IELTS HUB
Full test with Band 9 answers

Speaking test #158

Part 1 · Interview

4 to 5 minutes. The examiner asks about you and familiar topics.

Introduction · Q1

Can you tell me your full name?

Introduction · Q2

Where are you from?

Introduction · Q3

Do you work or are you a student?

Cars · Q1

Did you enjoy travelling by car when you were a child? [Why/Why not?

?] I absolutely loved travelling by car when I was a child. There was something so exciting about being in a vehicle and going on a journey, whether it was a long road trip or just a quick trip to the grocery store. Plus, being in the car meant that I could listen to music, play games, or just stare out the window and daydream. Overall, it was a really enjoyable experience for me.

Cars · Q2

Would you generally prefer to be a driver or a passenger in a car? [Why/Why not?

?] I would generally prefer to be a driver in a car. While it can be nice to sit back and relax as a passenger, I find that I enjoy the feeling of control and responsibility that comes with driving. Plus, I like being able to choose the route and decide where we go, rather than being at the mercy of someone else's choices.

Cars · Q3

How important is the colour of a car to you? [Why/Why not?

?] To be honest, the colour of a car is not particularly important to me. As long as it functions properly and gets me from point A to point B, I'm happy. I'm more concerned with things like the car's fuel efficiency, safety features, and overall reliability.

Cars · Q4

What type of car would you most like to have in the future? [Why/Why not?

?] In the future, I would love to have a hybrid or electric car. I'm really interested in reducing my carbon footprint and being more environmentally friendly, and I feel like driving a hybrid or electric car would be a great way to do that. Plus, with all of the advances in technology, I imagine that they will only become more and more practical and convenient in the coming years.

Celebrities · Q1

Who is your favorite celebrity in India?

Oh, that's a tough one. I really admire Aamir Khan's acting abilities and the way he uses his platform to bring attention to social issues. He's definitely at the top of my list.

Celebrities · Q2

Do you like any foreign celebrities?

Absolutely! I'm a huge fan of Jennifer Lawrence and Emma Stone. They're both such talented actresses and have great personalities too.

Celebrities · Q3

Would you want to be a celebrity in the future?

Hmm, I'm not sure. While it would be fun to have a larger platform to share my talents and ideas, the lack of privacy and constant scrutiny would be a huge drawback for me.

Celebrities · Q4

Do you think we should respect famous people's privacy?

Definitely. No one deserves to have their private life constantly on display for the world to see. Famous people are still human and deserve to have their own space and time to themselves.

Part 2 · Cue card
Person Present CookingFoodSkills

You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.

Describe someone you know who is a good cook

You should say:

  • Who the person is
  • What kind of dishes they cook
  • How they learned to cook
  • Why you think they are a good cook
259 words · 4 paragraphs
Point 1

Who the person is

I would like to talk about my grandmother, Mrs. Sharma, who is an exceptional cook and holds a special place in my heart. She is a retired school teacher in her late 70s, living in a small town in India. Despite her age, she is full of energy and passion when it comes to cooking delicious meals for our family.

Point 2

What kind of dishes they cook

Grandma Sharma is known for her expertise in cooking traditional Indian dishes that are rich in flavors and aroma. She can whip up a wide variety of dishes ranging from spicy curries to mouth-watering desserts. Her signature dishes include butter chicken, biryani, and homemade sweets like gulab jamun and jalebi. Every time she cooks, our house is filled with irresistible scents that make everyone's mouth water.

Point 3

How they learned to cook

She learned to cook from her own mother at a young age and has been honing her skills ever since. Growing up in a large joint family, she was responsible for cooking meals for everyone, which helped her master the art of Indian cooking. Over the years, she has perfected her recipes and techniques, making her dishes stand out for their authentic taste and perfection in every detail.

Point 4

Why you think they are a good cook

I believe my grandmother is a good cook not just because of her culinary skills, but also because of the love and care she puts into every dish she prepares. She cooks not just to feed our family, but to bring us together and create memorable moments. Her cooking reflects her passion, creativity, and dedication, making every meal a delightful experience for all of us.

The Band 9 answer in numbers
Words
259
Sentences
14
Words per sentence
18.5
Speaking time
about 2.0 min

Counted at 130 words a minute. The exam gives you one to two minutes.

Part 3 · Discussion

4 to 5 minutes. The examiner asks broader questions linked to the cue card topic.

Discussion · Q1

How does a person's cooking skill affect their social interactions compared to those who don't have these skills?

Culinary skills can significantly enhance a person's social interactions in numerous ways. For one, being able to cook allows someone to host gatherings, which naturally fosters a sense of community and connection among friends and family. When you invite people over and serve them a delicious meal, it creates a warm atmosphere that encourages engaging conversations and strengthens relationships. On the other hand, those who may not possess such skills might miss out on these opportunities for social bonding, as they may feel less confident in hosting or participating in food-related gatherings. It’s fascinating how sharing a meal can break down barriers and facilitate meaningful connections, making culinary skills a valuable asset in social settings. Ultimately, cooking can serve as a bridge that not only brings people together but also enhances the overall quality of their interactions.

Discussion · Q2

In many cultures, cooking is seen as very important. What do you think about the role of cooking skills in society?

Cooking skills hold a remarkable significance in society for several reasons. Firstly, the ability to prepare meals is not just about nourishment; it fosters family bonding and cultural heritage. When families gather to cook together, it creates a sense of togetherness and strengthens relationships, which is incredibly important in our fast-paced world. Furthermore, cooking can be seen as a form of self-expression, allowing individuals to showcase their creativity and personality through the dishes they prepare. Lastly, in an age where health consciousness is on the rise, having cooking skills empowers people to make informed food choices, promoting a healthier lifestyle overall.

Discussion · Q3

How do you think cooking helps build relationships in families and communities?

Cooking plays a pivotal role in fostering relationships within families and communities, serving as a medium for connection and bonding. When families gather around the dinner table, it’s not just about sharing a meal; it’s about sharing stories, laughter, and experiences. This shared experience often strengthens familial ties, creating a sense of belonging and togetherness. Moreover, in communities, communal cooking events or food festivals can enhance social cohesion, bringing people from diverse backgrounds together to celebrate their culinary heritage. Ultimately, cooking transcends mere sustenance; it cultivates relationships and builds a sense of community spirit.

Discussion · Q4

Why do people often say that cooking is both a useful skill and a way to show creativity?

Cooking is fascinating because it truly embodies both a practical skill and a form of artistic expression. On one hand, mastering culinary techniques is essential for preparing meals safely and efficiently, making it a fundamental life skill. However, the beauty of cooking lies in its ability to allow individuals to express their creativity; just like a painter with a blank canvas, chefs can experiment with flavors, textures, and presentations. This blending of science and art makes cooking unique, as it not only fulfills our basic need for sustenance but also provides a platform for personal expression and cultural storytelling. Ultimately, the kitchen becomes a stage where both skill and creativity come together to create something truly delightful!

Discussion · Q5

How could the growing popularity of cooking shows and contests influence how future generations see cooking?

The rising popularity of cooking shows and culinary competitions can significantly influence how future generations perceive cooking. For one, these programs often showcase cooking as an artistic expression, rather than just a daily chore. This shift could inspire young people to explore their creativity in the kitchen, viewing it as a form of self-expression. Additionally, the emphasis on healthy eating and diverse cuisines presented in these shows may cultivate a more global perspective on food, encouraging kids to experiment with flavors from different cultures. Ultimately, as these shows continue to gain traction, I believe they will help foster a generation that not only values cooking but also sees it as an essential life skill and a way to connect with others.

Discussion · Q6

What can be done to help more people, especially young ones, improve their cooking skills?

To encourage more people, particularly the younger generation, to develop their cooking skills, a multifaceted approach could be really effective. First and foremost, incorporating cooking classes into school curricula could ignite a passion for culinary arts early on. Beyond that, social media platforms can play a pivotal role; by showcasing fun and engaging cooking challenges or tutorials, they can capture the interest of young people in a way that feels relatable and exciting. Additionally, community initiatives, like local cooking workshops or food festivals, could foster a sense of community engagement and make cooking a more social activity. Ultimately, by making cooking accessible and enjoyable, we can inspire a new generation to embrace this essential life skill.

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