Of course! "Coffee and tea" is a very common and high-frequency topic in IELTS Speaking tests, especially in Part 1. It's a great way for examiners to assess your ability to talk about daily routines, preferences, and comparisons.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you ace this topic, including vocabulary, sample answers, and key tips.
Core Vocabulary & Phrases (核心词汇与短语)
Building a good vocabulary is the first step.
Types of Coffee & Tea (咖啡和茶的种类)
- Coffee:
- Espresso (意式浓缩咖啡)
- Americano (美式咖啡)
- Latte / Cappuccino (拿铁 / 卡布奇诺)
- Mocha (摩卡)
- Macchiato (玛奇朵)
- Flat White (馥芮白/澳白)
- Instant coffee (速溶咖啡)
- Filter coffee / Drip coffee (手冲咖啡/滤泡咖啡)
- Cold brew (冷萃咖啡)
- Tea:
- Black tea (红茶)
- Green tea (绿茶)
- Oolong tea (乌龙茶)
- White tea (白茶)
- Pu'er tea (普洱茶)
- Herbal tea (花草茶)
- Chamomile tea (洋甘菊茶)
- Peppermint tea (薄荷茶)
- Jasmine tea (茉莉花茶)
Verbs (动词)
- To brew (冲泡) - e.g., "I like to brew my own green tea."
- To grind (研磨) - e.g., "He grains his coffee beans every morning."
- To sip (小口地喝) - e.g., "I was sipping my coffee while reading."
- To indulge in (尽情享受) - e.g., "I like to indulge in a cup of hot chocolate on a cold day."
- To be addicted to / hooked on (对...上瘾) - e.g., "I'm completely hooked on coffee."
- To stick with (坚持用) - e.g., "I've always stuck with black tea."
Adjectives & Descriptions (形容词与描述)
- For Coffee:
- Strong / Bold / Intense (浓的)
- Bitter / Astringent (苦的)
- Smooth / Mellow (顺滑的)
- Rich / Full-bodied (醇厚的)
- Aromatic / Fragrant (芳香的)
- Creamy (奶油般的)
- For Tea:
- Refreshing / Invigorating (提神的)
- Soothing / Calming (舒缓的)
- Delicate / Subtle (清淡的)
- Earthy / Woody (有泥土/木质香气的)
- Floral (有花香的)
- Brisk (清爽的)
Useful Phrases (实用短语)
- Preferences:
- I'm more of a tea/coffee person. (我更偏向于喝茶/咖啡。)
- I'm not a big fan of... (我不太喜欢...)
- I'm particular about... (我对...很讲究。)
- I can't start my day without... (我一天不...就过不去了。)
- Comparisons:
- Coffee gives me an instant boost, while tea is more about a gentle, sustained energy. (咖啡能给我即时提神，而茶则提供更持久的温和能量。)
- I find coffee a bit too harsh for my stomach, so I opt for tea instead. (我觉得咖啡对胃有点刺激，所以我选择喝茶。)
- Routines:
- It's part of my morning ritual. (这是我早晨的例行仪式的一部分。)
- I grab a coffee on my way to work. (我上班路上会买杯咖啡。)
- It's a great way to wind down in the evening. (这是晚上放松的好方法。)
Sample Answers (分部分回答范例)
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Examiner: Do you prefer coffee or tea?
Good Answer: "That's a great question. To be honest, I enjoy both, but I'm more of a tea person in the long run. I usually have a cup of black coffee in the morning to kick-start my day, but as the day goes on, I find myself reaching for a cup of green or oolong tea. I just find tea more soothing and less likely to make me feel jittery."
Examiner: How often do you drink coffee or tea?
Good Answer: "I drink it pretty much every single day. It's become a bit of a morning ritual for me. I can't really function properly without at least one cup of coffee to wake me up. In the afternoon, if I'm feeling a bit sluggish, I'll definitely have another, maybe a cappuccino or a latte. So, I'd say I'm quite hooked on it, I'm afraid!"
Examiner: Where do you usually drink your coffee or tea?
Good Answer: "It really depends on the time of day. In the morning, I'm usually in a hurry, so I either grab a takeaway coffee from a café near my office or I just have some instant coffee at home. But when I have more time, especially on weekends, I love to brew a proper pot of tea. I'll make a cup of jasmine tea and just sit by the window, enjoying some quiet time. It's a great way to unwind."
Examiner: Do you usually make your own coffee or tea, or do you buy it from a café?
Good Answer: "I do a bit of both. For weekday mornings, convenience is key, so I'm happy to buy a coffee on the go. The quality is usually quite good. However, on weekends, I really enjoy the process of making my own. I have a simple pour-over coffee set, and I love the ritual of grinding the beans and brewing the coffee myself. It feels more special and I can adjust the strength to my liking. For tea, I almost always make it at home. I find it more relaxing."
Part 2 & 3: Cue Card & Follow-up Discussion
This topic can easily be extended for Part 2 and 3.
Part 2: Cue Card Example
Describe a café that you like to visit. You should say:
- where this café is
- what it looks like
- what kind of drinks or food you like to have there
- and explain why you like to go to this café.
Sample Answer:
"I'd like to talk about a little café called 'The Corner Grind' that I absolutely adore. It's located in a quiet side street in the city center, not far from my workplace, so it's the perfect spot for a quick escape.
The café itself has a really cozy and rustic vibe. As soon as you walk in, you're greeted by the rich, aromatic smell of freshly ground coffee beans. The walls are painted in warm, earthy tones, and there's a lot of exposed brick and wood. The lighting is soft, mostly from pendant lights and a few candles, which makes it feel very intimate. They also have a small bookshelf filled with novels and magazines, and some comfortable armchairs where people can sink in with their drinks.
When I go there, I almost always order the same thing: a flat white. It's made with a really smooth, rich espresso and perfectly steamed milk. It's not too strong, but it has a wonderful full-bodied flavour. Sometimes, if I'm feeling hungry, I'll get one of their avocado toasts on sourdough bread. It's simple but delicious.
What I love most about 'The Corner Grind' is the atmosphere. It’s never too loud or crowded, so it's an ideal place to read a book, catch up on some work on my laptop, or just have a quiet chat with a friend. The baristas are also really friendly and knowledgeable; they always remember my order and are happy to recommend a new type of bean. For me, it's more than just a place to get coffee; it's a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s my go-to spot to relax and recharge."
Part 3: Follow-up Discussion Questions
Examiner: Why do you think cafés are so popular nowadays?
Good Answer: "I think cafés have evolved from just being a place to get a drink into becoming a sort of third place for people, after home and work. They offer a comfortable environment that's different from both. Many people, especially young professionals and students, don't have a lot of space at home, so a café provides a great alternative to work or study. Also, there's a huge coffee culture now, where people appreciate the quality of the beans, the brewing methods, and the overall experience. It's become a social hub and a status symbol in a
