APIEIELTS Speaking: Rice around the world
Rice around the world
Answers and an explanation for each question appear once you add this activity to your own library.
Unit: Rice around the world
Module 1: Vocabulary & Pattern Build-up (25 Minutes)
📋 How to use this lesson
For teachers:
Guide students through Module 1 first for vocabulary and sentence patterns, then monitor their recordings in Module 2.
Check speaking scores and model answers after students complete each response.
For learners:
Complete the vocabulary exercises and memory tricks in Module 1 to build your word power.
Record your spoken answers in Module 2, then unlock the model answers to compare and improve your fluency.
Module 1: Learn useful words and natural patterns to talk about food and daily meals.
🌱 Part 1: Vocabulary Review
Choose the correct word to complete each sentence about rice farming and food.
1. Farmers use a tractor to ___ the fields before planting seeds in the ground.
2. Land near the river is very ___, so crops grow easily and produce plenty of grain.
3. Properly steamed white rice has a soft and ___ texture that everyone loves.
4. Jasmine rice gives off a very ___ aroma when you cook it in a rice cooker.
5. Brown rice contains many vitamins and minerals, making it a highly ___ food choice.
🔗 Part 2: Collocation Matching
Match each collocation with its correct meaning (A–F).
🗣️ Part 3: Useful Sentence Patterns
Study these 4 essential patterns to speak naturally about general habits and preferences in IELTS Speaking Part 1.
"Generally, people..."
Use this to state general habits, traditions, or common food choices in your country or community.
Example
"Generally, people here eat rice with most meals during the week."
"On the whole, I..."
Use this to give your overall personal preference or general routine in simple spoken English.
Example
"On the whole, I prefer eating fresh homemade meals rather than buying fast food."
"It depends on..."
Use this to explain that your answer changes depending on the situation, time, or weather.
Example
"It depends on how much free time I have after work in the evening."
"To be honest, I prefer..."
Use this to introduce your direct opinion in a natural, polite conversational tone.
Example
"To be honest, I prefer quick noodle soups when the weather turns cold."
💡 Part 4: Fun Facts - Guess the Number!
Test your knowledge about global rice production with these official FAO facts.
In which year did the United Nations name the International Year of Rice (FAO, 2003)?
According to an FAO paper, in how many countries around the world do people grow rice (FAO, 2003)?
IELTS Speaking Practice
Record your answers to real IELTS Speaking questions and check your feedback.
💬 Part 1: Short Questions
Answer each question naturally in 2–3 sentences. Record your response and review your feedback.
Do you eat rice often, or do you prefer bread or noodles?
[Bài tập luyện nói]
Grading Criteria:
"Well, to be honest, I prefer rice. We eat it almost every day at home, and it's our main food. But once in a while, I like noodles for lunch, just to try something new."
Vocabulary Notes:
- to be honest: you say what you really think
- almost every day: nearly every day
- once in a while: sometimes, but not often
- try something new: do something different
What do you usually have for dinner at home?
[Bài tập luyện nói]
Grading Criteria:
"On the whole, I usually have steamed rice with grilled chicken and fresh vegetables. My mom cooks dinner, and you know, it's always very home-cooked and fresh, which hits the spot after work."
Vocabulary Notes:
- On the whole, I: a way to talk about your usual routine
- you know: a small filler when you share a thought
- home-cooked and fresh: made at home with fresh food
- hits the spot: feels just right when you are hungry
Do you like cooking, or do you prefer to let someone else do it?
[Bài tập luyện nói]
Grading Criteria:
"Well, it depends on my schedule. I'm not much of a cook, so I usually let someone else cook when I'm busy. However, on weekends, I sometimes give it a try."
Vocabulary Notes:
- it depends on: changes depending on the situation
- not much of a cook: not very good at cooking
- let someone else: allow another person to do a task
- give it a try: attempt to do something
Is there a food that your family eats on special days?
[Bài tập luyện nói]
Grading Criteria:
"Yes, generally, people in my family make sticky rice cakes for holidays. It's a traditional dish, and we gather together to eat it. To be fair, it's my favorite meal of the year."
Vocabulary Notes:
- generally, people: most people in a group
- traditional dish: food from old customs
- gather together: meet as a family or a group
- To be fair: a phrase to add an honest point
🎴 Part 2: Cue Card Task
Take 1 minute to prepare your notes, then speak for 60 to 90 seconds.
Describe a meal that you enjoyed with other people.
You should say:
- what you ate
- who you were with
- where you had it
- and explain why you enjoyed it.
[Bài tập luyện nói]
Grading Criteria:
"Well, I'd like to talk about a wonderful dinner I had a while ago with some friends. We decided to meet up at a small local restaurant near my home. We ordered steamed fragrant rice with grilled seafood and fried vegetables. The rice was so fluffy and warm, and it went really well with the fish. I was with some of my old classmates. We hadn't seen each other for a long time, so we had plenty of stories to share. To be honest, I really enjoyed the evening because the atmosphere was super relaxed and cozy. The food was delicious, but more importantly, it was great to catch up with everyone. It really made my day, and I hope we can do it again soon."
Vocabulary Notes:
- meet up: come together to see each other
- so fluffy and warm: light, soft and nicely hot
- To be honest, I: you say what you really think
- catch up with: talk with friends after not seeing them for a while
- made my day: made me very happy that day
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