Master IELTS Speaking: Describe an Activity You Do After Work or School

The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about daily routines and leisure activities. “Describe An Activity You Do After Work Or School” is a common topic that may appear in Part 2 or as a related question in Parts 1 and 3. This article will guide you through answering such questions effectively, providing sample answers for different band scores.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about your daily routine or leisure activities. Here are some possible questions and a sample answer:

1. What do you usually do after work/school?
2. Do you have any hobbies you enjoy in your free time?
3. How do you relax after a busy day?

Let’s focus on the first question:

Examiner: What do you usually do after work/school?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):

“After a long day at work, I typically unwind by going for a 30-minute jog in the park near my home. It’s a great way to clear my mind and get some exercise. Once I’m back, I usually spend some time catching up on my favorite TV series or reading a book, depending on my mood. I find these activities help me transition from work mode to relaxation mode quite effectively.”

In this answer, the candidate uses a variety of vocabulary related to relaxation and exercise, demonstrating good language use. The response is also well-structured and provides specific details about their after-work routine.

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card for the long turn section:

Describe an activity you do after work or school

You should say:
- What the activity is
- When and where you do it
- Who you do it with, if anyone
- Why you enjoy doing this activity

Sample answer (Band 6-7):

“I’d like to talk about an activity I often do after work, which is cooking. I usually cook dinner for myself and sometimes for my roommate around 7 PM in our shared apartment kitchen.

Cooking is something I really enjoy because it helps me relax after a busy day at the office. It’s a great way to be creative and experiment with different ingredients and recipes. I find chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients to be quite therapeutic, and it allows me to focus on something other than work.

I usually cook alone, but occasionally my roommate joins me, and we chat while preparing the meal together. It’s a nice way to catch up on each other’s day.

I enjoy this activity because it not only provides me with a delicious meal but also gives me a sense of accomplishment. There’s something very satisfying about creating a tasty dish from scratch. Plus, it’s healthier and more economical than eating out all the time.

Cooking also allows me to express myself through food and share my creations with friends when I invite them over for dinner. It’s become a hobby that I look forward to at the end of each workday.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to describe an activity that has become an integral part of my post-work routine: cultivating a small herb garden on my apartment balcony. This therapeutic pursuit typically begins around 6:30 PM, just as the sun starts to set, casting a warm glow over my urban oasis.

While I predominantly tend to my plants solo, I occasionally enlist the help of my neighbor, an avid horticulturist, who shares my passion for greenery. Together, we exchange tips and tricks on nurturing various herbs, from fragrant basil to zesty cilantro.

This activity is far more than just a hobby; it’s a form of active meditation that allows me to decompress after a demanding day at work. The act of caring for these living things – watering them, pruning their leaves, and monitoring their growth – provides a sense of purpose and continuity that I find incredibly grounding.

What I find particularly captivating about this pursuit is its multifaceted nature. Not only does it serve as a stress-buster, but it also contributes to my culinary adventures. There’s an unparalleled satisfaction in harvesting fresh herbs for my evening meals, knowing that I’ve played a role in their journey from seed to plate.

Moreover, this activity has heightened my awareness of the natural world and the delicate balance required to sustain life. It’s a daily reminder of the importance of patience, consistency, and care – lessons that I find applicable to many aspects of life.

In essence, this after-work ritual of tending to my herb garden has become a microcosm of personal growth, culinary exploration, and environmental stewardship – all contained within the confines of my modest balcony.”

Urban herb garden on apartment balcony

Follow-up questions:

1. How long have you been doing this activity?
2. Has this activity influenced other aspects of your life?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):

“I’ve been nurturing my herb garden for about two years now. It started as a small experiment with just a couple of plants, but it has grown into a real passion of mine.

This activity has definitely had a positive impact on other areas of my life. For one, it’s improved my cooking skills significantly as I now have access to fresh herbs whenever I need them. It’s also made me more environmentally conscious. I’ve become more aware of the importance of sustainability and have started to implement eco-friendly practices in other aspects of my daily routine. Moreover, the patience and care required for gardening have translated into improved focus and attention to detail in my professional life.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

Examiner: Do you think people nowadays have enough time for after-work activities?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):

“That’s an interesting question. I believe the answer varies depending on individual circumstances and societal norms. In many fast-paced urban environments, people often struggle to find time for leisure activities due to long working hours and commutes. This work-life imbalance can lead to stress and burnout.

However, there’s also a growing awareness of the importance of personal time and self-care. Many companies are now implementing flexible working hours or remote work options, which can free up time for after-work activities. Additionally, the rise of the gig economy has allowed some people to have more control over their schedules.

That said, I think many individuals still need to make a conscious effort to carve out time for activities they enjoy. It often comes down to prioritizing and effective time management. While it may be challenging, engaging in after-work activities is crucial for maintaining mental health and overall well-being.”

Examiner: How do you think technology has affected people’s after-work activities?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“Technology has had a profound and multifaceted impact on how people spend their time after work. On one hand, it has opened up a plethora of opportunities for leisure and personal development. Online courses, virtual fitness classes, and digital art platforms have made it possible for people to pursue hobbies and learn new skills from the comfort of their homes. This accessibility has democratized many activities that were once limited by geographical or financial constraints.

Moreover, technology has facilitated social connections, allowing people to engage in group activities or maintain relationships even when physical meetups aren’t possible. This has been particularly evident during the recent global pandemic, where virtual book clubs, online gaming sessions, and video call gatherings became the norm.

However, there’s also a flip side to this technological influence. The ubiquity of smartphones and constant connectivity has led to what some experts call the ‘always-on culture‘. Many people find it difficult to disconnect from work, with emails and messages blurring the lines between professional and personal time. This can encroach on the time available for after-work activities and relaxation.

Additionally, the addictive nature of social media and streaming services can sometimes lead to passive consumption rather than active engagement in hobbies or physical activities. There’s a risk of people substituting real-world experiences with digital alternatives, which may not provide the same benefits in terms of physical health and tangible skill development.

In conclusion, while technology has undoubtedly expanded the horizons of after-work activities, it also presents challenges in terms of maintaining a healthy balance. The key lies in harnessing the benefits of technology while being mindful of its potential drawbacks, ensuring that it enhances rather than detracts from our leisure time.”

Technology's impact on leisure activities

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

To score high in your IELTS Speaking test, use a variety of advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions. Here are some key terms related to after-work activities:

1. Unwind /ʌnˈwaɪnd/ (verb): to relax after a period of work or tension
   Example: “I like to unwind by listening to soothing music after a hectic day.”

2. Therapeutic /ˌθerəˈpjuːtɪk/ (adjective): having a good effect on the body or mind
   Example: “Gardening can be very therapeutic, helping to reduce stress and anxiety.”

3. Cultivate /ˈkʌltɪveɪt/ (verb): to try to acquire or develop a quality or skill
   Example: “Through my after-work activities, I’m trying to cultivate a more balanced lifestyle.”

4. Decompress /ˌdiːkəmˈpres/ (verb): to relax or reduce pressure
   Example: “I need some time to decompress after dealing with difficult clients all day.”

5. Microcosm /ˈmaɪkrəkɒzəm/ (noun): a situation or place that represents a larger situation or the world in general
   Example: “My herb garden is a microcosm of the larger ecosystem, teaching me about the delicate balance of nature.”

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when describing an activity you do after work or school:

1. Be specific: Provide detailed information about your activity, including when, where, and how you do it.
2. Use varied vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases related to leisure, relaxation, and personal interests.
3. Speak fluently: Practice speaking about your hobbies to improve your fluency and confidence.
4. Show enthusiasm: Demonstrate genuine interest in your chosen activity through your tone and expressions.
5. Make connections: Relate your activity to broader themes like work-life balance, personal growth, or societal trends.

Remember, the key to a high score is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Practice regularly, record yourself, and listen back to identify areas for improvement.

For more IELTS Speaking practice, you might want to describe your favorite sport or describe a place where you often go for exercise. These topics can help you develop a wider range of vocabulary and ideas related to activities and personal interests.

IELTS Speaking practice session

By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss your after-work activities confidently in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the goal is to demonstrate your English language skills while sharing authentic experiences and opinions. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!