Describe An Unusual Meal That You Had: How to Answer?
Once part 2 begins, you will be handed a cue card and 4 questions related to it. The cue card will look like this:
To answer cue card prompts effectively, break them into sections: introduction, key highlights, and conclusion. Provide context in the introduction, add specific examples in key highlights, and summarise your main points in the conclusion.
Considering that, here's how we'll break our topic down.
Introduction:
- Start by introducing the occasion and setting the scene. Tell me who you've been with, where you've gone, and when it happened.
For Example, “Last summer, I had the most unusual meal of my life while on vacation with my friends in Thailand. It was a hot and humid evening, and we decided to explore a local Night market in Bangkok. The vibrant atmosphere and tantalising smells drew us in, and little did we know, we were about to embark on a culinary adventure unlike any other.”
Who were you with?
- Tell us about the people you've been with during that meal. Tell me about your relationship with them and their role in providing memorable food experiences.
For Example, “I was with a group of close friends curious about trying new foods. We often embarked on culinary adventures together, eager to discover unique flavours and dishes.”
Where did you go?
- Tell about the location where you ate. Provide information on the setting and any particular characteristics contributing to the meal's strange nature.
For Example, “We stumbled upon a quaint family-owned restaurant tucked away in the heart of the village. The rustic ambience and the aroma of exotic spices wafting from the kitchen immediately piqued our interest."
When did it happen?
- Specify the date and time at which this meal was served. All relevant details, such as the season or time of day which add to the uniqueness of this experience, shall be mentioned.
For Example, “It was a sunny afternoon in late spring when we decided to venture into the village's culinary scene. The warm weather heightened our appetite for exploration, and we were excited to see what the local cuisine offered."
Why was it unusual?
- Explain why your meal was unusual compared to the typical experience of eating in restaurants. Tell us about any unusual ingredients, cooking techniques or cultural influences that have made them memorable.
For Example, “What made this meal truly unusual was the menu's incorporation of uncommon ingredients sourced directly from the village's surroundings. From foraged mushrooms to wild herbs and game meats, each dish offered a taste of the region's rich culinary heritage."
How did you feel after eating it?
- Share your emotions and reactions to having that cuisine or dish. When you eat an unusual meal, share your feelings and thoughts.
- Let's talk about how your senses are influenced by the flavours, textures, and experiences you have had.
For Example, “After indulging in the eclectic array of dishes, I felt a sense of culinary enlightenment. The bold flavours and unexpected combinations awakened my palate to new possibilities, inspiring me to explore diverse cuisines further.”
Conclusion:
- Explain your experience and stress the importance of taking on new foods and enjoying food adventures. Tell us how this unusual meal has made you more aware of other cultures and improved your taste for food.
For Example, “In retrospect, that unusual meal in the countryside served as a reminder of the joys of culinary exploration. It reinforced the notion that food has the power to connect us with unfamiliar cultures and create lasting memories with loved ones. It was more than just a meal; it was a journey of discovery and delight."
Describe An Unusual Meal That You Had: Sample Answers
Find the Sample Answers for Describe An Unusual Meal That You Had IELTS Cue Card here.
Introduction:
- Last summer, I had the opportunity to try an unusual meal with some adventurous friends.
- We were craving something unusual and decided to explore a unique dining experience together.
Who were you with?
- I was with a group of close friends who shared a love for trying new things, especially regarding food.
- We all enjoy pushing our culinary boundaries and seeking novel dining experiences.
Where did you go?
- We stumbled upon a small, hole-in-the-wall restaurant in the city's heart.
- It was tucked away in a narrow alley, and if we weren't actively searching for it, we might have missed it entirely.
When did it happen?
- It was a warm Saturday evening, the kind of night that just begs for adventure.
- We spontaneously embarked on this culinary journey and went to the restaurant without any prior reservations.
Why was it unusual?
- What made this meal truly unusual was that the restaurant specialised in insect cuisine. Yes, you heard that right – insects.
- From cricket tacos to ant guacamole, the menu was unlike anything we had ever seen.
- While it may sound strange to some, we were intrigued by exploring alternative protein sources and embracing sustainability in our diet.
How did you feel after eating it?
- I'll admit I was a bit apprehensive at first. The thought of biting into a crunchy cricket or munching on a savoury grasshopper was definitely outside my comfort zone.
- However, I was pleasantly surprised once I took that first bite. The flavours were surprisingly delicious, and the textures added an interesting twist to each dish.
- By the end of the meal, I felt adventurous and satisfied, knowing that I had expanded my palate and tried something completely new.
Conclusion:
- Dining on insect cuisine was a memorable and eye-opening experience.
- It challenged my preconceived notions about food and opened my mind to the possibilities of sustainable eating.
- Sharing this unusual meal with my friends only added to the fun and excitement of the evening, making it a dining experience that I'll never forget.
Describe An Unusual Meal That You Had: Follow-Up Questions
Part 3 of the IELTS speaking section is the two-way discussion round. The examiner will ask you related questions to the topic given to you in individual long-turn tasks.
In this section, you will discuss the topic in general, showcasing to the examiner that you can justify your opinions and your ability to discuss the topic in depth. The discussion round's duration, part 3, will be 4-5 mins.
