Favorite Food - Band 8+ sample

All speaking samples

Speaking Sample Test

Part 1: Introduction & Interview

Q1

What kinds of meals do you usually eat during the week?

Sample response

During the week, I usually keep my meals quite simple because I’m busy with work. Lunch is often something quick like rice, vegetables, and chicken, while dinner is a bit more relaxed and home-cooked. I try to eat balanced meals rather than fast food, mainly because I feel better and have more energy.

Q2

Do you prefer eating at home or eating out? Why?

Sample response

I definitely prefer eating at home most of the time. It’s cheaper, healthier, and I can choose exactly what goes into the food. That said, I still enjoy eating out occasionally, especially when I want to try something I can’t easily cook myself.

Q3

Is there a dish you often choose when you go to a restaurant?

Sample response

Yes, I quite often go for pasta, especially a creamy mushroom or seafood one. It’s one of those dishes that feels comforting but still a bit special when you order it at a restaurant. Also, it’s usually a safe choice because it’s hard to get completely wrong.

Q4

Did you enjoy cooking when you were a child?

Sample response

To be honest, not really when I was very young. I liked watching other people cook, but I didn’t have the patience to do it myself. As I got older, though, I started enjoying simple things like making noodles or helping with baking.

Q5

Who usually prepares meals in your home?

Sample response

In my home, it’s usually a shared responsibility. My mother cooks most often because she’s the fastest and most experienced, but the rest of us help out depending on our schedules. On weekends, I sometimes prepare a meal just to give her a break.

Q6

Do you like trying dishes from other countries?

Sample response

Yes, I love it, actually. Trying food from other countries is one of the most enjoyable ways to learn about a different culture. For example, I’ve tried Korean, Japanese, and Italian dishes, and each one has a completely different style and flavor.

Q7

What do you usually have for breakfast?

Sample response

I usually have something light for breakfast, like eggs, toast, and a cup of coffee. If I’m in a hurry, I might just grab yogurt or fruit instead. I know breakfast is important, so I try not to skip it.

Q8

Has your taste in meals changed over the years?

Sample response

Yes, quite a lot. When I was younger, I preferred fried food and anything sweet, but now I’m much more interested in healthier and lighter meals. I think that change happened because I became more aware of nutrition and how food affects my mood and energy.

Q9

Do you think eating together with family is important?

Sample response

Yes, I do think it’s important. Eating together gives family members time to talk, relax, and catch up on each other’s day, which doesn’t always happen otherwise. Even if it’s only a few times a week, I think it helps people stay close.

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Describe a dish you really enjoy eating. You should say: - What it is? - When you usually eat it? - Who usually makes it or where you get it? And explain why you enjoy it so much.

Sample response

One dish I really enjoy eating is chicken curry with rice. It’s a fairly common meal, but for me it feels special because it’s full of flavor and it reminds me of home. I usually eat it at the weekend or on family occasions, when there’s enough time to prepare it properly. It’s not the kind of food I’d make in a rush, because a good curry needs time for the spices to blend together and for the chicken to become really tender. Sometimes we also have it when relatives come over, so I associate it with warm, lively family meals. In my case, my mother usually makes it, and to be honest, no one else in the family can do it quite like her. She uses a mix of onions, garlic, tomatoes, and several spices, and the smell alone is enough to make everyone hungry. If I’m not at home, I might order chicken curry from a local restaurant, but it never tastes as comforting as hers. What stood out to me from a young age was the balance of flavors. It’s rich and slightly spicy, but not overpowering, and when you eat it with steamed rice, it’s incredibly satisfying. Another thing is the emotional side of it. It reminds me of family gatherings, long conversations at the table, and the feeling of being completely relaxed. Overall, I enjoy this dish not just because it tastes delicious, but because it brings back happy memories and makes any meal feel more complete.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Q1

Why do some dishes become strongly connected with a particular country or region?

Sample response

I think certain dishes become tied to a place because they reflect local history, climate, and ingredients. If a region grows particular crops or has a long tradition of using certain spices, those foods naturally shape its cuisine. Over time, the dish becomes part of the area’s identity and even a source of pride. For example, pizza is strongly linked with Italy, not just because it was created there, but because it represents a whole culinary tradition.

Q2

How have modern lifestyles changed the way people eat?

Sample response

Modern lifestyles have changed eating habits quite dramatically, mainly because people have less time than before. Many now rely on takeaway meals, ready-made food, or delivery apps instead of cooking from scratch. On the one hand, that’s convenient for busy workers and students, but on the other hand, it can lead to less healthy choices. At the same time, people are also more exposed to global food trends, so diets have become more varied than they used to be.

Q3

Do you think traditional ways of preparing meals should be preserved? Why or why not?

Sample response

Yes, I do think traditional cooking methods should be preserved, at least to some extent. They’re not just about food; they also carry culture, family history, and practical knowledge from one generation to the next. If everything becomes instant and standardized, we risk losing the character and meaning behind many dishes. Of course, I’m not saying people must always cook the old way, but those methods should still be taught and valued.

Q4

What influence do advertising and social media have on people's choices about what to eat?

Sample response

Advertising and social media have a huge impact on what people choose to eat, especially young people. Attractive photos, influencer reviews, and constant promotion can make certain foods seem more desirable, even if they’re not very healthy. For instance, a snack or drink can suddenly become popular simply because it goes viral online. At the same time, these platforms can also encourage better choices by promoting healthy recipes, fitness lifestyles, or nutritional advice.

Q5

How can schools and families encourage healthier eating habits among young people?

Sample response

I’d say schools and families need to work together if they want to build healthy eating habits. Families can start by offering balanced meals at home and setting a good example, because children usually copy what adults do. Schools, meanwhile, can provide nutrition education and make healthier food available in cafeterias rather than just selling sugary snacks. If young people understand why healthy eating matters and have easy access to better options, they’re much more likely to stick with those habits.

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