In IELTS Speaking, candidates are often asked to discuss personal experiences and changes in their lives. One common topic is describing a lifestyle change made for health reasons. This article will provide you with valuable tips and sample answers to help you excel in this part of the IELTS Speaking test.
Understanding the Topic
The topic “Describe a change you made in your lifestyle for health reasons” is a frequent subject in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess your ability to discuss personal experiences, explain reasons for changes, and describe the impacts of those changes. This topic is likely to remain relevant in future tests due to the growing global focus on health and wellness.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about your health habits and lifestyle. Here are some possible questions:
- Do you think you have a healthy lifestyle?
- What do you do to stay healthy?
- Have you made any changes to your lifestyle recently?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the third question:
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I have. Recently, I’ve made a conscious effort to incorporate more physical activity into my daily routine. I used to lead a rather sedentary lifestyle, spending most of my time sitting at a desk. However, I’ve started taking regular breaks to stretch and walk around, and I’ve also taken up jogging in the evenings. It’s been a significant change, but I’m already feeling the positive effects on my overall well-being.”
Part 2: Long Turn
In Part 2, you’ll be given a cue card related to the topic. Here’s a sample cue card:
Describe a change you made in your lifestyle for health reasons.
You should say:
- What the change was
- Why you decided to make this change
- How you implemented this change
- And explain how this change has affected your life
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“I’d like to talk about a significant change I made to my lifestyle for health reasons. The change I implemented was adopting a plant-based diet.
I decided to make this change after reading numerous scientific studies highlighting the health benefits of a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. I was particularly impressed by the research showing how this type of diet can lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
Implementing this change was a gradual process. I started by incrementally reducing my consumption of animal products while simultaneously increasing my intake of plant-based foods. I spent time researching new recipes and learning about plant-based nutrition to ensure I was meeting all my dietary needs.
This lifestyle change has had a profound impact on my life. Physically, I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my energy levels and overall health. My digestion has improved, and I’ve even lost some weight without actively trying. Mentally, I feel more aligned with my values regarding health and environmental sustainability. It’s been a challenging but rewarding journey, and I’m grateful for the positive changes it has brought to my life.”
Additional questions the examiner might ask:
- Did you face any challenges while making this change?
- Would you recommend this change to others?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Certainly, there were several challenges I encountered. The most significant was adapting to new cooking methods and finding suitable alternatives for my favorite dishes. It required a lot of experimentation and patience. However, these challenges ultimately made the experience more rewarding.
I would absolutely recommend this change to others, but with a caveat. It’s crucial to approach such a significant lifestyle change with proper research and gradual implementation. Everyone’s nutritional needs are different, so I’d advise consulting with a healthcare professional before making drastic dietary changes. That being said, even small steps towards a more plant-based diet can have substantial health benefits.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Examiner: Do you think people are more health-conscious now than in the past?
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe people are generally more health-conscious now compared to previous generations. This shift can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, there’s been a significant increase in health-related information available to the public through various media channels. Secondly, advances in medical research have heightened our awareness of the links between lifestyle choices and long-term health outcomes. Lastly, the rise of social media has created a culture where healthy living is often celebrated and promoted. However, it’s worth noting that while awareness has increased, it doesn’t always translate into action for everyone.”
Examiner: How do you think technology has influenced people’s health habits?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Technology has had a profound and multifaceted impact on people’s health habits. On one hand, it has significantly enhanced our ability to monitor and manage our health. Wearable devices and health apps allow us to track various metrics like steps taken, calories burned, and even sleep quality, providing unprecedented insights into our daily habits. This data-driven approach can motivate individuals to make healthier choices and set achievable goals.
Moreover, technology has democratized access to health information, allowing people to educate themselves about various health issues and prevention strategies. Online fitness classes and nutrition guides have made it easier for people to adopt healthier lifestyles from the comfort of their homes.
However, it’s a double-edged sword. The sedentary nature of many technological activities, such as binge-watching TV shows or spending hours on social media, can negatively impact physical and mental health. Additionally, the constant connectivity facilitated by technology can lead to increased stress levels and disrupt sleep patterns.
In conclusion, while technology offers numerous tools to improve health habits, it ultimately depends on how individuals choose to utilize these resources. The key lies in striking a balance and using technology as a tool to enhance, rather than replace, traditional health practices.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
Here are some key vocabulary items and phrases that can help you achieve a higher score:
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Conscious effort (noun phrase) – /ˈkɒnʃəs ˈefət/ – A deliberate attempt to do something
Example: “I made a conscious effort to eat more vegetables.” -
Sedentary lifestyle (noun phrase) – /ˈsedəntri ˈlaɪfstaɪl/ – A way of life that involves little physical activity
Example: “My sedentary lifestyle was negatively impacting my health.” -
Significant change (noun phrase) – /sɪɡˈnɪfɪkənt tʃeɪndʒ/ – An important or noticeable difference
Example: “Adopting a plant-based diet was a significant change in my life.” -
Gradual process (noun phrase) – /ˈɡrædʒuəl ˈprəʊses/ – A slow and steady progression
Example: “Changing my diet was a gradual process that took several months.” -
Profound impact (noun phrase) – /prəˈfaʊnd ˈɪmpækt/ – A deep and important effect
Example: “The lifestyle change had a profound impact on my overall well-being.” -
Align with values (verb phrase) – /əˈlaɪn wɪð ˈvæljuːz/ – To match or agree with one’s principles
Example: “My new diet aligns with my values regarding animal welfare and environmental sustainability.”
Tips from an IELTS Examiner
As an IELTS examiner, I recommend the following strategies to excel in the Speaking test:
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Practice regularly: Consistent practice is key to improving your speaking skills. Try to speak English daily, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
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Use a variety of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions naturally in your responses. This demonstrates language proficiency.
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Develop your ideas: Don’t just give short answers. Expand on your points and provide examples to support your arguments.
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Work on pronunciation and fluency: Clear pronunciation and natural speech rhythm can significantly impact your score. Record yourself speaking and listen for areas of improvement.
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Stay informed: Keep up with current events and global issues. This will help you discuss a wide range of topics confidently.
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Be authentic: While it’s important to use advanced language, make sure your responses reflect your true thoughts and experiences. Authenticity can make your answers more engaging and natural.
By following these tips and using the sample answers as inspiration, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle questions about lifestyle changes in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key is to express your ideas clearly and confidently while showcasing your English language skills.
For more tips on how to excel in other parts of the IELTS Speaking test, check out our articles on how to describe a person who has a positive influence on others and how to describe a time you achieved something important.