This post contains ideas and band-9 sample answers (audio included) for the Cambridge IELTS 11 Academic Speaking Part 1 Question 2 Test 1 question:
“Who normally does the cooking in your home? [Why/Why not?]”
Sample 1
In our traditional family setup, it’s usually my mother who manages the cooking. She’s a fantastic cook and has a wide repertoire of family recipes that have been passed down through generations. While we all pitch in from time to time, especially during holidays or special occasions, the bulk of the cooking is done by her.
Sample 2
In an unusual twist of traditional roles, my father is the one who usually does the cooking in our home. He took up cooking as a hobby and, over time, developed a real knack for it. My mother, bless her heart, is not the most talented when it comes to preparing meals. However, she has a lot of other strengths, so my father’s culinary abilities balance things out beautifully in our household.
Sample 3
In our home, the cooking is usually handled by our domestic help. Both my parents have demanding jobs and often work late hours, making it challenging for them to take on regular cooking duties. Fortunately, our domestic help is an excellent cook and ensures we always have delicious, home-cooked meals to enjoy.
Sample 4
In our household, the cooking responsibility typically falls on my sister. She has a knack for it and genuinely enjoys the process. Meanwhile, our parents take care of the other household tasks. This division of labor allows everyone to contribute to the running of the house and ensures that no one person is burdened with all the chores.
Sample 5
In our residence, it’s a shared responsibility to prepare meals. And by that I mean, my spouse and I both contribute to this household task. We believe in equality and sharing chores, so to maintain this balance, we alternate between who’s going to be the chef for the day. It not only helps us understand each other’s preferences but also keeps monotony at bay.
Sample 6
I primarily manage the cooking in our home, and there’s a specific reason for that. I moved out of my parents’ house at a young age for my studies and had to learn to cook out of necessity. Over time, I discovered that cooking is a fantastic way to unwind and express creativity, so I continued to hone my culinary skills. Now, it has become a regular part of my routine.
Sample 7
I reside alone, so the cooking falls squarely on my shoulders. I have a preference for home-cooked meals primarily because it gives me control over the ingredients and portions. Eating out often doesn’t align with my pursuit of a healthy lifestyle as restaurant food tends to be more processed and high in sodium and fats.
Sample 8
In our university accommodation, the cooking duties primarily fall on my roommate. She has some impressive kitchen skills and manages to whip up delicious meals even with our limited resources. I, unfortunately, am a bit of a novice when it comes to cooking. However, I do my part by taking care of the clean-up and ensuring that our kitchen stays spotless. This way, we maintain a balanced and harmonious living arrangement.
Sample 9
As an undergraduate living alone, I typically rely on dining out or ordering food delivery for my meals. Between studying, attending classes, and maintaining a social life, I find it difficult to carve out time to cook. Plus, with the variety of food options available just a phone call away, it’s a convenient solution that fits well with my current lifestyle.
Sample 10
Cooking duties in our home are shared and the division often depends on who has a busier schedule at any given time. Some days, my parents take over the kitchen, using their vast culinary knowledge to whip up delicious meals. On days when they are tied up, my sister or I step into the role, offering a change of pace and taste. And when all of us are swamped, we don’t hesitate to order food from a trusted local eatery. So, it’s a kind of balancing act, and we adjust depending on our commitments.
