As an experienced IELTS Speaking examiner, I’ve noticed that questions about personal influences on health and lifestyle are increasingly common in the IELTS Speaking test. This topic allows candidates to showcase their ability to describe people, explain relationships, and discuss health-related concepts. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions about “a person who motivates you to maintain a healthy lifestyle” across all parts of the IELTS Speaking test.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about health and lifestyle. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Q: Do you think you have a healthy lifestyle?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I try to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I eat balanced meals and exercise regularly, but I know there’s room for improvement.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’d say I strive for a healthy lifestyle. I’m conscientious about maintaining a balanced diet and incorporating regular exercise into my routine. However, I’m always looking for ways to enhance my overall well-being.”
Q: What do you do to stay healthy?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“To stay healthy, I go to the gym three times a week and try to eat more fruits and vegetables. I also make sure to get enough sleep.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I prioritize my health through a multi-faceted approach. This includes adhering to a rigorous exercise regimen, encompassing both cardio and strength training, coupled with a nutrient-rich diet. I also place great emphasis on adequate sleep and stress management techniques like meditation.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a person who motivates you to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What they do to motivate you
- And explain why their motivation is important to you
Band 6-7 Sample Answer:
“I’d like to talk about my friend Sarah, who motivates me to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I met Sarah at university five years ago, and we’ve been close friends ever since.
Sarah is very passionate about health and fitness. She’s always encouraging me to make better choices. For example, she often invites me to join her for workouts at the gym or for jogs in the park. She also shares healthy recipes with me and gives me tips on how to prepare nutritious meals.
What I find most motivating about Sarah is her positive attitude. She never criticizes my choices but instead focuses on the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. She often talks about how much more energy she has and how much better she feels since adopting healthier habits.
Her motivation is important to me because it has helped me make significant changes in my life. Thanks to Sarah’s influence, I’ve started exercising regularly and paying more attention to what I eat. As a result, I feel more energetic and confident.”
Band 8-9 Sample Answer:
“I’d like to expound on the profound influence my friend Sarah has had on my journey towards a healthier lifestyle. Sarah and I forged a connection during our university years, and our friendship has blossomed into a source of inspiration for my well-being.
Sarah exudes an infectious enthusiasm for health and fitness that permeates every aspect of her life. Her approach to motivating me is both subtle and impactful. She consistently extends invitations for us to engage in physical activities together, ranging from high-intensity interval training at the gym to invigorating trail runs in nearby nature reserves. Moreover, she frequently shares her extensive knowledge of nutrition, introducing me to a plethora of nutrient-dense recipes and enlightening me on the intricacies of balanced meal preparation.
What truly sets Sarah apart is her unwavering positivity and non-judgmental approach. Rather than admonishing less-than-ideal choices, she focuses on illuminating the myriad benefits of a healthy lifestyle. She often recounts her personal experiences, highlighting the increased vitality and enhanced mental clarity she’s gained since embracing a more health-conscious way of life.
The significance of Sarah’s motivation in my life cannot be overstated. Her gentle guidance and steadfast support have been instrumental in catalyzing a transformative shift in my habits and outlook. Inspired by her example, I’ve cultivated a more consistent exercise routine and developed a keener awareness of my nutritional intake. The ripple effects of these changes have been profound, manifesting in elevated energy levels, improved self-esteem, and a greater sense of overall well-being.”
Follow-up questions:
- How has this person’s influence changed your daily routine?
- What challenges have you faced in adopting a healthier lifestyle?
Band 6-7 Answer for Q1:
“Sarah’s influence has made me more conscious of my daily choices. I now try to include at least 30 minutes of exercise in my routine and make healthier food choices.”
Band 8-9 Answer for Q1:
“Sarah’s influence has precipitated a paradigm shift in my daily routine. I now prioritize physical activity, carving out dedicated time for exercise, be it a brisk morning jog or an evening yoga session. Moreover, I’ve become more discerning in my dietary choices, opting for nutrient-dense whole foods and mindfully limiting processed items.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions with sample answers:
Q: How do you think society’s approach to health and fitness has changed in recent years?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think society has become more health-conscious in recent years. People are paying more attention to what they eat and are more interested in fitness activities. There’s also more information available about health and wellness.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“The societal approach to health and fitness has undergone a profound transformation in recent years. We’ve witnessed a paradigm shift from a reactive to a proactive stance on well-being. There’s been a surge in health consciousness, with individuals increasingly prioritizing preventative measures. This is evident in the proliferation of fitness apps, wearable technology, and the burgeoning wellness industry. Moreover, there’s been a marked shift towards holistic health, encompassing not just physical fitness but also mental and emotional well-being. The advent of social media has also played a pivotal role, both in disseminating health information and in shaping fitness trends, albeit with some contentious effects on body image perceptions.”
Q: Do you think governments should play a role in promoting healthy lifestyles?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I believe governments should promote healthy lifestyles. They can do this by providing public health information, improving access to sports facilities, and regulating unhealthy foods.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I firmly believe that governments have a critical role to play in fostering healthier lifestyles among their populations. This responsibility stems from the far-reaching implications of public health on national productivity and healthcare expenditure. Governments can leverage a multifaceted approach, encompassing public health campaigns to raise awareness, implementing fiscal measures such as taxes on unhealthy foods, and allocating resources to improve infrastructure for physical activities. Moreover, they can enact policies to ensure clearer food labeling, regulate food advertising, particularly to children, and integrate health education into school curricula. However, it’s crucial to strike a balance between governmental intervention and individual freedom, ensuring that measures are supportive rather than overly prescriptive.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Proactive /proʊˈæktɪv/ (adj): Acting in anticipation of future problems, needs, or changes.
Example: Sarah takes a proactive approach to health by regularly scheduling check-ups. -
Holistic /hoʊˈlɪstɪk/ (adj): Characterized by the treatment of the whole person, taking into account mental and social factors, rather than just the symptoms of a disease.
Example: My friend advocates for a holistic approach to wellness, focusing on both physical and mental health. -
Paradigm shift /ˈpærəˌdaɪm ʃɪft/ (n): A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
Example: Sarah’s influence caused a paradigm shift in how I view my health and lifestyle choices. -
Cultivate /ˈkʌltɪveɪt/ (v): To try to acquire or develop (a quality, sentiment, or skill).
Example: Through consistent effort, I’ve cultivated a genuine interest in nutrition and fitness. -
Permeate /ˈpɜːrmi.eɪt/ (v): To spread throughout (something); to pervade.
Example: Sarah’s enthusiasm for health permeates every aspect of her life, inspiring those around her.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing topics like health motivation:
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Develop a rich vocabulary: Use a variety of words and phrases related to health, fitness, and motivation. This demonstrates your language proficiency and ability to discuss the topic in depth.
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Practice coherent storytelling: When describing the person who motivates you, ensure your narrative is logical and well-structured. Use connective phrases to link your ideas smoothly.
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Provide specific examples: Instead of general statements, offer concrete examples of how the person motivates you. This adds authenticity and depth to your response.
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Express opinions clearly: In Part 3, don’t hesitate to share your views on broader health-related issues. Use phrases like “In my opinion” or “I believe” to introduce your thoughts.
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Engage with the examiner: Show interest in the questions and maintain good eye contact. This contributes to the fluency and naturalness of your speech.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about memorizing answers, but about developing the ability to communicate effectively on a range of topics. Regular practice and exposure to English in various contexts will help you achieve this goal.
For more tips on improving your IELTS Speaking skills, you might find these resources helpful:
- Describe a friend who influenced your way of thinking
- Describe a person who inspires you to improve yourself
- Describe a fitness routine you started recently
By following these guidelines and consistently practicing, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss health motivation and other topics in your IELTS Speaking test with confidence and fluency.