In recent IELTS Speaking tests, examiners have frequently asked candidates to describe a habit they recently changed. This topic allows test-takers to showcase their ability to reflect on personal experiences and articulate changes in their lives. As an IELTS Speaking examiner, I’ll provide you with valuable insights on how to excel in this task, complete with sample answers and analysis.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about habits. Here are a few examples:

1. Do you have any habits you’d like to change?
2. How easy is it for you to form new habits?
3. What do you think is the best way to break a bad habit?

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

Examiner: Do you have any habits you’d like to change?

Candidate (Band 8-9 response): Well, to be honest, I’ve been trying to cut down on my social media usage lately. I’ve come to realize that I spend an excessive amount of time scrolling through various platforms, which can be quite unproductive. I’m making a conscious effort to limit my screen time and focus on more enriching activities, such as reading or pursuing my hobbies.

Analysis: This response demonstrates a high level of fluency and vocabulary usage. The candidate uses idiomatic expressions like “cut down on” and “making a conscious effort,” which are indicative of advanced language skills. The answer is also well-structured and provides specific details about the habit and the reasons for wanting to change it.

Part 2: Long Turn

Now, let’s move on to the cue card task. Here’s a sample cue card related to our topic:

Describe A Habit You Recently Changed

You should say:
- What the habit was
- Why you decided to change it
- How you changed it
- And explain how you feel about the change

IELTS Speaking Cue Card Sample

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

Band 8-9 Response:

“I’d like to talk about a habit I recently changed, which was my tendency to procrastinate on important tasks. This habit had been plaguing me for quite some time, and I finally decided to address it head-on.

The main reason I decided to change this habit was that it was significantly impacting my productivity and causing unnecessary stress. I found myself constantly rushing to meet deadlines and not producing my best work as a result. It was clear that this behavior was holding me back both professionally and personally.

To change this habit, I implemented a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, I started using the Pomodoro Technique, which involves working in focused 25-minute intervals followed by short breaks. This helped me break down overwhelming tasks into manageable chunks. Additionally, I began using a digital planner to prioritize my tasks and set realistic deadlines. I also made a conscious effort to eliminate distractions by turning off notifications on my phone during work hours.

The change has been truly transformative. I feel much more in control of my time and tasks, and my stress levels have decreased significantly. My work quality has improved, and I find myself with more free time to pursue other interests. While it’s still a work in progress, I’m immensely satisfied with the positive impact this change has had on my life. It’s been a valuable lesson in the power of self-discipline and the importance of cultivating good habits.”

Analysis: This response effectively addresses all points in the cue card. The candidate uses a wide range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures. Phrases like “plaguing me,” “address it head-on,” and “multi-faceted approach” demonstrate advanced language use. The answer is well-organized, with clear transitions between ideas and a thoughtful reflection on the impact of the change.

Describe a book you read and found useful is another common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. The skills used in describing a changed habit can also be applied when discussing influential books.

Follow-up Questions

After your long turn, the examiner might ask you some follow-up questions. Here are a few examples with sample answers:

Examiner: Do you think it’s easier to form good habits or break bad ones?

Candidate (Band 8-9 response): In my experience, forming good habits tends to be more achievable than breaking bad ones. When we cultivate positive behaviors, we often see immediate benefits, which can be highly motivating. For instance, starting a regular exercise routine quickly leads to improved energy levels and mood. On the other hand, breaking bad habits often requires overcoming deeply ingrained patterns, which can be more challenging and time-consuming. That said, I believe the key to success in both cases lies in consistency and a strong commitment to personal growth.

Examiner: How do you think technology affects our habits?

Candidate (Band 8-9 response): Technology has a profound impact on our habits, both positively and negatively. On the one hand, it offers numerous tools and apps that can help us track and reinforce positive behaviors, such as fitness trackers or meditation apps. However, it can also facilitate the formation of detrimental habits, like excessive social media use or binge-watching. The constant connectivity provided by smartphones, for example, can make it difficult to disconnect and focus on important tasks. Ultimately, I believe it’s crucial to be mindful of our technology usage and harness its potential to support beneficial habits while mitigating its negative effects.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to habits and personal change. Here are some example questions and responses:

Examiner: Why do you think some people find it difficult to change their habits?

Candidate (Band 8-9 response): There are several reasons why people might struggle to change their habits. Firstly, habits are often deeply ingrained in our neural pathways, making them automatic and challenging to alter. Additionally, many individuals may lack the necessary motivation or clear goals to drive change. Fear of the unknown or comfort with the status quo can also be significant barriers. Furthermore, our environment and social circles can reinforce existing habits, making it difficult to break free from them. Lastly, some people may not have developed the self-awareness or tools required to effectively identify and modify their behaviors.

Examiner: How do societal expectations influence personal habits?

Candidate (Band 8-9 response): Societal expectations play a substantial role in shaping personal habits. They often act as a benchmark against which individuals measure themselves, influencing behavior across various aspects of life. For instance, societal norms around work ethic might encourage habits of punctuality and diligence. Similarly, cultural expectations regarding health and appearance can drive habits related to diet and exercise. However, these influences can also be detrimental, leading to harmful habits like overworking or excessive social media use to maintain a certain image. It’s crucial for individuals to strike a balance between meeting societal expectations and cultivating habits that align with their personal values and well-being.

Describe a software or app that you often use is another topic that often comes up in IELTS Speaking tests, which can be related to habit-changing apps or productivity tools.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, it’s essential to use a range of advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions. Here are some key terms and phrases related to habits and personal change:

1. Ingrained /ɪnˈɡreɪnd/ (adjective): Firmly established; difficult to change.
   Example: “Breaking ingrained habits requires consistent effort and patience.”

2. To cultivate /ˈkʌltɪveɪt/ (verb): To develop or acquire.
   Example: “I’m trying to cultivate a habit of daily meditation.”

3. Paradigm shift /ˈpærədaɪm ʃɪft/ (noun): A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
   Example: “Changing my sleep habits required a paradigm shift in how I viewed productivity.”

4. To fall back into old patterns (idiom): To return to previous, often undesirable, habits.
   Example: “During stressful times, it’s easy to fall back into old patterns of behavior.”

5. To turn over a new leaf (idiom): To make a fresh start or adopt a new and improved way of behaving.
   Example: “After realizing the negative impact of my procrastination, I decided to turn over a new leaf.”

Describe a time when you learned something by watching a video is another topic where you can apply these vocabulary terms and phrases to discuss learning new habits or skills.

Examiner’s Advice

As an IELTS Speaking examiner, I recommend the following strategies to excel in describing a habit you recently changed:

1. Be specific: Provide concrete details about your habit change, including the steps you took and the results you observed.

2. Use a variety of tenses: Incorporate past, present, and future tenses to discuss your habit change comprehensively.

3. Demonstrate self-reflection: Show that you’ve thought deeply about your habits and their impact on your life.

4. Use advanced connectors: Employ phrases like “as a result,” “consequently,” and “in light of” to link your ideas smoothly.

5. Practice extensively: Regularly describe various habits and changes to friends or language partners to improve your fluency and confidence.

IELTS Speaking Practice Tips

By following these guidelines and incorporating advanced vocabulary and structures, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss habit changes and other personal topics in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key to success lies in consistent practice and a willingness to reflect on and articulate your experiences.

Describe a person who prefers to travel by plane and describe a piece of local news that affected you are other topics where you can apply these speaking strategies to showcase your English proficiency.