Describe a Great Dinner You and Your Friends or Family Members Enjoyed | IELTS Speaking Cue Card September to December 2025 | 8 Band Sample Answer
- What you had
- Who you had the dinner with
- What you talked about during dinner
- And explain why you enjoyed it
Vocab/Idioms
- Lasting memories – Permanent recollections
- Amazed – Very surprised
- Over the moon – Extremely happy
- Leaps and bounds – Rapid progress
- Burst into laughter – Start laughing
- On cloud nine – Very happy
- Icing on the cake – Added bonus
- Cherish – Deeply value
- Daunting task – difficult job
Well, to begin with, family meals are not just about food but also about spending quality time together and creating lasting memories. One of the most memorable dinners I had was a couple of months ago on my mother’s birthday.
On that special day, all our family members, including my parents, brother, and my cousin who had come from abroad after a long time, went to a newly opened restaurant. When we arrived, we were amazed by the elegant interior, and the guards welcomed us with warm smiles. Our table was beautifully decorated with fresh flowers and candles as a surprise for my mother. She was over the moon, and her eyes were full of happiness—it was truly a picture-perfect moment.
We ordered some delicious dishes like butter chicken, dal makhni, fresh chapatis, and my favourite dessert, choco lava cake. The food was so tasty that it surpassed our expectations by leaps and bounds.
During dinner, we talked about many things. My cousin shared his experiences abroad, and we laughed at childhood memories. My brother, who is the family joker, kept teasing us, which made everyone burst into laughter. We also clicked plenty of photos to capture the memories.
If I talk about why I enjoyed it so much, the key reason was that it was not just about the food but also about the warmth and togetherness. The laughter, stories, and presence of my cousin after so long made me feel on cloud nine. On top of that, the surprise for my mother was the icing on the cake. Overall, it was a dinner I will cherish forever and reminded me that small moments often bring the greatest joy.
Follow-ups
- Do people prefer to eat at restaurants or eat at home during festivals?
Well, it depends on the situation. If people are busy during festivals, they often prefer eating at restaurants for convenience. However, many still enjoy homemade meals because they feel more personal and traditional.
   2.What food do you eat on special occasions, like during festivals?
On special occasions, my family usually prepares a variety of dishes. For example, we enjoy paneer, rice pudding, sweets         like carrot halwa, and other festive treats that make the celebration feel special and memorable.
- Why do people like to have meals together during important festivals?
I think sharing meals during festivals is a wonderful way to strengthen family bonds. For instance, sitting together and enjoying food allows everyone to talk, laugh, and share stories. This creates a warm and joyful atmosphere, making the celebration more memorable. - Is it a hassle to prepare a meal at home?
Sometimes, preparing meals at home can be a bit of a daunting task, especially if the dishes are for a large number of people. However, with proper planning, cooperation, and teamwork, it becomes manageable. In fact, some families even enjoy cooking together, which adds to the fun. - What do people often talk about during meals?
During meals, people usually discuss daily life, work, and studies. For instance, in my family, we share updates about work experiences or upcoming plans while enjoying our food. This not only makes the meal more interactive but also helps strengthen communication and understanding among family members. - People are spending less and less time having meals with their families these days. Is this good or bad?
In my opinion, this is definitely not good. Family meals are an important part of bonding and maintaining relationships. When everyone eats separately, these moments of connection are lost. Sharing meals together allows families to communicate, laugh, and support each other, which is essential for a happy and healthy home life.