Prompt
Describe a time you tried a new type of food.
- what you tried
- where you tried it
- who you were with
- and explain whether you would try it again
Band 9 sample transcript
Band 9 sample transcript
A new type of food I tried was Ethiopian food at a small restaurant in London with two friends who had already been there several times. We ordered a large shared platter with different vegetable and meat dishes served on injera, which is a soft, slightly sour flatbread. I had never eaten that style of meal before, so even the way the food was served felt unfamiliar and interesting.
My friends showed me how to tear off pieces of injera and use them to pick up the different dishes rather than eating with separate cutlery. At first I found the tangy flavour of the bread quite strong, but it worked much better once I combined it with the richer sauces. I especially liked one lentil dish because it was spicy without being overwhelmingly hot, and the shared platter made the meal feel very social.
I would definitely eat Ethiopian food again because there were several dishes I enjoyed and many others on the menu that I did not get to try. The experience also reminded me that unfamiliar flavours sometimes need a little time, because my first reaction to the injera changed completely during the meal.
Verified word count: 196
Why this answer scores highly
explanation
The food description is specific without becoming excessive, and the reaction is balanced rather than simply positive or negative.
what this question tests
This cue card tests description of unfamiliar food, setting, companions and evaluation of whether the experience would be repeated.
Natural phrases to reuse
share from the middle
describe communal eating
We shared several dishes from the middle of the table.
tangy flavour
describe taste precisely
The bread had a slightly tangy flavour.
grow on me
describe increasing appreciation
The combination started to grow on me.
Pronunciation and fluency notes
- Use two or three sensory details rather than listing every ingredient.
- Explain whether you would try it again and why.
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