Describe a great dinner you and your friends or family members enjoyed: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

Where/when the dinner was
Who was there
What you ate / what made it special
And explain why you enjoyed it

103 unique answers with expert feedback

What types of food did you enjoy during the dinner?

We had a variety of dishes, including spicy starters like chicken wings and spring rolls, and main courses like pasta and grilled vegetables. Everyone brought their favorite dish, which made the meal even more diverse and enjoyable.

How often do you have dinners like this with your friends or family?

We try to have these gatherings at least once a month. It's a great way to catch up and strengthen our bonds. Life gets busy, but we always make time for these special dinners.

What do you think makes a dinner memorable?

A memorable dinner is all about the company and the atmosphere. Good food is important, but the laughter, shared stories, and the feeling of togetherness make it truly special. It's those moments that we cherish the most.

Band >7

00:00

That's an interesting question. For me, dinner, I don't know how to say, it's like a dream come true. Because I live in another location, my brother lives in another location, so we are like, we usually have dinners on our own locations. But recently, it was like a family get-together, so we all went there and had a dinner. It was awesome and one of my heartfelt moments, like meeting all the family members and having dinner. It is not like we went to the restaurant and having a dinner, it's just home. We were preparing food as well as eating. So it is like...

Follow up questions

What dishes did you prepare for the family dinner?

We prepared a variety of dishes, including my mother's famous lasagna, a fresh salad, and some grilled vegetables. Everyone contributed something special, which made the meal even more enjoyable. It was great to see everyone's cooking skills and share our favorite recipes.

How often do you have family gatherings like this?

We try to have family gatherings at least a few times a year, especially during holidays or special occasions. It's important for us to stay connected despite living in different locations. These gatherings help strengthen our family bonds and create lasting memories.

What makes home-cooked meals special for you?

Home-cooked meals are special because they carry a sense of warmth and love. Each dish has a story behind it, often linked to family traditions. Eating together at home creates a cozy atmosphere where we can share laughter and stories, making the meal more meaningful.

Band 7

00:00

One of the best dinners I've had was recently at my best friend's birthday. So we thought we can make that like a potluck party before the birthday celebration started. So my best friend's birthday was on September 12th. On September 11th, all of us gathered in her house with a dish made on our own. So all our friends from childhood, we made one dish of our choice and we took it to her house and her family was supposed to decide who cooks the best. And at every dish, their family had to tell a specific story they could relate to. And we had a lot of laughter, fun, listening to all their beautiful stories of their young times and enjoying our food. Not everyone was perfect with what they did, but everyone made an attempt to make a food that was very tasty and very beautiful. I think that was one of the most beautiful evenings that I've ever had. Apart from that, we also played games on the dinner table. It was just like sentence building, one person tells a sentence and the next person continues. And we ended up making a whole story that led to a lot of laughter and fun. This dinner will be something that I will cherish for a lifetime. And in future, we look forward to having more dinners like that.

Follow up questions

What types of dishes did you and your friends prepare for the potluck?

We all brought different dishes that represented our cooking styles. I made a pasta salad, while others brought desserts, curries, and even some traditional dishes from our families. It was a great mix that showcased our culinary skills and cultural backgrounds.

How did you feel about the storytelling aspect during dinner?

The storytelling made the dinner even more special. It allowed us to connect on a deeper level, sharing memories and laughter. Hearing stories from my friend's family about their past created a warm atmosphere and made the food taste even better.

Do you think potluck dinners are a good way to strengthen friendships?

Absolutely! Potluck dinners encourage collaboration and creativity. They allow friends to share their culinary skills and personal stories, which helps to strengthen bonds. Plus, the variety of food makes it a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Practice other cue cards

Describe your favourite food at a traditional festival or a special event in your country .

View answers

Band 7

00:00

So, I want to tell you about an interesting dinner I had. The dish I had was called Biryani. I had it about 2 years ago in this beautiful place called Hyderabad. I was visiting Hyderabad for the first time, we were travelling around the cities of Chamina and we found this hotel called Shara. They said it was very famous over there and we decided to give it a try. When we sat down in the restaurant and there was a waiter giving us the menu and telling us the specials. After looking at it, I decided it was the go-to thing, I have to order it. And then, the Biryani arrived. At the first moment when I saw it, it was presented very well. There was this rice with spices on it, there were onions and coriander alongside the chicken. When I first gave it a try, my mouth exploded. The flavours were very rich and complex and the spices were neutralising with the curd. Since the last visit, I have decided I have to try this food again. I would say this particular dish is famous of Hyderabad. I think it is celebrated along with the culture of Hyderabad.

Follow up questions

What other dishes did you try during your visit to Hyderabad?

During my visit, I also tried some local street food like dosa and vada pav. Each dish had its own unique flavor, and I loved how diverse the cuisine was. The street food experience was vibrant, with so many options to choose from, making it a memorable culinary adventure.

How did the atmosphere of the restaurant contribute to your dining experience?

The atmosphere at the Shara restaurant was warm and inviting. The decor was traditional, with soft lighting and comfortable seating. It created a cozy environment that made the meal even more enjoyable. The friendly staff added to the experience, making us feel welcomed.

Would you recommend visiting Hyderabad for its food?

Absolutely! Hyderabad is a food lover's paradise. The variety of dishes, especially the biryani, is a must-try. The city's rich culinary heritage and vibrant food culture make it a fantastic destination for anyone looking to explore new flavors and experiences.

Band 7

00:00

A great dinner for me and my family members was when it was my brother's birthday. He was turning 18 years old at that time and all of my family were present. Because in India 18th birthday is seen as a major transition from a child to an adult. So whenever we celebrate an 18th birthday we always try to make it as grand as possible. Similarly my brother also had a very big celebration for his 18th birthday. We all went to a very fancy and nice restaurant that was 15 minutes away from my house. At that point my brother had also gotten accepted to a university in Canada and he was moving away. So my parents were super proud of him and the dinner was in celebration of both his birthday and him getting into college. We ate a lot of food that day but one food that I still remember is biryani. I have never been a very big fan of rice but biryani was something that made me fall in love with rice. It is made with rice, chicken and seasoning and it tasted so delicious to me that I practically begged my mother to take me to that restaurant every year on my birthday. My family and I we all thoroughly enjoyed that dinner and at that moment I was very content and happy because of the food and the celebration both.

Follow up questions

What other special occasions do you celebrate with your family?

We celebrate many special occasions like anniversaries, festivals, and family reunions. Each event brings us together, and we enjoy good food and each other's company. For instance, Diwali is a big celebration for us, where we decorate our home and share sweets with family and friends.

How important is food in your culture during celebrations?

Food plays a crucial role in our celebrations. It brings people together and symbolizes love and hospitality. Each festival or occasion has specific dishes associated with it, and sharing these meals strengthens our family bonds and creates lasting memories.

Do you think dining out is better than having a home-cooked meal for celebrations?

Both have their merits. Dining out offers a special experience and variety, while home-cooked meals bring warmth and nostalgia. For family gatherings, I appreciate the effort of home-cooked meals, but dining out adds excitement, especially for significant celebrations like birthdays.

Show all 103 answers

Cue 1:Where/when the dinner was

Begin by describing the location of the dinner, whether it was at home, a restaurant, or a special venue.
Mention the date or occasion that made the dinner memorable, such as a birthday, festival, or reunion.

Example

The dinner took place at my home last Diwali, which is a significant festival in India. We decided to celebrate with a family gathering, as it’s a time for togetherness and joy.

Cue 2:Who was there

List the people who attended the dinner, focusing on family members or close friends.
Share a brief detail about the relationships you have with them to add a personal touch.

Example

My parents, my younger sister, and a few close friends were there. It was lovely to have my best friend from college join us, as we hadn’t seen each other in a while.

Cue 3:What you ate / what made it special

Describe the food that was served, highlighting any special dishes or homemade items.
Explain what made the meal unique, such as traditional recipes or a special chef.

Example

We enjoyed a feast of traditional Indian dishes, including biryani, paneer tikka, and a variety of sweets like gulab jamun. My mother made her famous biryani, which always brings back fond memories of our family gatherings.

Cue 4:And explain why you enjoyed it

Reflect on the atmosphere of the dinner and the feelings it evoked.
Mention any memorable moments or conversations that contributed to your enjoyment.

Example

I truly enjoyed the dinner because of the warmth and laughter shared among us. We reminisced about old times, shared stories, and played games, which created a joyful atmosphere that I will cherish forever.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, this dinner was not just about the delicious food but also about the love and connection we shared as a family and friends. It reminded me of the importance of togetherness, especially during festive occasions.

Following this structure will ensure you cover all the essential points while providing a clear and engaging response to the cue card topic.

Tips to answer this Cue Card

1: Lack of Detail

Providing vague answers can make your response less engaging. Specific details help paint a vivid picture of the dinner experience.

Tip

Include specific information about the location, the people present, and the dishes served to make your story more interesting.

2: Ignoring the Emotional Aspect

Failing to express why the dinner was enjoyable can make your answer feel flat. Emotions connect your experience to the listener.

Tip

Share personal feelings or memorable moments from the dinner to convey why it was special to you and your friends or family.

Rushing Through the Answer

Speaking too quickly can lead to unclear communication and missed details. It's important to pace your speech for better understanding.

Tip

Take your time to articulate each point clearly, ensuring you cover all the cues without feeling rushed.

IELTS Cue Cards asked last week

Reported by Leap students who gave IELTS

Describe your favourite food at a traditional festival or a special event in your country

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

Pitampura Test Centre, New Delhi

Answer

I like to taste different types of cuisine. Here I would like to talk about my favorite dish at my traditional festival of Onam which is Sadya. Sadya is popular in my city. We are experimenting these cuisines on Onam festival day. Onam is a famous festival in my city. All family members get together in my home and we make a delicious Sadya. There are many ingredients includes that Sadya. Moreover, we make a big feast that day as well as we create a lot of memories together and we wear that day the traditional dress called Sari and men wear the Dhotis. That festival is really important to us because the whole day we are conducting different kinds of games at our homes and all the family members came together. It's a memorable day in my life. This is the festival. We are making the Sambar and Aviyal. These all the kinds of foods are making with the vegetables.

Talk about a toy you liked in your childhood

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 8

Sector 34 Test Centre, Chandigarh

Answer

The toy which I liked in my childhood was a panda doll, which makes me pleasant and makes me more blush. The pandas are the most beautiful creatures of the world, which looks gigantic and has pooshy cheeks and they are like stars in the clouds and they dream in me. Furthermore, these have been given by my father. My father is a very very beautiful artistic person, who makes me think of that. Every day you will face every difficulties and make you suffer and move forward. Pandas are always seen in Japanese countries. It is my lifelong dream to visit a Japanese country and click a photo with the original pandas, which makes sounds better.

Describe a time you were in a place where you didn't know the local language

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 6.5

Whitefield Test Center, Bengaluru

Answer

As India is a very large country full of diversity, so there are many places which have their own language and speak their native language. The place which I visited and I didn't know about their language was Leladakh, which is about 300 km away from my hometown and it is a very good place as it consists of different kind of trees, animals and have many scenic views and I visited over there last year in summers as it was the best time to visit because it has many, it was cold over there and we had summers in our area so it was the best time to visit over there and I went over there with my whole family.

Describe a time when your friend damaged something you owned

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7

Begumpet Test Centre, Hyderabad

Answer

When I was a kid, I had a little pencil box which had these four buttons which gave the pencil box an operative use. When you press the button, the box would open up. When you press the second button, a little part of it would slide out. Basically it was just a little electronical and a fun thing to have and I owned it when I was in 6th. One day after break, I was standing and talking there with one of my friends and another friend of mine was running through the hallway and accidentally she pushed my shoulder and my pencil box hit the ground and it broke into multiple pieces to the point that it was not functional anymore.

Describe a book you recently read

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

CBD Belapur Test Centre, Navi Mumbai

Answer

It Ends With Us is a book I read recently. It's by the author Colleen Hoare. It's mainly a story about two teenagers, Atlas and Lily, and how they just handle their life going through high school, adolescence, and just domestic violence at home. Both of them come from very, very different families. However, they have one common determining factor between them, which is domestic violence. The abuse that they've seen their moms go through is just insane, and they connect through that on a different level. They're actually in the same high school, but they never speak to each other until Atlas actually crashes into an empty house next to Lily's villa. When Atlas is homeless and he doesn't have anywhere to go, he just comes and breaks into the house next to Lily's, and Lily helps him with all the daily necessities like clothes and food, medicines and stuff. Furthermore, their friendship blossoms into love, but it doesn't really fructify as Atlas has to leave. This book really gave me a lot of knowledge about domestic abuse and how to deal with it.