Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a Time When You Had to Change Your Routine

The topic of describing a time when you had to change your routine is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess candidates’ ability to discuss personal experiences, adaptability, and time management skills. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s explore how to excel in answering questions related to this theme across all parts of the IELTS Speaking exam.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask questions about your daily routine and how you handle changes. Here are some potential questions and a sample answer:

Examiner: Do you like following a routine?

Candidate (Band 8-9 response): “Generally speaking, I find routines quite beneficial. They provide structure to my day and help me stay organized. However, I also believe in maintaining flexibility. While I appreciate the efficiency of a well-established routine, I’m not averse to making changes when necessary. It’s all about striking a balance between consistency and adaptability.”

IELTS Speaking examiner asking about routine

Part 2: Long Turn

For this section, let’s consider a sample cue card related to the theme:

Describe A Time When You Had To Change Your Routine. You should say:

• What your routine was
• Why you had to change it
• How you felt about the change
• Whether the change was beneficial

Here’s a sample response for Band 8-9:

“I’d like to talk about a significant change in my routine that occurred last year when I transitioned from being a full-time student to working remotely. My previous routine was fairly structured, with classes from 9 AM to 3 PM, followed by study sessions in the library until early evening. However, this well-established pattern was disrupted when I landed my first job, which required me to work from home.

The primary reason for this change was the shift in my responsibilities. As a remote worker, I needed to adapt to a different schedule and work environment. Initially, I felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. The prospect of professional growth was thrilling, but I was concerned about maintaining productivity without the familiar structure of university life.

To my surprise, the change proved to be incredibly beneficial. It forced me to develop better self-discipline and time management skills. I learned to create a more flexible routine that accommodated both work commitments and personal development. This adaptability has been invaluable, enhancing my efficiency and work-life balance.

In retrospect, this change was a catalyst for personal growth. It taught me the importance of being adaptable and the value of embracing new challenges. The experience has made me more resilient and better prepared for future changes in both my professional and personal life.”

Candidate describing a change in routine

Follow-up questions:

Examiner: How do you think people can become more adaptable to changes in their routines?

Candidate (Band 8-9 response): “I believe that cultivating a growth mindset is crucial for adapting to changes. This involves viewing challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles. Practicing mindfulness can also be beneficial, as it helps individuals stay present and respond thoughtfully to new situations. Additionally, regularly stepping out of one’s comfort zone, even in small ways, can build the ‘adaptability muscle’. For instance, trying new activities or altering daily habits occasionally can make larger routine changes feel less daunting.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: How do you think technology has affected people’s daily routines?

Candidate (Band 8-9 response): “Technology has had a profound impact on daily routines, both positively and negatively. On the one hand, it has enhanced efficiency and flexibility in many aspects of life. For instance, remote work technologies have allowed people to create more personalized schedules, potentially improving work-life balance. Smart home devices have streamlined household chores, freeing up time for other activities.

However, there’s also a flip side. The constant connectivity enabled by smartphones and social media can be disruptive to established routines. Many people find themselves checking devices compulsively, which can fragment attention and reduce productivity. Moreover, the blurring of boundaries between work and personal life due to always-on communication can lead to difficulties in maintaining a healthy routine.

Ultimately, I believe the key lies in mindful use of technology. When leveraged wisely, it can significantly enhance our routines and overall quality of life. But it’s crucial to set boundaries and use tech tools intentionally rather than letting them dictate our schedules.”

Technology's impact on daily routines

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To enhance your IELTS Speaking performance when discussing changes in routines, consider using these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:

1. Adaptability /əˌdæptəˈbɪləti/ (noun): The quality of being able to adjust to new conditions.
   Example: “My adaptability allowed me to thrive in the new work environment.”

2. Disrupt /dɪsˈrʌpt/ (verb): To interrupt an event, activity, or process.
   Example: “The pandemic disrupted our normal office routines.”

3. Catalyst /ˈkætəlɪst/ (noun): A person or thing that precipitates an event or change.
   Example: “The new job was a catalyst for improving my time management skills.”

4. Resilience /rɪˈzɪliəns/ (noun): The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.
   Example: “Developing resilience is crucial when facing routine changes.”

5. Cultivate /ˈkʌltɪveɪt/ (verb): To try to acquire or develop a quality or skill.
   Example: “I tried to cultivate a more flexible approach to my daily schedule.”

6. Mindfulness /ˈmaɪndfəlnəs/ (noun): The practice of being aware of your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings.
   Example: “Practicing mindfulness helped me adapt to my new routine more easily.”

7. Streamline /ˈstriːmlaɪn/ (verb): To make a system or organization more efficient and effective.
   Example: “I streamlined my morning routine to save time for other activities.”

8. Paradigm shift /ˈpærədaɪm ʃɪft/ (noun): A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
   Example: “Working from home required a paradigm shift in how I structured my day.”

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing changes in routines:

1. Use a variety of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases relevant to the topic of routines and changes.

2. Provide specific examples: When describing your experiences, offer concrete details to make your answers more engaging and authentic.

3. Demonstrate critical thinking: In Part 3, analyze the broader implications of routine changes in society, showing depth in your responses.

4. Maintain fluency: Practice speaking on this topic to ensure smooth delivery without long pauses or hesitations.

5. Show flexibility in language use: Adapt your language to different questions, showcasing your ability to discuss both personal experiences and abstract concepts.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Practice regularly, record yourself, and seek feedback to continually improve your performance.

To further enhance your IELTS preparation, you might find it helpful to explore related topics such as describing a famous festival in your culture or describing a cultural event you attended in another country. These topics can provide additional context for discussing changes in routines and cultural experiences.