Describing a habit you want to develop is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2. This theme allows candidates to showcase their ability to articulate personal goals, self-improvement plans, and the steps they intend to take to achieve them. Understanding how to approach this topic can significantly boost your performance in the speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about habits. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Q: Do you have any habits you’d like to change?
A: Absolutely. One habit I’m keen on developing is reading more consistently. I’ve always enjoyed books, but lately, I’ve found myself scrolling through social media instead of picking up a good novel. I believe cultivating a daily reading habit would be incredibly beneficial for my personal growth and language skills.
Describe a time when you tried a new cuisine
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe A Habit You Want To Develop
You should say:
- What the habit is
- Why you want to develop it
- How you plan to develop it
- And explain how this habit might benefit you in the future
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
The habit I want to develop is waking up early, specifically at 5:30 AM every day. I’ve always been a night owl, but I’ve realized that this doesn’t align well with my professional and personal goals.
I want to develop this habit because I believe it will significantly improve my productivity and overall well-being. By starting my day earlier, I’ll have more time for exercise, meditation, and planning my day before work begins.
To develop this habit, I plan to gradually adjust my sleep schedule. I’ll start by setting my alarm 15 minutes earlier each week until I reach my target wake-up time. I’ll also establish a consistent bedtime routine to ensure I get enough sleep.
In the future, this habit could benefit me in several ways. It could enhance my work performance by allowing me to tackle important tasks when my mind is fresh. Additionally, it might improve my health by giving me time for morning exercise and a proper breakfast.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
The habit I’m ardently seeking to cultivate is that of daily mindfulness meditation. In our fast-paced, technology-driven world, I’ve become increasingly aware of the need to foster mental clarity and emotional equilibrium.
My motivation for developing this habit stems from a deep-seated desire to enhance my overall well-being and cognitive functions. Research has consistently demonstrated the myriad benefits of regular meditation, including stress reduction, improved focus, and increased emotional intelligence – all of which I believe will be invaluable in both my personal and professional spheres.
To implement this habit effectively, I’m adopting a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, I’ve downloaded a reputable meditation app that offers guided sessions for beginners. I’ve also designated a specific area in my home for meditation and set a non-negotiable daily appointment with myself for this practice. To ensure consistency, I’m leveraging the habit-stacking technique, integrating my meditation session immediately after my morning coffee routine.
Looking ahead, I’m confident that cultivating this habit will yield substantial long-term benefits. It’s likely to enhance my decision-making capabilities by promoting clearer thinking and emotional regulation. Moreover, I anticipate it will foster greater empathy and interpersonal skills, which are crucial in my field of work. Ultimately, I believe this habit will contribute significantly to my personal growth and professional success, enabling me to navigate life’s challenges with greater equanimity and insight.
IELTS Speaking: Describing a habit to develop
Follow-up Questions:
Q: How long do you think it takes to form a new habit?
A: (Band 6-7) According to some experts, it takes about 21 days to form a new habit. However, I think it can vary depending on the person and the complexity of the habit. For me, it usually takes about a month of consistent effort before a new behavior becomes automatic.
A: (Band 8-9) The duration required to solidify a new habit is a topic of ongoing debate in psychological research. While the popular notion suggests a 21-day timeframe, more recent studies indicate that habit formation is a highly individualized process. Factors such as the complexity of the habit, personal motivation, and environmental influences all play crucial roles. In my experience, establishing a robust habit typically requires anywhere from 60 to 90 days of deliberate and consistent practice.
Q: Do you think it’s easier to break bad habits or form good ones?
A: (Band 6-7) In my opinion, it’s generally easier to form good habits than to break bad ones. When we start a new positive habit, we often feel motivated and excited. Breaking bad habits can be harder because they’re often deeply ingrained and might be linked to emotional triggers.
A: (Band 8-9) The relative difficulty of breaking detrimental habits versus cultivating positive ones is a nuanced issue. While forming good habits can provide immediate positive reinforcement, thus fueling motivation, breaking bad habits often requires overcoming deeply ingrained neural pathways and potentially addressing underlying psychological factors. However, I believe the key lies in replacing undesirable behaviors with beneficial ones, effectively rewiring our cognitive patterns. This approach synergistically combines the process of breaking and forming habits, potentially making the overall transition more manageable and sustainable.
Describe a plant that grows in your area
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q: How do societal expectations influence the habits people try to develop?
A: (Band 6-7) Societal expectations have a big impact on the habits people try to develop. For example, in many cultures, there’s a strong emphasis on physical fitness, which leads many people to develop exercise habits. Similarly, the growing awareness of environmental issues has led to more people trying to develop eco-friendly habits like recycling or using reusable bags.
A: (Band 8-9) Societal expectations exert a profound influence on individuals’ habit-forming endeavors. These expectations, often shaped by cultural norms, media portrayals, and prevailing social trends, create a collective pressure that guides personal development choices. For instance, the contemporary emphasis on productivity and efficiency in many societies has led to a surge in habits related to time management and self-optimization. Similarly, the increasing global focus on mental health awareness has prompted many to cultivate habits centered around mindfulness and emotional well-being. It’s crucial to recognize, however, that while these societal influences can be motivating, they may also lead to the adoption of habits that aren’t necessarily aligned with an individual’s authentic needs or values, potentially resulting in unsustainable or even detrimental behavioral patterns.
Q: In what ways has technology changed how people develop new habits?
A: (Band 6-7) Technology has revolutionized habit formation in many ways. Smartphone apps now offer reminders and tracking features that help people stick to their new habits. Wearable devices can monitor things like steps taken or hours slept, making it easier to develop health-related habits. Social media also plays a role, as people can join online communities for support and motivation when trying to form new habits.
A: (Band 8-9) Technology has fundamentally transformed the landscape of habit development through various mechanisms. Firstly, the proliferation of habit-tracking applications has introduced an unprecedented level of data-driven insights into personal behavior patterns, enabling individuals to make more informed decisions about their habit-forming strategies. Additionally, the gamification of habit formation, often employed in these digital tools, taps into our psychological reward systems, enhancing motivation and consistency. Furthermore, wearable technology and Internet of Things (IoT) devices have seamlessly integrated habit monitoring into our daily lives, providing real-time feedback and adaptive goal-setting. However, it’s important to acknowledge the potential downsides, such as over-reliance on external motivation and the risk of digital overwhelm, which could paradoxically hinder genuine habit internalization.
Describe a technology you think will be outdated soon
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Ardently (adverb) /ˈɑːrdəntli/: With great enthusiasm or passion.
Example: I’m ardently pursuing my goal of learning a new language.Cultivate (verb) /ˈkʌltɪveɪt/: To develop or acquire a skill or habit.
Example: He’s trying to cultivate a habit of daily exercise.Foster (verb) /ˈfɒstə(r)/: To encourage the development of something.
Example: Reading widely fosters a better understanding of different cultures.Myriad (noun/adjective) /ˈmɪriəd/: A countless or extremely large number.
Example: There are myriad benefits to developing good habits.Implement (verb) /ˈɪmplɪment/: To put a plan or system into action.
Example: I’m implementing a new study routine to improve my grades.Leverage (verb) /ˈlevərɪdʒ/: To use something to maximum advantage.
Example: She leveraged her networking skills to secure a new job.Equanimity (noun) /ˌekwəˈnɪməti/: Mental calmness and composure.
Example: Regular meditation can help maintain equanimity in stressful situations.
Describe a famous tourist attraction you would like to explore
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a habit you want to develop:
- Provide specific details about the habit and your reasons for wanting to develop it.
- Use a variety of vocabulary, including less common words and idiomatic expressions.
- Demonstrate complex grammar structures, such as conditional sentences and passive voice.
- Maintain fluency by speaking at a natural pace without long pauses.
- Organize your ideas logically, using appropriate linking words to connect your thoughts.
- Show your ability to discuss abstract concepts, especially in Part 3 of the test.
- Practice regularly with a variety of topics to improve your overall speaking skills.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about the content of your answers, but also how you express yourself. Focus on clarity, coherence, and confidence in your delivery.
Describe a time when you met someone who inspired you
IELTS Speaking Practice Tips
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss habits you want to develop in your IELTS Speaking test, as well as a wide range of other topics that may arise.
