The topic of describing a healthy habit is a common one in IELTS Speaking tests. It’s a versatile subject that allows candidates to showcase their language skills while discussing personal experiences. This article will guide you through answering questions related to healthy habits across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test, providing sample answers and valuable tips to help you achieve a high band score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about healthy habits. Here are some common questions you might encounter:
- Do you have any healthy habits?
- How important do you think it is to maintain healthy habits?
- What healthy habits are popular in your country?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:
Examiner: Do you have any healthy habits?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I do. One of my key healthy habits is practicing meditation every morning. I find it incredibly beneficial for my mental well-being and it helps me start the day on a positive note. I’ve been consistently doing this for about two years now, and I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my ability to handle stress and maintain focus throughout the day.”
This answer demonstrates a good range of vocabulary, uses complex sentence structures, and provides specific details about the habit and its effects.
Describe a person who is an expert in health and fitness to further expand your vocabulary and ideas related to healthy habits.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a healthy habit you maintain
You should say:
- What the habit is
- When you started this habit
- How you maintain it
- And explain why you think it’s a healthy habit
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
“I’d like to talk about a healthy habit that I’ve been maintaining for several years now, which is going for a jog every morning. I initiated this habit about five years ago when I realized I needed to improve my overall fitness and energy levels.
To maintain this habit, I’ve established a consistent routine. I wake up at 6 AM, put on my running gear, and head out for a 30-minute jog around my neighborhood. I make sure to stay hydrated and stretch properly before and after my run to prevent any injuries.
What makes this a particularly healthy habit is its multifaceted benefits. Firstly, it provides excellent cardiovascular exercise, which is crucial for heart health. Secondly, it helps me maintain a healthy weight and improves my overall fitness. Moreover, jogging in the morning boosts my metabolism for the day ahead and releases endorphins, which significantly enhances my mood and mental well-being.
Additionally, this habit has taught me the importance of discipline and perseverance. There are days when I feel less motivated, but I push through, knowing the long-term benefits far outweigh the temporary discomfort. This mental resilience has positively impacted other areas of my life as well.
In conclusion, my daily jogging routine has become an integral part of my lifestyle, contributing not only to my physical health but also to my mental and emotional well-being. It’s a habit that I’m proud to maintain and one that I believe sets a positive tone for each day.”
Follow-up Questions
Examiner: Have you ever encouraged others to adopt this habit?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely! I’ve been quite enthusiastic about sharing the benefits of my morning jog with friends and family. I’ve even organized small running groups in my community, which has been a great way to motivate others and create a sense of camaraderie. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see others experience the positive changes that come with regular exercise, both physically and mentally.”
Examiner: Do you think it’s easier to maintain healthy habits now compared to in the past?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe it’s both easier and more challenging nowadays. On one hand, we have access to a wealth of information about health and fitness, as well as numerous apps and devices that can track our progress and provide motivation. However, our modern lifestyles often involve long hours of sitting and constant distractions from technology, which can make it harder to prioritize healthy habits. Overall, I think the key is to find a balance and make a conscious effort to incorporate healthy practices into our daily routines.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: What role do you think schools should play in promoting healthy habits among students?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I believe schools have a crucial role in promoting healthy habits among students. They should integrate health education into the curriculum, covering topics such as nutrition, exercise, and mental well-being. Additionally, schools can implement practical measures like offering nutritious meal options in cafeterias and providing ample opportunities for physical activity through sports and outdoor programs.
Moreover, schools can collaborate with health professionals to organize workshops and seminars, helping students understand the long-term impact of their lifestyle choices. By fostering a supportive environment that encourages healthy behaviors, schools can lay the foundation for lifelong good habits and empower students to make informed decisions about their health.”
Examiner: How has technology affected people’s ability to maintain healthy habits?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Technology has had a significant impact on people’s ability to maintain healthy habits, both positively and negatively. On the positive side, there are now numerous apps and wearable devices that can track our physical activity, monitor our sleep patterns, and even remind us to stay hydrated or take breaks from sitting. These tools can provide valuable insights and motivation for maintaining healthy habits.
However, technology can also be a double-edged sword. The prevalence of smartphones and social media can lead to increased screen time and sedentary behavior. Additionally, the constant connectivity can contribute to stress and disrupt sleep patterns. It’s important for individuals to find a balance and use technology mindfully to support rather than hinder their healthy habits.”
Describe a place where you go to escape from technology to explore ideas about maintaining a healthy balance with technology use.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
- Integral part /ˈɪntɪɡrəl pɑːrt/ (adjective phrase): Essential or fundamental.
Example: “Regular exercise has become an integral part of my daily routine.” - Multifaceted benefits /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd ˈbenɪfɪts/ (adjective + noun): Having many different aspects or features.
Example: “Meditation offers multifaceted benefits, improving both mental and physical well-being.” - To initiate /ɪˈnɪʃieɪt/ (verb): To begin or start.
Example: “I initiated my healthy eating habit after consulting with a nutritionist.” - Perseverance /ˌpɜːsɪˈvɪərəns/ (noun): Persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in achieving success.
Example: “Maintaining a healthy lifestyle requires perseverance, especially when faced with temptations.” - To foster /ˈfɒstə(r)/ (verb): To encourage or promote the development of something.
Example: “Schools should foster an environment that promotes healthy habits among students.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing healthy habits:
- Use a wide range of vocabulary related to health and fitness. Incorporate specific terms and phrases that demonstrate your knowledge of the topic.
- Provide detailed examples and personal experiences to support your points. This shows your ability to communicate ideas clearly and coherently.
- Use a variety of grammatical structures, including complex sentences, to showcase your language proficiency.
- Practice speaking about different aspects of healthy habits, from diet and exercise to mental well-being and work-life balance.
- Be prepared to discuss the broader implications of healthy habits on society, education, and technology.
- Work on your fluency by regularly practicing speaking about health-related topics. This will help you respond more naturally and confidently during the test.
Remember, consistency in maintaining good speaking habits is key to success in the IELTS Speaking test, just as consistency is crucial in maintaining healthy habits in life.
Describe a time when you stayed up late to finish something to practice balancing your discussion of healthy habits with other life experiences.
By following these guidelines and incorporating the provided vocabulary and sample answers, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss healthy habits effectively in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your preparation!