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IELTSTM CUE CARD

Describe A Special Meal That Someone Made For You: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

Updated on Nov 12, 2024, 10:43

Overview

When you start the cue card section, the examiner will provide you with a card containing a topic and grant you 1 minute to prepare. This is the second part of the IELTS Speaking section, which is a one-on-one interview with a certified IELTS examiner. 

 

During this part, you will need to speak on the given topic for up to two minutes. It's important to remember that the IELTS Speaking test typically lasts between 11 and 14 minutes in total.
 

"Describe A Special Meal That Someone Made For You" is one such cue card topic. Special meals someone prepares to hold a profound significance as they go beyond mere sustenance, often evoking emotions of love, care, and appreciation. These meals can be immensely inspiring, showcasing the thoughtfulness and effort of the person preparing them. 

 

Cue Card/Topic: A Special Meal That Someone Made For You

You should say

  • Who did it?
  • When and how did he/she cook?
  • What and why did he/she cook?
  • Explain how you felt about the meal.
Sample Answer 1

Introduction (Covers- Who did it?/ When and how did he/she cook?):

 

  • I would like to talk about a special meal that my mother, Asha, made for me. 
  • It was on my birthday last year, and she decided to prepare all my favourite dishes.
  • This meal was particularly memorable because she put in a lot of effort to make the day special for me.

 

Describing your experience/opinion/interest:

 

  • My mother started cooking early in the morning, and I could smell the delicious aromas wafting through the house. 
  • She spent several hours preparing the meal, ensuring that every dish was perfect.
  • The entire experience was heartwarming because I could see how much love and care she put into every detail. 
  • The kitchen was filled with laughter and the sound of utensils clinking, creating a lively atmosphere.

 

Key highlights (Covers- What and why did he/she cook?):

 

  • The meal included a variety of dishes such as paneer butter masala, biryani, and my favourite dessert, gulab jamun. 
  • Each dish was cooked to perfection, with rich flavours and vibrant colours. The paneer was soft and succulent, while the biryani was aromatic and full of spices. 
  • The gulab jamun melted in my mouth, leaving a sweet aftertaste. My mother also shared stories from my childhood as we ate, making the meal even more special.

 

Conclusion (Covers- And explain how you felt about the meal.):

 

  • This meal left a lasting impact on me. Knowing how much effort my mother put into making it perfect, I felt incredibly grateful and cherished. 
  • It wasn’t just about the food; it was about the love and warmth that came with it. 
  • This special meal is a cherished memory, reminding me of the bond and love that my mother has always shown me.
Sample Answer 2

Introduction (Covers- Who did it?/ When and how did he/she cook?):

 

  • I would like to share the experience of a special meal prepared for me by my best friend, Raj. 
  • This happened a few months ago when I visited him during the festival of Diwali. 
  • Raj is an excellent cook, and he decided to make a traditional festive meal to celebrate the occasion.

 

Describing your experience/opinion/interest:

 

  • Raj started cooking in the afternoon, and I watched and assisted him. 
  • He meticulously prepared each dish, ensuring every ingredient was fresh and perfectly measured. 
  • Watching him cook with such passion and precision was inspiring. The kitchen was filled with the delightful aroma of spices, and I eagerly anticipated the meal. 
  • Raj explained the significance of each dish as he prepared it, making the experience educational as well.

 

Key highlights (Covers- What and why did he/she cook?):

 

  • The meal included a variety of traditional dishes such as puri, chole, aloo sabzi, and, for dessert, kheer. 
  • The puris were golden and fluffy, perfectly complementing the spicy chole. The aloo sabzi was rich in flavour with just the right amount of spice. 
  • The highlight for me was the kheer, which was creamy and sweet, garnished with almonds and saffron. 
  • We shared the meal in a beautifully decorated room, with diyas and rangoli adding to the festive atmosphere. 
  • Raj’s storytelling about family traditions made the meal even more enjoyable.

 

Conclusion (Covers- And explain how you felt about the meal.):

 

  • This special meal left a deep impression on me. I felt incredibly honoured and touched by Raj’s effort to make the celebration memorable. 
  • The food was delicious, but what made it truly special was the friendship and the cultural significance behind each dish. 
  • This experience strengthened our bond and gave me a deeper appreciation for our shared heritage and traditions.
Sample Answer 3

Introduction (Covers- Who did it?/ When and how did he/she cook?):

 

  • I fondly recall a special meal my best friend, Ananya, prepared to celebrate my promotion at work. 
  • This memorable event took place at her home last year. 
  • Ananya is an excellent cook, and she wanted to make the evening extraordinary. 
  • The meal she made not only tasted incredible but also showed how much she cared for me.

 

Describing your experience/opinion/interest:

 

  • Ananya invited me over for dinner and insisted that I arrive hungry. She had spent the entire afternoon preparing a multi-course meal. 
  • As soon as I entered her home, the enticing smell of freshly cooked food welcomed me. 
  • Knowing her talent in the kitchen, I was both excited and curious about what she had in store for me.

 

Key highlights (Covers- What and why did he/she cook?):

 

  • The meal began with a starter of perfectly spiced samosas served with tangy mint chutney. 
  • For the main course, she made butter chicken, fluffy naan, and a fragrant biryani, all from scratch. 
  • Each dish was rich in flavour, with the butter chicken being particularly creamy and the biryani bursting with aromatic spices. 
  • For dessert, she served homemade gulab jamun, my favourite sweet, which was soft, syrupy, and absolutely delightful.

 

Conclusion (Covers- And explain how you felt about the meal.):

 

  • This special meal left me feeling deeply touched and grateful. 
  • It wasn't just the delicious food but the effort and thought Ananya put into making it that made the evening unforgettable. 
  • Her gesture showed her support and happiness for my achievement. 
  • This experience reminded me of the joy and warmth of sharing meals with loved ones and celebrating life's milestones together.

When the cue card section begins, the examiner will hand you a card with a topic written on it, a piece of paper and a pencil. You will have 1 minute to prepare your response. You can jot down some notes during this time to help organise your thoughts. After the preparation, you will need to speak about the topic for up to 2 minutes. The examiner will listen and may ask some follow-up questions after you finish.

 

The most effective way to answer these cue cards is by breaking down your response into small, manageable pieces. This helps you stay organised and ensures you cover all the necessary points within the time limit. 

 

Introduction:

 

  • Start by mentioning the meal and the person who made it.
  • Provide a brief context or background about the occasion.
  • Explain why you consider this meal special.

 

Describing your experience/opinion/interest:

 

  • Describe the atmosphere and setting where the meal was served.
  • Mention any unique or interesting aspects of the meal preparation.
  • Share your feelings and reactions when you first saw the meal.

 

Key highlights:

 

  • Detail the dishes that were part of the meal and their significance.
  • Highlight the flavours, presentation, and any standout elements.
  • Mention any conversations or moments that made the meal memorable.

 

Conclusion:

 

  • Explain the lasting impact of the meal on you.
  • Reflect on what this meal and the person who made it mean to you.
  • Conclude by summarising why this meal remains a cherished memory.

 

Also read: IELTS Speaking Questions with Answers 2024 

 

Pace Up Your IELTS Preparation With Our Expert Masterclass!

Follow-Up Questions

After the cue card round in the IELTS Speaking test, the examiner will ask you follow-up questions related to the topic you just spoke about. This part of the test, known as the discussion or follow-up questions round, lasts for about 4-5 minutes. 

 

The examiner will explore the topic in more depth, asking you to elaborate on your ideas and express your opinions. This round tests your ability to engage in a more extended conversation, demonstrating your fluency, coherence, and ability to provide detailed responses.

Q1. Why do you think homemade meals are special?

Answer 1: Homemade meals are special because they are made with love and care. The person cooking takes the time to select fresh ingredients and prepare the dish thoughtfully. This personal touch makes the meal more meaningful and enjoyable.

 

Answer 2: Homemade meals often have a sentimental value attached to them. They remind us of our family traditions and cultural heritage. The flavours and recipes passed down through generations carry a sense of belonging and nostalgia.

Q2. How do you think traditional cooking methods compare to modern ones?

Answer 1: Traditional cooking methods often involve more time and effort, but they bring out richer flavours and textures in the food. They rely on natural ingredients and slow cooking, enhancing the meals' taste and nutritional value.

 

Answer 2: Modern cooking methods are more convenient and time-saving, making them suitable for busy lifestyles. However, they sometimes compromise on the depth of flavour and the authenticity of traditional methods. A balance of both can be beneficial.

Q3. Do you think food can influence relationships? How?

Answer 1: Yes, food can significantly influence relationships. Sharing meals fosters a sense of community and bonding. Cooking for someone is an act of care and love, which can strengthen relationships and create lasting memories.

 

Answer 2: Food brings people together, whether at family gatherings, celebrations, or casual get-togethers. The shared experience of enjoying a meal can facilitate conversation, understanding, and emotional connections, strengthening relationships.

Q4. What is your favourite dish, and why do you like it?

Answer 1: My favourite dish is biryani. I love it because of its rich, aromatic flavours and the unique combination of spices. It's a complete meal with rice, meat, and vegetables, and it always reminds me of festive occasions and family gatherings.

 

Answer 2: I really enjoy dosa because of its crispy texture and the variety of fillings you can have with it. It's a versatile dish that can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and it reminds me of the times I spent with my family at our favourite South Indian restaurant.

FAQs

Q. What happens during the IELTS Speaking cue card section?

Ans. During the IELTS Speaking cue card section, the examiner hands you a card with a topic and gives you one minute to prepare. You'll then speak about the topic for up to two minutes. This part assesses your ability to organise your thoughts and speak fluently on a given topic.

Q. How can I effectively prepare for the IELTS cue card topics?

Ans. To effectively prepare for the IELTS cue card topics, practice speaking on a variety of subjects regularly. Break down your response into an introduction, key points, and a conclusion. Focus on speaking clearly and coherently, using a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures to showcase your language skills.

Q. What should I do if I run out of things to say during the cue card section?

Ans. If you run out of things to say during the cue card section, try to expand on the points you’ve already mentioned. You can add personal anecdotes, explain the significance of your topic, or describe related experiences. Practice thinking on your feet to develop the ability to elaborate on your answers smoothly.

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