The topic of describing an enjoyable weekend is a popular one in IELTS Speaking tests. It has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being a common theme in future tests. This topic allows examiners to assess candidates’ ability to discuss leisure activities, express personal preferences, and use past tense structures effectively.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask questions related to weekends and leisure activities. Here are some potential questions and a sample answer for one:
- What do you usually do on weekends?
- Do you prefer relaxing or active weekends?
- How are weekends different from weekdays for you?
Sample answer for “What do you usually do on weekends?”:
On weekends, I typically try to strike a balance between relaxation and productivity. Saturday mornings often start with a leisurely breakfast followed by some light housework. In the afternoons, I enjoy catching up with friends over coffee or engaging in my hobby of photography. Sundays are usually more laid-back, involving activities like reading a good book or watching a film. I also make it a point to prepare for the upcoming week by reviewing my schedule and doing some meal prep.
Describe a piece of music that you enjoy can be another interesting topic to discuss in your IELTS Speaking test, as it allows you to showcase your ability to describe personal preferences and emotions.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a weekend that you enjoyed
You should say:
- When it was
- Where you were
- What you did
- And explain why you enjoyed it so much
Sample Answers
Band 6-7 Answer:
I’d like to talk about a weekend I really enjoyed last month. It was a short getaway to a nearby beach town with a couple of close friends. We left early on Saturday morning and drove for about two hours to reach the coast.
Once we arrived, we spent most of our time relaxing on the beach, swimming, and playing frisbee. In the evening, we had a delicious seafood dinner at a local restaurant and then went for a walk along the shoreline. On Sunday, we explored the town, visiting some small shops and a local market before heading back home in the afternoon.
I enjoyed this weekend so much because it was a perfect mix of relaxation and fun activities. The change of scenery was refreshing, and spending quality time with friends away from our usual routines was really rejuvenating. The beautiful weather and peaceful atmosphere of the beach town also contributed to making it a memorable experience.
Band 8-9 Answer:
I’d like to reminisce about an exceptionally memorable weekend I experienced last autumn. It was a spontaneous escapade to a quaint coastal village about a three-hour drive from my city. My best friend and I decided to embark on this adventure on a Friday evening, arriving at our charming bed and breakfast just as the sun was setting.
The following morning, we rose at dawn to witness a breathtaking sunrise over the ocean. We spent the day immersing ourselves in the local culture, starting with a visit to a bustling farmers’ market where we sampled an array of artisanal cheeses and freshly baked pastries. Later, we ventured out on a guided hiking tour along the rugged coastline, learning about the area’s rich maritime history and diverse ecosystem.
As evening approached, we indulged in a gastronomic experience at a Michelin-starred restaurant, savoring dishes that showcased the region’s finest produce. Sunday was dedicated to pure relaxation – we enjoyed a leisurely brunch, followed by hours of reading and contemplation on a secluded beach.
This weekend stands out in my memory as being particularly enjoyable for several reasons. Firstly, the impromptu nature of the trip added an element of excitement and adventure. Secondly, the perfect balance of cultural exploration, physical activity, culinary delights, and relaxation made for a well-rounded experience. Lastly, the opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnect with nature left me feeling thoroughly rejuvenated and inspired.
Enjoying a weekend at the beach with friends
Follow-up Questions
- Do you think it’s important to plan activities for the weekend?
- How do people in your country typically spend their weekends?
Sample answer for “Do you think it’s important to plan activities for the weekend?” (Band 8-9):
While I believe there’s merit in both planned and spontaneous activities, I tend to favor a balanced approach to weekend planning. Scheduling certain activities can ensure that you make the most of your limited free time and don’t miss out on opportunities or events that require advance booking. For instance, if there’s a popular exhibition or a sought-after restaurant you want to visit, planning ahead is often necessary.
However, I also highly value the flexibility and sense of freedom that comes with having unstructured time. Leaving room for spontaneity allows you to go with the flow and perhaps discover unexpected pleasures or simply recharge without the pressure of a packed itinerary.
Ultimately, I think the ideal weekend strikes a balance between planned activities and free time. This approach allows you to look forward to certain events while still maintaining the flexibility to adapt to your mood or energy levels on the day. It’s about finding a harmony between structure and spontaneity that works best for each individual.
Describe a piece of music that has special meaning to you could be an interesting topic to explore when discussing leisure activities and personal preferences during weekends.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: Let’s discuss the concept of work-life balance. Do you think people in your country have a good work-life balance?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think work-life balance is a growing concern in my country. Many people work long hours and often bring work home with them. This can make it difficult to separate work and personal life. However, I’ve noticed that younger generations are starting to prioritize their personal time more. Some companies are also introducing flexible working hours and work-from-home options to help improve work-life balance.
Overall, I’d say we’re making progress, but there’s still room for improvement. Many people still struggle to find time for hobbies, family, and relaxation during the week. Weekends often become the only time for personal activities, which can be quite stressful.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The concept of work-life balance in my country is rather complex and multifaceted. On one hand, there’s a deeply ingrained work ethic that often leads to long hours and a culture of presenteeism. Many professionals pride themselves on their dedication to their careers, sometimes at the expense of personal time and well-being.
However, we’re witnessing a gradual shift in attitudes, particularly among younger generations who are increasingly prioritizing quality of life over traditional markers of success. This shift has been accelerated by the global pandemic, which has forced a reevaluation of work practices and personal priorities.
Progressive companies are spearheading initiatives such as unlimited vacation policies, mental health days, and flexible working arrangements. These changes are slowly permeating the broader corporate culture, although there’s still significant variation across industries and company sizes.
That said, achieving a true work-life balance remains elusive for many. The ubiquity of smartphones and constant connectivity has blurred the lines between work and personal time. Moreover, economic pressures and job insecurity can make it challenging for individuals to assert boundaries.
In essence, while we’re seeing promising developments, there’s still a considerable journey ahead to foster a culture that genuinely values and facilitates a healthy work-life balance across all sectors of society.
Work-life balance concept illustration
Describe a place where you go to enjoy traditional music could be an interesting topic to explore when discussing leisure activities and cultural experiences during weekends.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Spontaneous escapade /spɒnˈteɪniəs ɛsˈkeɪpeɪd/ (noun phrase): An unplanned trip or adventure.
Example: Our spontaneous escapade to the beach was the highlight of my summer.To immerse oneself in /ɪˈmɜːs wʌnˈsɛlf ɪn/ (phrasal verb): To become completely involved in something.
Example: During my vacation, I immersed myself in the local culture and traditions.Gastronomic experience /ˌɡæstrəˈnɒmɪk ɪkˈspɪərɪəns/ (noun phrase): An event or activity focused on the enjoyment of good food.
Example: The food festival was a true gastronomic experience, featuring dishes from around the world.To strike a balance /tuː straɪk ə ˈbæləns/ (idiom): To find a compromise between two opposing things.
Example: It’s important to strike a balance between work and personal life to avoid burnout.Rejuvenating /rɪˈdʒuːvəneɪtɪŋ/ (adjective): Making one feel younger, more energetic, or refreshed.
Example: The weekend retreat was rejuvenating, leaving me ready to face the new week.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test:
Practice regularly: Spend time each day speaking English, even if it’s just talking to yourself about your daily activities.
Expand your vocabulary: Learn new words and phrases related to common topics, and practice using them in context.
Work on fluency: Focus on speaking smoothly and confidently, even if you make minor mistakes.
Develop your ideas: Don’t just give short answers. Expand on your points and provide examples to support your opinions.
Listen to native speakers: Watch English-language movies, TV shows, or podcasts to improve your understanding of natural speech patterns and colloquialisms.
Record yourself: This can help you identify areas for improvement in your pronunciation and fluency.
Stay informed: Keep up with current events and global issues to be prepared for a wide range of discussion topics.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about perfect grammar or an extensive vocabulary, but about communicating your ideas effectively and confidently.
Describe a song that is meaningful to you could be another interesting topic to practice, as it allows you to express personal emotions and experiences, which is valuable in the IELTS Speaking test.