Plan this discussion essay about food with the ideas and outline below, write it on a 40-minute timer, then compare it with a band-8 model answer.
You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Some people think it is better to cook and eat at home, while others prefer eating in restaurants.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
GoPrep wrote this practice question in the style of the exam. It is not an official IELTS question.
Pick two or three points from one or both columns. You do not need all of them, and your own examples score better than memorised ones.
Spend the first few minutes planning, then write.
0 words of 250 minimum
Your answer stays on this page only. Copy it before you leave.
Write your own answer first, then compare: how it answers the exact question, what each paragraph does, and which phrases you could borrow.
Some people prefer to prepare meals at home, whereas others enjoy dining at restaurants. Although eating out has its attractions, I believe that cooking at home is better as a regular habit.
The advantages of home cooking are mainly practical. It is usually cheaper, since ingredients cost much less than restaurant dishes, and a family can feed itself for a week for the price of a few meals out. It is also healthier, because the cook controls the ingredients, amount of oil, salt and sugar, and can avoid additives. People with allergies or dietary needs find this especially valuable. Finally, preparing and eating a meal together gives family members a chance to talk without distraction, and cooking can be a way of teaching children life skills.
On the other hand, restaurants have their own appeal. The most obvious benefit is that there is no cooking or washing up, which is a great relief for people who have worked all day. Eating out is also a social experience; meeting friends in a restaurant or celebrating a birthday is more special than doing so in the kitchen. Moreover, diners can try cuisines that they would not know how to make themselves, from Ethiopian stews to Japanese sushi, and enjoy dishes prepared by trained chefs.
For me, the ideal is a balance. Daily meals should be prepared at home, because of the savings and health benefits, while restaurants can be kept for special occasions or for trying something different. People who rely on restaurants every day tend to spend more and eat less healthily.
In conclusion, restaurants offer convenience, social enjoyment and variety, but home cooking is cheaper, healthier and good for family relationships, which is why I favour it as the main choice.
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| home-cooked meal | food prepared at home |
| dine out | eat in a restaurant |
| convenient | easy and saving effort |
| fresh ingredients | food not processed or stored long |
| cuisine | style of cooking |
| grab a bite | eat something quickly |
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