The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal experiences and lifestyle changes. One common topic that frequently appears is describing a healthy habit you have recently started. This article will guide you through answering such questions effectively, providing sample responses for different band scores, and offering valuable tips to help you excel in your IELTS Speaking exam.
Describe a sport you have recently learned can be another interesting topic you might encounter in your IELTS Speaking test. Both topics involve discussing recent positive changes in your life, which examiners often like to explore.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about healthy habits. Here are some potential questions and a sample answer:
- Do you have any healthy habits?
- How important do you think it is to maintain a healthy lifestyle?
- Have you recently made any changes to improve your health?
Let’s focus on the third question:
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I have. Recently, I’ve started practicing mindfulness meditation for about 15 minutes every morning. It’s been a game-changer for my mental health and overall well-being. I find that it helps me start the day on a positive note and manage stress more effectively.”
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a potential cue card related to the topic:
Describe a healthy habit you recently started
You should say:
- What the habit is
- When you started it
- Why you decided to start it
- And explain how this habit has affected your life
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about a healthy habit I recently adopted, which is drinking a glass of warm lemon water first thing in the morning. I started this habit about three months ago after reading about its potential health benefits online.
I decided to give it a try because I was looking for natural ways to boost my immune system and improve my digestion. I had heard that lemon water could help with both of these issues, so I thought it was worth a shot.
Since starting this habit, I’ve noticed some positive changes in my life. Firstly, I feel more energized in the mornings, which helps me start my day on a good note. I’ve also found that my digestion has improved, and I feel less bloated throughout the day.
While I can’t say for certain if it’s directly related to the lemon water, I’ve also noticed that I’ve been getting sick less often. This could be due to the vitamin C in the lemons helping to strengthen my immune system.
Overall, I’m quite happy with this new habit. It’s a simple change that doesn’t take much time or effort, but I feel it’s making a positive impact on my health and well-being.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share with you a healthy habit I’ve recently incorporated into my daily routine: practicing mindfulness meditation for 15 minutes every morning. I embarked on this journey about three months ago, inspired by the mounting scientific evidence supporting the myriad benefits of meditation.
The catalyst for this decision was a particularly stressful period in my life, during which I found myself constantly overwhelmed and struggling to maintain focus. After researching various stress management techniques, I was intrigued by the potential of mindfulness meditation to not only alleviate stress but also enhance overall well-being.
The impact of this habit on my life has been nothing short of transformative. Firstly, I’ve noticed a significant reduction in my stress levels. I find myself better equipped to handle daily challenges with a sense of calm and perspective. Moreover, my ability to concentrate has markedly improved, leading to increased productivity in both my personal and professional life.
Perhaps most notably, this practice has fostered a greater sense of self-awareness. I’m more attuned to my thoughts and emotions, which has led to more mindful decision-making and improved relationships with others. Additionally, I’ve experienced tangible physical benefits, such as improved sleep quality and a decrease in tension headaches.
In essence, this simple yet powerful habit has permeated various aspects of my life, contributing to a more balanced, focused, and content state of being. It’s a testament to how small, consistent changes can yield profound results in one’s overall quality of life.”
Practicing mindfulness meditation as a healthy habit
Follow-up questions:
- How long did it take for you to notice the benefits of this habit?
- Have you faced any challenges in maintaining this habit?
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“It took about two weeks for me to start noticing the benefits. At first, it was hard to sit still and focus, but it got easier with practice. The main challenge has been finding time to meditate on busy days, but I try to prioritize it because I know it’s good for me.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The effects of meditation were gradual yet profound. While I experienced immediate post-session calmness from the outset, the more substantive benefits began to manifest after about three weeks of consistent practice. This aligns with research suggesting that neuroplastic changes can occur within 4-8 weeks of regular meditation.
Regarding challenges, the primary hurdle has been cultivating discipline, especially during hectic periods. However, I’ve found that framing meditation as a non-negotiable part of my morning routine, much like brushing my teeth, has been instrumental in maintaining consistency. Additionally, I’ve had to navigate the occasional frustration of a wandering mind, but I’ve learned to view this as part of the process, embracing it as an opportunity to refine my focus rather than seeing it as a setback.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
- Do you think people in your country are generally health-conscious?
- How has the concept of a healthy lifestyle changed in recent years?
- What role should governments play in promoting healthy habits among citizens?
Let’s focus on the second question:
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I think the concept of a healthy lifestyle has changed quite a bit in recent years. In the past, people mostly focused on diet and exercise. Now, there’s more emphasis on mental health and work-life balance. People are also more interested in natural and organic products. Social media has played a big role in spreading information about health trends, both good and bad.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The evolution of the concept of a healthy lifestyle in recent years has been multifaceted and significant. While traditional pillars such as diet and exercise remain fundamental, there’s been a paradigm shift towards a more holistic approach to health.
Mental well-being has rightfully gained prominence, with practices like mindfulness and therapy becoming increasingly destigmatized and recognized as crucial components of overall health. This shift reflects a growing understanding of the intricate connection between mental and physical health.
Moreover, there’s been a marked emphasis on preventative health measures and personalized approaches. Advances in technology, such as wearable devices and genetic testing, have empowered individuals to take a more proactive role in managing their health, tailoring their lifestyle choices to their specific needs and predispositions.
The concept of work-life balance has also gained traction, with more people recognizing the detrimental effects of chronic stress and burnout. This has led to a reevaluation of priorities and a push for more flexible work arrangements.
Lastly, there’s been a surge of interest in sustainable and ethical health practices. This includes a gravitation towards plant-based diets, not just for personal health but also for environmental reasons, and a preference for eco-friendly and cruelty-free health and wellness products.
These changes collectively reflect a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of what it means to lead a healthy lifestyle in the modern world.”
Holistic approach to a healthy lifestyle
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test, it’s crucial to use a range of sophisticated vocabulary and phrases. Here are some examples from the sample answers above, along with their meanings and usage:
Game-changer (noun) – Something that significantly changes a situation or process.
Example: “The new technology was a game-changer for the industry.”Embark on (phrasal verb) – To start or begin a journey or new project.
Example: “She embarked on a new career in medicine at the age of 40.”Myriad (adjective) – Countless or extremely great in number.
Example: “The city offers myriad opportunities for entertainment.”Catalyst (noun) – A person or thing that precipitates an event or change.
Example: “His speech was the catalyst for major policy reforms.”Attuned to (adjective) – Aware of or responsive to something.
Example: “The experienced teacher was attuned to the needs of her students.”Permeate (verb) – To spread throughout; pervade.
Example: “The aroma of freshly baked bread permeated the entire house.”Paradigm shift (noun) – A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
Example: “The internet caused a paradigm shift in how businesses operate.”Multifaceted (adjective) – Having many different aspects or features.
Example: “Solving climate change requires a multifaceted approach.”
Describe an interesting trend you have noticed recently could be another topic where you can utilize this sophisticated vocabulary to showcase your language skills.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a healthy habit:
Be specific: Provide concrete details about your habit, including when and why you started it.
Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate sophisticated words and phrases relevant to health and lifestyle.
Elaborate on your answers: Don’t just state facts; explain your thoughts and feelings about the habit.
Show reflection: Discuss how the habit has impacted your life and what you’ve learned from it.
Practice fluency: Aim to speak smoothly without long pauses, but don’t worry about small hesitations.
Demonstrate coherence: Organize your thoughts logically and use appropriate linking words.
Be authentic: While it’s good to prepare, make sure your responses sound natural and personal.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Regular practice, expanding your vocabulary, and staying informed about current health trends will help you feel more confident and perform better on test day.
Describe a healthy habit you recently adopted is a topic that allows you to showcase your language skills while discussing personal experiences, making it an excellent opportunity to impress the examiner.