticulously crafted. I believe learning how to make sushi will not only be a fun and challenging experience but also enable me to appreciate Japanese culture and cuisine.
In the future, I would like to learn how to make sushi. Sushi is a Japanese dish that includes rice, raw fish, and other ingredients. It is made with precision and requires patience and skill. I think it would be a fun and challenging experience to learn how to make sushi and I would also appreciate the Japanese culture and cuisine.
I am keen on expanding my culinary skills and one of the dishes I am particularly intrigued by is sushi. This traditional Japanese dish consists of vinegared rice, raw fish, and various other ingredients. Sushi-making involves intricate techniques and requires a high level of precision and patience. I am captivated by the art of sushi preparation and I believe mastering this skill would not only be a pleasurable and challenging experience but also deepen my understanding and appreciation of Japanese gastronomy and culture. Therefore, I am eager to learn the secrets of crafting exquisite sushi and explore the boundless possibilities of this dish.
