I. Common questions on this topic:
- Do you like cooking?
- How often do you cook?
- What dishes can you cook?
- Who taught you how to cook?
- Do people in your country prefer eating at home or eating out?
II. Sample Answers
Q1. Do you like cooking?
- Yes: “Yes, I really enjoy cooking. I find it quite relaxing, and it allows me to be creative. Preparing a home-cooked meal is also healthier and more budget-friendly compared to eating out.”
- No: “To be honest, not really. I can cook basic dishes if I have to, but I find it a bit time-consuming and tiring. I’d rather grab something quick or eat outside.”
Q2. How often do you cook?
- Often: “I cook almost every day since I’m living away from my family. It helps me save money, and I also like the idea of knowing exactly what goes into my food.”
- Rarely: “Not that often. Maybe once or twice a week at most. I’m usually too busy, so I end up eating out or ordering delivery.”
Q3. What dishes can you cook?
- Variety: “I can cook a few dishes like stir-fried vegetables, fried rice, and some pasta recipes. They’re simple but tasty, and I feel confident making them.”
- Limited: “Honestly, I can only make very basic food like instant noodles or omelets. I’ve never really learned how to cook proper meals.”
Q4. Who taught you how to cook?
- Family: “My mom taught me most of the basics. She showed me how to prepare vegetables, cook rice properly, and season dishes. I learned a lot just by watching her in the kitchen.”
- Self-taught: “I actually learned to cook by myself. I usually watch YouTube videos or follow recipes online whenever I want to try something new.”
Q5. Do people in your country prefer eating at home or eating out?
- Eating at home: “I think many families still prefer eating at home because it’s cheaper and feels more intimate. Home-cooked meals are considered healthier and more suitable for daily life.”
- Eating out: “Nowadays, eating out is very popular, especially among young people. Street food and restaurants are everywhere, and they’re affordable, so people don’t cook at home as much as before.”
III. Extra Sample Questions & Answers
Q: Do you think cooking is difficult?
- Yes: “It can be quite challenging, especially when it comes to complicated dishes that require lots of ingredients and steps.”
- No: “Not really, as long as you practice. Start with simple recipes and gradually improve your culinary skills.”
Q: Do you prefer cooking alone or with others?
- Alone: “I prefer cooking alone because I like focusing on the process and doing everything at my own pace.”
- With others: “Cooking with friends or family is more fun — it turns into a social activity.”
IV. Vocabulary List – IELTS Speaking Part 1: Cooking
- Cuisine – /kwɪˈziːn/ – style of cooking (e.g. Vietnamese cuisine)
- Culinary skills – cooking ability
- Homemade – made at home, not bought
- Utensils – tools used in the kitchen
- Boil / Fry / Grill / Bake – basic cooking methods
- Spices & herbs – ingredients for flavor
- Appetizer / Main course / Dessert – meal structure
- Nutritious – healthy and beneficial for the body
