Question 1

Describe a kind of food people eat during special event.

Accepted Answer

I’d like to talk about tangyuan, or sweet glutinous rice balls, a quintessential Chinese delicacy savoured during the Lantern Festival – the vibrant final day of Lunar New Year festivities. These bite-sized treats have a soft, chewy glutinous rice flour wrapper enclosing rich, sweet fillings, most commonly black sesame paste, crushed peanuts, or red bean paste. To cook them, people first knead glutinous rice flour with warm water into a smooth, pliable dough, portion it into small balls, press a concave well in the centre to stuff with filling, then roll and seal the balls before boiling them until they float to the surface. The main reason it’s tied to this special event is its profound symbolism: the perfectly round shape and the name "tangyuan" sound nearly identical to the Chinese word for "reunion", so it embodies wishes for family cohesion, harmony, and good fortune in the coming year. Many families still make tangyuan together on the festival eve as a cosy, meaningful bonding ritual.

quintessential /ˌkwɪntɪˈsenʃl/：典型的，精髓的

glutinous /ˈɡluːtənəs/：黏的，胶质的

delicacy /ˈdelɪkəsi/：佳肴，珍馐

cohesion /kəʊˈhiːʒn/：团结，凝聚力

ritual /ˈrɪtʃuəl/：仪式，传统惯例

knead /niːd/：揉（面团）

Question 2

Why do some people grow their own food these days?

Accepted Answer

These days, more people are growing their own food because it's healthier and fresher than store-bought options. They know exactly what goes into their produce, avoiding harmful chemicals. It's also a great way to save money and reduce their environmental footprint. Plus, many find gardening really relaxing and rewarding—it gives them a sense of accomplishment. For some, it's even about reconnecting with nature and leading a more sustainable lifestyle. All in all, it's a mix of practicality, health benefits, and personal satisfaction.

Question 3

Is there any traditional food in your country?

Accepted Answer

Honestly, I don't think there's a specific traditional food where I come from. My country is quite modern and diverse, so people eat dishes from all over the world. For example, pizza, sushi, or burgers are extremely popular. While there are local favorites, they're more influenced by international cuisines rather than being "traditional." In fact, many recipes here have been adapted to suit modern tastes, so it's hard to say there's a truly distinctive or traditional dish that represents the country.

Question 4

What can be the reasons that some young people prefer to have foreign food than having traditional food?

Accepted Answer

One reason why many young people prefer foreign food is that it offers a fresh and exciting experience. Social media also plays a big role, constantly showcasing international cuisines that seem trendy and appealing. Plus, globalization has made foreign food easily accessible, and trying it can feel like an adventure without leaving home. Some even feel that traditional food is too routine, so exploring foreign options helps break the monotony and adds variety to their meals.

Question 5

Which food is generally popular in your country?

Accepted Answer

In my country, rice is undoubtedly one of the most popular foods. People eat it almost every day, either steamed or fried, often paired with vegetables, meat, or fish. It's considered a staple and has deep cultural significance, especially during festivals and family gatherings. Apart from that, dishes like dumplings and noodles are extremely common and loved by people of all ages. They're not only delicious but also easy to prepare. Overall, food here emphasizes a balance of flavors and nutrition.

Question 6

Will there be more and more people planting food in the future?

Accepted Answer

Honestly, I don't think more people will grow their own food in the future. Life is getting busier, and most people barely have the time or energy to take care of plants. Plus, urban areas are expanding, leaving less space for personal gardening. On top of that, buying food is super convenient nowadays, especially with online delivery services. So, while some might enjoy gardening as a hobby, I doubt it'll become a widespread trend anytime soon.

Question 7

What are the differences between everyday food and festival food?

Accepted Answer

Well, everyday food is usually simple, quick to prepare, and focused on convenience and nutrition, like sandwiches, salads, or rice dishes. Festival food, on the other hand, tends to be more elaborate and indulgent, often involving special recipes or ingredients. It's about creating a sense of celebration, so people take extra time to cook traditional meals or desserts that you wouldn't normally eat every day. Plus, festival food often reflects cultural or family traditions, making it more meaningful and unique.

Question 8

Are there any differences between the food people eat today and the food people ate in the past?

Accepted Answer

Honestly, I don't think there's a huge difference between what people eat now and what they used to eat. Sure, we have more global options and fancier trends, but the basics haven't really changed. People still rely on staples like rice, bread, vegetables, and meat. Even traditional recipes are still going strong in most cultures. Yes, technology has changed how we cook or preserve food, but at the end of the day, we eat for the same reasons—and often the same things—as in the past.

Describe A kind of food people eat during special event

Describe a kind of food people eat during special event.

Part 3 Discussion