- Food & Nutrition
IELTS Speaking Part 1: Sample Questions with Answers
1. What kind of food do you usually eat on a daily basis?
Sample Answer, C1 English Level, Advanced, Band Score 6.5-7.5
As someone who values healthy eating, I typically consume a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and complex carbohydrates on a daily basis. I try to avoid processed foods and sugar, and focus on incorporating nutrient-dense foods into my meals and snacks.
I usually eat healthy foods that are good for me. That includes fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and foods that are high in fiber. I don’t eat a lot of junk food or sugary snacks because I know they aren’t good for me.
My daily food intake usually consists of a range of fresh and unprocessed foods, such as leafy greens, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. I prioritize the quality of the food I eat and try to avoid foods that are high in saturated fat, sugar, and additives. Additionally, I pay attention to portion sizes and try to eat mindfully, savoring each bite and enjoying the experience of eating.
2. How important is it for you to have a balanced and nutritious diet?
Sample Answer, C1 English Level, Advanced, Band Score 6.5-7.5
Maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet is very important to me. I believe that the food we eat has a direct impact on our physical and mental well-being, and that’s why I try to eat a variety of foods that provide essential nutrients and minerals to my body.
Having a balanced and nutritious diet is crucial for me as I believe that the food we consume has a significant effect on our physical and mental health. That’s why I try to consume a wide range of foods that offer important nutrients and minerals for my body.
Maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet is paramount to me, as I believe that what we eat plays a crucial role in shaping our physical and mental health. Therefore, I make sure to consume a diverse range of foods that provide my body with the essential nutrients and minerals it requires to function at its best.
3. What are some traditional dishes in your culture that you enjoy?
As an Indian
Sample Answer, C1 English Level, Advanced, Band Score 6.5-7.5
Yes, I enjoy listening to music because it has a profound effect on my emotions, helps me relax, and makes me feel more energized. Music also has a way of connecting me with others, especially when I attend live performances.
I’m from India, and I love eating traditional dishes such as biryani, butter chicken, and samosas. These dishes are prepared using a variety of spices and herbs that give them a distinct and flavorful taste. Biryani, in particular, is a special dish that’s often served on special occasions. It’s made by cooking meat and rice together with spices and herbs.
Being from India, I relish indulging in an array of traditional dishes, including biryani, butter chicken, and samosas. These dishes are renowned for their rich taste, thanks to the unique blend of spices and herbs used in their preparation. Biryani, specifically, is a celebrated dish that’s prepared during special occasions. It is cooked by simmering meat and rice with an assortment of spices and herbs, rendering it a complex and satisfying flavor.
Sample Answer, C1 English Level, Advanced, Band Score 6.5-7.5
Being from Russia, I really enjoy traditional dishes such as borscht, pelmeni, and shashlik. Borscht is a soup made with beets, beef, and other vegetables, while pelmeni are dumplings usually filled with meat and served with sour cream. Shashlik is a type of kebab that is usually made with lamb or pork, and marinated in a mixture of vinegar, onions, and spices before being grilled. These dishes are not only delicious, but they also hold a special place in our culture and are often served during special occasions and holidays.
Sample Answer, B2 English Level, Upper Intermediate, Band Score 5.5-6.5
As a Russian, I love to eat borscht, pelmeni, and shashlik. Borscht is a soup with beets, beef, and veggies, pelmeni are meat dumplings with sour cream, and shashlik is a grilled kebab with lamb or pork, marinated in vinegar, onions, and spices. They are not just tasty but also have cultural significance and are commonly served during festive times.
Sample Answer, C2 English Level, Proficient, Band Score 8.0-9.0
Hailing from Russia, I take pleasure in relishing traditional foods like borscht, pelmeni, and shashlik. Borscht is a soup that boasts of beets, beef, and an array of veggies, while pelmeni are meat-filled dumplings that are best consumed with a dollop of sour cream. Shashlik, a skewered and grilled meat dish, is another delicacy that is steeped in our cultural heritage and is often served at social gatherings and festivals.
Sample Answer, C1 English Level, Advanced, Band Score 6.5-7.5
In Japan, there are many traditional dishes that I enjoy. One of my favorites is sushi, which is a dish of vinegared rice with various toppings such as raw fish, vegetables, and egg. I also like tempura, which is seafood or vegetables battere
Sample Answer, B2 English Level, Upper Intermediate, Band Score 5.5-6.5
In Japan, there are many traditional foods that I like. One of my favorites is sushi, which is a combination of rice and raw fish or vegetables. Another dish that I enjoy is tempura, which is deep-fried seafood or vegetables. I also like yakitori, which is grilled chicken skewers with a sweet sauce.
Sample Answer, C2 English Level, Proficient, Band Score 8.0-9.0
Japan has a rich culinary heritage, and I take great pleasure in indulging in traditional dishes. Sushi, which is made of vinegar-seasoned rice and a variety of toppings such as raw fish, vegetables, or egg, is one of my top choices. Another dish that I savor is tempura, which consists of lightly battered seafood or vegetables that are deep-fried until crispy. Yakitori, grilled chicken skewers with a sweet and savory sauce, is also a mouthwatering delicacy that I relish.
Sample Answer, C1 English Level, Advanced, Band Score 6.5-7.5
In Egypt, we have many traditional dishes that I enjoy, such as koshari, which is a mix of rice, lentils, and pasta topped with spicy tomato sauce and fried onions. Also, I love ful medames, a dish made of fava beans, seasoned with cumin, lemon juice, and olive oil, and served with bread. Another dish that I like is molokhia, which is a soup made of chopped molokhia leaves cooked with chicken or rabbit meat and served with rice.
Sample Answer, B2 English Level, Upper Intermediate, Band Score 5.5-6.5
In Egypt, we have many traditional dishes that I like, such as koshari, which is a mixture of rice, lentils, and pasta with spicy tomato sauce and fried onions on top. I also enjoy ful medames, which is made of fava beans, and seasoned with cumin, lemon juice, and olive oil, and served with bread. Another dish that I enjoy is molokhia, which is a soup made of chopped molokhia leaves with chicken or rabbit meat and served with rice.
Sample Answer, C2 English Level, Proficient, Band Score 8.0-9.0
Egypt has a rich culinary heritage, and I’m particularly fond of some of our traditional dishes. Koshari is a staple of Egyptian street food that I adore, with its unique combination of rice, lentils, and pasta, topped with a spicy tomato sauce and crispy fried onions. I also relish ful medames, a dish of boiled fava beans that’s often enjoyed for breakfast, and molokhia, a stew made of the leaves of the molokhia plant that’s cooked with chicken or rabbit meat and served with rice. These dishes are truly representative of the flavorful and diverse cuisine that Egypt has to offer.
Sample Answer, C1 English Level, Advanced, Band Score 6.5-7.5
As an Iranian, I love many traditional dishes. One of my favorites is “Gheymeh”, which is a stew made with lamb or beef, split peas, tomatoes, and dried lime. It is usually served with rice and is incredibly delicious. Another dish that I love is “Kebab Koobideh”, which is a grilled minced meat kebab. It’s usually served with grilled tomatoes and onions, and again, it’s always accompanied by rice.
Sample Answer, B2 English Level, Upper Intermediate, Band Score 5.5-6.5
Being Iranian, I have many favorite traditional dishes. One that I enjoy a lot is called “Gheymeh”. It’s a stew made with beef or lamb, split peas, tomatoes, and dried lime, and it’s usually served with rice. Another dish that I like is “Kebab Koobideh”, which is a minced meat kebab that’s grilled and served with rice, grilled onions, and tomatoes.
Sample Answer, C2 English Level, Proficient, Band Score 8.0-9.0
As someone from Iran, I have a deep appreciation for the diverse and flavorful cuisine that we have. Among the many traditional dishes that I enjoy, “Gheymeh” and “Kebab Koobideh” stand out as some of my favorites. “Gheymeh” is a rich and savory stew made with beef or lamb, split peas, tomatoes, and dried lime, which creates a tangy flavor. Meanwhile, “Kebab Koobideh” is a juicy and well-seasoned minced meat kebab that’s grilled to perfection and served with fragrant basmati rice, charred onions, and tomatoes.
Sample Answer, C1 English Level, Advanced, Band Score 6.5-7.5
As a Chinese person, I enjoy many traditional dishes, such as dumplings, hot pot, and fried rice. Dumplings are a staple food during Chinese New Year and are usually stuffed with minced meat and vegetables. Hot pot is a type of Chinese soup that is cooked at the table with various meat, seafood, and vegetables. Fried rice is a popular dish made with leftover rice, eggs, vegetables, and meat.
Sample Answer, B2 English Level, Upper Intermediate, Band Score 5.5-6.5
I’m from China, and I like to eat traditional foods like dumplings, hot pot, and fried rice. Dumplings are commonly eaten during the Chinese New Year and are filled with meat and veggies. Hot pot is a kind of soup where you cook meat, seafood, and veggies at the table. Fried rice is a well-known dish made with leftover rice, eggs, and different meats and vegetables.
Sample Answer, C2 English Level, Proficient, Band Score 8.0-9.0
As a native Chinese, I take pleasure in devouring authentic Chinese cuisine, particularly dumplings, hot pot, and fried rice. Dumplings are a significant part of our culture and are usually consumed on special occasions such as Chinese New Year. Hot pot is a communal dish where people gather around a boiling pot of soup and cook various meats, seafood, and vegetables together. Fried rice is a ubiquitous dish in Chinese cuisine made by stir-frying leftover rice with eggs, vegetables, and meats.
4. Have you ever tried any unusual or exotic foods? What did you think of them?
Sample Answer, C1 English Level, Advanced, Band Score 6.5-7.5
Yes, I have tried several exotic foods like frog legs, alligator meat, and durian fruit. I found the taste of frog legs and alligator meat to be quite similar to chicken, but the texture was different. As for the durian fruit, it was an interesting experience because of its strong smell, but I didn’t enjoy its taste as much.
I’ve tried some unusual foods like frog legs, alligator meat, and durian fruit. The taste of frog legs and alligator meat was similar to chicken, but the texture was different. I found the durian fruit interesting because of its strong smell, but I didn’t really like the taste.
Over the years, I’ve been fortunate enough to try a variety of exotic foods, including frog legs, alligator meat, and durian fruit. While I found the taste of frog legs and alligator meat to be reminiscent of chicken, their unique textures made for a novel culinary experience. As for the durian fruit, its pungent aroma was overwhelming, but the flavor was not quite as impressive. Overall, trying unusual foods has been an exciting adventure that has broadened my culinary horizons.
5. Do you enjoy cooking? If so, what is your favorite dish to prepare?
Sample Answer, C1 English Level, Advanced, Band Score 6.5-7.5
Yes, I absolutely love cooking. It’s not only a way for me to relax but also a way for me to be creative. I enjoy experimenting with different flavors and ingredients. My favorite dish to prepare is probably lasagna. It’s a bit time-consuming, but I love the process of layering the pasta, sauce, and cheese.
Yes, I enjoy cooking very much. It’s a great way for me to unwind and express my creativity. I like trying out different recipes and ingredients. My favorite dish to cook is probably lasagna. It takes some time, but I really enjoy the process of layering the noodles, sauce, and cheese.
Cooking is a passion of mine, and I find it incredibly therapeutic. It allows me to experiment with different ingredients and techniques, which I find very rewarding. My favorite dish to prepare is definitely lasagna. Although it can be time-consuming, I relish the opportunity to carefully layer the noodles, meat sauce, and cheese to create a truly delicious and satisfying meal.
6. How do you think food and nutrition impact overall health and well-being?
Sample Answer, C1 English Level, Advanced, Band Score 6.5-7.5
Food and nutrition are essential components for maintaining good health and overall well-being. A balanced and nutritious diet can help prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. It also contributes to our mental health and can improve our mood, energy levels, and cognitive function.
What we eat and how we take care of our nutrition has a significant impact on our health and wellbeing. Eating a healthy and well-balanced diet can reduce the risk of developing diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. It can also boost our mood, energy levels, and brain function.
The relationship between food and nutrition and our overall health and wellbeing is undeniable. Eating a diet rich in nutrients can help prevent chronic diseases, support our immune system, and improve our mental health. Conversely, a poor diet can increase the risk of developing health problems and negatively impact our mood, energy levels, and cognitive function. Ultimately, the choices we make around food and nutrition have a significant impact on our quality of life.
7. Are there any foods that you avoid or cannot eat due to allergies or personal preferences?
Sample Answer, C1 English Level, Advanced, Band Score 6.5-7.5
Yes, there are certain foods that I avoid due to my allergies and personal preferences. For instance, I’m allergic to shellfish, so I completely avoid eating it. Besides that, I try to avoid processed and high-sugar foods as much as possible because they make me feel sluggish and affect my overall well-being.
Certainly, there are certain foods that I stay away from because of allergies or personal preferences. For example, I have an allergy to shellfish, so I don’t eat any of it. Additionally, I try to steer clear of processed and sugary foods because they make me feel tired and can impact my overall health.
Undoubtedly, I have specific foods that I exclude from my diet due to allergies and personal choices. To illustrate, I steer clear of shellfish altogether because of my allergy. Besides that, I am mindful of avoiding processed and high-sugar foods, as they make me feel lethargic and can negatively affect my well-being.
8. What do you think about the trend of veganism and plant-based diets?
Sample Answer, C1 English Level, Advanced, Band Score 6.5-7.5
I believe that the trend of veganism and plant-based diets is a positive one. It promotes healthier and more sustainable food choices that are better for the environment and animal welfare. It also encourages people to be more mindful about what they eat and to choose whole, natural foods over processed ones.
I think that the trend of veganism and plant-based diets is good. It encourages people to eat healthier and more environmentally friendly food. It also helps them to think more carefully about their food choices and to avoid processed foods.
In my opinion, the trend of veganism and plant-based diets is a commendable one. It promotes the consumption of healthier and more ethical food, which is good for both individuals and the planet. Additionally, it encourages people to be more mindful of their food choices and to choose natural, whole foods over processed, unhealthy ones.
9. In your opinion, what are some of the biggest challenges when it comes to maintaining a healthy diet?
Sample Answer, C1 English Level, Advanced, Band Score 6.5-7.5
In my opinion, one of the biggest challenges when it comes to maintaining a healthy diet is the abundance of unhealthy food options that are readily available and affordable. It can be difficult to resist the temptation of processed foods and sugary snacks, especially when they are marketed and packaged in such an appealing way.
I think one of the hardest parts of eating healthily is the many unhealthy foods that are cheap and easy to get. It’s hard to say no to sugary treats and processed snacks when they look and taste so good.
Maintaining a healthy diet can be quite challenging due to the prevalent availability of cheap and easily accessible unhealthy food options. The alluring packaging and marketing of processed snacks and sugary treats also make it difficult to resist their temptation, even for those with strong willpower.
10. How do you think globalization and the rise of fast food chains have affected people's eating habits around the world?
Sample Answer, C1 English Level, Advanced, Band Score 6.5-7.5
Globalization and the proliferation of fast food chains have significantly impacted people’s eating habits around the world. Many individuals opt for fast food because it is quick, convenient, and affordable. However, this type of food is often high in calories, sugar, fat, and salt, and low in essential nutrients, which can lead to obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and other health problems. Additionally, globalization has facilitated the diffusion of various cuisines, but it has also led to the homogenization of some traditional dishes, which may result in the loss of cultural diversity.
Globalization and the rise of fast food chains have changed the way people eat worldwide. Fast food is popular because it’s fast, easy, and cheap. However, it’s usually unhealthy because it contains too much fat, sugar, salt, and not enough nutrients. As a result, people may become obese, have heart problems, diabetes, and other illnesses. Also, globalization has made it easier for people to try different cuisines, but it has also made some traditional dishes disappear.
The impact of globalization and the proliferation of fast food chains on global eating habits has been immense. The ubiquity of fast food has revolutionized the food industry, and people can now find fast food chains in almost every corner of the world. Although this has made it easier for people to access food, it has also made it harder for them to make healthy choices. The rise of fast food has contributed to the epidemic of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes in many countries. Moreover, globalization has led to the homogenization of some traditional dishes, which threatens cultural diversity and identity.
