In addition to the most common IELTS Speaking topics, Snacks is an interesting sub-topic that may appear in IELTS Speaking Part 1, especially as part of the broader Food theme. With strong preparation, solid ideas, and a wide range of vocabulary, you can easily impress the examiner and score higher. This guide provides sample answers and key vocabulary to help you succeed with the Snacks topic in IELTS Speaking Part 1.
1. Common Questions for the Snacks IELTS Speaking Topic
Besides testing your ideas, the IELTS Speaking band descriptors also evaluate your grammar, fluency, and vocabulary usage. That is why examiners ask a range of questions on different aspects of the topic. Here are some typical questions you may encounter:
Do you like snacks
How often do you eat snacks
Do you think it is healthy for you to eat snacks
Do you think all snacks are junk food
Do you think eating snacks is good for your health
How may eating habits change in coming decades
What one aspect of a foreign tradition do you like about their eating habits Why
Have the types of snacks people eat changed over the last few decades in your country
2. Sample Answers for IELTS Speaking Part 1 Snacks Topic
In IELTS Speaking Part 1, questions are personal and designed to make you feel comfortable. You are not expected to give academic responses. Here are some high-scoring answers for the Snacks topic:
Question: What snacks do you like to eat
Answer: There is a variety of snacks I enjoy, but unfortunately most of them are quite unhealthy, so I try to restrict the amount of junk food I eat every day. That said, my favorites include crisps, ice cream, and pretty much anything sweet — you name it.
Vocabulary Highlights:
A variety of: a range of
Restrict: limit
Junk food: unhealthy processed food
Crisp: crunchy snack
You name it: and many more
Question: Did you ever eat snacks when you were a child
Answer: Yes, I had a sweet tooth when I was little. I used to eat lots of candy bars, cookies, and cakes, which unfortunately resulted in severe cavities. I remember trips to the dentist being an absolute nightmare.
Vocabulary Highlights:
Sweet tooth: love for sugary foods
Result in: lead to
Severe: serious
Cavity: tooth decay
Nightmare: a terrifying experience
Question: Do you think it is healthy for you to eat snacks
Answer: Honestly, I think most snacks are high in fat and sugar, which are the main contributors to weight gain and other health problems. However, I think we can make an exception for healthier snacks like nuts and dried fruits, which have become more popular in recent years.
Vocabulary Highlights:
Chief contributor: main cause
Overweight: above normal weight
Susceptible to: likely to suffer from
Make an exception for: exclude something from general rule
3. Vocabulary for IELTS Speaking Part 1 Snacks Topic
To score high in the Snacks topic, it is important to use precise and varied vocabulary. Below is a list of useful words categorized by flavor, texture, and general expressions.
3.1. Vocabulary for Describing Snack Flavors
Vocabulary | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
Creamy | Rich and smooth | This custard is deliciously smooth and creamy. |
Savory | Salty or spicy | I love the taste of savory snacks. |
Bland | Lacking flavor | The soup was quite bland. |
Cheesy | Tastes like cheese | I love cheesy popcorn. |
Bittersweet | Both bitter and sweet | The chocolate has a bittersweet flavor. |
3.2. Vocabulary for Describing Snack Texture
Vocabulary | Meaning | Example |
Crispy | Crunchy | These chips are so crispy. |
Gooey | Soft and sticky | The brownie has a gooey center. |
Tender | Soft and easy to chew | The meat was tender and juicy. |
3.3. General Vocabulary for the Snacks Topic
Vocabulary | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
Snack | Small meal or food between meals | I usually have a snack after work. |
Munchies | Light snack foods | I always get the munchies during a movie. |
Graze | To eat small amounts frequently | I tend to graze on snacks throughout the day. |
Get the munchies | Feel hungry for snacks | I often get the munchies late at night. |
Binge | Eat excessively | She binged on chips during the weekend. |
Slap-up meal | A large and satisfying meal | We had a slap-up meal to celebrate. |
Sweet tooth | Love for sweet foods | I have a sweet tooth and love desserts. |
Mouthwatering | Extremely delicious-looking | Those cakes look absolutely mouthwatering. |
Signature dish | A person’s or place’s best-known dish | My grandmother's signature dish is apple pie. |
Indulgence | Treating yourself | Eating chocolate is my guilty indulgence. |
Confidently Tackle the Snacks IELTS Speaking Topic
We hope these sample answers and vocabulary lists help you handle the Snacks IELTS Speaking Part 1 topic with confidence. Remember, any food eaten outside main meals can be considered a snack — including fruits, desserts, and savory treats.
To save time, consider scheduling your Speaking test on the same day as the other IELTS skills. You can explore both IELTS Academic Speaking and IELTS General Training Speaking and choose the one that fits your goals best.
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