Project: Cooking Video

Objective:

Create a fun and engaging cooking video to practice giving clear instructions and using cooking-related vocabulary. You’ll show us how to prepare a traditional dish while demonstrating your language skills!

Pro Tip: Watch a few cooking videos online to see how chefs explain steps and make their presentations fun!

What to Do:

  1. Choose Your Dish
    Pick a traditional dish from your culture or one you love to make. Keep it simple and easy to explain in a 3–5 minute video.
  2. Write Your Script
    Plan what you’ll say in your video. Make sure to include:
    • Introduction:
      Start by introducing yourself and your dish. For example:
      “Hi everyone! Today, I’m going to show you how to make [dish name], a delicious traditional dish from [country/region].”
    • Ingredients:
      List all the ingredients and their quantities clearly. Example:
      “You’ll need: 2 eggs, 1 cup of flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of oil.”
    • Steps:
      Explain each step in order, using sequencing words like first, next, then, and finally. Example:
      “First, crack the eggs into a bowl. Then, add the flour and mix well.”
    • Closing:
      End your video with a friendly conclusion. Example:
      “And that’s how you make [dish name]. I hope you enjoy it! Thanks for watching!”
  3. Record Your Video
    Bring your script to life! Remember to:
    • Speak clearly and confidently.
    • Show the ingredients and demonstrate each step.
    • Use gestures and expressions to make your video more engaging.
  4. Submit Your Video
    Once your video is ready, upload it and share your script with the class.

Sample Script: How to Make Pancakes

Introduction:
“Hi everyone! My name is [Your Name], and today I’m going to show you how to make pancakes, a classic breakfast dish loved all around the world. Let’s get started!”

Ingredients:
“Here’s what you’ll need to make pancakes:

  • 1 cup of flour,
  • 2 tablespoons of sugar,
  • 1 teaspoon of baking powder,
  • a pinch of salt,
  • 1 cup of milk,
  • 1 egg,
  • and 2 tablespoons of melted butter.

Steps:
“Now, let’s make the pancakes!”

  1. “First, combine all the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl: the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix them together with a whisk.”
  2. “Next, in a separate bowl, whisk the egg and milk together. Then, slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until the batter is smooth.”
  3. “After that, add the melted butter and stir until everything is combined.”
  4. “Now, heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add a little butter to grease it.”
  5. “Pour a small amount of batter onto the pan, about 1/4 cup for each pancake. Cook for about 2–3 minutes, or until you see bubbles on the surface. Then, flip the pancake and cook for another 1–2 minutes.”
  6. “Finally, stack the pancakes on a plate and serve them with your favorite toppings, like syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream.”

Closing:
“And that’s how you make pancakes! I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy it with your family or friends. Thanks for watching, and happy cooking!”

Useful Vocabulary and Phrases

Cooking Verbs

  • Combine: Mix two or more things together.
  • Whisk: Use a whisk to mix ingredients until smooth.
  • Pour: Transfer liquid from one container to another.
  • Grease: Apply a thin layer of butter or oil to prevent sticking.
  • Flip: Turn food over while cooking.
  • Stir: Move a spoon or whisk in a circular motion.

Sequencing Words

  • First: To introduce the first step.
  • Next: To move to the second step.
  • Then: To continue the sequence.
  • After that: To introduce another action.
  • Finally: To describe the last step.

Descriptive Phrases

  • “A pinch of…”: A small amount, typically used for salt or spices.
  • “About 1/4 cup”: To estimate measurements.
  • “Until smooth”: Describes the texture of the batter or mixture.
  • “Over medium heat”: Describes cooking temperature.
  • “Until you see bubbles”: Visual cue for cooking.

Phrases to Engage the Audience

  • “Let’s get started!”
  • “Here’s what you’ll need…”
  • “Now, let’s move on to the next step…”
  • “I hope you enjoy it!”

Checklist for Success:

Before submitting, ask yourself:

  • Did I introduce the dish clearly?
  • Did I list all the ingredients and quantities?
  • Did I use sequencing words to explain the steps?
  • Did I speak clearly and confidently?
  • Did I use correct grammar and vocabulary?