In the IELTS Speaking test, candidates often encounter questions about people who have influenced their lives positively. One such topic that frequently appears is describing someone who motivates you to take care of your health. This theme not only allows you to showcase your English language skills but also demonstrates your ability to articulate personal experiences and relationships.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about health and fitness. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Question: How important is it to you to stay healthy?
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
Staying healthy is absolutely crucial to me. I believe that good health is the foundation for a fulfilling life. It allows me to pursue my goals with energy and enthusiasm, and helps me maintain a positive outlook. I make a conscious effort to eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep, as I’ve noticed these habits significantly enhance my overall well-being.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a cue card related to the topic:
Describe a person who motivates you to take care of your health.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What this person does to motivate you
- And explain why this person’s motivation is important to you
Sample Answer 1 (Band 6-7):
The person who motivates me to take care of my health is my friend Sarah. I’ve known her since we were in college together, about five years ago. Sarah is really into fitness and healthy living.
She motivates me in a few ways. First, she often invites me to join her for workouts at the gym or for outdoor activities like hiking. She also shares healthy recipes with me and gives me tips on nutrition. Sometimes, we even cook healthy meals together.
Sarah’s motivation is important to me because she makes taking care of my health seem fun and achievable. She never pressures me but always encourages me. Thanks to her influence, I’ve started to exercise more regularly and pay more attention to what I eat.
Her positive attitude towards health has really rubbed off on me. I feel more energetic and confident now that I’m taking better care of myself. It’s great to have a friend who not only cares about her own health but also inspires others to do the same.
Sample Answer 2 (Band 8-9):
The individual who profoundly influences my approach to health and well-being is my uncle, Dr. James Thompson. I’ve had the privilege of knowing him since childhood, but it wasn’t until I entered my twenties that I truly began to appreciate his impact on my lifestyle choices.
As a renowned cardiologist, Uncle James doesn’t just preach about health; he embodies it. His method of motivation is multi-faceted and incredibly effective. Firstly, he leads by example, maintaining an impressively active lifestyle despite his demanding career. He regularly participates in marathons and triathlons, which never fails to inspire me.
Moreover, Uncle James has a gift for breaking down complex medical information into digestible, actionable advice. He doesn’t simply tell me to eat better or exercise more; instead, he explains the intricate workings of the human body and how our daily choices impact our long-term health. This approach has transformed my understanding of health from a vague concept to a tangible goal.
What sets Uncle James apart is his ability to tailor his guidance to my personal circumstances. He understands that health isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept and helps me develop strategies that fit my lifestyle and preferences. Whether it’s suggesting specific workouts that complement my schedule or recommending nutrient-dense alternatives to my favorite foods, his advice is always practical and personalized.
The importance of Uncle James’s motivation cannot be overstated. His influence has instilled in me a deep-seated appreciation for the value of good health. Thanks to his guidance, I’ve developed a proactive approach to my well-being, viewing health not as an absence of illness, but as a vital asset to be nurtured and protected. This shift in perspective has permeated every aspect of my life, enhancing not just my physical condition, but also my mental clarity and overall quality of life.
In essence, Uncle James’s motivation has equipped me with the knowledge, tools, and inspiration to take charge of my health, a gift that I believe will continue to yield benefits throughout my lifetime.
Follow-up Questions
- How does this person’s motivation affect your daily routine?
- Have you noticed any significant changes in your health since following their advice?
Sample Answers (Band 8-9):
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Uncle James’s motivation has revolutionized my daily routine. I now start each day with a brief meditation session to center my thoughts, followed by a nutrient-packed breakfast that he helped me design. Throughout the day, I’m more mindful of my posture and take regular breaks to stretch or do quick exercises. In the evenings, I prioritize getting adequate sleep, understanding its crucial role in overall health as he’s often emphasized.
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The changes in my health have been remarkable and multifaceted. Physically, I’ve noticed a significant boost in my energy levels and improved endurance. My annual health check-ups have shown measurable improvements in key indicators like blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Mentally, I feel more focused and resilient, better equipped to handle stress. Perhaps most importantly, I’ve developed a more positive relationship with my body, viewing it as an ally to be nurtured rather than an obstacle to be overcome.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to health and motivation. Here are some examples with suggested answers:
Question 1: Do you think society places too much emphasis on physical appearance when it comes to health?
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
I believe there’s definitely a tendency in our society to equate physical appearance with health, which can be quite problematic. While it’s true that maintaining a healthy weight is important, there’s so much more to health than just how we look. Mental health, for instance, is equally crucial but often overlooked because it’s not immediately visible.
This overemphasis on appearance can lead to unhealthy behaviors, such as extreme dieting or overexercising, which paradoxically can be detrimental to one’s health. It’s important to shift the focus towards overall well-being, including physical fitness, mental health, and emotional balance, rather than just external appearance.
That being said, I think there’s been a growing awareness in recent years about the importance of holistic health. More people are talking about mental health, work-life balance, and the importance of self-care. While we still have a long way to go, I believe we’re moving in the right direction towards a more comprehensive understanding of what it means to be truly healthy.
Question 2: How can governments encourage people to lead healthier lifestyles?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
Governments have a multitude of tools at their disposal to promote healthier lifestyles among their citizens. One effective approach is through education. By integrating comprehensive health and nutrition education into school curricula from an early age, governments can instill healthy habits and knowledge that will serve individuals throughout their lives.
Another powerful tool is policy-making. Governments can implement regulations that make healthy choices easier and more accessible. For instance, they could mandate clear nutritional labeling on food products, impose taxes on sugary drinks or junk food, or provide tax incentives for businesses that promote employee wellness programs.
Infrastructure development is another crucial area. By investing in public spaces like parks, bike lanes, and community sports facilities, governments can create environments that encourage physical activity. Similarly, ensuring access to affordable, fresh produce in all neighborhoods can help combat food deserts and promote better nutrition.
Public health campaigns can also play a significant role. These campaigns, when well-designed and properly targeted, can raise awareness about specific health issues and motivate behavior change. For example, anti-smoking campaigns have been highly successful in many countries in reducing tobacco use.
Lastly, governments can leverage technology to promote health. This could involve supporting the development of health apps, wearable devices, or telemedicine services that make it easier for people to monitor and manage their health.
It’s important to note that the most effective strategies often involve a combination of these approaches, tailored to the specific needs and cultural context of the population. By taking a holistic and sustained approach, governments can create an environment that not only encourages but also facilitates healthier lifestyle choices among their citizens.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
To enhance your IELTS Speaking performance, incorporate these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:
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Holistic approach (noun phrase) – /həʊˈlɪstɪk əˈprəʊtʃ/ – An approach that considers all aspects of something, especially health.
Example: “My doctor takes a holistic approach to treatment, considering both my physical and mental well-being.” -
To instill (verb) – /ɪnˈstɪl/ – To gradually but firmly establish an idea or attitude in a person’s mind.
Example: “My health mentor has instilled in me the importance of regular exercise.” -
Paradigm shift (noun phrase) – /ˈpærədaɪm ʃɪft/ – A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
Example: “Learning about nutrition caused a paradigm shift in how I view food and health.” -
To foster (verb) – /ˈfɒstə(r)/ – To encourage the development of something, especially something desirable.
Example: “Good health habits foster a sense of well-being and confidence.” -
Intrinsic motivation (noun phrase) – /ɪnˈtrɪnsɪk ˌməʊtɪˈveɪʃn/ – The drive to do something because it is inherently interesting or enjoyable.
Example: “My uncle helped me develop intrinsic motivation for staying healthy, rather than relying on external rewards.”
Remember, using these advanced vocabulary items naturally and in context will significantly enhance your speaking performance. Practice incorporating them into your responses to achieve a higher band score.
Examiner’s Advice
As an IELTS examiner, I would advise candidates to focus on the following areas to improve their Speaking performance:
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Develop your ideas: Don’t just give short, simple answers. Expand on your points with examples, explanations, and personal experiences.
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Use a range of vocabulary: Try to incorporate advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions naturally into your responses. This demonstrates language proficiency.
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Work on fluency: Practice speaking on various topics to improve your ability to speak at length without long pauses or hesitations.
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Improve pronunciation: Focus on clear articulation and proper stress and intonation. This greatly enhances the overall impression of your speaking ability.
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Listen carefully: Make sure you understand the questions fully before answering. It’s okay to ask for clarification if needed.
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Stay relevant: Always ensure your answers are directly related to the question asked. Avoid going off-topic, even if you’re trying to showcase your vocabulary.
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Be authentic: While it’s good to prepare, avoid memorizing answers. Examiners can easily detect rehearsed responses, which can negatively impact your score.
By focusing on these areas and practicing regularly, you can significantly improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test. Remember, confidence comes with preparation, so dedicate time to honing your English speaking skills.
In conclusion, describing a person who motivates you to take care of your health is an excellent opportunity to showcase your English language skills in the IELTS Speaking test. By following the strategies and using the vocabulary provided in this guide, you can describe a person who is very successful in their profession or describe a person who has taught you something important with confidence and eloquence. Remember, practice is key to success, so make sure to rehearse your responses and describe a time when you felt nervous before an important event to build your confidence. With dedication and the right approach, you can describe a time when you were proud of an achievement in your IELTS Speaking test.