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IELTS Speaking Part 2 · Hobbies & activities

Describe something specific you enjoy cooking

Describe something specific you enjoy cooking

You should say:

  • what dish or food it is
  • when and how often you cook it
  • what ingredients and equipment you need

and explain why you enjoy cooking this particular dish.

How to plan your answer

Use your 1 minute to jot down key words for each point, not full sentences.

  1. 1

    what dish or food it is

    Dish: Creamy mushroom risotto using fresh herbs and Arborio rice.

  2. 2

    when and how often you cook it

    When/How often: Prepared on quiet Sunday evenings or rainy weekends twice monthly.

  3. 3

    what ingredients and equipment you need

    Ingredients/Equipment: Arborio rice, mushrooms, broth, parmesan, heavy pan, and wooden spoon.

  4. 4

    and explain why you enjoy cooking this particular dish.

    Why enjoy: Therapeutic process that helps me unwind and brings family together.

Sample answer

about 245 words · 2 minutes

I would like to talk about a dish I absolutely love making from scratch, which is a creamy mushroom risotto. It is a classic rice dish that relies heavily on patience and good quality ingredients to achieve that rich, velvety texture. Normally, I tend to cook this on quiet Sunday evenings or rainy weekends when I have plenty of time to spare. Since it requires continuous attention, I do not make it on busy weekdays, but rather as a special treat once or twice a month. To prepare it properly, you need Arborio rice, fresh button and shiitake mushrooms, warm vegetable stock, finely diced garlic, onions, and a generous grating of parmesan cheese. As for equipment, a heavy-bottomed pan or skillet is essential to ensure even heat distribution, along with a sturdy wooden spoon for constant stirring while slowly adding the broth ladle by ladle. The main reason I enjoy cooking this particular dish is that I find the entire process incredibly therapeutic. Stirring the pan slowly allows me to unwind after a stressful week, forcing me to slow down and stay present in the moment. There is something deeply satisfying about watching simple rice transform into a flavorful meal through pure care and effort. Moreover, seeing my family members clean their plates with genuine appreciation gives me an immense sense of pride. All in all, preparing risotto is far more than just cooking for me; it is a relaxing ritual that brings people together.

A teaching example, not a script to memorise. Say it in your own words.

Useful phrases

  • love making from scratch

    I love making pizza from scratch rather than buying frozen options.

  • continuous attention

    Baking delicate pastries requires continuous attention to timing.

  • heavy-bottomed pan

    Always use a heavy-bottomed pan to keep sauces from scorching.

  • incredibly therapeutic

    Gardening after work is incredibly therapeutic for my stress levels.

  • unwind after a stressful week

    Listening to jazz helps me unwind after a stressful week at office.

Common mistakes

I cook it every day because it is very easy to make it.

I cook it quite often because it is straightforward to prepare.

Use precise vocabulary like 'straightforward' instead of repetitive basic structures.

I need pan, spoon, rice, and mushroom.

I need a heavy pan, a wooden spoon, rice, and mushrooms.

Missing articles and plural forms for countable ingredients and tools.

I am liking to cook this food because it tastes delicious.

I enjoy cooking this dish because it is remarkably flavorful.

Stative verbs like 'like' should not be continuous; use richer adjectives.

Tips for a higher band

  • Use topic-specific cooking vocabulary naturally, such as 'simmer', 'ladle', or 'from scratch'.
  • Connect your ideas smoothly with time expressions like 'once in a while' or 'on quiet weekends'.
  • Vary your sentence structures by combining short statements with complex clauses explaining reasons.

Part 3 follow-up questions

After Part 2 the examiner may ask deeper questions on the same theme.

  • Do you think people's eating habits have changed significantly compared to the past?
  • Is it better for children to learn how to cook at home or at school?
  • Why do some people prefer dining out to cooking meals at home?

Now try this cue card

1 minute to prepare, up to 2 minutes to speak, then a band estimate and tips for each criterion.

Practise this cue card

Practice estimate, not an official IELTS score.

Practise this cue card
Describe something specific you enjoy cooking (IELTS Cue Card & Sample Answer)