IELTS Speaking Part 1: Sample and Vocabulary for the Topic Tea or Coffee

In the IELTS Speaking test, Part 1 is a crucial segment where candidates are assessed on their ability to engage in a conversation on familiar topics. One such common topic is the discussion about tea or coffee. In this blog post, we will explore sample answers and enrich our vocabulary to help you ace this part of the IELTS exam.

1.Which do you prefer, tea or coffee?

Coffee all the way for me. I can’t really start my day without that caffeine jolt. It’s like a little ritual – grinding the beans, smelling that amazing aroma, and savoring each sip. I love the way it wakes me up in the morning. Tea has its charms too. But if I had to pick, coffee wins the day.

Vocabulary

ritual (noun): a way of doing something in which the same actions are done in the same way every time

aroma (noun): a strong, pleasant smell, usually from food or drink

savor (verb): to enjoy food or an experience slowly, to enjoy it as much as possible

charms (noun): a quality that makes you like or feel attracted to someone or something

2. When was the last time you had a cup of coffee/tea?

This morning, right before heading to work, I swung by this cafe near my place. It’s become a bit of a daily routine for me. I usually drop in there every morning to grab my coffee fix. Today, I went for a latte, but typically, I’m all about the hot cappuccinos or americanos.

swing by (verb phrase): to visit a place quickly, especially on your way to another placeto visit a place quickly, especially on your way to another place

3. Do you usually buy your coffee in a coffee shop?

Yeah, all the time. I love the atmosphere, the background chatter, the cozy nooks, and, of course, the wide range of coffee options at a coffee shop. It’s like a little haven where I can get lost in a book or catch up with friends.

background chatter (noun phrase): sounds that can be heard behind other sounds that are louder

nook (noun): a small space that is hidden or partly sheltered

haven (noun): a safe or peaceful place

4. Do you want to make your own cup of coffee at home?

Making coffee at home can be quite the experience. It’s not just about the caffeine; it’s the whole process. Picking the beans, grinding them to perfection, and experimenting with different brewing methods – it’s like being your own barista. But there are days when I’m on the go or just craving a change of scenery, and that’s when I head to the coffee shop.

be quite the experience (idiom): a memorable or unusual experience

brewing methods (noun phrase): refers to the way you present a sequential mixing process, a specific procedure, including the order of steps, sometimes with the time allocated for each step. The goal is to create a beverage product or prepare a ready-to-sell beverage.

barista (noun): a person who serves customers in a coffee shop (= a small restaurant that serves coffee)

crave (verb): to have a very strong feeling of wanting something

Mastering IELTS Speaking Part 1 involves not only providing coherent answers but also showcasing a rich and varied vocabulary. Whether you are a tea connoisseur or a coffee aficionado, being able to express your preferences fluently and with nuance is key. Practice these sample answers and incorporate the suggested vocabulary to confidently navigate the tea or coffee topic in your IELTS Speaking test. Happy learning!