The IELTS Speaking test is an important part of the IELTS exam, assessing your ability to communicate effectively in English. Examiners look for fluency, coherence, vocabulary range, grammatical accuracy, and pronunciation. Questions about relaxation and leisure time are common, and being well-prepared can help you achieve a higher band score.
In this article, we will explore how to effectively respond to the cue card topic “Describe a way you like to relax,” including sample questions and answers for each part of the IELTS Speaking test.
IELTS Speaking Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Examiner Questions
- What do you usually do to relax?
- Do you think it’s important to take time to relax?
- How often do you take time to relax?
Sample Answer
Examiner: “What do you usually do to relax?”
Candidate: “I usually find solace in reading books. It allows me to escape into different worlds and take my mind off daily stress. Moreover, I enjoy listening to classical music, which has a calming effect and helps me unwind after a long day.”
Analysis: This response uses a variety of vocabulary related to relaxation and provides specific examples. Terms like “solace,” “escape into different worlds,” and “calming effect” enhance the answer.
IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a way you like to relax.
You should say:
- What it is
- How often you do it
- Why you like it
- How it helps you relax
Sample Answer
Candidate: “One of the ways I like to relax is through meditation. I practice it every morning for about 20 minutes. I prefer to meditate in a quiet room where I can sit comfortably and focus on my breathing. The reason why I enjoy meditation is that it helps me to clear my mind and reduce stress levels. Additionally, it improves my emotional well-being and enhances my concentration throughout the day. Meditation also assists in elevating my mood and provides a sense of inner peace. This simple practice has profoundly impacted my overall health and makes me feel more grounded and happy.”
Analysis: This response effectively addresses all points on the cue card, utilizing specific vocabulary like “clear my mind,” “reduce stress levels,” “emotional well-being,” and “inner peace,” which can impress examiners.
Follow-up Questions
Bullet Points:
- What other activities do you find relaxing?
- How has your relaxation method evolved over time?
Sample Answers:
- Candidate: “Apart from meditation, I find yoga and taking long walks in nature to be very relaxing. These activities not only help me to connect with my inner self but also keep me physically fit.”
- Candidate: “Initially, I used to watch television or play video games to relax. However, I realized that these activities did not provide the same sense of mental clarity and physical relaxation as meditation and yoga.”
IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner Questions
Examiner: “Do you think the way people relax has changed over the years?”
Candidate: “Absolutely. In today’s fast-paced world, people are increasingly turning to digital entertainment like streaming platforms or social media for relaxation. However, there is also a growing trend towards mindfulness practices like meditation and yoga, as more people recognize the importance of mental health and well-being.”
Examiner: “Why do you think some people find it hard to relax?”
Candidate: “Some people struggle to relax due to overwhelming responsibilities and stressful lifestyles. Additionally, the constant distractions from technology can prevent them from unwinding properly. Developing a routine that incorporates time for relaxation can be challenging but is crucial for maintaining a healthy balance.”
Analysis: These responses demonstrate a well-rounded understanding of the topic and use advanced vocabulary and complex sentence structures, such as “overwhelming responsibilities,” “stressful lifestyles,” and “unwinding properly.”
Useful Vocabulary and Structures
- Solace (noun) /ˈsɒl.ɪs/: comfort or consolation.
- Example: “Reading provides me with solace during stressful times.”
- Calming effect (noun phrase): having a relaxing impact.
- Example: “Classical music has a calming effect on my nerves.”
- Clear my mind (phrase): to stop thinking about problems or worries.
- Example: “Meditation helps me to clear my mind.”
- Reduce stress levels (phrase): to lower the amount of stress.
- Example: “Taking long walks can significantly reduce stress levels.”
- Inner peace (noun phrase): a state of mental and spiritual calm.
- Example: “Achieving inner peace is essential for relaxation.”
Examiner’s Tips
- Practice Regularly: The key to performing well in the speaking test is regular practice. Record yourself, listen to your recordings, and seek feedback.
- Use a Variety of Vocabulary: Avoid repetition by using synonyms and different expressions.
- Stay Calm and Confident: Staying calm helps maintain fluency, and confidence can make your speech more compelling.
- Listen Carefully to the Examiner’s Questions: Make sure you understand the question before responding.
By incorporating these strategies into your preparation, you’ll be better equipped to handle the speaking test and achieve a high band score.