Learn IELTS Vocabulary with a Speaking Model Answer: An Unusual Meal

Aug 28, 2024 | IELTS Test

Have you ever had an unusual meal that was far from ordinary?

Whether it’s an exotic dish from a foreign land or a creative concoction made at home, unusual meals can be memorable for various reasons.

In this lesson, we’ll explore vocabulary and expressions that can help you describe an unusual meal, perfect for IELTS speaking and writing tasks.

Read the following speaking-style questions, paying close attention to words you don’t know and the words in bold. There are definitions for the words in bold at the end of the page.

Before you read the conversation, you might like to download this free PDF quiz and have a go at completing the blanks.

Part 1-style questions

Examiner: Do you enjoy trying new foods?

Candidate: Yes, I love new foods, especially those that are exotic or from different cultures. It’s a great way to expand my palate and experience new flavours.

Examiner: Can you describe an unusual meal you have had recently?

Candidate: Recently, I had a fusion dish at a new restaurant that combined Japanese and Mexican cuisine. It was an intriguing combination that I had never encountered before.

Examiner: What do you think makes a meal unusual?

Candidate: When it either uses experimental techniques or combines unexpected ingredients. Such meals often present a … feast for the senses … and leave a lasting impression.

Part 2: Long Turn

Describe an unusual meal you had. You should say:

What the meal was
Where you had it
Who you were with

and say why it was unusual

Candidate:

One of the most unusual meals I’ve ever had was during a trip to Southeast Asia. I visited a small, local restaurant that specialised in fusion cuisine. The dish I ordered was a mix of traditional Thai flavours with a touch of French gastronomy. It featured a quirky combination of spicy coconut curry and creamy béchamel sauce, served over grilled frog legs.

I was dining with a group of friends who were equally adventurous when it comes to food. We were all intrigued by the menu.

Initially, I was hesitant to try it, but once I did, I found the meal to be incredibly satisfying. The flavours were bold and balanced, pushing the boundaries of what I had previously considered delicious. It was truly a meal to remember, and it taught me the value of being open to new culinary experiences.

Part 3: Discussion

Examiner: Do you think people should be more adventurous when it comes to food?

Candidate: Absolutely! Being adventurous with food can broaden your knowledge and expose you to exotic flavours you might not encounter in daily life. It’s also a great way to understand and appreciate different cultures.

Examiner: What are the benefits of trying unusual meals from other cultures?

Candidate: One of the key benefits is that it enhances cultural understanding. When you try an unusual meal, you’re often experiencing a part of the culture that has been refined over centuries. This can deepen your appreciation for that culture’s cuisine and its traditions.

Examiner: Do you think the global spread of cuisines has changed people’s eating habits?

Candidate: Yes, the global spread of cuisines has had a significant impact on eating habits. People are now more willing to experiment with dishes that combine elements from different culinary traditions. This has led to a more diverse diet. However, it has also made some traditional dishes less popular.

Vocabulary Review

Part 1 Vocabulary

Exotic (adj.): Originating in or characteristic of a distant foreign country.
Palate (n.): A person’s ability to distinguish between and appreciate different flavours.
Fusion (n.): The process of combining different culinary traditions to create a unique dish.
Cuisine (n.): A style or method of cooking, especially as characteristic of a particular country or region.
Intriguing (adj.): Arousing one’s curiosity or interest.
Experimental (adj.): Based on untested ideas or techniques.
Feast for the senses (phrase): Something that is very enjoyable for the senses.

Part 2 Vocabulary

Gastronomy (n.): The practice or art of choosing, cooking, and eating good food.
Quirky (adj.): Something unconventional or unexpected.
Pushing the boundaries (phrase): Challenging the limits of what is considered acceptable or possible.

Part 3 Vocabulary