Food & eating — speaking questions
35 everyday questions about food & eating, each with a natural answer and the key phrases to use.
A25
In your home, who does what around mealtimes, the cooking, the washing up, the shopping? How does it get divided?
Describe the one dish you can cook really well. What's in it and how do you make it?
What do you prefer: a meal cooked at home or a meal out at a restaurant?
Is there a food you couldn't stand as a child but actually enjoy now?
What's the snack you reach for when no one's looking?
B110
If you had to rank your top three cuisines from around the world, what would they be and why?
Tell me about the little ritual you have around your favourite hot or cold drink.
If you could have one food-related superpower, like never burning toast or instantly knowing a recipe, what would you pick?
Have you ever come home from a trip and tried to recreate a dish you fell in love with there? How did it go?
Be honest, are you a fussy eater, or will you happily eat almost anything?
Is there a food smell that instantly takes you back to a particular kitchen or moment?
Tell me about a time you tried to cook something and it went completely wrong.
When it comes to everyday meals, do you like to eat the same things or mix it up?
If a friend offered you something unusual to eat, like insects, would you give it a go?
What advice would you give to someone who has never cooked and wants to start?
B213
Tell me about a meal that mattered far more for what was happening around the table than for the food itself.
Do you think it's rude to turn down food that someone has lovingly cooked for you?
If you could never eat your single favourite food again, but in return you'd never gain weight, would you take the deal?
What advice would you give someone cooking a meal to impress a first date?
Are you someone who turns leftovers into something new, or do they tend to languish in the fridge?
Rank the parts of a meal, starter, main, dessert, the bread, the drinks, in order of how much you actually care about them.
When you eat out with a group, how do you handle the bill, split it evenly, pay for what you had, or something else?
If you could choose one final meal to enjoy with no limits at all, what would be on the table?
How do you feel about cooking for a big group, is it a thrill, or does the pressure get to you?
Imagine a friend is at their wit's end with a child who refuses to eat anything. What advice would you offer?
Some people say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Do you agree?
Beyond the food itself, what turns an ordinary meal into a special one for you?
Picture two options: a buzzing street food stall or a quiet, fancy restaurant. Which calls to you?
C15
Describe the atmosphere of a food market or food hall you've loved walking through.
How do you think people's relationship with food has changed over the last generation or two?
Is there a particular combination of flavours or textures that, when they come together, is pure magic for you?
How do you feel about eating alone, is it a peaceful pleasure or does it feel a bit lonely?
Do you notice or care whether food is in season, or do you just eat what you fancy whenever you fancy it?