The IELTS Speaking test is a face-to-face interview with an examiner that lasts between 11-14 minutes. The test evaluates your ability to communicate effectively in English by assessing fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, and pronunciation. One common topic is describing recent health or fitness trends, which test takers should handle skillfully to score high marks. Questions on this topic are likely to appear, given the increasing public focus on health and wellness.
In this guide, we’ll discuss how to tackle such questions in the IELTS Speaking test, offering sample questions and answers to help you ace every part of the test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Typical Part 1 Questions
- What do you do to stay healthy?
- How important is exercise in your daily routine?
- Are there any recent fitness trends you have tried or heard about?
Sample Question & Answer
Question: What do you do to stay healthy?
Answer: To stay healthy, I incorporate a balanced diet and regular exercise into my daily routine. I prioritize eating a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables and avoid processed foods. Additionally, I make it a point to engage in at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise daily, such as running or swimming. This combination helps me maintain both my physical and mental well-being.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe A Recent Health Or Fitness Trend. You should say:
- What it is
- How you learned about it
- Why it interests you
- And explain what benefits it has brought to you or others
Sample Answer
A recent health trend that has captured my interest is intermittent fasting. Basically, it involves cycling between periods of eating and fasting. I first learned about this trend through a podcast by a well-known health expert who explained its potential benefits.
Intermittent fasting interests me because it simplifies meal planning and has been touted for its ability to enhance mental clarity and support weight management. By restricting eating to a specific window of 8 hours a day, I have found that I feel more energetic and less sluggish compared to when I was eating throughout the day. Moreover, recent research suggests that intermittent fasting can also enhance metabolic health, reduce inflammation, and promote longevity.
Not only has this trend positively impacted my life, but friends who have adopted it report similar benefits, such as better digestion and improved energy levels. It’s a practical, sustainable approach to health that doesn’t require drastic changes but offers numerous holistic benefits.
Follow-Up Bullet Points
- How can intermittent fasting be integrated into a busy lifestyle?
- Are there any potential drawbacks of intermittent fasting?
- How does intermittent fasting compare to other diet trends?
Suggested Answers:
- Integration: Intermittent fasting can be easily integrated into a busy lifestyle by syncing the eating window with your daily schedule. For instance, you might choose to eat between noon and 8 PM, allowing you to skip breakfast but still have time for lunch and dinner.
- Drawbacks: Potential drawbacks include feelings of hunger and possible nutrient deficiencies if not managed properly. Some people might also experience low energy during the fasting periods.
- Comparison: Compared to other diet trends, intermittent fasting is less restrictive in food choices but focuses more on when you eat rather than what you eat, which can make it easier to stick to in the long term.
Part 3: Two-Way Discussion
Examiner Questions
- What impact do you think the media has on health trends?
- Do you believe that fitness trends are generally beneficial or just a passing fad?
- How do socioeconomic factors influence the adoption of health trends?
Sample Answer
Examiner: What impact do you think the media has on health trends?
Candidate: The media plays a significant role in shaping health trends by influencing public opinion and behaviors. Through social media, blogs, and health-related shows, the media can popularize certain trends, making them seem accessible and attractive to a broad audience. This can be beneficial when the trend promotes healthy practices, but the media’s influence can also propagate misinformation and create undue pressure to conform to specific ideals.
Examiner: Do you believe that fitness trends are generally beneficial or just a passing fad?
Candidate: While some fitness trends may be temporary, many are based on scientific research and genuine health benefits, making them more than just fads. For example, the popularity of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and yoga has lasted for years due to their proven effectiveness in improving cardiovascular health and flexibility. However, it is essential for individuals to critically assess these trends and consult professionals before adopting new fitness routines.
Essential Vocabulary and Phrases
incorporate /ɪnˈkɔːrpəreɪt/: to include something as part of a larger whole.
prioritize /praɪˈɔːrətaɪz/: to put something in an order according to its importance.
simplifies /ˈsɪmplɪfaɪz/: makes something less complicated or easier to understand.
restricting /rɪˈstrɪktɪŋ/: limiting or controlling something.
energetic /ˌɛnərˈdʒɛtɪk/: showing or involving great activity or vitality.
Example Sentences
- It’s crucial to incorporate regular exercise into your daily routine.
- I always prioritize my mental health by setting aside time for meditation.
- This app simplifies meal planning by offering healthy, easy-to-cook recipes.
- Restricting screen time before bed can improve your sleep quality.
- After a good workout, I feel more energetic and ready to tackle the day.
Examiner Advice on Preparation
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, you need to practice speaking with clarity and confidence. Learn to develop your answers by providing reasons, examples, and extend them comfortably. Use a wide range of vocabulary and structures to showcase your language ability. Practice daily with a study partner or record yourself to evaluate fluency and coherence. Consistent practice will improve your performance and help you achieve a high band score.
Health and Fitness Trends
By investing time in preparation and utilizing these strategies, you can effectively navigate the IELTS Speaking test and achieve your desired band score.
