Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Special occasion when you had a really enjoyable meal - Cue Card # 783
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IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.
[The topic for your talk will be written on a card which the examiner will hand over to you. Read it carefully and then make some brief notes.]
Describe a special occasion when you had a really enjoyable meal.
You should say:
- what the occasion was
- who was at the meal
- what was served and what you ate
and explain why the meal was so enjoyable.
[Instruction: You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]
Model Answer 1:
For the last couple of years, I have been on some kind of diet control to lose some of my unhealthy weight, which means that I don’t really get to enjoy my meals these days the way I would have preferred. But, I had to make an exception to this eating habit the last time around when I was literally forced to attend the 12th wedding anniversary of my beloved cousin.
I already knew very well in advance that there was no way that I could escape the wedding anniversary because this beloved cousin of mine is very close to me. In fact, he treats me just like his own younger brother – a younger brother he doesn’t have – so saying ‘no” to his wedding anniversary would put both of us in a rather awkward situation. In the end, I had no other option but to attend the special occasion which was attended by a lot of well-wishers of my elder cousin. Included in the list of those well-wishers and guests were pretty much all the family members of my grandparents’ extended family, my cousin’s friends and their families, as well as some of his colleagues.
So, it was indeed a very lively and friendly atmosphere with all those guests, trying to enjoy a special meal in "honour" of my cousin and his wife. Everybody ate, all they could, as they were served some delicious foods like rice, bread, mutton stew, grilled chicken, French fries, meatballs, and spring rolls, among many other items. Later on, soft drinks and some great desserts were also added to the food menu. Needless to say, I ate and enjoyed all those delicious foods by completely forgetting about my diet control!
The meal was so enjoyable primarily because it was enjoyed in a very friendly, happy and spontaneous atmosphere where everybody was very much attuned to the spirit and appeal of that special occasion. Besides, the foods that were served were also prepared in a very healthy and appetizing manner.
Model Answer 2:
Oh, thank you very much for this nice topic, and I believe talking about it would be easy for me.
So, one of the most enjoyable meals I have had was during my cousin's wedding reception. It was a few years ago, but I still remember it vividly. The wedding reception was held at a five-star hotel, and my entire family was present, along with many of my cousin's friends and colleagues.
The menu for the evening was quite elaborate and offered a wide range of dishes. I started with a delicious appetizer of crispy chicken skewers, followed by a creamy tomato soup. For the main course, I opted for the grilled fish, which was served with a side of perfectly cooked vegetables. The dessert was a mouth-watering chocolate cake that simply melted in my mouth.
What made this meal so enjoyable was not just the food, but the ambience and the company I was with. The wedding reception was beautifully decorated, and the music added to the festive atmosphere. Being surrounded by my loved ones, all dressed up and enjoying a delicious meal together, was a truly special experience. It was a time to catch up, reminisce, and create new memories. All in all, it was a wonderful occasion, and the meal was just the icing on the cake.
Model Answer 3:
Introduction:
Thank you so much for giving me this great opportunity to talk about a special occasion when I had an incredibly enjoyable meal. I would like to talk about an event and a meal that I really enjoyed.
What the occasion was:
The occasion was a birthday celebration for my close friend. He decided to treat us to a lavish buffet dinner at one of the most exclusive restaurants in the city. It was a special evening, as we all gathered to celebrate his milestone and enjoy some great food together. The ambience of the restaurant added to the excitement, and it felt like the perfect place for such a memorable occasion.
Who was at the meal:
The meal was shared with a small group of my closest friends. It was a tight-knit group, including a few of my college buddies and mutual friends who had known my friend for years. Everyone was in high spirits, and the conversation was lively throughout the evening. It was one of those rare moments when everyone was relaxed, enjoying each other's company, and having a great time.
What was served and what you ate:
At the buffet, there was an impressive spread of both local and international dishes. I remember the variety of appetisers, ranging from sushi and spring rolls to more traditional options like dim sum and grilled vegetables. For the main course, there was everything from succulent roast meats, seafood platters, and pasta dishes, to an array of fresh salads and rich curries. I particularly loved the tender grilled lamb chops and the creamy seafood risotto, which were simply out of this world. For dessert, there was a mouthwatering selection of cakes, tarts, and fruit, and I couldn’t resist trying the chocolate mousse, which was absolutely decadent.
And explain why the meal was so enjoyable:
In my opinion, the meal was so enjoyable not just because of the variety and quality of food, but also because of the atmosphere and the company. It was a perfect setting, with excellent service, a relaxed vibe, and the kind of food that you could truly savour. We were all laughing, reminiscing, and enjoying the moment together. The best part was the joy of celebrating my friend's birthday in such a grand way, and the sense of togetherness that comes with sharing a great meal.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
Enjoyable meals often happen during special occasions, where the food is delicious, and the company is memorable. Whether it’s a family gathering, a celebration with friends, or a special event, these meals can leave lasting memories. Here are some ideas for describing a special occasion when you had a really enjoyable meal:
1. Family Thanksgiving Dinner:
One of the most enjoyable meals I’ve had was during last year’s Thanksgiving dinner at my family’s house. The occasion was a traditional family gathering, and it included my parents, siblings, and grandparents. The meal featured roast turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing, and pumpkin pie for dessert. I enjoyed the meal not only because the food was delicious, but also because it was a rare opportunity to have everyone together. The atmosphere was warm and full of laughter, which made the meal even more special.
2. Wedding Anniversary Celebration:
For my parents’ wedding anniversary, we went to a fancy restaurant to celebrate the occasion. The meal was shared with close family members, including my siblings and grandparents. The restaurant served a multi-course gourmet meal, including appetizers like shrimp cocktails, a main course of filet mignon with mashed potatoes and vegetables, and a decadent chocolate mousse for dessert. The meal was special because of the elegant setting, the wonderful company, and the joy of celebrating a milestone in my parents’ marriage. It was a memorable experience.
3. Graduation Party Dinner:
After graduating from university, I had a dinner with my friends to celebrate the occasion. The meal was held at a local Italian restaurant, and we were a group of about ten people. We ordered a variety of dishes, including pasta, pizza, and risotto, all served with a selection of wines. The meal was so enjoyable because of the celebratory mood and the feeling of achievement after completing my studies. It was also the perfect opportunity to spend time with friends before we all went our separate ways to begin our careers.
4. Birthday Dinner with Close Friends:
Last year, I celebrated my birthday at a trendy restaurant with a few close friends. The meal was special because I was surrounded by people I care about, and the food was amazing. We had a mix of sushi, tapas, and grilled seafood. For dessert, we shared a decadent chocolate cake. The atmosphere was lively, and the conversation was great. It was one of those occasions where the food and the company made the evening unforgettable. I’ll always remember the joy of that meal and the warm, fun vibe with my friends.
5. Christmas Dinner:
Christmas dinner is always a special occasion in my family, and last year’s meal was particularly memorable. The table was set with a variety of traditional dishes: roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, roasted vegetables, and Christmas pudding for dessert. The meal was shared with my parents, cousins, and my younger niece and nephew. What made it enjoyable was the festive atmosphere, the happiness of being together as a family, and the joy of exchanging gifts and stories while enjoying the hearty meal. It’s always a time to reflect on how lucky we are to be together.
6. Farewell Dinner:
When I was leaving for a job opportunity in another city, my friends organized a farewell dinner at my favorite restaurant. It was a bittersweet occasion, as I was excited about the new chapter but sad to be leaving behind close friends. The meal was a mix of my favorite dishes, including grilled chicken, vegetable curry, and rice. For dessert, we had a selection of pastries. The meal was special not only because of the food but because it was a meaningful way to mark the end of a chapter in my life and to celebrate with those who had supported me.
7. Special Dinner with Family and Relatives:
A special occasion for me was a family dinner to celebrate my grandmother’s 80th birthday. The meal was held at my aunt’s house, and we had a large gathering of family members, including uncles, aunts, and cousins. The food was homemade, and we had a feast of roast lamb, baked potatoes, salad, and apple pie for dessert. The meal was so enjoyable because it was a rare occasion for the whole family to be together, and the atmosphere was filled with warmth, laughter, and stories from our past. It was a reminder of how much family means to me.
8. Romantic Dinner:
I had a very enjoyable meal during a romantic dinner with my partner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the city skyline. The occasion was to celebrate our anniversary, and we were treated to a three-course meal, starting with a salad, followed by lobster tail with garlic butter, and finished with a rich crème brûlée for dessert. The meal was so special because of the intimate setting and the fact that we were celebrating our relationship. The delicious food, the stunning view, and the connection we shared made it one of the most memorable meals of my life.
9. Family BBQ:
Last summer, my family and I hosted a BBQ in our backyard to celebrate the start of the summer season. The occasion was casual, and we were joined by relatives and close family friends. The meal consisted of grilled meats like burgers, sausages, and chicken, along with sides such as coleslaw, corn on the cob, and potato salad. The meal was enjoyable because of the relaxed atmosphere, the delicious grilled food, and the fun conversations around the table. It was the perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon with family and friends.
10. New Year’s Eve Dinner:
One of the most enjoyable meals I’ve had was a New Year’s Eve dinner with my friends. We gathered at my best friend’s house to celebrate the arrival of the new year. The meal was a potluck, where everyone brought their favorite dish. We had a variety of food, from pasta to salads to homemade desserts. What made this meal special was the celebratory mood and the feeling of hope for the new year. We laughed, shared memories, and toasted to new beginnings. The combination of great food and wonderful company made it a truly unforgettable evening.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing a special occasion with an enjoyable meal, focus on vocabulary that highlights the atmosphere, the food itself, and the overall experience. Here are some useful words and phrases:
Memorable occasion: – An event that is special and likely to be remembered.
Example: It was a truly memorable occasion, celebrating my graduation.
Festive atmosphere: – A mood that is joyful, celebratory, and lively.
Example: The restaurant had a wonderfully festive atmosphere.
Gathering of loved ones: – A meeting of family and friends.
Example: It was a small gathering of loved ones for my birthday.
Exquisite cuisine: – Food that is extremely delicious and well-prepared.
Example: We were treated to some truly exquisite cuisine.
Delectable dishes: – Food that is very tasty and pleasing.
Example: The menu featured a variety of delectable dishes.
Mouth-watering aroma: – A smell of food that makes you want to eat it.
Example: The kitchen was filled with a mouth-watering aroma.
Savoring every bite: – Enjoying the taste of the food slowly and fully.
Example: I was savoring every bite of the delicious steak.
Culinary delight: – Something very enjoyable to eat; a highlight of the meal.
Example: The homemade dessert was a real culinary delight.
Lively conversation: – Engaging and interesting talk among the people present.
Example: The lively conversation made the evening even more enjoyable.
Relaxed ambiance: – A pleasant and calm environment.
Example: The restaurant had a lovely, relaxed ambiance.
A treat for the taste buds: – Something that tastes exceptionally good.
Example: The entire meal was a real treat for the taste buds.
Shared laughter and stories: – Happy moments of people laughing and telling anecdotes together.
Example: The shared laughter and stories made the meal even more special.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe a special occasion when you had a really enjoyable meal", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe a delicious meal you enjoyed with friends.
2) Describe an occasion that you enjoyed so much.
3) Describe a birthday celebration that you enjoyed.
4) Describe a party you enjoyed going to.
5) Describe a restaurant where you often go.
6) Describe your favourite restaurant.
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