Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Eloquently Describe Your After-Work Activities

The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about daily routines and leisure activities. One common topic is describing activities you do after work. This theme has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to this topic and achieve a high band score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask you questions such as:

1. What do you usually do after work?
2. Do you have any hobbies you enjoy in the evenings?
3. How do you relax after a long day at work?

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

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“After a long day at the office, I usually unwind by going for a brisk 30-minute walk in the park near my home. It’s a great way to clear my mind and get some fresh air. Once I’m back, I like to indulge in some light reading, typically a novel or an interesting article, while sipping on a cup of herbal tea. This routine helps me transition from work mode to relaxation mode quite effectively.”

This answer demonstrates a wide vocabulary, natural fluency, and good use of idiomatic expressions, which are key factors in achieving a high band score.

Describe a place you go to for a day trip can be another interesting topic to explore when discussing leisure activities. It can provide valuable insights into how you spend your free time, which is closely related to after-work activities.

Part 2: Long Turn

In this section, you might receive a cue card like this:

Describe An Activity You Do After Work

You should say:
- What the activity is
- When and where you do it
- Who you do it with (if applicable)
- Why you enjoy doing this activity

Here are sample answers for different band scores:

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“The activity I want to talk about is cooking. I usually cook dinner after I come back from work. I do this in my kitchen, of course. Sometimes my roommate joins me, but most of the time I cook alone. I enjoy cooking because it helps me relax and I like eating homemade food. It’s also cheaper than eating out all the time. I try new recipes sometimes, which is fun and challenging.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to describe my post-work yoga practice, which has become an integral part of my daily routine. Every evening, around 7 pm, I dedicate an hour to this rejuvenating activity in the comfort of my living room. I typically practice alone, finding solace in the solitude, though occasionally I’ll join an online class for added motivation.

The reason I’m so passionate about this activity is multifaceted. Primarily, it serves as an excellent way to decompress after a demanding day at work. The combination of physical postures, controlled breathing, and meditation helps me shed the day’s stress and recenter myself. Moreover, regular practice has significantly improved my flexibility and core strength, contributing to my overall well-being.

What I find particularly appealing about yoga is its holistic approach to health. It’s not just a physical exercise, but a practice that nurtures the mind-body connection. The mindfulness aspect of yoga has taught me to be more present in my daily life, enhancing my focus and productivity both at work and in personal endeavors.

In essence, this after-work activity has become much more than just a hobby; it’s a therapeutic ritual that helps me maintain balance in my hectic life and fosters a sense of inner peace.”

This answer demonstrates a sophisticated vocabulary, varied sentence structures, and a thoughtful, well-developed response to all parts of the question.

Woman practicing yoga after work

Follow-up questions:

1. How has this activity improved your work-life balance?
2. Would you recommend this activity to others? Why or why not?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“This yoga practice has dramatically enhanced my work-life balance. It serves as a clear demarcation between my professional and personal time, helping me mentally clock out from work. The mindfulness techniques I’ve learned have improved my ability to compartmentalize, allowing me to be fully present whether I’m at work or enjoying my personal time.

I would wholeheartedly recommend this activity to others, particularly those in high-stress jobs. The beauty of yoga lies in its adaptability – it can be tailored to suit various fitness levels and time constraints. Moreover, the mental clarity and physical vitality it promotes can have a profound impact on one’s overall quality of life. It’s an investment in oneself that pays dividends in terms of improved health, reduced stress, and increased productivity.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to the topic:

1. How important do you think it is for people to have hobbies or activities outside of work?
2. Do you think companies should provide facilities for employees to engage in after-work activities? Why or why not?
3. How do you think technology has changed the way people spend their time after work?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I believe that having hobbies or activities outside of work is absolutely crucial for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. These pursuits provide an outlet for stress, foster creativity, and contribute to personal growth. They allow individuals to disconnect from work-related pressures and engage in activities that bring joy and fulfillment. Moreover, hobbies can help develop skills that might indirectly benefit one’s professional life, such as improved problem-solving abilities or enhanced creativity.

Regarding company-provided facilities for after-work activities, I think this can be a highly beneficial approach. Such initiatives demonstrate that a company values its employees’ well-being beyond their work output. Providing gyms, game rooms, or spaces for club activities can foster a sense of community among colleagues, improve employee satisfaction, and potentially boost productivity. However, it’s important that these facilities are offered as options rather than obligations, respecting employees’ personal time and choices.

Technology has revolutionized the way people spend their time after work, for better and worse. On one hand, it has opened up a world of possibilities for learning and entertainment. People can now take online courses, engage in virtual hobby groups, or enjoy a vast array of digital content. This has made many activities more accessible and convenient. On the other hand, technology can also lead to an unhealthy blurring of work-life boundaries. The constant connectivity provided by smartphones and laptops can make it difficult for some individuals to truly ‘switch off’ from work. Additionally, excessive screen time can detract from more active or social pursuits. Therefore, while technology offers numerous benefits for after-work activities, it’s crucial to use it mindfully and maintain a balance with offline activities.”

This answer demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the topic, uses a wide range of vocabulary, and provides well-structured and developed arguments.

Describe a concert you want to attend is another interesting topic that relates to leisure activities. It can provide insights into your musical preferences and how you enjoy spending your free time, which is closely connected to after-work activities.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Unwind /ʌnˈwaɪnd/ (verb): to relax after a period of work or tension
   Example: “I like to unwind by taking a long bath after a stressful day.”

2. Rejuvenate /rɪˈdʒuːvəneɪt/ (verb): to give new energy or vigor to; revitalize
   Example: “A good night’s sleep always helps to rejuvenate my mind and body.”

3. Decompress /ˌdiːkəmˈpres/ (verb): to relax or reduce pressure
   Example: “I need some time to decompress after that intense meeting.”

4. Integral /ˈɪntɪɡrəl/ (adjective): necessary and important as a part of a whole
   Example: “Exercise has become an integral part of my daily routine.”

5. Therapeutic /ˌθerəˈpjuːtɪk/ (adjective): having a good effect on the body or mind; contributing to a sense of well-being
   Example: “I find gardening very therapeutic after a long day at work.”

6. Foster /ˈfɒstə(r)/ (verb): to encourage the development of something
   Example: “This hobby has fostered a sense of creativity in me.”

Infographic showing various relaxation techniques

Tips from an Examiner

As an IELTS examiner, I would advise candidates to:

1. Practice describing your daily routines and hobbies in detail. Use a variety of vocabulary and try to go beyond simple descriptions.

2. Be prepared to explain why you enjoy certain activities. This shows depth of thought and helps you expand on your answers.

3. Use personal examples to illustrate your points. This makes your answers more authentic and engaging.

4. Work on your fluency by regularly speaking English, even if it’s just talking to yourself about your day.

5. Listen to podcasts or watch videos about people describing their hobbies or daily routines. This can help you pick up useful phrases and ideas.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is to communicate effectively and confidently. Practice regularly, expand your vocabulary, and don’t be afraid to express your thoughts and opinions.

Describe a time when you felt very accomplished can be an excellent topic to practice, as it allows you to discuss achievements in both work and personal life, potentially including after-work activities that led to a sense of accomplishment.