IELTS Academic Module Paper 4 Speaking Practice Test 5 with Answers
Part 1: Introduction and Interview (4-5 minutes)
Examiner: Good afternoon. My name is [Examiner's Name]. Can you tell me your full name, please?
Candidate: Good afternoon. My full name is Nico Lim.
Examiner: Can you show me your identification, please?
Candidate: Of course, here it is. [Show your ID/passport.]
Examiner: Thank you. Now, in this first part, I'd like to ask you some questions about your home. What kind of accommodation do you live in?
Candidate: I live in a two-bedroom flat in the suburbs of Singapore. It's a cosy and quiet place that I share with a flatmate.
Examiner: Which room in your home do you like the most?
Candidate: I'd say the living room is my favourite. It has a large window that lets in plenty of natural light, and it's where I relax and entertain guests.
Examiner: Do you prefer eating at home or dining out?
Candidate: I prefer eating at home because it allows me to cook meals to my preference and it's usually healthier and more economical than dining out.
Examiner: Who does most of the cooking in your home?
Candidate: As I enjoy cooking, I tend to do most of it myself. It's a hobby of mine, and I find the process quite therapeutic.
Examiner: Let's move on to talk about weekends. What do you usually do at weekends?
Candidate: At weekends, I relish the opportunity to unwind. Depending on the weather, I might go on a hike, visit a museum, or just catch up on some reading at home.
Examiner: How important is it for you to relax at the end of the week?
Candidate: It's very important. Taking time to relax helps me to recharge my batteries and keeps my stress levels in check, which I believe is essential for my overall well-being.
Part 2: Long Turn (3-4 minutes)
Examiner: Now, I'm going to give you a topic, and I'd like you to talk about it for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you're going to say. You can make some notes if you wish. Here's some paper and a pencil for making notes.
[The examiner hands over the task card.]
Task Card:
Describe your favourite dish.
You should say:
- what the dish is
- how it is made
- why you like it
- why it is special to you
[The candidate has one minute to prepare.]
Candidate: My favourite dish is a classic from my heritage – it's a traditional Singaporean noodle dish called laksa. Laksa is a spicy noodle soup with a base of creamy coconut milk and a tantalising mix of spices, including lemongrass, galangal, and turmeric. It’s usually served with thick rice noodles, prawns, fish cakes, and a generous sprinkle of fresh coriander.
To make laksa, you start with the paste, which is the soul of the dish. You need to blend shallots, garlic, chillies, and the spices that I mentioned before until they form a smooth mixture. Then, you fry this paste until it's fragrant, add in the coconut milk, and bring the broth to a simmer. After that, the noodles and seafood are cooked in this aromatic broth until perfectly tender.
I like laksa because of its complexity of flavours – it's spicy, savoury, and slightly sweet, all at once. It reminds me of family gatherings and festive celebrations. Eating laksa brings back fond memories of my grandmother, who used to prepare it for special occasions. It's not just the taste, but also the nostalgia that makes it special to me.
Examiner: Thank you. Now, we'll move on to Part 3.
Part 3: Discussion (4-5 minutes)
Examiner: We've been talking about your favourite dish, and I'd like to discuss with you a few more general questions related to this. Let's consider first the importance of diet. Why do you think diet is important?
Candidate: Diet is crucial for sustaining good health and energy levels. A balanced diet, including a variety of foods, can help ward off illnesses like diabetes and heart disease, which are prevalent concerns in Singapore. For example, incorporating omega-3-rich fish into our meals supports brain health and cognitive function. Conversely, a poor diet can contribute to a range of health problems, including obesity and nutritional deficiencies, highlighting the need for a well-rounded diet.
Examiner: What are some differences between home-cooked food and restaurant food?
Candidate: Home-cooked meals tend to be healthier because you can regulate what goes into your food, such as using healthier oils and less salt, which is essential in a country like Singapore where high blood pressure is a common health issue. Restaurant food, while often delicious and diverse, can be laden with hidden calories and excessive seasoning. It's also about balance; home cooking is rooted in our local traditions, while eating out is a chance to explore new culinary landscapes and flavours.
Examiner: How do you think eating habits have changed over the years?
Candidate: In Singapore, eating habits have evolved dramatically, especially with the fast pace of urban life leading to a greater reliance on convenience food and eating out. Our hawker culture, while still thriving, is now competing with fast food chains. There's also a growing trend towards health-conscious eating, with more Singaporeans opting for salads and vegetarian options, indicating a shift towards a more health-oriented lifestyle.
Examiner: Do you think we should pass our traditional cooking methods to the next generation?
Candidate: Definitely. Our traditional cooking methods are intrinsic to our Singaporean identity, encapsulating the essence of our multicultural society. It's vital to pass on the knowledge of dishes like Hainanese chicken rice or Peranakan laksa to preserve our culinary heritage. These cooking practices teach valuable skills and reinforce the importance of a nutritious approach to eating that our youth can carry forward.
Examiner: That's all for today. Thank you for your time.
Candidate: Thank you.
