The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about daily routines and memorable experiences. One common topic that frequently appears is describing a day when you did something different from your usual routine. This topic allows examiners to assess your ability to narrate past events, express personal opinions, and use a variety of vocabulary and grammatical structures. Let’s explore how to approach this topic effectively to achieve a high band score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask some general questions about your daily routine before delving into the main topic. Here are some potential questions you might encounter:

1. Do you have a daily routine?
2. What does your typical day look like?
3. Do you enjoy following a routine?
4. How often do you do something different from your usual routine?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the last question:

Examiner: How often do you do something different from your usual routine?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Well, I’d say I try to shake things up every now and then, perhaps once or twice a month. While I do appreciate the structure and efficiency of a routine, I also believe it’s important to inject some spontaneity into life occasionally. It could be something as simple as trying out a new restaurant for lunch instead of eating at my usual spot, or perhaps taking a different route to work. These small changes help keep things interesting and prevent me from falling into a monotonous rut.”

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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 Day When You Did Something Different From Your Routine

You should say:
- What you did
- When you did it
- Why you decided to do something different
- And explain how you felt about this experience

IELTS Speaking Cue Card: Describing a Different Routine

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):

“I’d like to talk about a day last summer when I decided to break away from my usual routine and do something completely different. Instead of going to work as I normally would, I took a day off and went on a spontaneous road trip to a nearby coastal town.

I woke up early that day, around 5 AM, which was quite unusual for me. I packed a small bag, got in my car, and just started driving. The reason I decided to do this was that I had been feeling a bit stressed and overwhelmed with work lately, and I felt like I needed a change of scenery to refresh my mind.

The experience was really invigorating. I enjoyed the freedom of driving without a specific destination in mind, stopping at interesting places along the way. I visited a small lighthouse, had lunch at a quaint seafood restaurant, and even tried my hand at surfing for the first time.

Overall, I felt really rejuvenated by this break from my routine. It reminded me of the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone occasionally and embracing new experiences. The day left me feeling energized and ready to face my regular responsibilities with a fresh perspective.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to recount a day last autumn when I deliberately deviated from my usual routine and embarked on an impromptu adventure. On a whim, I decided to forgo my typical workday and instead partake in a local community service project I had recently heard about.

This uncharacteristic decision was made on a Wednesday morning. I had been grappling with a sense of monotony and a desire to contribute more meaningfully to my community. When I learned about a volunteer opportunity to help restore a historical building in my city, I felt compelled to seize the moment and step outside my comfort zone.

The experience was nothing short of transformative. I found myself working alongside a diverse group of individuals, each bringing their unique skills and perspectives to the project. We worked tirelessly, scraping old paint, repairing woodwork, and learning about the building’s rich history from local experts.

This departure from my routine left me feeling invigorated and profoundly fulfilled. The physical labor was a welcome change from my desk job, and the sense of camaraderie that developed among the volunteers was truly heartening. Moreover, witnessing the tangible impact of our collective efforts on the building’s restoration was incredibly rewarding.

This experience served as a poignant reminder of the value in occasionally disrupting our routines. It rekindled my passion for community engagement and highlighted the unexpected joy and personal growth that can arise from embracing new experiences. The day left an indelible mark on me, inspiring me to seek out similar opportunities and maintain a better balance between my professional obligations and community involvement.”

Follow-up Questions:

1. Do you think it’s important to have variety in our daily lives?
2. How can breaking routine occasionally benefit a person?
3. Are there any potential drawbacks to frequently changing one’s routine?

Sample Answer for Question 2 (Band 8-9):

“Breaking routine occasionally can yield numerous benefits for an individual. Firstly, it stimulates cognitive function by exposing the brain to new experiences and challenges, which can enhance creativity and problem-solving skills. Secondly, it can serve as a powerful stress-relief mechanism, providing a much-needed respite from the pressures of daily life and helping to prevent burnout. Additionally, stepping out of one’s comfort zone can foster personal growth and self-discovery, allowing individuals to uncover hidden talents or interests they may not have explored otherwise. Moreover, occasional breaks from routine can reinvigorate one’s appreciation for their regular activities, leading to increased productivity and satisfaction when returning to normal schedules. Lastly, these departures from the norm can create lasting memories and experiences that enrich one’s life narrative, contributing to a sense of fulfillment and well-roundedness.”

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Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

Examiner: Do you think modern society places too much emphasis on routines?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“That’s an interesting question. I believe there’s a delicate balance to strike here. On one hand, routines are essential for productivity and maintaining order in our lives. They help us manage our time effectively and ensure we meet our responsibilities. However, I do think that in many aspects of modern society, particularly in the corporate world, there’s an excessive focus on rigid schedules and predictable patterns. This can sometimes stifle creativity and personal growth.

I feel that while routines are important, there should also be room for flexibility and spontaneity. Companies that allow for flexible working hours or encourage employees to take ‘innovation days’ often see increased productivity and job satisfaction. Similarly, in education, while structure is necessary, incorporating varied learning experiences and encouraging students to explore their interests can lead to more well-rounded individuals.

So, to answer your question, yes, I do think there’s sometimes too much emphasis on routines in modern society. However, I believe we’re seeing a gradual shift towards recognizing the value of balance between structure and flexibility.”

Examiner: How do you think technology has affected our daily routines?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Technology has undeniably had a profound and multifaceted impact on our daily routines. On one hand, it has streamlined many aspects of our lives, making certain tasks more efficient and less time-consuming. For instance, smart home devices can automate mundane chores like adjusting thermostats or turning off lights, while productivity apps help us manage our schedules more effectively.

However, technology has also blurred the lines between work and personal life, often extending our working hours beyond traditional boundaries. The constant connectivity facilitated by smartphones means that many people find it challenging to ‘switch off’ from work, potentially leading to increased stress and burnout.

Moreover, social media and digital entertainment have dramatically altered our leisure routines. While these platforms offer unprecedented access to information and social connection, they can also be highly addictive, sometimes at the expense of more active or interpersonal pursuits.

On a broader scale, technology has revolutionized entire industries, changing the very nature of work for millions. Remote work capabilities, for example, have transformed daily commutes and office dynamics for many professionals.

It’s worth noting that technology’s impact isn’t uniformly positive or negative – its effects largely depend on how we choose to integrate it into our lives. While it offers tremendous potential for enhancing our routines, it also requires mindful usage to ensure it serves as a tool for improvement rather than a source of distraction or stress.

In conclusion, I believe technology has fundamentally reshaped our daily routines, offering both significant benefits and challenges. The key lies in harnessing its advantages while being cognizant of its potential pitfalls, striving for a balanced approach that enhances rather than dominates our daily lives.”

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Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To achieve a high band score, it’s crucial to use a variety of sophisticated vocabulary and phrases. Here are some examples that can elevate your speaking:

1. Deviate from routine /ˈdiːvieɪt frəm ruːˈtiːn/ (phrasal verb): To do something different from what you usually do.
   Example: “I decided to deviate from my routine by taking a different route to work.”

2. Spontaneity /spɒntəˈneɪəti/ (noun): The quality of being natural and unconstrained; acting on sudden impulses.
   Example: “Introducing more spontaneity into my life has made it more exciting and unpredictable.”

3. Mundane /mʌnˈdeɪn/ (adjective): Lacking interest or excitement; dull.
   Example: “Breaking away from my mundane daily routine was refreshing.”

4. Invigorate /ɪnˈvɪɡəreɪt/ (verb): To give strength or energy to.
   Example: “The change in routine invigorated me and boosted my productivity.”

5. Paradigm shift /ˈpærədaɪm ʃɪft/ (noun): A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
   Example: “Altering my daily routine led to a paradigm shift in how I viewed work-life balance.”

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Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing changes to your routine:

1. Practice narrating past events: Develop your ability to recount experiences coherently and engagingly.

2. Expand your vocabulary: Learn and use a variety of descriptive words and idiomatic expressions related to routines and changes.

3. Work on fluency: Aim to speak smoothly without long pauses. Regular practice can help improve this.

4. Develop your ideas: Don’t just state facts; explain your thoughts and feelings about the experience.

5. Use a range of grammatical structures: Incorporate complex sentences and different tenses to demonstrate your language proficiency.

6. Be genuine: While it’s good to prepare, make sure your responses sound natural and personal to you.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, clarity, and the ability to express your ideas fluently are crucial factors in achieving a high band score.

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IELTS Speaking Test Preparation

By following these guidelines and incorporating sophisticated vocabulary and structures into your responses, you’ll be well-equipped to excel in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a day when you did something different from your routine.