In part 2 of the IELTS Speaking test, you are required to discuss a topic presented on a cue card for two minutes. Typically, the topic requires you to reflect on personal experiences. This section assesses your proficiency in English communication, comprehension of the subject, ability to engage in profound thought, and skill in narrating your experiences engagingly and coherently. Through this blog, we will guide you on approaching such topics, like – "Describe an unusual meal that you had."
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IELTS Speaking test format
The Speaking test takes between 11 and 14 minutes and consists of 3 parts.
Part 1: The first part of the test where the examiner will ask you some general questions about familiar topics like work, family, studies, and hobbies.
Part 2: You will be given a cue card with a topic. You will be given one minute to take notes on the topic and will be given a pencil and paper to prepare your response. You will then speak on the topic for two minutes.
Part 3: In the interview, you will have a two-way discussion with the examiner where they will ask questions related to the topic discussed in Part 2.
Explore more: Prepare for IELTS Speaking test
Describe an unusual meal that you had – IELTS cue card topic (Speaking part 2)
In this task you will be given a cue card, for example: With the topic “Describe an unusual meal that you had”.
You can form your answer based on your real experience that you ever had, It could be about any meal that you found unusual and different from your daily meals.
Note: This topic requires you to share a story that illustrates your ability to make a conversation with others to build a connection with others.
Describe an unusual meal that you had – IELTS cue card (Sample question)
Describe an unusual meal that you had
Who were you with?
Where did you go?
When did it happen?
Why was it unusual?
Describe an unusual meal that you had – IELTS cue card (Sample answers)
Drafting sample answers for the IELTS cue card question about describing an unusual meal that you had requires crafting the response to reflect the linguistic complexity and coherence expected at bands 6, 7, and 8. Here are three examples for your reference:
Sample response for band 6
Introduction:
Last year, I had a meal that I still remember vividly.
Who were you with?
I was with a couple of friends from university.
Where did you go?
We decided to try something new and went to this little-known restaurant downtown that was famous for its exotic cuisine.
When did it happen?
It happened one evening in the middle of our semester when we were all feeling adventurous.
Why was it unusual?
The meal was unusual because it featured dishes from a culture completely unfamiliar to us, with ingredients we had never heard of before. The menu was quite a surprise, offering dishes like fried insects and a soup that had some sort of fermented fish. I chose a dish that was described as a local delicacy involving grilled meat from an animal I didn't recognise. My friends were equally adventurous in their selections. Eating that meal was an eye-opener.
It was unusual not just because of the food itself, but because it pushed me out of my comfort zone. It made me realise there are so many flavours and cuisines in the world that I'm yet to experience. It wasn't just about the food, but the laughter and the shared sense of adventure with my friends that made it memorable.
Sample response band 7
Introduction:
Last summer, I had a meal with my friends that was unlike anything we'd ever experienced before.
Who were you with?
I was with my close friends and.
Where did you go?
We went to a small, unique restaurant known for its different kinds of food.
When did it happen?
It happened last summer on a very nice and wonderful evening.
Why was it unusual?
The meal was unusual because it used special ingredients and cooking ways that were new to us, from a culture far away. When we looked at the menu, we saw many new dishes. I chose a plate with wild animals cooked in a special way from the restaurant's culture, with vegetables and new spices. My friends picked different dishes that were also new and interesting.
This meal was like an adventure. It wasn't just about trying new and different foods but also about how it made us feel closer as friends. It made me want to try more foods from around the world. This dinner reminded us how fun it is to try new things and made it a meal we'll always remember.
Sample answer for band 8
Introduction:
Last fall, I had an amazing food adventure that I'll never forget.
Who were you with?
I was with my best friends.
Where did you go?
We went to a hidden restaurant that is famous for mixing old and new types of dishes.
When did it happen?
It happened one calm evening when we all were together having fun.
Why was it unusual?
The meal was special because it used unique ingredients and old cooking ways from far-off places, which was all new to us. The chef was really good and made dishes that were different from usual. I chose a dish that paid respect to the food from a faraway place, using special fermentation and rare spices with a kind of meat that was new and responsibly obtained. It was a mix of many tastes and feelings, making us think differently about food. My friends also picked dishes that were just as creative, each telling its own story of where it came from and how it was made.
This dinner was more than just eating; it was like stepping into another world. It made us question what we knew about food and showed us how food can connect different cultures. It made me appreciate the wide variety of food in the world. This experience wasn't just about trying something new; it was a key moment in how I think about food, filled with new tastes and memories with my friends.
These examples will simplify your IELTS preparation and assist you in achieving your desired score. If you have any inquiries regarding the IELTS, don't hesitate to reach out to your closest IDP IELTS test centre. Our team will provide the support and answers you require.
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