78. Topic: A Special Meal
– Question 78: Describe a special meal you’ve had.
– You should say:
– When and where did you have this meal, and who was with you?
– What dishes were served, and what made it special?
– How did you feel during and after the meal?
– How often do you enjoy such meals?
Model answer by Lifestyle Training Centre
One of the most memorable meals I’ve ever had was last year’s Onam Sadhya, the grand feast associated with the festival of Onam in Kerala. This meal took place in my hometown, surrounded by close family and friends, which made it all the more special.
Onam, as you might know, is a harvest festival celebrated with great pomp and show in Kerala. The highlight of the festival is the Sadhya, a traditional vegetarian meal served on a banana leaf, symbolising prosperity and gratitude. I vividly recall the elaborate preparation that went into this meal. The house was abuzz with activity, and everyone pitched in. My mother and aunts meticulously cooked over two dozen dishes, while the younger ones in the family helped lay out the banana leaves.
When it was time to eat, the spread was nothing short of spectacular. There were Kalan, Olan, Avial, and Thoran, each bursting with unique flavours. The tangy Pulissery and spicy Sambar paired perfectly with the fragrant steamed rice. My personal favourites, however, were the crispy Pappadams and the sweet Payasam—especially the rich Palada Pradhaman, which was the cherry on top. Each dish was a blend of flavours—sweet, sour, spicy, and everything in between—making every bite a gastronomic delight.
What truly made this meal unforgettable, though, was the spirit of togetherness. Sharing jokes, reminiscing old memories, and savouring the food together created an unparalleled sense of joy. As I sat cross-legged on the floor, enjoying the feast, I couldn’t help but feel a profound sense of belonging.
After the meal, I felt as full as a tick, not just physically but emotionally too. It was a reminder of how food can bring people together and create lasting memories. Onam Sadhya is not just a meal; it’s a culinary celebration of culture and community, and I eagerly look forward to it every year.
This tradition has also inspired me to value simplicity and gratitude. While I may not have such elaborate meals often, I cherish these moments and the bonds they strengthen. I would highly recommend everyone to experience Onam Sadhya at least once—it’s a feast for the senses and the soul.
List of vocabulary used:
- Memorable – Worth remembering; significant or special.
- Onam Sadhya – A traditional vegetarian feast served during the Onam festival in Kerala, India.
- Pomp and show – A display of grandeur or celebration.
- Highlight – The most important or exciting part of something.
- Sadhya – A large, traditional Kerala feast, typically served on a banana leaf.
- Symbolising – Representing something in a symbolic way.
- Vividly – In a clear, detailed, and lively manner.
- Elaborate – Involving many careful details; intricate.
- Abuzz – Filled with activity or excitement.
- Pitch in – To contribute or help in a collective effort.
- Meticulously – Done with great attention to detail and precision.
- Spread – The arrangement or presentation of food, often used in reference to a large meal.
- Spectacular – Impressive or visually striking.
- Kalan, Olan, Avial, Thoran – Traditional Kerala dishes, each with unique ingredients and preparation styles.
- Tangy – Having a sharp, sour taste.
- Pulissery – A traditional Kerala dish made with yogurt and spices, often served as a side dish.
- Sambar – A spicy, tangy lentil soup from South India.
- Fragrant – Having a pleasant, aromatic smell.
- Crispy – Firm and crunchy texture when food is fried or baked.
- Payasam – A traditional South Indian sweet dessert, often made with rice or vermicelli.
- Palada Pradhaman – A rich and sweet Kerala dessert made with rice, milk, and sugar.
- Gastronomic – Related to the practice of cooking or eating good food.
- Unparalleled – Without equal; unmatched.
- Reminiscing – Thinking or talking about past events fondly.
- Savouring – Enjoying the taste of something slowly, often with appreciation.
- Cross-legged – Sitting with legs bent and feet resting on the thighs or floor.
- Profound – Deeply meaningful or intense.
- Belonging – A sense of being connected or accepted within a group.
- As full as a tick – An idiomatic expression meaning extremely full, usually after a large meal.
- Culinary – Related to cooking or the kitchen.
- Gratitude – The quality of being thankful and showing appreciation.
- Simplicity – The quality of being plain or uncomplicated.
- Cherish – To hold something dear or appreciate it greatly.
- Strengthen – To make something stronger or more robust.
- Feast for the senses – A celebration that delights all five senses, often used to describe a very enjoyable experience.
- Soul – The essence of a person or thing; often used metaphorically to represent deeper emotional or spiritual significance.
Idioms and Phrases
- Grand feast – A large and elaborate meal.
- Pomp and show – A display of grandeur and celebration.
- Highlight of the festival – The most important or exciting part of the event.
- Buzz with activity – The house was filled with movement, energy, and people working.
- Pitch in – Contribute or help with a task.
- Meticulously cooked – Cooked with great attention to detail and care.
- Nothing short of spectacular – Absolutely amazing or impressive.
- Bursting with unique flavours – Full of distinct and different tastes.
- Pair perfectly with – Goes very well together.
- Gastronomic delight – A treat for the taste buds, a delightful eating experience.
- Unparalleled sense of joy – A feeling of happiness that cannot be matched.
- Full as a tick – Extremely full or satisfied, often used to describe overeating.
- A reminder of how food can bring people together – A reflection on how meals create bonding and connection.
- Feast for the senses and the soul – An experience that pleases both the body (taste) and the spirit (emotionally).
- A culinary celebration of culture and community – A meal that celebrates both tradition and togetherness.
- Cherish these moments – Hold these special times in high regard and appreciate them.
- Strengthen the bonds – Help build or reinforce relationships.
- Inspired me to value simplicity and gratitude – Made me appreciate the simple things and be thankful for them.
Key Cultural Terms
- Banana leaf – A traditional and eco-friendly serving plate used in Kerala cuisine.
- Kalan, Olan, Avial, Thoran, Pulissery, Sambar – Traditional Kerala vegetarian dishes.
- Pappadams – Crispy flatbreads, a staple in Kerala meals.
- Payasam – A sweet pudding, often made with rice, milk, and jaggery.
- Palada Pradhaman – A specific type of payasam made with rice flakes and milk.
IELTS Speaking Task Topics
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Names
Learn about the importance of names and their cultural significance.
Study / Job
Discuss various aspects of studying and working in different fields.
Hometown
Explore the charm of your hometown and its unique features.
Accommodation
Understand various types of accommodation and living situations.
Weather
Learn about how weather influences daily life and activities.
Time
Discuss the concept of time, its importance, and time management.
Television
Talk about the role of television in modern entertainment.
Museum
Discuss the cultural importance of museums and historical exhibits.
Holidays
Explore the significance of holidays and different celebrations.
Films
Learn about the impact of films on culture and society.
Leisure Time
Discuss how leisure activities impact personal well-being.
Sport
Talk about the role of sports in health, entertainment, and culture.
Vegetables and Fruits
Discuss the health benefits and importance of fresh produce.
Maths
Explore the role of mathematics in various aspects of life.
Sky
Discuss the beauty and scientific significance of the sky.
Clothes and Fashion
Explore how clothing reflects culture and personal expression.
Weekend
Discuss the importance of weekends and ways people relax.
Reading
Learn about the importance of reading and various reading habits.
Sleep
Explore how sleep impacts physical and mental well-being.
Trees and Plants
Discuss the environmental and health benefits of plants.
Newspaper
Discuss the evolving role of newspapers in the digital age.
Text Messages
Explore the role of text messaging in modern communication.
Memorizing
Learn techniques for improving memory and memorization.
Traveling
Discuss the importance and impact of traveling in modern society.
Letters or Emails
Explore the differences and significance of letters vs. emails.
Swimming
Discuss the benefits of swimming for health and fitness.
Snacks
Explore the role of snacks in daily nutrition and lifestyle.
Photography
Discuss photography’s cultural and artistic significance.
Help
Talk about the importance of offering and receiving help.
History
Discuss historical events and their impact on modern society.
Handwriting
Explore the significance of handwriting in education and culture.
Music
Learn about the influence of music on emotions and society.
Colours
Discuss how colours affect perception and mood.
Teachers
Explore the role of teachers in shaping students’ futures.
Being Alone
Talk about the experience and benefits of spending time alone.
Teamwork
Learn the importance of teamwork in professional and social contexts.
Countryside
Explore the charm and benefits of living in the countryside.
Social Media
Discuss the impact of social media on society and relationships.
Friends
Explore the importance of friendships in life.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Talk about the future of AI and its role in society.
Climate Change
Discuss the causes and consequences of climate change.
Sustainable Transportation
Explore ways to make transportation more environmentally friendly.
Space Exploration
Learn about the latest advancements in space exploration.
Shopping
Explore how shopping influences culture and the economy.
Modern Technology
Discuss how modern technology is reshaping society.
Technology
Learn about the role of technology in everyday life.
Sustainable Living
Explore ways to live sustainably for the future of the planet.
Globalisation
Learn about the effects of globalisation on society and economies.
Global Warming
Discuss the causes, effects, and solutions to global warming.
Gender Equality
Explore the importance of gender equality in modern society.
Health and Fitness
Discuss the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Renewable Energy
Learn about renewable energy sources and their impact on the environment.
Cultural Traditions in Kerala
Explore the unique cultural traditions of Kerala, your hometown.
Cultural Traditions in Your Country
Learn about the cultural traditions in your country.
Education System
Discuss the education system in your country and its effectiveness.
Traditional Cuisine
Explore the significance of traditional cuisines in your culture.
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