IELTS Speaking Part 1 – Cakes
IELTS Speaking Part 1 – Cakes
1. Do you like to eat cakes or other sweet foods?
2. Did you like to eat cakes as a child?
3. Can you make cakes?
4. Are there any traditional Chinese cakes?
5. Do you like to have some desserts after meals?
1. Do you like to eat cakes or other sweet foods?
Yes, even as a child, I had a fondness for chocolate cakes, especially chocolate mousse cake. There’s a specific restaurant or cafe that serves an amazing version, and I still find myself craving it. When it comes to sweet foods, I prefer those with a sucrose type of sweetening, steering away from overly fruity sweetness. I do have a liking for ice cream, but not the shaved ice kind; I prefer it with minimal sweetness to complement a cake. I enjoy cakes with a robust flavor, just a hint of sweetness without being too overpowering. I’m cautious not to indulge too much, especially since I’m approaching 40 and want to avoid the risk of diabetes. Typically, I limit myself to half a slice to savor the taste without overindulging and potentially spoiling a meal.
2. Did you like to eat cakes as a child?
Absolutely, as a child, having something sweet, especially as part of a meal, was always something to look forward to, particularly during birthdays. Interestingly, it wasn’t just the cake itself but the associated events that made it special. Cake, for us as children, was synonymous with parties and celebrations. The excitement surrounding the event elevated our liking for the cake, making it a cherished part of the experience.
Now, as I’ve grown older, I find myself less appreciative of cakes. Whether there’s a cake or not doesn’t significantly impact my mood. Unlike when I was a child, where having cake would instantly lift my spirits, now it’s more about the memories associated with those childhood parties. I used to talk for days about the parties at home or any occasion that involved cake, but nowadays, it doesn’t hold the same level of excitement for me.
3. Can you make cakes?
Theoretically, I know how to make a cake or, more precisely, bake one. I’m familiar with the ingredients, but my challenge lies in having the patience to measure everything accurately. I’ve glanced through a cookbook, attempting to follow a simple sponge cake recipe, but the numerous details and precision required deterred me. While I possess the knowledge to make cakes, I find it more convenient to purchase them. Unfortunately, I lack an oven and essential equipment like a mixer, and the limited space in my home makes it challenging to set up for baking.
Interestingly, I’ve come across non-baked cake products, which seem intriguing. You just need to refrigerate them, and voila, you have a cake. Although my schedule is currently hectic, I might consider exploring these no-bake options in the future. When time allows, I’ll surely give it a try.
4. Are there any traditional Chinese cakes?
We used to have a simple sponge cake, a staple often served in schools during the old days. However, when it comes to more traditional cakes, during the Mooncake Festival, we either make or buy mooncakes. These are filled with rich beans and have a center with an egg. They’re quite rich, and it’s customary to share them with others; attempting to eat one alone might leave you feeling a bit sick afterward.
Another traditional cake is associated with the Spring Festival, known as “tikoy” or “Nian Gao.” It’s a glutinous rice cake, somewhat tasteless, but its significance is more symbolic than being considered a delicacy. While it is indeed a treat, it’s primarily a way to symbolize togetherness. In the past, grandparents often took the lead in making these cakes, but nowadays, many people opt to buy them. It’s somewhat disheartening to see the shift from handmade traditional cakes to the current trend of mass production.
5. Do you like to have some desserts after meals?
I have a particular approach to desserts, especially considering the type of meal I’ve had. For instance, after enjoying Italian food like pizza or pasta, I tend to steer clear of desserts. I’ve experienced stomach aches when combining sweets with tomato-based dishes. The same rule applies when I’ve had something rich in oil, like hot pot; I usually avoid having dessert in such cases. However, if I’ve had a potato-based dish, I might indulge in a slice of cake.
There are times when I prioritize the main course over dessert, especially if I’m familiar with the available dessert options. Surprising desserts are sometimes overlooked, as I’m more focused on the main meal. On occasion, I might take a small bite or have a scoop of ice cream or cake, but my attention is usually on the entree.
That being said, among all the desserts I’ve tried, there’s one exception—the combination of apple pie with ice cream or cream. It’s a treat I’m willing to indulge in, even if I’ve had pizza or a similar dish. The delightful experience makes it worth any potential discomfort afterward.
1. Do you like to eat cakes or other sweet foods?
Well, right now, I’d say I prefer something lightly sweet, like banana cake or carrot cake, but not overly sweet. I enjoy a touch of sweetness to cleanse my palate after a meal or to pair with tea. I’m not particularly drawn to cakes or pastries; I prefer simple fruity sweets or a light sweetness. Recently, I discovered a restaurant that serves pies with just the right amount of sweetness, perfect for complementing tea or coffee. At home, I might indulge in a simple snack like a chocolate bar, especially when I need an energy boost.
2. Did you like to eat cakes as a child?
When I was young, I enjoyed eating cake, not necessarily because of its sweetness, but because it often signaled a family gathering. We didn’t have cakes frequently, so when we did, it usually meant there was a family reunion or celebration. This made the cake more exciting because it meant spending time with cousins and having a break from school during major holidays. The taste of the cake was secondary to the joy of being with family.
3. Can you make cakes?
While I know how to bake a cake, I haven’t practiced much. I’ve tried making no-bake cakes like tiramisu, which involves refrigerating the cake for a few hours, making it easier compared to baking. However, in our current home, we’re not allowed to use a flame for baking, so we have to go to our parents’ or grandmother’s house, where they have an oven for us to use.
4. Are there any traditional Chinese cakes?
There are several traditional Chinese cakes. One of the most famous is nian gao, a glutinous rice cake often given during the Spring Festival. Another is mooncake, commonly enjoyed during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Mooncakes are filled with rich, sweet bean paste or sometimes savory fillings, with an egg yolk inside. They’re quite rich, so they’re usually enjoyed in small amounts, accompanied by bitter tea to balance the sweetness.
5. Do you like to have desserts after meals?
Most of the time, I enjoy having dessert after a meal, if possible. However, there are occasions, such as after a hot pot meal with lots of soup, where I might skip dessert to avoid feeling bloated. If I’ve had a meal based on salads or vegetables, or pasta with a creamy sauce, I might opt for a creamy dessert. But after a heavy meat-based meal, I tend to avoid cakes or ice cream, as they might not sit well.
Please visit the website Educatorian to find suggested answers for IELTS speaking questions. Additionally, I recommend checking out Ian’s personal website for further information.
请访问Educatorian网站，找到雅思口语问题的建议答案。此外，我建议查看伊恩的个人网站以了解更多信息。
Ian Tanpiuco – Virtual Assistant, Educatorian, and IELTS Rizz Tutor. Ian’s goal is to enhance his students’ IELTS scores through a comprehensive curriculum that focuses on understanding rather than mere memorization.
