If you are preparing for your English proficiency exam, you may be asked to describe a time when you tried a new food for the first time. This specific cue card has appeared frequently in recent exams, and mastering it requires a blend of descriptive sensory language and personal reflection. In this guide, we provide a Band 9 model answer, a Band 7 version, and a comprehensive breakdown of the vocabulary and grammar needed to excel in your IELTS Speaking test.

The Cue Card

Describe a time when you tried a new food for the first time.
You should say:
• What the food was and where you tried it
• Who you were with
• What it tasted like
and explain whether you enjoyed the experience or not.

Band 9 Sample Answer

I’ve always considered myself something of an adventurous eater, but there was one particular occasion about three years ago that really stands out in my memory. I was on a backpacking trip through Southeast Asia with a couple of close friends, and we found ourselves in a bustling night market in Bangkok, Thailand. The air was thick with the aroma of lemongrass, grilled meats, and spices, but there was one pungent, almost overwhelming scent that led us to a stall selling Durian, often referred to as the “King of Fruits.” Now, I’d heard plenty of polarizing reviews about it—some people claim it’s divine, while others compare the smell to old gym socks—but I figured that since I was there, I might as well give it a go. My friends were a bit more hesitant, but eventually, we all agreed to split a small portion. When the vendor handed over a custard-colored segment, I was immediately struck by its bizarre, creamy texture. Taking that first bite was a sensory rollercoaster; initially, there was a hit of intense sweetness, almost like almond-flavored custard, but it was followed by a complex, savory aftertaste that’s incredibly hard to pin down. To be perfectly honest, if I hadn’t been in such a vibrant, high-energy environment, I might have found the smell too off-putting to even try it. However, I ended up surprisingly enjoying the experience. It wasn’t just about the flavor profile, which was admittedly an acquired taste, but more about the thrill of stepping out of my comfort zone and sharing a unique cultural moment with my mates. It’s certainly not something I’d eat every day, but I’m glad I took the plunge because it taught me that food is as much about the story and the setting as it is about the palate.

Band 7 Sample Answer

I would like to talk about the time I tried sushi for the first time. It happened about two years ago when a new Japanese restaurant opened in my hometown. I went there with my elder sister because she loves international cuisine and convinced me to try something different. Before that, I usually stuck to traditional dishes, so I was a bit nervous about eating raw fish. We ordered a platter that included salmon nigiri and some California rolls. When the food arrived, it looked like a piece of art, very colorful and neat. I remember dipping the sushi into a mix of soy sauce and wasabi. At first, the wasabi was very strong and made my nose tingle, but then I tasted the freshness of the fish and the slightly sour taste of the rice. To my surprise, the texture was very smooth and not at all “fishy” like I expected. I really enjoyed the experience because it changed my perspective on Japanese food. Since then, sushi has become one of my favorite meals, and I often go back to that restaurant. It was a great experience because it taught me to be more open-minded about trying new things from different cultures.

How the Band 9 Answer Scores Top Marks

Fluency and Coherence

The speaker maintains a natural flow throughout the response without any noticeable effort to find words. The use of cohesive devices is seamless; for instance, phrases like “Now, I’d heard plenty of…” and “To be perfectly honest…” act as natural bridges between ideas. The narrative structure follows a logical progression from the setting (Bangkok night market) to the action (trying the fruit) and finally to the reflection (why it was memorable), which is essential for a high score in this category. For more on structuring your responses, check out our General Overview of IELTS Speaking Test.

Lexical Resource

The vocabulary is sophisticated and topic-specific. Instead of just saying the food smelled bad, the speaker uses “pungent, almost overwhelming scent.” They employ idiomatic expressions like “give it a go,” “chicken out,” and “took the plunge” correctly within the context. Technical culinary terms such as “flavor profile,” “savory aftertaste,” and “acquired taste” demonstrate a high level of lexical precision. This variety is much more effective than repeating simple adjectives like “good” or “bad.”

Grammatical Range and Accuracy

The Band 9 answer showcases a wide variety of complex structures. We see the use of the past perfect (“I’d heard plenty of…”), third conditionals (“if I hadn’t been… I might have found…”), and relative clauses (“which was admittedly an acquired taste”). The grammar is used to convey precise meaning rather than just for the sake of complexity. Even if you are discussing a different topic, like when you describe a time when you used the internet to solve a problem, using these varied structures is key.

Pronunciation

While we cannot hear the text, the language chosen suggests a mastery of prosodic features. Words like “polarizing,” “custard-colored,” and “sensory rollercoaster” require clear articulation and correct word stress. A Band 9 candidate would use intonation to emphasize their feelings, such as the hesitation before trying the food or the excitement of the night market environment.

Vocabulary and Idioms to Use

Grammar Structures That Boost Your Band Score

• Past Perfect for Background: “I had never even heard of the dish before my friend suggested it.”
• Conditional Sentences (Type 3): “If I hadn’t visited that market, I would never have tried such an exotic fruit.”
• Not only… but also (Inversion): “Not only was the food delicious, but it was also incredibly affordable.”
• Relative Clauses for Detail: “The restaurant, which was located in a hidden alleyway, served the best pasta I’ve ever had.”
• Participle Phrases: “Looking at the menu, I realized I didn’t recognize a single ingredient.”
• Cleft Sentences for Emphasis: “What I found most surprising was the contrast between the smell and the taste.”
• Used to / Would for Past Habits: “I used to be a very picky eater, but that trip changed everything.”

Part 3 Follow-up Questions

What are the benefits of trying food from other cultures?

In my view, sampling international cuisine is one of the most accessible ways to experience a different culture. It goes beyond just nutrition; it’s an exploration of history, geography, and traditions. When we try a new dish, we are essentially learning about the ingredients available in that region and the customs of the people who live there. Furthermore, it fosters a sense of global connection and can break down cultural barriers. By appreciating the culinary efforts of another society, we develop a deeper level of empathy and understanding, which is vital in our increasingly globalized world. It’s much like how you might describe an area of science that interests you—it’s about curiosity and expanding your horizons.

Why do some people dislike trying new foods?

I believe this often stems from a psychological phenomenon known as “food neophobia,” which is a natural reluctance to eat unfamiliar things. For some, it’s a survival instinct inherited from our ancestors to avoid potentially toxic substances. In a modern context, however, it’s usually more about a preference for comfort and predictability. People often have very specific sensory boundaries regarding texture and smell, and stepping outside of those can be genuinely stressful. Additionally, if someone grew up in a very traditional household with limited culinary variety, they might find the spices or preparation methods of other cultures to be too jarring or unpalatable at first.

How has the way we eat changed in the last few decades?

There has been a seismic shift in our eating habits, largely driven by globalization and technology. Decades ago, people were limited to seasonal, locally-sourced produce, but now, we can eat tropical fruits in the middle of winter thanks to advanced logistics. The rise of food delivery apps has also revolutionized how we consume meals, making international flavors available at the touch of a button. However, there’s a downside to this; the “fast food culture” has led to a decline in traditional cooking skills and an increase in health issues like obesity. While we have more variety than ever, we seem to have lost some of the ritual and mindfulness that used to accompany family meals.

Do you think it’s important for children to try a variety of foods?

Absolutely. Introducing a wide range of flavors and textures during childhood is crucial for developing a diverse palate. Research suggests that if children are exposed to different foods early on, they are less likely to become picky eaters later in life. This not only ensures they receive a broader spectrum of nutrients but also encourages a spirit of adventurousness and curiosity. If a child is taught that trying something new is an exciting “food adventure” rather than a chore, that positive attitude will likely carry over into other areas of their life, making them more open-minded individuals as they grow up.

Should governments encourage people to eat more healthily?

I am of the opinion that governments have a significant role to play in public health. While individual choice is important, the societal cost of diet-related illnesses, such as diabetes and heart disease, is immense. Governments can implement policies like “sugar taxes,” mandate clearer nutritional labeling, or subsidize fresh produce to make it more affordable than processed junk food. Educational campaigns in schools are also vital. However, it’s a delicate balance; the state shouldn’t be overly “nanny-ish,” but providing the framework and incentives for healthier living is definitely a step in the right direction for the long-term well-being of the population.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Listing Ingredients: Don’t just list what was in the food like a recipe. The examiner wants a story and a description of the experience.
• Being Too Brief: If you just say “I tried pizza and it was good,” you will not hit the 2-minute mark. Elaborate on the setting, the people, and your internal feelings.
• Overusing “Delicious”: This is a very common word. Try to use more descriptive alternatives like “flavorful,” “delectable,” or “mouth-watering.”
• Ignoring the “Why”: Many students forget to explain why they enjoyed or disliked it. This is often the most important part for showing your ability to express opinions.
• Tense Inconsistency: Since you are describing a past event, ensure you stay in the past tense, but use the present tense for your current feelings about that food.

Practice Tips for This Cue Card

• Visualize the Scene: Close your eyes and remember the smells, sounds, and sights of the place where you ate. This will help you find more descriptive words naturally.
• Record Yourself: Use your phone to record a 2-minute answer. Listen back and check if you used enough variety in your adjectives.
• Focus on Connectors: Practice using phrases like “Looking back,” “Interestingly enough,” and “As it turned out” to make your story sound more professional.
• Expand Your “Taste” Vocabulary: Learn words for textures (crunchy, slimy, chewy, velvety) as well as flavors.
• Check Out More Topics: Stay updated with the latest Speaking Topics Jan–Apr 2026 to ensure you aren’t surprised by any new prompts.

Mastering the ability to describe a time when you tried a new food for the first time is about more than just talking about a meal; it’s about demonstrating your ability to narrate an event and express complex feelings. For more personalized feedback and in-depth lessons, consider enrolling in our IELTS English Speaking Course. For more information on the test format, visit the IELTS Official Website. Keep practicing, and you’ll be well on your way to achieving your target band score!