Speaking Part 22 min

Describe a great dinner you and your friends or family members enjoyed

By Jaimin
September 12, 2025
Talking About Family & Friends
Cue Card Topic

Describe a great dinner you and your friends or family members enjoyed.

You should say:

  • Who you were with?
  • When and where it happened?
  • What food and drinks were served?
  • And explain why this dinner was so memorable?

💡 You have 1 minute to prepare and should speak for 1-2 minutes.

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Sample Answer

I would like to talk about a time when my entire family gathered for a special dinner to celebrate my parents’ wedding anniversary, and how that evening became one of the warmest memories of my life.

Who you were with?

I was with my parents, my younger sister, my grandparents, and a few close cousins. We rarely get together because of everyone’s busy schedules, so having almost the whole family at one table felt really special.

When and where it happened?

This happened about six months ago, at a beautiful rooftop restaurant in Ahmedabad. It was a pleasant spring evening with a gentle breeze and a lovely view of the city lights, which gave the entire dinner a festive atmosphere.

What food and drinks were served?

We had a carefully planned menu. The starters included paneer tikka, vegetable spring rolls, and a variety of dips. For the main course, there was a mix of North Indian dishes such as butter naan, dal makhani, and a rich paneer butter masala, along with a few Italian options like pasta and thin-crust pizza for the kids.

We paired the food with fresh fruit juices and mocktails. The highlight, of course, was the three-tier chocolate cake that we cut after dinner to celebrate my parents’ anniversary.

Why this dinner was so memorable?

This dinner was memorable not just because of the delicious food but because of the emotions and laughter we shared. Everyone told stories about my parents’ early days of marriage, and we even played a small quiz about their favorite memories.

I felt a deep sense of connection and gratitude for having such a supportive family. It reminded me how important it is to pause our busy lives and cherish these moments together.

Conclusion

That evening showed me that a great dinner is less about fancy dishes and more about the love, conversation, and togetherness it brings. Even today, when I think of that night, I can almost hear the laughter and taste the food, which makes it unforgettable.

Follow-up Questions (Part 3)

Why do people enjoy having dinner with family or friends?

Sharing a meal creates a sense of unity and comfort. Dinner time allows people to slow down, talk about their day, and celebrate small achievements. Eating together also strengthens relationships, as it’s often when meaningful conversations and happy memories are made.

How has the way people have dinner changed over the years?

In the past, families often ate all their meals together at home. Nowadays, with hectic work schedules and online food delivery, many people eat alone or at different times. However, special occasions such as birthdays or festivals still bring everyone together, and restaurants or rooftop cafés are becoming popular venues for family dinners.

Do you think people spend less time cooking at home these days? Why?

Yes, many people cook less because they are busier and have easy access to ready-to-eat meals or food delivery apps. While convenience is the main reason, some people also like trying different cuisines from restaurants that might be hard to cook at home. Still, home-cooked meals remain important during festivals and family gatherings.

What are the benefits of eating together as a family?

Eating together encourages open communication and helps parents stay connected with their children’s lives. It’s also healthier, as home-cooked food is generally more nutritious. Moreover, children learn table manners and the value of family traditions by sharing regular meals.

Do you think large family dinners are becoming rare?

Unfortunately, yes. Urban lifestyles and nuclear families mean that large family dinners happen mostly during weddings or festivals. Yet when they do happen, people value them even more, because they offer a chance to reconnect and strengthen family bonds.

How do celebrations like anniversaries or birthdays strengthen relationships?

Celebrations give everyone an excuse to set aside daily worries and focus on loved ones. They allow people to express appreciation, exchange gifts, and create lasting memories. These occasions remind us of the importance of relationships and make family ties stronger.

Speaking Part 2 Tips
  • Use the 1-minute preparation time to make notes and organize your thoughts
  • Speak for the full 1-2 minutes - don't stop too early
  • Use past tense when describing experiences or events
  • Include specific details and examples to make your answer interesting
  • Practice transitions between different points in your answer
  • Stay calm if you can't think of a perfect example - any relevant story works

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