IELTS Speaking Practice Test 86 with Sample Answers

Key Highlights

IELTS Speaking Part 1
IELTS Speaking Part 2
IELTS Speaking Part 3

This IELTS Speaking Practice Test has 3 Sections. In Part 1, you will be asked questions by your examiner for 4-5 minutes about the topic of Home Cooking and Food Culture. In Part 2, you will be given a 2-minute cue card for a monologue on the topic "Describe A Meal You Cooked That Turned Out Better Than Expected," followed by more in-depth questions for another 4-5 minutes based on the cue card in Part 3. Overall, the speaking test takes 15 minutes.

IELTS Speaking Part 1

Q1. If your kitchen could only keep one ingredient forever, what would you choose?

A. I would probably choose eggs because they are incredibly versatile. They can be used in breakfast dishes, snacks, desserts, and even full meals. In addition, they are relatively affordable and nutritious, which makes them a staple ingredient in many households. Whether I'm in the mood for something simple or more elaborate, eggs can easily fit into the recipe.

Q2. Do you enjoy meals that are cooked at home?

A. Yes, very much. Home-cooked meals usually feel more comforting and personal than restaurant food. They are often fresher, healthier, and tailored to individual tastes. I also associate home cooking with family gatherings and pleasant memories, which makes the experience even more enjoyable. There's something special about eating a meal that has been prepared with care and attention.

Q3. Is there a dish that reminds you of home?

A. Yes, definitely. For me, it would be homemade chicken curry and rice. It is a dish that my family prepares quite often, especially at weekends. Whenever I smell the spices being cooked, it immediately creates a sense of familiarity and comfort. Even when I'm away from home, that particular dish reminds me of family meals and relaxed conversations around the dining table.

Q4. Do you think people cook at home as much as they did in the past?

A. Probably not. Modern lifestyles are much busier, and many people have limited time to prepare meals. As a result, food delivery services and ready-made meals have become increasingly popular. However, I think many people still enjoy home cooking when they have enough time, particularly during weekends or special occasions. In recent years, social media has also encouraged some people to rediscover cooking as a hobby.

Q5. If you could instantly master one cooking skill, what would it be?

A. I would love to master baking. It seems both creative and challenging because it requires precision and patience. I think it would be rewarding to make fresh bread, pastries, and cakes from scratch rather than buying them from a bakery. I'd also enjoy experimenting with different recipes and creating desserts for family and friends.

Q6. Why do you think home cooking is still important today?

A. I think home cooking remains important because it gives people greater control over the ingredients they consume. It can also be a healthier and more economical option than eating out regularly. Beyond that, cooking together can strengthen family relationships and create meaningful shared experiences. In a world where people are often busy and distracted, preparing a meal together can be a valuable way to spend quality time.

Vocabulary

Versatile: Able to be used in many different ways
Nutritious: Providing the substances needed for good health
Staple: A basic and important item
Familiarity: The feeling of knowing something well
Precision: Accuracy and attention to detail
Economical: Cost-effective and not expensive
Consume: To eat or drink something

IELTS Speaking Part 2

Cue Card

Describe A Meal You Cooked That Turned Out Better Than Expected

You should say:

What the meal was
When you cooked it
Who did you cook it for
And explain why it was better than you expected

Sample Answer

One meal that turned out much better than I expected was a creamy mushroom pasta that I cooked for my family last winter.

The reason this meal stands out in my memory is that I had very little experience making pasta from scratch. Usually, I stick to simple dishes that don't require much preparation, so I was quite nervous when I decided to try something more ambitious.

The idea came from a cooking video I watched online. The recipe looked straightforward, but when I actually started cooking, I realised there were many small details involved, such as preparing the sauce, balancing the seasoning, and making sure the pasta was cooked to the right texture. At one point, I was convinced that the dish would be a disaster because I accidentally added too much cream and had to adjust the recipe halfway through.

I cooked the meal for my parents and my younger cousin, who happened to be visiting that evening. To my surprise, everyone seemed to enjoy it. My father even asked for a second serving, which is usually a good sign because he tends to be quite honest about food. The sauce was rich and flavourful, and the pasta had the perfect texture. It looked far more professional than I had expected.

What made the experience particularly satisfying was the sense of accomplishment. Since I had doubted my cooking abilities at the beginning, seeing the final result gave me a lot more confidence in the kitchen. It also encouraged me to experiment with other recipes instead of always preparing the same familiar dishes.

Overall, this meal was memorable because it taught me that trying something challenging can sometimes lead to unexpectedly positive results. Even though I made a few mistakes along the way, the experience ended up being both enjoyable and rewarding.

Vocabulary

Ambitious: Requiring a lot of effort or skill
Straightforward: Simple and easy to understand
Seasoning: Ingredients used to improve flavour
Texture: The way food feels in the mouth
Disaster: Something that goes very badly
Flavourful: Having a rich and pleasant taste
Accomplishment: Something achieved successfully

IELTS Speaking Part 3

Q1. Why do some people enjoy cooking while others do not?

A. I think people enjoy cooking for different reasons. Some see it as a creative activity where they can experiment with ingredients and recipes, while others simply enjoy preparing meals for family and friends. On the other hand, some people view cooking as a chore because it can be time-consuming and requires effort after a long day. Personal interest and lifestyle often determine how people feel about it.

Q2. Do you think cooking is an important skill to learn?

A. Absolutely. Cooking is a practical life skill that can help people become more independent. It allows individuals to have greater control over their diet and often helps them save money compared to eating out regularly. In addition, knowing how to cook can be useful in unexpected situations when ready-made food is not available.

Q3. How has technology changed the way people cook?

A. Technology has transformed cooking in many ways. People can now learn recipes instantly through videos, websites, and social media platforms. Modern kitchen appliances have also made cooking faster and more convenient. For example, air fryers, food processors, and smart ovens can simplify tasks that once required a lot of time and effort. As a result, cooking has become more accessible to beginners.

Q4. Do you think traditional recipes should be preserved?

A. Yes, definitely. Traditional recipes are often an important part of a country's culture and heritage. They reflect local ingredients, customs, and family traditions that have been passed down through generations. If these recipes disappear, a part of cultural identity may be lost as well. That is why I think it is important to preserve them while also allowing room for innovation.

Q5. Why is eating together important in many cultures?

A. Sharing meals is about much more than food. In many cultures, it provides an opportunity for family members and friends to spend time together, exchange ideas, and strengthen relationships. In today's busy world, mealtimes are often one of the few occasions when people can sit down without distractions and have meaningful conversations.

Q6. Do you think home-cooked meals will become less common in the future?

A. To some extent, yes. Busy lifestyles and the growing popularity of food delivery services may reduce the amount of cooking people do at home. However, I don't think home cooking will disappear. Many people still value the health benefits, cost savings, and emotional satisfaction associated with preparing their own meals. In fact, as awareness of healthy eating continues to grow, home cooking may remain an important part of everyday life.