The topic of describing a person who inspires you to stay healthy is a common and important one in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows candidates to demonstrate their ability to discuss personal experiences, health-related vocabulary, and express opinions on lifestyle choices. This theme has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests due to the growing global emphasis on health and wellness.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about health and fitness. Here are some potential questions and a sample answer:
Question: How do you stay healthy in your daily life?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Well, I try to maintain a balanced lifestyle by focusing on several key areas. Firstly, I make a conscious effort to eat a nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Additionally, I prioritize regular exercise, aiming for at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week, whether it’s jogging, cycling, or doing yoga. Lastly, I believe that mental well-being is just as important as physical health, so I practice meditation and ensure I get enough sleep each night.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe a person who inspires you to stay healthy.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know them
- What they do to stay healthy
- And explain why this person inspires you to stay healthy
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about my uncle, John, who has been a significant influence on my approach to health and fitness. I’ve known him since childhood, as he’s my father’s younger brother and a frequent visitor to our family gatherings.
Uncle John is in his mid-50s, but he maintains an impressively active lifestyle. He starts each day with a 5km run, regardless of the weather, and follows a strict Mediterranean diet rich in olive oil, fish, and vegetables. He’s also an avid cyclist and participates in local marathons several times a year.
What truly inspires me about Uncle John is his unwavering commitment to health. Despite having a demanding job as a corporate lawyer, he always makes time for exercise and proper nutrition. He often says that health is the foundation of a good life, and his positive energy and vitality are living proof of this philosophy.
His dedication has motivated me to prioritize my own health. Seeing how he balances his professional life with his health goals has shown me that it’s possible to maintain a healthy lifestyle even with a busy schedule. Moreover, his enthusiasm for trying new healthy recipes and fitness routines has inspired me to explore different aspects of wellness.
In conclusion, Uncle John’s example has been a powerful motivator in my own health journey. His discipline and zest for life serve as a constant reminder of the importance of taking care of one’s physical and mental well-being.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about my former university professor, Dr. Sarah Thompson, who has been an extraordinary source of inspiration when it comes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. I first met Dr. Thompson during my sophomore year when I took her course on public health, and her influence has been profound and enduring.
Dr. Thompson, despite being in her early 60s, epitomizes vitality and well-being. Her approach to health is holistic and multifaceted. She’s an advocate for plant-based nutrition and has been following a vegan diet for over two decades. Her daily routine includes an hour of mindfulness meditation at dawn, followed by a vigorous yoga session or a swim in the local lake, depending on the season. She’s also passionate about sustainable living and grows much of her own produce in her backyard garden.
What truly sets Dr. Thompson apart and makes her such an inspiration is her unwavering commitment to integrating health and wellness into every aspect of her life. She frequently incorporates health topics into her lectures, demonstrating how public policy, environmental factors, and personal choices intertwine to shape our well-being. Her office hours often involve walking meetings around campus, and she’s known for organizing community health initiatives that bring together students, faculty, and local residents.
Dr. Thompson’s influence on my health journey has been transformative. Her evidence-based approach to wellness, combined with her infectious enthusiasm, has motivated me to view health not just as the absence of illness, but as a state of optimal physical, mental, and social well-being. She’s taught me the importance of preventive care and how small, consistent actions can lead to significant long-term benefits.
Moreover, Dr. Thompson’s ability to maintain peak performance in her academic career while prioritizing her health has shown me that these two aspects of life are not mutually exclusive but rather mutually reinforcing. Her example has inspired me to cultivate a more balanced lifestyle, where intellectual pursuits and physical well-being coexist harmoniously.
In essence, Dr. Thompson’s holistic philosophy on health, her tireless dedication to both personal and community wellness, and her ability to lead by example have profoundly shaped my perspective on what it means to live a truly healthy life. Her influence extends far beyond mere fitness or diet; she has inspired me to strive for a comprehensive state of well-being that encompasses all aspects of human flourishing.”
Inspiring health professor on university campus
Follow-up questions:
- How has this person’s influence changed your daily habits?
- Do you think it’s important to have role models for healthy living?
Sample answers (Band 7-8):
“Dr. Thompson’s influence has revolutionized my daily routine. I’ve adopted her practice of starting the day with meditation, which has significantly improved my mental clarity and stress management. I’ve also transitioned to a predominantly plant-based diet, which has boosted my energy levels and overall health. Additionally, I now prioritize regular physical activity, often opting for walking meetings or study sessions, just like she does.”
“Absolutely, I believe having role models for healthy living is crucial. They provide tangible examples of how to integrate healthy habits into our lives, especially in today’s fast-paced world where it’s easy to neglect our well-being. Role models like Dr. Thompson demonstrate the long-term benefits of a healthy lifestyle and inspire us to make positive changes. They also offer practical strategies and motivation when we face challenges in our health journey.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Question: How do you think society’s approach to health has changed in recent years?
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I think society’s approach to health has become more holistic in recent years. People are now more aware that health isn’t just about physical fitness, but also includes mental and emotional well-being. There’s a growing interest in preventive care and alternative therapies like acupuncture and meditation. Also, there’s more emphasis on the connection between diet and health, with many people opting for organic or plant-based diets. Social media has played a big role in spreading health awareness, though it has also led to some misconceptions and fad diets.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The evolution of society’s approach to health in recent years has been multifaceted and profound. There’s been a paradigm shift from a reactive, treatment-focused model to a more proactive, preventive approach. This transformation is evident in several key areas.
Firstly, there’s been a growing recognition of the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and emotional health. This holistic view has led to the integration of practices like mindfulness and stress management into mainstream healthcare. The rise of integrative medicine, which combines conventional and alternative therapies, reflects this broader understanding of health.
Secondly, there’s been a surge in health literacy among the general population, largely facilitated by digital technology and social media. While this has democratized health information, it has also created challenges in terms of misinformation and the proliferation of pseudoscientific claims.
Moreover, there’s an increasing awareness of the social determinants of health, including factors like environment, education, and socioeconomic status. This has led to more community-based health initiatives and policies aimed at addressing health inequalities.
The personalization of health is another significant trend, with advancements in genetics and big data analytics enabling more tailored approaches to prevention and treatment. This ties into the growing field of precision medicine, which aims to optimize health interventions based on individual genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.
Lastly, there’s been a shift towards viewing health as a collective responsibility, with greater emphasis on public health measures and the recognition that individual health choices can have broader societal impacts, as starkly illustrated by the recent global pandemic.
In conclusion, while these changes represent significant progress, they also present new challenges, such as ensuring equitable access to health resources and navigating the complex landscape of health information in the digital age.”
Holistic health approach in modern society
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Holistic approach /həʊˈlɪstɪk əˈprəʊtʃ/ (noun phrase): Considering all aspects of something, especially in relation to health and well-being.
Example: “Dr. Thompson’s holistic approach to health includes nutrition, exercise, and mental well-being.”Paradigm shift /ˈpærədaɪm ʃɪft/ (noun phrase): A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
Example: “The move towards preventive healthcare represents a paradigm shift in medical practice.”Proactive /prəʊˈæktɪv/ (adjective): Acting in anticipation of future problems, needs, or changes.
Example: “Taking a proactive approach to health can prevent many chronic diseases.”Integrative medicine /ˈɪntɪɡrətɪv ˈmedɪsɪn/ (noun phrase): A form of medical care that combines conventional and alternative treatments.
Example: “The clinic offers integrative medicine, blending traditional treatments with practices like acupuncture.”Cultivate /ˈkʌltɪveɪt/ (verb): To try to acquire or develop a quality, sentiment, or skill.
Example: “She inspired me to cultivate healthier habits in my daily life.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing health-related topics:
Use a wide range of vocabulary related to health and wellness. Include specific terms and phrases that demonstrate your knowledge of the subject.
Provide detailed examples from your personal experience or observations to support your points.
Develop your ideas fully, exploring different aspects of the topic and considering various perspectives.
Use complex sentence structures and linking words to connect your ideas coherently.
Practice speaking on health-related topics regularly, focusing on fluency and natural expression.
Stay informed about current health trends and issues to provide relevant and up-to-date responses.
Be prepared to discuss abstract concepts related to health, such as societal attitudes or policy implications, especially in Part 3 of the test.
Remember, the key to success is not just knowing the vocabulary, but being able to use it naturally and appropriately in context. Regular practice and exposure to health-related discussions will help you become more comfortable and proficient in addressing these topics during your IELTS Speaking test.