Vocabulary is an important aspect of the IELTS exam. It shows your ability to express your ideas clearly and effectively, enhancing both coherence and cohesion in the speaking and writing sections. It constitutes 25% of the total marks in both sections. A strong vocabulary can add depth to your arguments or explanations, thereby improving your overall IELTS band score.
Why Food Vocabulary Matters?
Are you a foodie? If so, you might find learning food-related vocabulary quite interesting.
Food vocabulary is important for the IELTS exam for several reasons:
- Common topic: Food is a part of our everyday life, and that’s why it is one of the common topics in the IELTS exam. Having a strong vocabulary related to food can help you discuss the topics in depth.
- Demonstrates Language Proficiency: Using specialised food terms and idioms rather than basic words can demonstrate your proficiency in the language. Expressions like “a slap-up meal”, “to eat like a horse”, and “my mouth is watering” can add colour to your speech.
- Nuanced Arguments: By using precise, descriptive food vocabulary, you can present your nuanced arguments clearly and effectively. This can help you to achieve a high band score.
In addition to this, food is closely tied to culture. Expanding your food vocabulary can help you explore different cuisines, understand cultural practices, and engage in meaningful discussions about food and society.
Whether you’re discussing your favourite dishes, talking about food preparation, or describing your eating habits, having a strong command of food-related vocabulary can make a big difference in your IELTS performance.
Read on to learn new Food vocabulary IELTS and improve your language skills as part of your IELTS preparation.
Food Vocabulary IELTS
Food as a topic covers various topics ranging from cuisines, recipes, techniques, etc. We have divided the vocabulary related to food into 6 segments so you can understand and associate the words better. These segments can be:
- Food condition
- Food verbs
- Food quantities
- Food taste
- Food types
- Eating and drinking
List of Food Vocabulary IELTS: Common Words
Food is a universal topic that frequently appears in IELTS exams, particularly in the Speaking module. Knowing a wide range of food vocabulary can be useful for discussing related topics that may come up, such as health, the environment, cultural traditions, and globalisation. Hence, familiarising yourself with these words is crucial if you want to do well in the IELTS exam.
Here are some common Food vocabulary asked in the IELTS exam:
Category: Food Condition
| Word | Meaning | Usage |
| Overcooked | Cooked beyond the optimal cooking time | The pasta was overcooked and too soft |
| Fresh | Food materials or products that have been recently prepared | The marinara at that outlet is prepared fresh every day |
| Raw | Not cooked properly/at all | The vegetables were raw and hard to chew |
| Stale/Rotten | Spoiled and past its optimal usage time | The whole room smells like rotten eggs |
| Unripe | Immature food item – not fit for consumption | The bananas you bought yesterday were unripe |
| Off | Not tasting as it should | The food at last night’s restaurant seemed off to me |
| Ripe | Fully grown and ready to eat | The bananas were ripe and ready to eat. |
| Tender | Soft and easy to chew | The steak was tender and delicious. |
| Juicy | Full of juice | The watermelon was sweet and juicy. |
| Crisp | Firm and fresh; crunchy | The lettuce was crisp and fresh. |
Category: Food Verbs
| Word | Meaning | Usage |
| Bake | Cook food with dry heat and without exposure to a flameUsage: She has been a fan of baking ever since she got back from France | She has been a fan of baking ever since she got back from France |
| Poach | Cooking an egg without its outer shell in or over boiling water | I like my eggs poached and cooked well |
| Grill | Cooking food using a grill | That place serves the best-grilled chicken in the city |
| Food Preparation | Cooking food by mixing and combining ingredients | The food preparation at her house was amazing |
| Fry | Cooking food in hot oil or fat | While frying, you should always look out for oil splatter |
| Chop | Cut into small pieces | She chopped the onions finely. |
| Boil | Cook in boiling water | Boil the potatoes until they are soft. |
| Stir | Mix with a circular motion | Stir the soup occasionally while it cooks. |
| Sauté | Cook quickly in a small amount of oil | Sauté the vegetables in olive oil. |
| Whisk | Beat or stir with a light, rapid movement | Whisk the eggs until they are fluffy. |
Category: Food Quantities
| Word | Meaning | Usage |
| Pint | A unit that is equal to 550 millilitres | I grabbed a pint of milk on my way home |
| Portion | A part or section of a whole | I just want a small portion of the pie |
| Spoonful | As much as a spoon can hold | I take my coffee with two spoonfuls of sugar |
| Slice | A small portion of a whole | I am on a diet and had only one slice of the cake |
| Dollop | A shapeless mass or blob of something | Add a dollop of cream on the pie. |
| Dash | A small quantity of a liquid | Add a dash of lemon juice to the salad. |
| Cup | A unit of measure, typically for liquids | Use a cup of milk for the recipe. |
| Handful | The amount held in one hand | She took a handful of nuts from the bowl. |
| Bunch | A number of things of the same kind, growing or fastened together | She bought a bunch of bananas. |
| Cluster | A group of similar things or people positioned closely together | There was a cluster of grapes on the table. |
| Piece | A part of something | She had a piece of chocolate after dinner. |
Category: Food Taste
| Word | Meaning | Usage |
| Bland | Tasteless or having little taste | The food tasted bland without the spices |
| Spicy | Flavoured with spices | Indians have a taste for spicy food and snacks |
| Savoury | Delicious | She cooks amazing and savoury food. |
| Mild | Not hot, sharp or strong in flavour | Elderly people like to have food with mild spices and flavours |
| Delicious | Extremely good tasting | Cooking delicious food is an art |
| Tasteless | Having no taste or flavour | The food at that new restaurant is completely tasteless |
| Sweet | Having a pleasant taste like sugar | The candy was very sweet. |
| Sour | Having an acidic taste | The lemon was sour. |
| Bitter | Having a sharp, unpleasant taste | The coffee was too bitter. |
Category: Food Types
| Word | Meaning | Usage |
| Cuisine | A meal consists of four parts, namely a soup, appetiser, main course and dessert. | Italian cuisine is my go-to at any time of the day |
| Four-course meal | A meal consists of four parts, namely a soup, appetiser, main course and dessert | Indian weddings generally have four-course meals for guests |
| Nutritious | A meal consisting of all the required nutrients | Having a healthy, nutritious diet plan is the key to a healthy life |
| Dairy | Products created from milk, such as yoghurt, cream, butter, etc | Most vegans avoid dairy products and have shifted to alternatives like almond milk |
| Barbecue | A meal in which food is cooked over an open fire outdoors or in a special appliance | India doesn’t have the trend of barbecues as much as the West |
| Buffet | A meal that consists of a number of dishes that guests often have to serve for themselves | Breakfast buffets at hotels are becoming a very popular thing these days |
| Appetiser | The food is served after the soup and before the main course during a meal | For our appetisers, we’d like to have spring rolls, please, and some hors d’oeuvre |
| Grains | Seeds of cereal plants | Whole grains are a healthy choice. |
| Vegetables | Edible parts of plants | Eat more vegetables for a balanced diet. |
| Fruits | Edible seed-bearing parts of plants | Fresh fruits are rich in vitamins. |
Category: Eating & Drinking
| Word | Meaning | Usage |
| Guzzle | Eat or drink something hurriedly | He guzzled his drink before getting on the train |
| Gulp | Eating or swallowing food in large mouthfuls | Rather than gulping your food, you should chew and eat it properly |
| Wining & Dining | Entertainment that includes good food and drinks | The company wined and dined their prospective investors |
| Swallow | Allowing food or drinks to pass down the throat | Her mannerism of swallowing audibly made everyone uncomfortable |
| Chew | Biting and crushing food in the mouth to make it easier to swallow | Proper chewing helps with better digestion |
| Sip | Drink in small quantities | She sipped her tea slowly. |
| Gulp | Swallow quickly in large amounts | He gulped down the water after his run. |
| Munch | Eat steadily and often audibly | She munched on an apple. |
| Nibble | Take small bites | He nibbled on some cheese. |
List of Food Vocabulary IELTS: Phrases & Collocations
Phrases and collocations are important for IELTS vocabulary as they enhance fluency and accuracy. Mastering these aspects demonstrates your deeper understanding of language, helping you to sound more confident and coherent in your responses.
- Phrases: They can help you to connect your ideas smoothly, enhancing the coherence and cohesion of the essay.
- Collocations: It can enhance your speech and make it more fluent, natural, and accurate.
A strong command of collocations and phrases is crucial for achieving a high score in the vocabulary and language components of the IELTS exam.
Here are some phrases & collocations used for food-related words:
Phrases
| Phrases | Meaning | Usage |
| A balanced diet | A diet consisting of healthy food with good nutrients | Maintaining a balanced diet is the key to a healthy life |
| A scrumptious meal | An extremely delicious meal | His mother cooked up a scrumptious meal for us |
| Calm the hunger pangs | Reducing the discomfort caused by hunger | He grabbed a quick bite to eat to calm his hunger pangs |
| Cut down on | Reducing the intake | Since diabetes is hereditary in my family, I’ve cut down on my sugar intake |
| Sweet tooth | A person fond of sweet food | She has a very sweet tooth when it comes to brownies |
| Junk food | Food with little or no nutritional value | Eating junk food every day can harm your body |
| My mouth is watering | Feeling hungry for something | My mouth watered at the thought of fried chicken |
| Fussy eater | Someone who dislikes many foods | Her baby is a fussy eater |
| Quick Snack | A small meal that you can eat on the go | I was feeling too lazy to cook, so I ordered a takeaway from my favourite restaurant. |
| Takeaway | A meal prepared in a restaurant and eaten at home | Since diabetes is hereditary in my family, I’ve cut down on my sugar intake. |
| A bottle of bubbly | Sparkling wine | To celebrate their anniversary, they opened up a bottle of bubbly at the restaurant. |
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Collocations
| Collocation | Meaning | Usage |
| Fresh produce | Fruits and vegetables that are fresh | The market offers a wide range of fresh produce. |
| Junk food | Unhealthy food that is high in calories but low in nutritional value | Eating too much junk food can lead to health problems. |
| Balanced diet | A diet that includes a variety of different foods in the right proportions | Maintaining a balanced diet is essential for good health. |
| Fast food | Food that can be prepared and served quickly | They often eat fast food for lunch due to their busy schedules. |
| Processed food | Food that has been altered from its natural state | Processed foods often contain high levels of sugar and salt. |
| Staple food | A basic or main food that is eaten regularly | Rice is a staple food in many Asian countries. |
| Comfort food | Food that provides consolation or a feeling of well-being is typically associated with childhood or home cooking. | She turned to comfort food like macaroni and cheese during stressful times. |
| Organic food | Food produced without the use of chemical fertilisers, pesticides, or other artificial agents | Many people prefer organic food for its perceived health benefits. |
| Gourmet food | High-quality, sophisticated, and often expensive food | They enjoyed a gourmet meal at the five-star restaurant. |
| Home-cooked meal | A meal prepared at home rather than purchased from a restaurant or store | There’s nothing like a home-cooked meal. |
| Light snack | A small amount of food eaten between meals | She had a light snack of fruit in the afternoon. |
Sample Questions on Food Vocabulary IELTS
To score well in the IELTS exam, you should know the type of questions asked on the food topic. Here are some questions and sample answers to help you excel in the exam:
IELTS Speaking Module
Part 1: Introduction
1. What kind of meals do you like?
Ans. Oh, I love different kinds of meat. My mouth waters whenever I see grilled chicken or mutton chops. I don’t like to cook by myself, so I often eat ready-to-eat meals and takeaways.
2. How often do you have dinner with your friends or family?
Ans. I try to dine out with my family as much as possible. Unfortunately, I don’t get enough time for family dinners due to my extremely busy schedule.
3. When do you usually have dinner?
Ans. I usually have my dinner at about 8 p.m. I’m starving by then and sometimes overeat.
4. What fruits or vegetables do you like or don’t like? Why?
Ans. Well, I’m not a fussy eater, but I hate seafood. I try to avoid going to restaurants that serve seafood.
5. And what is your favourite cuisine?
Ans. I love French cuisine. Its versatility and flavourful ingredients make it my favourite. French cuisine has many dishes, like their famous onion soup and cheese fondue. Also, French food rarely contains artificial ingredients or flavours.
Part 2: Cue Cards/ Individual Long Turn
1. Have a look at the card and prepare a monologue.
| Topic: Describe a place you like to eat at. You should say: Where is it? What kind of food does it serve? Why do you like its food? How often do you eat there? |
Ans. I would like to talk about a pretty little restaurant within walking distance of my home called “La Pizzeria.” It is situated on an ancient street in the heart of the city. This restaurant serves Italian cuisine, which is one of my favourites. They serve Italian delicacies like pasta, pizza and tomato soup. My favourite among these is the pizza. It is an extremely versatile food and can be made with various toppings and sauces. I love Italian food because its fresh and flavourful ingredients satisfy the heart and soul. Hence, I eat frequently at that restaurant. Although it’s not cheap by any means, the quality of their food justifies the bill.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q1. Tell me about the types of food that people eat in your country?
Ans. In my country, we enjoy a variety of foods, including traditional dishes like biryani and dal, as well as popular street food like samosas and chaat. Besides these, Chinese and Italian cuisines are very popular in urban areas.
Q2. How healthy is your country’s food?
Ans. In my country, traditional meals like vegetables, legumes, and whole grains are healthy. Yet, fast food and processed snacks are becoming increasingly popular, which is leading to fewer healthy choices.
Q3. Why do you think different cultures have different table manners?
Ans. I think table manners vary across cultures due to differing social norms and values. Different cultures have different dining customs. Some cultures eat with their hands, while others use utensils. I think these practices are adopted by people based on their history, geography, and social norms.
Q4.How has technology changed the way we prepare our food these days?
Ans. Technology has changed how we cook. Nowadays, we have smart appliances and cooking apps to make cooking easier. This is also helping in reducing waste.
Q5. Do people of different age groups have different food choices?
Ans. Yes, food choices often vary across age groups. For eg, young people like fast food and snacks, while older people prefer traditional home-cooked meals. This is because older people are more health conscious, so they prefer to have healthy and digestible food.
IELTS Writing Section
1. With a growing world population, one of the most pressing issues is
feeding such a large number of people. Some people think that GM foods offer a viable solution to this problem. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
2. Some people think that educating people about the problems of eating too much fast food has no effect and that other measures should be taken to tackle this issue. What is your opinion?
3. People should only buy food sourced locally. What are the advantages and disadvantages of this?
4. Some people think that the increase in the number of obese people
should be the responsibility of the government, while others think it should be the responsibility of individuals. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
5. With a growing population, many people believe that we should focus on producing more GM foods.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of doing this?
Also Read: Latest IELTS Writing Task 1 2024: Vocabulary & Bar Chart
Tips To Use Food Vocabulary In IELTS Exam
To perform well on the IELTS speaking exam when discussing food, you should be familiar with some tips on how to use food vocabulary words.
Here are some tips for using food vocabulary in the IELTS exam:
- Familiarise Yourself with Common Food Vocabulary: It’s crucial to know how to use a wide range of food-related words like “cuisine,” “delicacy,” “dish,” “snack,” “appetiser,” “main course,” and “dessert” appropriately for the IELTS exam.
- Read food articles and blogs: You should read some food blogs and articles on popular websites like BBC, which can help you learn this specialised vocabulary through their wealth of recipes and cooking content.
By incorporating this diverse food vocabulary, you can demonstrate your language proficiency and give detailed, nuanced responses on the IELTS speaking exam.
Related Articles:
- IELTS Education Related Vocabulary
- Social Media Vocabulary for IELTS
- IELTS Vocabulary List for Culture
- IELTS Vocabulary List for Environment
- IELTS Vocabulary List to Describe Personality
Conclusion
Food is the language of the world and is different in every nook and cranny around the globe. Thus, there are a plethora of terms and phrases related to food and drink that you can learn and improve your vocabulary for food for the IELTS exam. Read and understand the terms and phrases and practise them to bring them into your daily lingo.
By mastering a wide range of food-related terms, you’ll be better equipped to express yourself confidently and accurately in the Speaking and Writing sections. Remember, practice is key. Try incorporating new words into your daily conversations and writing exercises. This will help you perform better in the exam and improve your language skills as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I improve my food vocabulary for IELTS?
Ans. You can improve your vocabulary for IELTS through the following methods:
A. Look up words you hear for the first time and understand their meaning.
B. Listen to audio pronunciations.
C. Read newspapers, books and magazines about food.
D. Use vocabulary-building apps.
E. Learn about the grammatical nature of different terms such as nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc.
How much food vocabulary is enough for IELTS?
Ans. According to a recent study, having a large vocabulary and knowledge of about 6000 to 7000-word families will help you work well in an English-speaking environment. Hence, a basic to intermediate vocabulary can help you score well in your IELTS exam. Regarding food, you should watch cooking shows, read about various chefs and learn new words and general food lingo.
How can I improve my food vocabulary for IELTS writing task 2?
Ans. Building your vocabulary is an essential part of scoring well in the IELTS exam, as it makes up 25% of your marks. To improve your vocabulary for writing task 2, you can use the following tips:
A. Read a lot of articles, blogs, newspapers and books.
B. Mnemonics can be a good way to memorise important words.
C. Practice your writing skills regularly and maintain a separate notebook to monitor your progress.
D. Listen to podcasts, audiobooks, radios and other audio sources that will improve your understanding of the usage of specific terms.
Q. Why is food vocabulary important in IELTS?
Ans. To score well in the IELTS exam, it’s important to have a good grasp of food vocabulary because it’s a common topic in the test. You might be required to talk about food, cooking techniques, or eating habits in the reading, writing, listening, or speaking sections of the exam. Having a solid understanding of food-related terms and being able to express yourself clearly on these topics will definitely help you to ace the IELTS exam.
Q. How can I learn food-related vocabulary for IELTS?
Ans. You can learn food-related vocabulary in many ways. First, start by reading recipes, cooking blogs, and food articles to learn new words related to food. Then, you can practise using flashcards and play word games, which can be a fun way to reinforce your learning. Also, watching cooking videos is helpful for familiarising yourself with food-related vocabulary.
Q. What are some common food-related topics in IELTS?
Ans. When it comes to food-related topics in the IELTS exam, you should be prepared to discuss a wide range of things. These can include personal food preferences, eating habits, favourite cooking methods, different ingredients, and types of meals. It’s important to be familiar with these areas as these are common themes in the IELTS speaking and writing sections.
Q. How can I use food vocabulary in IELTS writing?
Ans. In the IELTS writing section, it’s important to incorporate food vocabulary by vividly describing different types of food, cooking techniques, and eating customs. When discussing food, you should use expressive adjectives to depict flavours, textures, and aromas in your descriptions. Also, to enhance your skills, you should practise writing essays, reports, and detailed descriptions related to food. This will help you become more proficient in using food-related vocabulary effectively in the IELTS writing section.
Q. How can I use food vocabulary in IELTS reading?
Ans. When preparing for the IELTS reading test, it’s helpful to work on building your knowledge of food-related vocabulary. This means being able to recognise the main concepts and supporting details in texts about food. You can improve your reading skills by practising techniques like skimming and scanning through articles and recipes related to food. This kind of practice can strengthen your ability to quickly grasp and analyse food-related information when tackling the IELTS reading test.
Q. Can I use food vocabulary in IELTS Writing Task 1?
Ans. When you are writing IELTS Task 1 about food, you can describe information like food production, consumption, and nutrition. You should include words related to food trends, ingredients, and cooking methods to explain the charts and graphs. For example, you can use terms such as “food exports,” “food imports,” etc. These words will help you effectively communicate the information and show that you have a good understanding of food-related vocabulary.
Q. How can I improve my pronunciation of food vocabulary words?
Ans. To enhance your pronunciation of food vocabulary, you can improve by listening to native speakers, practising with audio resources, and recording yourself. Pay attention to individual sounds and word stress to enhance your pronunciation. This will help you sound more natural and confident when speaking about food.
Q. Can I use food vocabulary in IELTS Speaking Part 3?
Ans. Yes, you can use food vocabulary in IELTS Speaking Part 3 by discussing abstract topics related to food, such as the impact of food production on the environment or the cultural significance of food in different societies. Use vocabulary related to food trends, nutrition, and sustainability to discuss complex topics.
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