Food and Culture
Directives for Test-Takers:
- Part 1: Provide personal answers. Use 2-3 sentences for each question. Stay relevant and concise.
- Part 2: You will have 1 minute to prepare and 2 minutes to speak. Take notes during the preparation time to organize your ideas and cover all the bullet points.
- Part 3: Expand your answers by giving reasons, examples, and contrasting views. Aim to speak for about 1-2 minutes per question when prompted.
🟢 Part 1
Explanation
- Duration: 4–5 minutes.
- Examiner asks general questions about familiar topics.
- Goal: Show ability to speak about simple, everyday things.
Questions:
- Do you enjoy trying new food?
- What’s your favorite traditional dish?
- Do you prefer eating at home or in restaurants?
Band 5:
- Yes, I like new food. Sometimes spicy, sometimes sweet.
- My favorite is kimchi stew. Very delicious.
- At home, because it’s cheap.
Band 7:
- Yes, I love trying new food because it’s a good way to experience another culture.
- My favorite traditional dish is sushi from Japan. It’s simple but very fresh and healthy.
- I prefer eating at home most of the time, but I enjoy restaurants for special occasions.
Band 9:
- Absolutely, I think food is one of the most enjoyable ways to explore a culture. Each dish has a story behind it.
- My favorite traditional dish is Indian biryani. It combines spices, rice, and meat in a way that’s both aromatic and flavorful.
- I usually prefer restaurants because they provide variety and allow me to try professional cooking, though I also appreciate homemade meals for their personal touch.
🟦 Part 2: Cue Card
Explanation
- You get 1 minute to prepare and 1–2 minutes to speak.
- Try to cover all points on the card.
Describe a special meal you had.
You should say:
- When and where you had it
- Who you were with
- What you ate
- And explain why it was special
Band 5:
“I ate dinner with my family last month. We had barbecue. It was meat and vegetables. It was special because we were together.”
Band 7:
“I had a really special meal during New Year’s with my family. We went to a restaurant and had Korean barbecue. We grilled beef and pork at the table and ate it with rice and kimchi. It was special because it was a holiday, and I don’t often eat out with my parents.”
Band 9:
“A meal I’ll never forget was a seafood dinner I had on the beach in Thailand. I was with a group of friends, and we ate freshly caught fish, prawns, and squid that were grilled right in front of us. The atmosphere, with the waves in the background and lanterns above us, made it magical. It was special not only because of the food, which was outstanding, but also because it was one of those moments where everything felt perfect—great company, delicious flavors, and an unforgettable setting.”
🟣 Part 3
Explanation
- Duration: 4–5 minutes.
- Examiner asks abstract and opinion-based questions connected to Part 2.
- You should give longer, thoughtful answers with reasons and examples.
Questions:
- How does food bring people together?
- Do you think people eat healthier today than in the past?
- Should governments encourage people to eat traditional food?
Band 5:
- People eat together. They talk and feel happy.
- No, people eat more fast food now.
- Yes, because it’s good food.
Band 7:
- Food brings people together because eating is a social activity. Families talk and share while eating.
- I think people ate healthier in the past. Now, processed food is common and people don’t cook as much.
- Yes, because traditional food is usually healthier and keeps culture alive.
Band 9:
- Food is a universal way of connecting. Shared meals create opportunities for conversation, bonding, and even conflict resolution.
- I would argue that in general, people ate healthier in the past. Although there is more awareness about nutrition today, modern lifestyles encourage fast and processed food consumption.
- I think governments should promote traditional food because it preserves cultural identity and often relies on natural ingredients, which can be healthier than industrial alternatives.