Looking for ways to excel in your IELTS Speaking test when discussing personal relaxation activities? This comprehensive guide will help you tackle one of the most common IELTS Speaking topics – describing activities you do alone to relax. Similar to describe an activity you enjoy doing alone, this topic frequently appears in IELTS Speaking tests worldwide.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions you may encounter:
- Do you prefer to relax alone or with others?
- What do you usually do to relax?
- How often do you take time to relax?
- Is it important to have time alone?
IELTS candidate discussing relaxation activities during speaking test
Part 2: Cue Card
Sample Task
Describe an activity you do alone to relax
You should say:
- What the activity is
- When you usually do it
- Where you do it
- And explain why this activity helps you relax
Just as describe an outdoor activity that helps you relax, here’s how you can structure your response:
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
“One of my most cherished ways to unwind is reading fiction novels in my cozy reading nook. I’ve cultivated this habit over the years, and I typically immerse myself in a good book during the early evening hours, usually between 7 and 9 PM, when the day’s responsibilities have been handled.
I’ve specifically designated a corner in my bedroom for this purpose, complete with a comfortable armchair, soft lighting, and a small side table. What makes this space particularly special is the large window beside it, offering a peaceful view of the garden.
This activity proves incredibly therapeutic for several reasons. First and foremost, it allows me to temporarily disconnect from the digital world and escape into different realms of imagination. Moreover, the act of reading itself requires such focused attention that it naturally pushes away any lingering stress or workplace concerns. I find it fascinating how this simple activity can be both mentally stimulating and relaxing simultaneously.”
Sample Answer (Band 6-7)
“I like to read books to relax. I usually do this in the evening after work, around 7 PM. I read in my bedroom where I have a comfortable chair. I think reading helps me relax because it takes my mind off work and other problems. When I read, I don’t think about anything else, and it helps me forget about stress.”
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Similar to how how did you spend your last weekend ielts might explore leisure activities, these questions delve deeper into relaxation:
Q: Why do you think some people find it difficult to relax?
Band 8-9 Response
“I believe this phenomenon stems from multiple factors in our modern society. First and foremost, the constant connectivity through digital devices has created an environment where people feel pressured to be productive continuously. Furthermore, many individuals have internalized the notion that taking time to relax equals being unproductive, which creates a psychological barrier to genuine relaxation.”
Band 6-7 Response
“I think people find it hard to relax because they are too busy with work and always using their phones. They feel they need to keep working and don’t know how to stop thinking about their problems.”
Person struggling with work-life balance and digital distractions
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
- To unwind /ʌnˈwaɪnd/ (v): to relax after stress
- To cultivate a habit /ˈkʌltɪveɪt/ (phrase): to develop a regular practice
- Therapeutic /ˌθerəˈpjuːtɪk/ (adj): having a beneficial effect on the body or mind
- To immerse oneself /ɪˈmɜːs/ (phrase): to become completely involved in something
- To disconnect /ˌdɪskəˈnekt/ (v): to break a connection, especially with technology
As with describe an activity you do with friends in your free time, using these vocabulary items naturally in your responses will help demonstrate your language proficiency.
