IELTS Speaking test interaction between examiner and candidate
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions examiners ask about habits:
- Do you have any habits you’d like to change?
- What habits do you think are important for success?
- How easy is it to form new habits?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Well, I believe developing good habits is crucial for personal growth. Recently, I’ve been working on improving my time management skills by implementing a structured daily routine. It wasn’t easy at first, but through consistent effort and determination, I’ve managed to make significant progress.”
Part 2: Cue Card
Describe a habit you recently decided to change
You should say:
- What the habit was
- Why you decided to change it
- How you changed it
- And explain if this change was successful
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about how I transformed my social media usage habits, which was a significant change I implemented about three months ago. I had fallen into the pattern of mindlessly scrolling through social media platforms for hours, particularly during my productive morning hours.
The turning point came when I realized this habit was severely impacting my productivity and mental well-being. I found myself constantly comparing my life to others and feeling anxious about missing out on things.
To address this, I adopted a systematic approach to changing this habit. First, I installed screen time tracking apps and set strict daily limits. I also established a morning routine that specifically excluded phone usage for the first two hours after waking up. Instead, I channeled that energy into reading and exercise.
The results have been remarkably positive. I’ve reclaimed countless hours of my day and noticed a significant improvement in my focus and mental clarity. This experience has taught me that breaking destructive habits, while challenging, is absolutely achievable with the right mindset and strategy.”
Person implementing positive lifestyle changes
Similar to how people work on their habits, you might be interested in describe a skill you have improved recently.
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I want to talk about changing my habit of staying up late. I used to go to bed very late, usually after midnight, because I liked watching videos online. This made me tired in the morning and affected my work.
I decided to change because I was always feeling sleepy during the day. To change this habit, I set an alarm to remind me to go to bed at 10:30 PM and stopped using my phone one hour before sleeping.
It worked quite well. Now I can wake up earlier and feel more energetic. Sometimes I still stay up late on weekends, but generally, I keep to my new schedule.”
Part 3: Discussion Questions
- Why do people find it difficult to break bad habits?
Band 8-9 Response:
“I believe people struggle with breaking bad habits because these behaviors are often deeply ingrained in our neural pathways. Additionally, many habits serve as coping mechanisms for stress or emotional challenges. Breaking free from these patterns requires not just willpower, but also addressing the underlying triggers and establishing robust support systems.”
For more insights on personal change, you might find describe a time when you felt motivated to change something helpful.
- What role does technology play in forming habits?
Band 8-9 Response:
“Technology can be both a catalyst and deterrent to habit formation. While apps and devices can facilitate tracking and accountability, they can also be sources of distraction. The key lies in leveraging technology mindfully to support positive behavioral changes rather than letting it control our actions.”
Key Vocabulary and Expressions
- To break a habit: /breɪk ə ˈhæbɪt/ – to stop doing something that has become a regular practice
- To form new habits: /fɔːm njuː ˈhæbɪts/ – to develop new regular practices
- Ingrained behavior: /ɪnˈgreɪnd bɪˈheɪvjə/ – deeply established patterns
- Coping mechanism: /ˈkəʊpɪŋ ˈmekənɪzəm/ – a strategy used to manage difficult situations
- Mindful practice: /ˈmaɪndfʊl ˈpræktɪs/ – conscious and intentional behavior
Just as we discuss habit changes, you might also be interested in describe a meal you enjoyed recently with friends as it relates to social habits and lifestyle changes.
Person tracking their habit change progress
Examiner’s Tips
- Use specific examples to illustrate your habit change journey
- Demonstrate vocabulary range by using synonyms
- Maintain coherent structure in your responses
- Include relevant details about the process and results
- Show reflection on the impact of the change
Remember, just as people change their habits, they also update other aspects of their lives. You might want to explore describe a piece of clothing you recently bought for another example of personal change and decision-making.
