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Food and Eating Habits
Lesson
5
Level 4
IELTS Speaking Test Preperation
Lesson Target
In this lesson, you'll talk about the food you eat, your daily diet, and your eating habits. You'll practice describing meals and explaining your food preferences naturally.
Warm-Up
Discuss the warm-up words with your tutor.
meal
snack
healthy
Vocabulary
Practice saying these words with your tutor. If you don’t know one, ask your tutor to explain it.
Word
Definition
Definition
breakfast
noun
recipe
noun
habit
noun
lunch
noun
taste
noun, verb
dinner
noun
snack
noun
healthy
adjective
fast food
noun
Use these words in sentences with your tutor to check that you fully understand their meaning and how to use them correctly.
Useful Phrases
I usually eat...
One thing I enjoy is...
My favorite meal is...
I try to eat healthy by...
I used to eat more, but now I...
Response Structure
Begin with a clear answer or opinion. Then support it with details or examples using who, what, when, where, why, or how.
1
Give your main idea directly and briefly.
I usually eat...
2
Add details or examples to explain your main idea.
In the morning, I often have...
3
If you have a second idea, repeat steps 1 and 2.
Sometimes, I also eat...
Practice 1
Read the dialogue with your tutor. Then, work together to analyze the student's responses. Try to understand the speaker’s purpose and find useful words or phrases you can use in your own answers. Finally, practice responding to the same questions with your tutor.
Examiner
What kind of food do you usually eat?
Pei
I usually eat simple Chinese food. For breakfast, I often have soy milk and steamed buns. At lunch and dinner, I eat rice, vegetables, and some meat or fish. I try to eat healthy food most of the time.
Examine the Response
-
Why is this a good response?
-
What's the main idea?
-
Key details: Find the who, what, where, when, why, or how in the response.
-
Which words or phrases can you use from these responses?
Examiner
Do you enjoy cooking?
Pei
Yes, I enjoy cooking at home. I like trying new recipes and making food for my family. It’s relaxing for me, and I feel proud when the food tastes good. Cooking also helps me save money and eat healthier.
Examiner
How have your eating habits changed over time?
Pei
When I was younger, I ate more snacks and fast food. Now, I try to eat more vegetables and drink more water. I care more about my health, so I choose better food. My eating habits have become healthier over time.
Practice 2
Read the dialogue with your tutor. Each sentence is missing either the main idea or a key detail. Use the dialogue to fill in the missing parts and complete the sentences.
Examiner
What is one food you often eat when you are busy?
Pei
When I am busy, I often eat noodles.
________________________________________. (fill in the supporting details)
Examiner
Do you prefer eating at home or at restaurants? Why?
Pei
I prefer eating at home.
________________________________________. (fill in the supporting details)
Examiner
What is your favorite comfort food and why?
Pei
________________________________________. (fill in the main idea)
I usually eat hot pot with my family or friends, so it feels fun and relaxing. Hot pot is like a boiling soup in the middle of the table. You can put in any meat, vegetables, or noodles that you like.
Practice 3
Answer each question clearly and completely. Start with the main idea, then support it with key details or examples.
Examiner
Should schools teach students how to cook?
Is fast food becoming too popular in your country?
How does culture affect the way people eat?
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