Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a Recent Change in Your Routine

The topic “describe a recent change in your routine” is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess candidates’ ability to discuss personal experiences and changes in their lives. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being relevant in future tests. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to this topic and maximize your score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about changes in your routine. Here are a few possible questions:

1. Have you made any changes to your daily routine recently?
2. Do you think it’s important to have a daily routine?
3. How often do you change your routine?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:

Examiner: Have you made any changes to your daily routine recently?

Candidate (Band 8-9 response): “Absolutely. I’ve recently incorporated a morning workout session into my daily routine. Previously, I used to start my day by checking emails and social media, but I’ve come to realize that exercising first thing in the morning significantly boosts my energy levels and productivity throughout the day. It’s been a challenging adjustment, but the benefits have been substantial.”

This response demonstrates a high level of fluency and vocabulary usage, with phrases like “incorporated,” “come to realize,” and “significantly boosts” that indicate a strong command of English.

Describe a time when you changed your routine can be a great way to showcase your ability to discuss personal experiences and adapt to new situations, which are valuable skills in the IELTS Speaking test.

Part 2: Long Turn

For this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic and some bullet points to guide your speech. Here’s a sample cue card related to our theme:

Describe a recent change in your daily routine

You should say:
- What the change was
- Why you made this change
- How this change affected your life
- And explain whether you think this change was positive or negative

Here’s a sample answer that would score in the Band 8-9 range:

“I’d like to talk about a significant change I recently made to my daily routine, which was adopting a strict no-screen policy for the first and last hour of my day.

The change involved refraining from using my phone, laptop, or any other electronic devices immediately after waking up and right before going to bed. I made this decision after reading numerous articles about the detrimental effects of blue light on sleep quality and how constant connectivity can negatively impact mental health.

This change has profoundly affected my life in several ways. Firstly, my sleep quality has improved dramatically. I find myself falling asleep faster and waking up feeling more refreshed. Secondly, it has allowed me to cultivate mindfulness. Instead of mindlessly scrolling through social media, I now start my day with meditation or reading, which sets a positive tone for the rest of the day. In the evening, I use this time for reflection or light reading, which helps me wind down more effectively.

In my opinion, this change has been overwhelmingly positive. While it was initially challenging to break the habit of reaching for my phone first thing in the morning, the benefits far outweigh the temporary discomfort. It has enhanced my overall well-being, improved my focus, and helped me establish a healthier relationship with technology. I believe this small change has had a ripple effect on other aspects of my life, making me more productive and present in my daily interactions.”

IELTS candidate describing routine change

Follow-up questions:

1. How long did it take you to adjust to this new routine?
2. Have you noticed any differences in your productivity since making this change?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“Adapting to this new routine took approximately two to three weeks. Initially, I found myself instinctively reaching for my phone, but I gradually overcame this urge. As for productivity, I’ve observed a marked improvement. By starting my day with focused activities rather than digital distractions, I’m able to maintain higher levels of concentration throughout the day, which has translated into increased efficiency in both my personal and professional endeavors.”

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:

Examiner: Do you think people generally find it easy or difficult to change their routines?

Candidate (Band 8-9 response): “I believe that changing established routines can be quite challenging for most people. Humans are creatures of habit, and our brains are wired to prefer familiar patterns. This tendency towards routine provides a sense of comfort and predictability in our lives. However, the difficulty in changing routines can vary depending on several factors, such as an individual’s adaptability, motivation, and the nature of the change itself.

For instance, minor adjustments like waking up 30 minutes earlier might be relatively easy to implement, while more significant changes like adopting a new dietary regimen or exercise routine often require substantial effort and persistence. Additionally, external factors such as social support and environmental cues can play a crucial role in facilitating or hindering routine changes.

That being said, while change can be difficult, it’s not impossible. With proper planning, strong motivation, and a gradual approach, people can successfully modify their routines and reap the benefits of positive changes in their lives.”

IELTS examiner and candidate discussing routine changes

Examiner: In what ways do you think technology has changed people’s daily routines?

Candidate (Band 8-9 response): “Technology has undeniably revolutionized our daily routines in numerous ways. Firstly, it has dramatically altered our communication patterns. With smartphones and social media, we’re now constantly connected, often checking messages and updates throughout the day, which has become an integral part of many people’s routines.

Moreover, technology has transformed how we work and study. Remote work and online learning have become increasingly common, blurring the lines between professional and personal life. This shift has led to more flexible schedules but also challenges in maintaining work-life balance.

Entertainment routines have also undergone significant changes. Streaming services have replaced traditional TV viewing habits, allowing for on-demand content consumption that can disrupt sleep schedules and impact leisure time management.

However, it’s important to note that technology has also introduced positive changes to our routines. Health and fitness apps can encourage regular exercise and better dietary habits. Productivity tools can help us optimize our daily tasks and time management.

In essence, while technology has undoubtedly simplified many aspects of our lives, it has also introduced new complexities into our daily routines that require conscious management to maintain a healthy lifestyle.”

Describe a skill you think is important in today’s technology-driven world could be the ability to manage digital distractions and maintain a healthy balance in our routines.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

To achieve a high score in your IELTS Speaking test, it’s crucial to use a variety of sophisticated vocabulary and phrases. Here are some key terms related to describing changes in routine:

1. Incorporate /ɪnˈkɔːpəreɪt/ (verb): To include or add as part of something else.
   Example: “I decided to incorporate a 30-minute reading session into my evening routine.”

2. Adaptation /ædæpˈteɪʃən/ (noun): The process of changing to suit different conditions.
   Example: “The adaptation to my new sleep schedule took about two weeks.”

3. Implement /ˈɪmplɪment/ (verb): To put into effect or action.
   Example: “I implemented a new study routine to prepare for my exams.”

4. Profound impact /prəˈfaʊnd ˈɪmpækt/ (phrase): A very significant or deep effect.
   Example: “Meditation has had a profound impact on my stress levels and overall well-being.”

5. Cultivate /ˈkʌltɪveɪt/ (verb): To develop or improve by careful attention, training, or study.
   Example: “By changing my morning routine, I’ve been able to cultivate a more positive mindset.”

Describe an occasion when you were very excited could be when you first saw the positive results of a significant change in your routine.

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing changes in your routine:

1. Be specific: Provide concrete examples and details about the changes you’ve made.

2. Use a range of tenses: Demonstrate your ability to use past, present, and future tenses accurately.

3. Show reflection: Discuss not only what changed, but why you made the change and how it affected you.

4. Use idiomatic language: Incorporate relevant idioms and colloquial expressions naturally.

5. Practice: Regularly discuss changes in your life with others to become more comfortable with the topic.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, fluency, and a wide range of vocabulary will help you achieve a high score.

Describe a favorite season in your country could be an interesting way to discuss how seasonal changes affect your routine throughout the year.

By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss changes in your routine and other personal topics in your IELTS Speaking test.