The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about daily routines and leisure activities. One common topic that frequently appears is describing activities you do after work or school. This subject has been a staple in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s explore how to approach this topic effectively to achieve a high score.

Describe a skill you find very useful in your daily life can be closely related to after-work activities, as many people develop valuable skills through their hobbies and pastimes. Keep this connection in mind as we delve into the speaking test structure.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask questions like:

1. What do you usually do after work/school?
2. Do you have any hobbies you enjoy in your free time?
3. How do you balance your work and leisure activities?

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

Examiner: “What do you usually do after work/school?”

Band 6-7 Answer:
“After work, I usually relax at home. I like to watch TV or read a book. Sometimes, I go for a walk in the park near my house. It’s a nice way to unwind after a long day.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“Once I’ve wrapped up my workday, I make a concerted effort to engage in activities that help me decompress and recharge. More often than not, I’ll lace up my running shoes and hit the nearby trail for a brisk jog, which not only helps me stay fit but also clears my mind. On occasion, I’ll delve into a thought-provoking novel or experiment with new recipes in the kitchen, as I find culinary pursuits both relaxing and creatively stimulating.”

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:

Describe an activity that you do after work or school.
You should say:

• What the activity is
• When and where you do it
• Why you choose to do this activity
• And explain how you feel about this activity

IELTS Speaking: Describing yoga as an after-work activity

Band 6-7 Answer:
“The activity I’d like to talk about is yoga. I usually do yoga at home in the evening, after I finish work. I started doing yoga about a year ago because I wanted to find a way to relax and improve my flexibility. I use a yoga app on my phone to guide me through different poses.

I choose to do yoga because it helps me unwind after a busy day. It’s also a good form of exercise that doesn’t require a lot of space or equipment. I feel very calm and refreshed after each session. Yoga has become an important part of my daily routine, and I look forward to it every evening.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’d like to shed light on my post-work yoga practice, which has become an integral part of my daily routine. Without fail, I dedicate an hour to this rejuvenating activity in the tranquil confines of my home studio, typically as the sun begins to set.

My foray into yoga began as a quest to counteract the sedentary nature of my office job and alleviate the accompanying stress. Over time, it has evolved into a multifaceted practice that nourishes both body and mind. I meticulously follow a series of asanas or postures, seamlessly transitioning from one to another, while maintaining a steady, mindful breath.

The reasons behind my unwavering commitment to this practice are manifold. Primarily, yoga serves as a powerful antidote to the day’s tensions, allowing me to shed the mental baggage accumulated during work hours. Moreover, it enhances my physical well-being, improving flexibility, core strength, and overall body awareness.

I must say, the profound impact of my yoga sessions never ceases to amaze me. Post-practice, I experience a sense of serenity that permeates my entire being. It’s as if the day’s stressors melt away, leaving me refreshed and centered. This activity has become my sanctuary, a daily ritual that not only prepares me for a restful night but also equips me to face the challenges of the following day with renewed vigor and clarity.”

Possible follow-up questions:

1. How has this activity impacted your work performance?
2. Would you recommend this activity to others? Why or why not?

Band 6-7 Answer (Question 1):
“Yoga has definitely improved my work performance. I feel more focused and less stressed during the day. It helps me concentrate better on my tasks and deal with pressure more easily.”

Band 8-9 Answer (Question 1):
“I can confidently assert that my yoga practice has had a transformative effect on my professional life. The enhanced mental clarity and emotional equilibrium I gain from yoga have significantly boosted my productivity and decision-making abilities. Moreover, the physical benefits, such as improved posture and reduced tension, have alleviated the discomfort associated with long hours at a desk, allowing me to maintain peak performance throughout the workday.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: “Do you think it’s important for people to have hobbies or activities outside of work?”

Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I think it’s very important for people to have hobbies outside of work. Hobbies help people relax and reduce stress. They also give people a chance to develop new skills and meet new people. Having interests outside of work can make people happier and more balanced.”

Band 8-9 Answer:
“I firmly believe that engaging in hobbies or activities outside of work is not just important, but essential for maintaining a well-rounded and fulfilling life. These pursuits serve multiple crucial functions. Firstly, they act as a vital counterbalance to the often intense and demanding nature of professional life, providing a much-needed outlet for stress relief and mental rejuvenation.

Moreover, hobbies offer individuals the opportunity to cultivate diverse skill sets that may not be directly related to their career but can enhance their overall cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills. This cross-pollination of competencies can often lead to increased creativity and innovation in the workplace.

Additionally, extracurricular activities foster social connections outside of the professional sphere, allowing individuals to broaden their perspectives and develop a more holistic worldview. This can be particularly beneficial in today’s increasingly interconnected global economy.

Ultimately, maintaining a rich life outside of work contributes significantly to an individual’s overall well-being and life satisfaction, which in turn can positively impact their professional performance and career longevity.”

IELTS Speaking: Various after-work activities

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Rejuvenate /rɪˈdʒuːvəneɪt/ (verb): To give new energy or vigor to; revitalize.
   Example: “My evening yoga session helps rejuvenate my mind and body after a long day at work.”

2. Multifaceted /ˌmʌltɪˈfæsɪtɪd/ (adjective): Having many different aspects or features.
   Example: “I enjoy photography as an after-work activity because it’s a multifaceted hobby that involves technical skills, creativity, and sometimes physical activity.”

3. Equilibrium /ˌiːkwɪˈlɪbriəm/ (noun): A state of balance or calm.
   Example: “Engaging in my favorite hobby helps me restore equilibrium after a stressful day at the office.”

4. Cultivate /ˈkʌltɪveɪt/ (verb): To develop or improve by education or training.
   Example: “Through my after-work painting sessions, I’ve been able to cultivate my artistic skills and express my creativity.”

5. Counterbalance /ˈkaʊntəbæləns/ (verb): To offset or counteract the effect of something.
   Example: “I find that playing team sports after work helps counterbalance the solitary nature of my job as a researcher.”

Describe a nature spot where you often go to relax can be an excellent topic to discuss when talking about after-work activities, especially if you enjoy outdoor pursuits to unwind.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing after-work activities:

1. Use a variety of vocabulary and complex sentence structures to demonstrate your language proficiency.
2. Provide detailed and specific examples from your personal experience to support your points.
3. Show your ability to discuss the topic from different perspectives, considering both personal and societal impacts.
4. Practice speaking about your activities fluently and coherently, organizing your thoughts logically.
5. Demonstrate critical thinking by explaining why you choose certain activities and how they benefit you.

Remember, the key to success is not just what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, fluency, and the ability to express complex ideas clearly are all crucial factors in achieving a high score in the IELTS Speaking test.

Describe an outdoor sport you want to try in the future could be an interesting way to expand on the topic of after-work activities, showing ambition and forward-thinking in your leisure pursuits.

IELTS Speaking: Practice session with an examiner

By following these guidelines and incorporating rich vocabulary and complex structures into your responses, you can significantly enhance your performance in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing activities you do after work or school. Remember to practice regularly and seek feedback to continually improve your speaking skills.