The topic of describing a health problem is a common one in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2. It’s a relatable subject that allows candidates to demonstrate their vocabulary related to health and their ability to narrate a personal experience. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being a staple in future tests.

Describe a time when you received advice that changed your perspective can be related to health issues, as medical advice often leads to new perspectives on lifestyle choices. Similarly, health problems can impact our daily routines, including our ability to describe an early morning when you accomplished a lot.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about your health and well-being. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:

Q: How do you generally maintain your health?

A: I believe in a holistic approach to health. I try to maintain a balanced diet, rich in fruits and vegetables, and I make it a point to exercise regularly. I find that a combination of cardio and strength training works best for me. Additionally, I prioritize getting enough sleep each night, aiming for at least 7-8 hours. I also think mental health is crucial, so I practice meditation and mindfulness to manage stress. Lastly, I schedule regular check-ups with my doctor to ensure everything is in order.

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a health problem:

Describe A Health Problem You Once Had. You should say:

• What the problem was
• When you had it
• How it affected your life
• And explain how you recovered from it

Sample Answer (Band 6-7)

I’d like to talk about a time when I had a severe case of food poisoning. It happened about two years ago when I ate at a new restaurant in town. The symptoms started a few hours after my meal, and I experienced intense stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting. It was a miserable experience that lasted for about three days.

This health issue significantly impacted my daily routine. I had to take time off work and was confined to my bed for most of the time. I couldn’t eat properly and was constantly dehydrated. It was challenging to even perform simple tasks like taking a shower or preparing a light meal.

To recover, I focused on staying hydrated by drinking lots of water and electrolyte solutions. I also stuck to a bland diet of rice, bananas, and toast once I could eat again. After a few days, I visited my doctor who prescribed some medication to help with the symptoms. Gradually, I started feeling better and was able to return to my normal activities after about a week.

This experience taught me the importance of being cautious about food hygiene and listening to my body when something doesn’t feel right.

Sample Answer (Band 8-9)

I’d like to recount an instance when I grappled with a particularly debilitating bout of influenza. This ordeal occurred approximately 18 months ago, during the peak of winter when viral infections tend to be more prevalent.

The onset of symptoms was rather abrupt and severe. I experienced an intense fever, accompanied by excruciating body aches, a persistent cough, and an overwhelming sense of fatigue. This confluence of symptoms rendered me virtually incapacitated for nearly a week.

The impact on my daily life was profound and multifaceted. My professional commitments were significantly disrupted, necessitating an extended period of absence from work. Even mundane tasks became Herculean efforts, and I found myself wholly dependent on the assistance of family members for basic needs. The illness also took a toll on my mental well-being, as the prolonged confinement and physical discomfort led to feelings of frustration and isolation.

My recovery process was methodical and gradual. I adhered rigorously to my doctor’s advice, which included a regimen of antiviral medication, ample rest, and staying well-hydrated. I also incorporated natural remedies such as honey and lemon tea to soothe my throat and boost my immune system. As my condition improved, I slowly reintroduced light physical activities to rebuild my strength.

This experience served as a poignant reminder of the fragility of health and the importance of preventive measures. It reinforced my commitment to maintaining a robust immune system through a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep. Moreover, it heightened my appreciation for the support of loved ones during times of vulnerability.

Person recovering from influenza in bed

Follow-up Questions

Q: How did this experience change your attitude towards health?

A (Band 6-7): This experience made me more aware of the importance of taking care of my health. I now pay more attention to what I eat and try to maintain a stronger immune system by exercising regularly and getting enough sleep.

A (Band 8-9): This ordeal served as a catalyst for a paradigm shift in my approach to health. It underscored the critical importance of preventive healthcare and prompted me to adopt a more proactive stance. I’ve since overhauled my lifestyle, incorporating regular exercise, a nutrient-dense diet, and stress-management techniques. Moreover, I’ve become more attuned to the subtle signals my body sends, allowing me to address potential health issues before they escalate.

Q: Do you think people nowadays are more health-conscious than in the past?

A (Band 6-7): Yes, I believe people are more health-conscious now. There’s a lot of information available about health and nutrition, and many people are trying to lead healthier lifestyles. You can see this in the popularity of gym memberships, health food stores, and wellness apps.

A (Band 8-9): Indeed, there’s been a marked shift towards heightened health awareness in recent years. This can be attributed to a confluence of factors, including increased access to health information, advancements in medical research, and a growing emphasis on preventive care. We’re witnessing a cultural paradigm shift where health and wellness are increasingly viewed as integral components of overall quality of life. This is evident in the proliferation of health-centric initiatives, from corporate wellness programs to the burgeoning market for wearable fitness technology. However, it’s worth noting that this trend is not universal and socioeconomic disparities continue to influence access to health resources and information.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Q: What are some common health problems in your country?

A (Band 6-7): In my country, some common health problems include obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. These are often related to lifestyle factors like poor diet and lack of exercise. We also see a lot of stress-related issues like anxiety and depression, especially among young professionals.

A (Band 8-9): My country, like many developed nations, grapples with a range of health challenges, many of which are inextricably linked to modern lifestyles. Foremost among these are non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, type 2 diabetes, and various forms of cancer. These conditions often stem from a complex interplay of factors, including sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, and environmental pollutants. Additionally, we’re witnessing an alarming rise in mental health issues, particularly anxiety and depression, which are exacerbated by the pressures of our fast-paced, highly competitive society. It’s also worth noting the emerging threat of antibiotic-resistant infections, which poses a significant challenge to our healthcare system.

Q: How can governments encourage people to lead healthier lifestyles?

A (Band 6-7): Governments can promote healthy lifestyles in several ways. They can run public health campaigns to educate people about the importance of diet and exercise. They could also provide more funding for sports facilities and parks to encourage physical activity. Another approach would be to introduce taxes on unhealthy foods like sugary drinks to discourage their consumption.

A (Band 8-9): Governments can employ a multifaceted approach to foster healthier lifestyles among their citizens. Firstly, they can implement comprehensive public health education programs that not only disseminate information but also equip individuals with practical skills for maintaining good health. This could include initiatives like integrating nutrition and physical education into school curricula from an early age.

Secondly, governments can leverage fiscal policies as powerful tools for behavior modification. This might involve imposing higher taxes on products known to be detrimental to health, such as tobacco and sugary beverages, while offering tax incentives for businesses that promote employee wellness programs.

Furthermore, urban planning policies can be tailored to create environments conducive to physical activity, such as developing extensive networks of bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly spaces. Governments can also collaborate with the food industry to improve the nutritional quality of processed foods and mandate clear labeling to empower consumers to make informed choices.

Lastly, investing in preventive healthcare services and making them easily accessible can encourage regular health check-ups and early intervention. By adopting such a holistic strategy, governments can create an ecosystem that not only educates but also enables and encourages healthier lifestyle choices.

Government health campaign promoting healthy lifestyles

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Grapple with (phrasal verb) – /ˈɡræp.əl wɪð/ – to struggle or deal with a difficult problem or situation
   Example: “I had to grapple with the side effects of the medication.”

2. Debilitating (adjective) – /dɪˈbɪl.ɪ.teɪ.tɪŋ/ – making someone very weak and infirm
   Example: “The flu had a debilitating effect on my energy levels.”

3. Ordeal (noun) – /ɔːˈdiːl/ – a very unpleasant and prolonged experience
   Example: “Recovering from pneumonia was a real ordeal that lasted several weeks.”

4. Confluence (noun) – /ˈkɒn.flu.əns/ – a combination or coming together of multiple factors
   Example: “The illness was caused by a confluence of stress, poor diet, and lack of sleep.”

5. Multifaceted (adjective) – /ˌmʌl.tiˈfæs.ɪ.tɪd/ – having many different aspects or features
   Example: “The impact of the health problem on my life was multifaceted, affecting my work, relationships, and mental well-being.”

6. Adhere rigorously (phrase) – to follow rules or instructions very strictly
   Example: “To recover quickly, I adhered rigorously to my doctor’s advice.”

7. Paradigm shift (noun phrase) – /ˈpær.ə.daɪm ʃɪft/ – a fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions
   Example: “This experience caused a paradigm shift in how I view my health and well-being.”

Person using advanced health vocabulary in conversation

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a health problem:

1. Use a wide range of vocabulary related to health and illness. Don’t just stick to basic terms.
2. Provide detailed descriptions of your symptoms, treatments, and recovery process.
3. Discuss the impact of the health problem on various aspects of your life to demonstrate your ability to elaborate.
4. Use a mix of simple and complex sentence structures to showcase your language proficiency.
5. Include personal reflections and lessons learned from the experience to add depth to your answer.
6. Practice speaking about health-related topics to build confidence and fluency.
7. Listen carefully to the questions and address all parts in your response.
8. Use appropriate tenses to clearly indicate the timeline of events.
9. Incorporate idiomatic expressions where suitable to enhance your language use.
10. Maintain a natural pace and use appropriate stress and intonation to convey your message effectively.

Remember, consistent practice and exposure to a variety of health-related topics will help you feel more comfortable and perform better in the actual test. Consider discussing health issues with friends or language partners to gain more confidence in using this vocabulary in conversation.