The topic “describe a time when you changed your routine” is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess your ability to narrate personal experiences and express your thoughts on adapting to change. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s explore how to tackle this subject effectively across all parts of the IELTS Speaking exam.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about your daily routine and how you handle changes. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Examiner: “Do you like to have a fixed daily routine?”
Suggested answer (Band 7-8):
“Well, I’d say I prefer a balance between structure and flexibility in my daily life. While I do appreciate having a general framework for my day, such as set times for work or study, I also enjoy the spontaneity that comes with being open to change. I find that this approach allows me to be productive while still adapting to unexpected situations or opportunities that may arise.”
Describe a skill you think is important when it comes to managing your daily routine effectively.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:
Describe a time when you changed your routine
You should say:
- What your original routine was
- Why you decided to change it
- How you changed your routine
- And explain how you felt about this change
Person changing daily routine
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I’d like to talk about a time when I significantly altered my daily routine. Originally, I was a night owl, often staying up until 2 or 3 AM and waking up late in the morning. This pattern had been my norm for years, but I began to realize it was affecting my productivity and overall well-being.
I decided to change because I felt constantly tired and was missing out on important morning activities. I also read some articles about the benefits of being an early riser, which motivated me to give it a try.
To change my routine, I gradually adjusted my sleep schedule. I started by going to bed 15 minutes earlier each night and setting my alarm 15 minutes earlier in the morning. Over a few weeks, I managed to shift my sleep time to 11 PM and my wake-up time to 6:30 AM. I also incorporated a morning exercise routine and started planning my day each morning.
Initially, the change was quite challenging, and I often felt groggy in the mornings. However, after a few weeks, I began to notice positive effects. I had more energy throughout the day, was more productive at work, and even had time for personal hobbies in the evenings. Overall, while the transition was tough, I’m really glad I made this change to my routine.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share an experience where I underwent a substantial transformation in my daily routine. Previously, I was a quintessential night owl, often burning the midnight oil until the wee hours of the morning and consequently rising late. This pattern had been deeply ingrained in my lifestyle for years, but I gradually came to the realization that it was hampering my productivity and adversely affecting my overall well-being.
The impetus for change stemmed from a growing sense of perpetual fatigue and the recognition that I was forfeiting valuable morning hours that could be utilized more effectively. Additionally, I delved into scientific literature on circadian rhythms and the myriad benefits associated with aligning one’s schedule with natural light patterns, which served as a catalyst for my decision to alter my routine.
To implement this change, I adopted a methodical and incremental approach. I began by systematically adjusting my sleep schedule, retiring 15 minutes earlier each night and correspondingly setting my alarm 15 minutes earlier in the morning. Over the course of several weeks, I successfully shifted my bedtime to 11 PM and my wake-up time to 6:30 AM. Concurrently, I integrated a rigorous morning exercise regimen and implemented a daily planning ritual to structure my activities more efficiently.
The initial phase of this transition was undeniably arduous, often leaving me feeling lethargic and disoriented in the mornings. However, as I persevered, I began to discern a plethora of positive outcomes. My energy levels surged dramatically, my work productivity skyrocketed, and I even found myself with ample time to pursue personal interests in the evenings. Reflecting on this experience, while the process was undoubtedly challenging, I’m immensely gratified by the decision to revolutionize my routine, as it has precipitated a remarkable enhancement in my quality of life.”
Describe an occasion when you were very excited about successfully changing your routine and seeing positive results.
Follow-up questions:
- How long did it take you to fully adjust to your new routine?
- Did you face any unexpected challenges during this change?
- Have you maintained this new routine since then?
Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):
“The process of fully acclimating to my new routine was gradual and multifaceted, spanning approximately two to three months. While the initial shift in sleep patterns took about three weeks to establish, fine-tuning other aspects of my new lifestyle, such as optimizing my morning productivity and finding the ideal balance between work and personal activities, required additional time and experimentation. Throughout this period, I continuously refined my approach, making incremental adjustments based on my body’s responses and daily performance. It was a journey of self-discovery and persistent adaptation, ultimately leading to a sustainable routine that significantly enhanced my overall quality of life.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: “Do you think it’s important for people to be flexible with their routines?”
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe flexibility in routines is crucial in today’s fast-paced world. While having a structured routine can provide stability and efficiency, being able to adapt to unexpected changes is equally important. Life often throws curveballs, whether it’s work demands, family responsibilities, or global events like the recent pandemic. People who can adjust their routines accordingly are likely to be more resilient and less stressed when faced with changes. Moreover, flexibility can lead to new opportunities and experiences that might be missed with a rigid schedule. However, it’s about finding the right balance – maintaining enough structure to be productive while remaining open to necessary adjustments.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I firmly believe that cultivating flexibility within one’s routine is paramount in our increasingly dynamic society. While a structured routine undeniably offers a sense of stability and can enhance productivity, the ability to seamlessly adapt to unforeseen circumstances is equally, if not more, vital. In today’s world, we are constantly confronted with a myriad of variables, ranging from fluctuating work demands to unexpected familial obligations, not to mention global phenomena such as the recent pandemic that have fundamentally altered our daily lives.
Individuals who possess the capacity to deftly adjust their routines in response to these changes are likely to exhibit greater resilience and experience reduced stress levels when confronted with disruptions. Furthermore, this flexibility can pave the way for serendipitous opportunities and novel experiences that might otherwise be overlooked when adhering to a rigid schedule.
However, it’s crucial to emphasize that the key lies in striking an optimal equilibrium – maintaining sufficient structure to ensure productivity and consistency, while simultaneously remaining receptive to necessary modifications. This balanced approach allows for the cultivation of good habits and the achievement of long-term goals, while also fostering the adaptability required to thrive in an ever-changing environment.”
Describe a time when you took care of someone and had to adjust your routine to accommodate their needs.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Significantly alter /sɪɡˈnɪfɪkəntli ˈɔːltə/ (phrasal verb): To change something considerably
Example: “The new policy significantly altered the way we conduct business.”Perpetual fatigue /pəˈpetʃuəl fəˈtiːɡ/ (noun phrase): Constant tiredness
Example: “Her perpetual fatigue was a result of poor sleep habits.”Catalyst /ˈkætəlɪst/ (noun): Something that causes an important event to happen
Example: “The economic crisis was the catalyst for major reforms in the banking sector.”Methodical approach /mɪˈθɒdɪkəl əˈprəʊtʃ/ (noun phrase): A careful and organized way of doing something
Example: “His methodical approach to problem-solving yielded excellent results.”Incrementally /ˌɪnkrəˈmentəli/ (adverb): Gradually increasing or adding to
Example: “We decided to implement changes incrementally rather than all at once.”Discern /dɪˈsɜːn/ (verb): To recognize or find out
Example: “With experience, she could discern subtle differences in wine flavors.”Plethora /ˈpleθərə/ (noun): A large or excessive amount of something
Example: “The market offers a plethora of options for smartphone buyers.”
Describe a teacher who made an impact on your life by encouraging you to change your study routine.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a change in routine:
- Practice narrating personal experiences coherently and engagingly.
- Develop a rich vocabulary related to daily routines, change, and personal development.
- Use a variety of tenses accurately to describe past habits, the process of change, and current situations.
- Incorporate idiomatic expressions naturally to enhance your language use.
- Provide specific examples and details to make your answers more vivid and credible.
- Structure your answers logically, using discourse markers to guide the listener through your narrative.
- Reflect on the impact of the change, demonstrating your ability to analyze experiences.
Remember, the key to success lies in regular practice and self-reflection. Record yourself speaking, analyze your performance, and continuously work on improving your weak areas.
Describe a place where you go to enjoy the winter season and how it affects your daily routine.
IELTS speaking practice session
By following these guidelines and consistently practicing, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle questions about changing routines and other topics in your IELTS Speaking test.