Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a Health and Fitness Expert

IELTS Speaking exams often include topics related to health, fitness, and lifestyle. One common question that candidates may encounter is to describe a person who is an expert in health and fitness. This topic allows you to showcase your vocabulary, fluency, and ability to provide detailed descriptions. Let’s explore how to effectively answer this question and achieve a high band score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask some general questions about health and fitness. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:

1. Do you exercise regularly?
2. What do you think are the benefits of staying fit?
3. How important is a healthy diet to you?

Let’s focus on the first question:

Examiner: Do you exercise regularly?

Sample answer (Band 6-7):
Yes, I try to exercise a few times a week. I usually go for a jog in the park near my house or do some basic workouts at home. It helps me stay active and feel more energetic.

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
Absolutely! I’m quite dedicated to my fitness routine. I make it a point to exercise at least five times a week, alternating between cardio sessions like running or cycling, and strength training at the gym. I find that maintaining a consistent exercise regimen not only keeps me physically fit but also significantly boosts my mental well-being and productivity.

Describe a place in your country where you go to exercise can be an excellent way to expand on this topic and showcase your ability to provide detailed descriptions.

Part 2: Long Turn

In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample cue card related to our main topic:

Describe a person who is an expert in health and fitness

You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What they do to maintain their expertise
- And explain why you consider them an expert in health and fitness

Sample answer (Band 6-7):

I’d like to talk about my friend Mark, who I consider an expert in health and fitness. I’ve known Mark since college, where we were in the same sports club. He’s always been passionate about fitness, but over the years, he’s really developed his knowledge and skills.

Mark works as a personal trainer at a local gym. He’s constantly updating his knowledge by attending workshops and fitness conferences. He also reads a lot of scientific articles about nutrition and exercise physiology.

I consider Mark an expert because he not only has theoretical knowledge but also applies it practically. He’s in great shape himself and has helped many clients achieve their fitness goals. He understands that health and fitness are not just about exercise, but also about proper nutrition and mental well-being.

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

I’d like to describe Sarah, a remarkable individual who I consider to be a true expert in the field of health and fitness. I first encountered Sarah when I attended one of her highly acclaimed wellness seminars about three years ago, and I’ve been following her work ever since.

Sarah is a certified nutritionist and personal trainer with over a decade of experience in the fitness industry. What sets her apart is her holistic approach to health and fitness. She doesn’t just focus on physical exercise; instead, she integrates aspects of nutrition, mental health, and even sleep hygiene into her programs.

To maintain her expertise, Sarah is perpetually engaged in professional development. She regularly participates in international health and fitness conferences, contributes to peer-reviewed journals, and even conducts her own research studies on exercise physiology and nutrition. Her dedication to staying at the cutting edge of her field is truly admirable.

I consider Sarah an expert for several reasons. Firstly, her credentials are impeccable, with multiple advanced degrees and certifications in nutrition and sports science. Secondly, her track record of helping clients achieve transformative results is well-documented and impressive. But perhaps most importantly, Sarah has a unique ability to distill complex scientific concepts into practical, actionable advice that people can easily incorporate into their daily lives.

What I find most inspiring about Sarah is her commitment to evidence-based practice. In a field often plagued by fad diets and pseudoscience, she stands out as a beacon of scientific integrity, always basing her recommendations on robust research and proven methodologies.

Fitness expert giving a presentation

Follow-up questions:

1. How has this person influenced your own approach to health and fitness?
2. What qualities do you think are essential for someone to be considered an expert in this field?

Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):

Sarah has had a profound impact on my own approach to health and fitness. Her emphasis on a holistic lifestyle has led me to reevaluate my habits beyond just exercise. I’ve become more mindful of my nutrition, prioritizing whole foods and balanced meals. Moreover, I’ve incorporated stress-reduction techniques like meditation into my daily routine, recognizing the intrinsic link between mental and physical well-being. Perhaps most significantly, Sarah’s evidence-based approach has taught me to be more discerning about health information, always seeking out credible sources and scientific backing for any new fitness trends or dietary advice I encounter.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this part, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some possible questions:

1. How has the perception of health and fitness changed in recent years?
2. What role should governments play in promoting public health?
3. Do you think social media influences people’s attitudes towards fitness?

Let’s focus on the third question:

Examiner: Do you think social media influences people’s attitudes towards fitness?

Sample answer (Band 6-7):
Yes, I think social media has a big impact on how people view fitness. Many people follow fitness influencers and try to copy their workouts or diets. This can be good because it motivates people to exercise, but it can also create unrealistic expectations about body image.

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
Absolutely, social media has become a powerful force in shaping people’s perceptions and attitudes towards fitness. Its influence is multifaceted and can be both beneficial and detrimental.

On the positive side, social media has democratized access to fitness information and inspiration. People can now easily find workout routines, nutritional advice, and motivational content at their fingertips. This accessibility has undoubtedly encouraged many individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles and pursue fitness goals they might not have considered otherwise.

However, the influence of social media on fitness attitudes also comes with significant drawbacks. The curated nature of social media content often presents an idealized and sometimes unrealistic portrayal of fitness. Heavily edited photos and videos can create unattainable standards of physical appearance, potentially leading to body image issues and unhealthy comparisons.

Moreover, the proliferation of unqualified influencers dispensing fitness advice raises concerns about the quality and safety of information being shared. Without proper vetting, followers might adopt practices that are ineffective or even harmful.

That being said, I believe the impact of social media on fitness attitudes is not inherently good or bad, but rather depends on how it’s used and interpreted. It’s crucial for individuals to approach fitness content on social media with a critical eye, seeking information from reputable sources and understanding that everyone’s fitness journey is unique.

In conclusion, while social media has undeniably amplified the conversation around fitness and health, it’s essential for users to cultivate media literacy and maintain a balanced perspective on the information they consume.

Social media influencing fitness attitudes

Describe a person who motivates you to improve yourself could be an interesting topic to explore further, especially in the context of fitness influencers and their impact on personal development.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

To achieve a high band score, it’s crucial to use a wide range of vocabulary accurately. Here are some key terms and phrases related to health and fitness:

1. Holistic approach /həʊˈlɪstɪk əˈprəʊtʃ/ (noun phrase): Considering all aspects of health, including physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
   Example: “The fitness expert takes a holistic approach, addressing nutrition, exercise, and stress management.”

2. Evidence-based /ˈevɪdəns beɪst/ (adjective): Based on or guided by scientific research and empirical data.
   Example: “Her fitness programs are evidence-based, incorporating the latest research findings.”

3. Cutting-edge /ˈkʌtɪŋ edʒ/ (adjective): The most advanced or innovative.
   Example: “The gym uses cutting-edge equipment to provide the best workout experience.”

4. Transformative /trænsˈfɔːmətɪv/ (adjective): Causing a major change in someone’s life or situation.
   Example: “Many clients reported transformative results after following the expert’s advice.”

5. Mindful /ˈmaɪndfʊl/ (adjective): Conscious or aware of something.
   Example: “She encourages her clients to be mindful of their eating habits and exercise routines.”

Describe a sport that you enjoy playing or watching can provide an excellent opportunity to use some of this fitness-related vocabulary in a different context.

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing health and fitness experts:

1. Use a range of descriptive vocabulary to paint a vivid picture of the expert’s qualities and achievements.
2. Provide specific examples to support your points, such as detailing their qualifications or describing particular methods they use.
3. Discuss the impact of their expertise, both on you personally and on a broader scale.
4. Show critical thinking by discussing both positive aspects and potential challenges in the field of health and fitness.
5. Practice speaking about various health and fitness topics to improve your fluency and confidence.

Remember, the key to a high band score is not just what you say, but how you say it. Aim for clear pronunciation, natural rhythm, and appropriate use of stress and intonation.

Describe a time when you adopted a new technology for personal use could be an interesting way to discuss fitness trackers or health apps, combining technology and health topics.

By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss health and fitness experts in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your preparation!

IELTS speaking practice session

Describe a person who has inspired you to stay active is another great topic that aligns well with discussing health and fitness experts, providing an opportunity to showcase your speaking skills in a related context.