This post contains ideas and band-9 sample answers (audio included) for the Cambridge IELTS 16 Academic Speaking Part 1 Question 2 Test 4 question:
“Do you ever use a microwave to cook food quickly? [Why/why not?]”
Sample 1: Regularly
Absolutely, I frequently utilize a microwave for the expeditious preparation of my meals. The primary reason for this choice is its sheer convenience, enabling me to effortlessly warm up leftovers or swiftly cook ready-made dishes, saving both time and energy in today’s fast-paced world.
Sample 2: Regularly
Undoubtedly, I rely on a microwave quite often to rapidly cook my food. The rationale for this preference is the microwave’s ability to maintain the nutritional content of the dishes, unlike conventional cooking methods. Moreover, it simplifies the cleaning process as there are fewer utensils involved.
Sample 3: Regularly
Indeed, I do employ a microwave for prompt meal preparation, as it offers an unparalleled advantage in terms of efficiency. It allows me to multitask, attending to other responsibilities while my food cooks, which caters to my dynamic lifestyle.
Sample 4: Regularly
Absolutely, microwaves are quite a boon to my hectic lifestyle. They afford me the convenience of expeditiously heating up my meals, thereby saving precious time. Moreover, the microwave is a versatile appliance, facilitating the preparation of various dishes with minimal effort.
Sample 5: Rarely
On the whole, I scarcely use microwaves to expedite food preparation, as I have a penchant for savoring the culinary journey and honing my skills in the kitchen. Besides, I find that conventional cooking methods impart a richness and depth of flavor that microwaves often fail to achieve.
Sample 6: Rarely
On rare occasions, I might use a microwave to quickly heat up a dish, but it’s certainly not my go-to cooking method. I’m a culinary aficionado who appreciates the art of cooking, and I find that traditional methods yield superior results in terms of flavor, texture, and overall satisfaction. In a nutshell, I believe that good things come to those who wait, and that sentiment extends to cooking as well.
Sample 7: Rarely
I rarely use a microwave, as I’m not one to cut corners when it comes to cooking. I’m a firm believer in the idiom that the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach, and taking the time to create a meal from scratch is a labor of love that yields unparalleled results.
Sample 8: Rarely
Although I acknowledge the convenience of microwaves, I tend to use them sparingly when it comes to cooking. I’m passionate about exploring various cooking methods and techniques, and I find that microwaving food often falls short of providing the depth of flavor and texture that I seek.
Sample 9: Never
I must confess that I steer clear of microwaves for food preparation. My aversion stems from concerns about the potential impact of microwave radiation on food quality and nutrient retention. Consequently, I lean towards other means of cooking that preserve the integrity and nutritional value of my meals.
Sample 10: Never
Truth be told, I’ve never been a proponent of microwave cooking. My commitment to a healthy lifestyle and emphasis on consuming nutrient-rich meals have led me to forego the microwave in favor of alternative methods that ensure optimal preservation of vitamins and minerals.




