In the current IELTS Speaking exam, one of the most frequent prompts is to describe a competition you would like to take part in cooking. This specific cue card allows candidates to showcase their descriptive abilities while discussing a relatable and engaging hobby, and in this post, we provide a comprehensive Band 9 model answer and expert coaching to help you master it.

The Cue Card

Describe a competition you would like to take part in cooking.
You should say:
• What the competition is
• Where and when it takes place
• What you would cook there
• And explain why you would like to participate in this competition.

Band 9 Sample Answer

To be perfectly honest, I’ve always been something of a culinary enthusiast, though I usually stick to the safety of my own kitchen. However, if I were given the opportunity, I would absolutely love to participate in a local event called the “Farm-to-Table Amateur Challenge.” It’s a regional competition held annually during the harvest season, typically in late September, at the central marketplace in my hometown. What makes this competition particularly intriguing is its focus on sustainability and seasonal produce, which aligns perfectly with my own cooking philosophy. If I were to enter, I would likely prepare a signature dish of mine: a pan-seared sea bass served with a citrus-infused fennel salad and a saffron-scented risotto. It’s a delicate balance of flavors that requires precise timing and a keen eye for presentation. I’ve been perfecting this recipe for a couple of years now, and I feel it represents my growth as a home cook. The reason I’m so drawn to this specific competition is twofold. Firstly, I thrive under a bit of pressure, and I think the “pressure-cooker” environment of a live cooking station would be an incredible way to test my mettle against other talented individuals. Secondly, I’m deeply passionate about supporting local farmers. This event isn’t just about winning a trophy; it’s about celebrating the journey of food from the soil to the plate. While I haven’t quite mustered the courage to sign up yet, I’ve been following the event for years, and I truly believe that taking part would be a transformative experience for my confidence and my technical skills. Winning would be the icing on the cake, but the real reward would be the feedback from professional judges who could help me elevate my craft to the next level.

Band 7 Sample Answer

I would like to talk about a cooking competition called “The Great Home Cook,” which is a popular show on television. I think it takes place in a big studio in the capital city every summer. Many people from different cities go there to show their skills. If I had the chance to go, I would probably cook a traditional chicken curry with handmade flatbread. This is a dish that my grandmother taught me, and everyone in my family says it is delicious. I would like to participate because I want to see if I am actually a good cook compared to others. Also, I think it would be very exciting to be on TV and meet famous chefs who are the judges. I enjoy cooking because it helps me relax after a long day at work, and entering a competition would give me a new goal to work towards. Even though I might be very nervous, I think I would learn many new recipes and techniques from the other contestants. It would be a great memory for me to look back on in the future.

How the Band 9 Answer Scores Top Marks

Fluency and Coherence

The speaker demonstrates exceptional fluency by maintaining a natural, rhythmic flow without any noticeable hesitation for language. The response is logically organized, moving from the introduction of the event to the specific dish, and finally to the motivations. Cohesion is achieved through sophisticated discourse markers and linking phrases such as “To be perfectly honest,” “What makes this competition particularly intriguing is,” and “The reason I’m so drawn to this specific competition is twofold.” These phrases guide the listener through the narrative effortlessly. For more on structuring your responses, check out our IELTS Speaking Tips.

Lexical Resource

The vocabulary used is both precise and high-level. Instead of using generic words like “good” or “cooking,” the speaker employs topic-specific terminology such as “culinary enthusiast,” “sustainability,” “pan-seared,” “citrus-infused,” and “technical skills.” Idiomatic expressions like “test my mettle,” “pressure-cooker environment,” and “icing on the cake” are used naturally and accurately within the context. This range of vocabulary is essential for reaching the highest bands, much like in the Describe a Competition you Would Like to Take Part in guide.

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

The Band 9 answer showcases a wide variety of complex grammatical structures. The use of the second conditional—“If I were given the opportunity, I would…”—is particularly effective for discussing hypothetical situations. The speaker also uses present perfect continuous (“I’ve been following the event for years”) and passive voice (“citrus-infused fennel salad”). Sentences are long and complex but remain error-free, which is a hallmark of a top-tier score. If you want to improve your grammar, consider enrolling in our IELTS English Speaking Course.

Pronunciation

While we cannot hear the text, the choice of words suggests a speaker who understands word stress and intonation. Words like “transformative” and “philosophy” require correct syllable stress. The use of “chunking”—grouping words into meaningful phrases—is evident in the punctuation, which would translate to natural pauses and emphasis in a real-life interview setting. This aligns with the standards set by official bodies like the British Council.

Vocabulary and Idioms to Use

Word/Phrase	Meaning	Example Sentence
Culinary prowess	Great skill or expertise in cooking.	Taking part in the contest would allow me to showcase my culinary prowess.
Signature dish	A recipe that identifies an individual chef.	My signature dish is a spicy seafood pasta that I’ve perfected over years.
Farm-to-table	Using ingredients directly from the producer.	I love the farm-to-table concept because the ingredients are so fresh.
Test my mettle	To test one’s ability to face a difficult situation.	The intense competition will really test my mettle as a chef.
Pressure-cooker	A highly stressful environment.	The kitchen during the final round felt like a real pressure-cooker.
Palate	A person’s appreciation of taste and flavor.	The judges have a very sophisticated palate, so the seasoning must be perfect.
Garnish	To decorate or embellish food.	I used a sprig of mint to garnish the dessert for a professional look.
Under the gun	Under great pressure to settle a matter.	I work best when I’m under the gun and have a strict deadline.
Delectable	Delicious or highly pleasing to the senses.	The aroma of the baking bread was absolutely delectable.
To elevate	To raise to a more impressive level.	I hope the professional feedback will help me elevate my cooking style.
Amateur	Engaging in a pursuit on an unpaid basis.	This is an amateur competition, so no professional chefs are allowed.
Gastronomic	Relating to the practice of choosing, cooking, and eating good food.	The city is known for its incredible gastronomic delights.

Grammar Structures That Boost Your Band Score

• Second Conditional for Hypotheticals: “If I won the competition, I would donate the prize money to a local food bank.”
• Present Perfect Continuous for Duration: “I have been practicing my knife skills for several months in preparation.”
• Relative Clauses for Detail: “The competition, which is held in the city square, attracts thousands of spectators.”
• Passive Voice for Processes: “The ingredients are sourced locally to ensure the highest quality and freshness.”
• Gerunds as Subjects: “Participating in such a high-stakes event would be a dream come true for me.”
• Modals for Possibility: “The judges might find my use of spices a bit too adventurous, but I want to take the risk.”
• It-Is Cleft Sentences for Emphasis: “It is the creativity of the other contestants that I find most inspiring.”

Part 3 Follow-up Questions

Why do you think some people enjoy participating in competitions?

I believe the primary motivation is the innate human desire for validation and self-improvement. Competitions provide a structured environment where individuals can measure their skills against their peers, which offers a clear benchmark of their progress. Furthermore, the adrenaline rush associated with high-stakes environments can be quite addictive for some. Beyond the personal thrill, many people view competitions as a networking opportunity. For instance, in the culinary world, being noticed by a renowned judge could open doors to professional opportunities that might otherwise be inaccessible. It’s about more than just the prize; it’s about the recognition and the platform it provides, much like the experience described in Describe a Prize That you Received.

Is it important for children to learn how to cook at school?

Absolutely. I would argue that cooking is an essential life skill that is unfortunately being sidelined in the modern curriculum. Teaching children how to prepare nutritious meals from scratch empowers them to make healthier choices as they grow into adulthood, which is crucial in combating the rising rates of obesity. Moreover, cooking is a practical application of various academic subjects; it involves chemistry in the way ingredients react, and mathematics in measuring proportions. By integrating culinary arts into schools, we are not just teaching them how to feed themselves, but also fostering a sense of independence and creativity. It’s a holistic approach to education that prepares them for the real world.

How has the way people learn to cook changed over the years?

There has been a seismic shift in how culinary knowledge is transmitted. In the past, recipes were typically passed down through generations, with children learning at their parents’ or grandparents’ elbows. However, in the digital age, the internet has democratized culinary education. Platforms like YouTube and TikTok offer instant access to thousands of tutorials, ranging from basic techniques to avant-garde gastronomy. This has made cooking more accessible but perhaps less personal. While we have more information at our fingertips, we might be losing that intimate, cultural connection to family recipes. That said, the rise of “foodie” culture online has certainly inspired a younger generation to experiment more boldly than their predecessors did.

Do you think cooking shows on TV are realistic?

In my opinion, most televised cooking competitions are heavily dramatized for entertainment purposes. While the talent of the contestants is often genuine, the “ticking clock” and the exaggerated conflicts are frequently edited to create a narrative arc. In a real professional kitchen, while the pace is indeed fast, the focus is more on consistency and teamwork rather than individual theatricality. These shows often glaze over the more mundane aspects of cooking, such as the hours of prep work and the cleaning involved. However, they do serve a purpose by igniting public interest in the culinary arts, even if they present a somewhat glossed-over version of reality.

What are the benefits of eating locally sourced food?

The benefits are multifaceted, spanning health, economics, and ecology. Firstly, locally sourced food is generally fresher and more nutrient-dense because it doesn’t have to endure long-distance transportation. From an environmental perspective, it significantly reduces the “food miles” and carbon footprint associated with our diet. Furthermore, buying from local farmers supports the regional economy and helps preserve small-scale agriculture, which is vital for biodiversity. There is also a psychological benefit; knowing exactly where your food comes from builds a stronger connection to your community and the environment. It turns the act of eating into a more conscious and ethical choice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Being Too Vague: Avoid saying “I would cook something good.” Be specific about the dish, the ingredients, and the techniques to show off your vocabulary.
• Focusing Only on the Food: Remember that the prompt asks about the competition. Don’t spend the whole two minutes listing ingredients; talk about the atmosphere, the judges, and the rules.
• Ignoring the “Why”: The last bullet point is usually the most important for showing depth. Explain your motivations—is it for self-improvement, fame, or a love for the craft?
• Using Overly Formal Language: The Speaking test is a conversation. Avoid sounding like a textbook. Use natural contractions (e.g., “I’d” instead of “I would”) and spoken discourse markers.
• Running Out of Time: Many students spend too long on the first two points. Use a “storytelling” approach to ensure you cover all points within the two-minute window.
• Repetitive Vocabulary: Try not to use the word “cook” or “competition” in every sentence. Use synonyms like “prepare,” “culinary event,” “contest,” or “challenge.”

Practice Tips for This Cue Card

• Record and Review: Record yourself speaking for two minutes on this topic. Listen back and identify where you hesitated or used repetitive words.
• Create a Mind Map: Draw a central circle with “Cooking Competition” and branch out with sensory words (smell, taste, sight), emotions (nervous, excited), and technical verbs (sauté, whisk, braise).
• Time Your Prep: Practice using your one-minute preparation time to write down keywords only, not full sentences. This helps you stay focused during the actual exam.
• Watch Culinary Shows: Watch a few clips of shows like “MasterChef” or “The Great British Bake Off” to pick up natural idiomatic language used in a competitive cooking context.
• Practice Part 3 Transitions: Practice moving from personal stories in Part 2 to general, abstract ideas in Part 3. This transition is where many Band 7 candidates struggle to reach Band 8 or 9.

Mastering the ability to describe a competition you would like to take part in cooking requires a blend of technical vocabulary and personal storytelling. By using the structures and strategies outlined above, you can turn a simple topic into a high-scoring performance. For more practice on similar topics, explore our guide on Describe an Outdoor Sport you Would Like to Try for the First Time or visit our General Overview of IELTS Speaking to understand the full marking criteria.