IELTS Speaking Part 3: Food and cooking
6 Part 3 discussion questions on food and cooking, with developed sample answers of the kind Part 3 expects.
What food do you (people in your country) eat on special occasions?
On special occasions, people in my country tend to prepare elaborate, time-consuming dishes that you wouldn't normally cook on an ordinary day. The centrepiece is often a rice-based dish such as plov, cooked with lamb, carrots and dried fruit, which is practically synonymous with celebration. Alongside that, there's usually an abundance of grilled meat, fresh herbs, salads and an assortment of sweet pastries. Tea and baklava almost always round off the meal. What makes these foods special isn't just the taste but the effort involved, since preparing them is a way of showing respect and hospitality to guests. In essence, festive food is as much about tradition and togetherness as it is about nutrition.
What is the difference between special food in your country and other countries?
While the underlying idea of celebratory food is universal, the specifics vary enormously from one culture to another. In my country, festive meals lean heavily on rich, meat-based rice dishes and are typically shared from communal platters, which reflects our collectivist culture. In many Western countries, by contrast, a special meal might revolve around a roasted turkey or a formal multi-course dinner served on individual plates. The spices and flavours differ too — our cuisine favours aromatic herbs and dried fruits, whereas other cultures might emphasise dairy, seafood or fiery chillies. Portion sizes and dining etiquette also diverge considerably. That said, what unites them all is the symbolic role of food in bringing people together and marking important moments.
Why do many people like to spend a lot of money on food on special days?
I think this stems from the deep symbolic value we attach to food during celebrations. Spending generously is often seen as a way of demonstrating love, respect and hospitality towards guests, so people are willing to splash out to make a good impression. There's also an element of tradition, since many families have always marked important days with lavish feasts and feel obliged to keep that custom alive. On a psychological level, expensive, high-quality ingredients make the occasion feel genuinely distinct from everyday life. Social pressure plays its part too, as no one wants to appear stingy in front of relatives. Ultimately, the money isn't really about the food itself but about the memories and sense of occasion it helps create.
What do you think of people using their mobile phones during a meal?
Honestly, I find it quite disappointing, though I understand it's become almost second nature for many people. Meals, especially shared ones, are one of the few opportunities in a busy day for genuine face-to-face conversation, and constantly checking a phone undermines that connection. It can come across as rude and dismissive, sending the message that whatever is on the screen matters more than the people at the table. Having said that, there are exceptions — someone might be waiting for an urgent work message or a call from a family member. In those cases a quick glance is perfectly reasonable. On the whole, though, I believe mealtimes should ideally be a phone-free zone so that people can be fully present.
Do you think it's good to communicate when eating with your family?
Absolutely, I'd say it's one of the most valuable aspects of family life. Sitting down to eat together provides a natural, relaxed setting where family members can share how their day went and stay emotionally connected. For children in particular, these conversations help develop their communication skills and give them a sense of belonging and security. It's also a chance to pass on values, resolve small misunderstandings and simply enjoy each other's company without the distractions of daily routines. In a world where everyone is increasingly glued to screens, that shared time is more precious than ever. So yes, I firmly believe talking over meals strengthens family bonds in a way few other activities can.
More and more people are unwilling to cook. Why is this happening?
There are several interlocking reasons behind this trend. The most significant is the fast pace of modern life — people work long hours and simply feel too exhausted or pressed for time to prepare a proper meal from scratch. The explosion of food-delivery apps and ready-made meals has made ordering in incredibly convenient and often cheaper than buying all the ingredients. Many younger people also never learned to cook in the first place, as busy parents didn't pass the skill on. There's a perception, too, that cooking is a tedious chore rather than an enjoyable activity. Finally, living alone gives people little incentive to cook elaborate meals for just one person. Combined, these factors are gradually eroding traditional home-cooking habits.
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Common questions
How is Part 3 different from Part 1?
Part 1 is about you; Part 3 is about people in general. The questions move to society, causes and consequences, and the answers are expected to be longer and more developed — an opinion plus a reason plus an example.
What if I have no opinion on the question?
You are not marked on the opinion, so pick one and support it. Saying you have never thought about it and stopping there leaves the examiner nothing to assess.
How long does Part 3 last?
Four to five minutes. The topics develop out of your Part 2 card, so the discussion is usually connected to what you just described.
Model answers written and reviewed by The English All-in-One IELTS team. They are teaching models showing what each band looks like, not real candidate scripts.