In IELTS Speaking exams, candidates are often asked to discuss their daily routines and leisure activities. One common topic is describing an activity you do regularly for relaxation. This question allows examiners to assess your ability to communicate about familiar subjects while evaluating your vocabulary, fluency, and coherence. Let’s explore how to effectively answer this question and excel in your IELTS Speaking test.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about your relaxation habits. Here are some common questions you might encounter:

1. Do you have any hobbies that help you relax?
2. How often do you engage in relaxing activities?
3. What’s your favorite way to unwind after a long day?

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

Examiner: Do you have any hobbies that help you relax?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I definitely do. One of my favorite ways to unwind is through gardening. I find it incredibly therapeutic to spend time nurturing plants and watching them grow. It’s a great way to disconnect from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with nature. Plus, there’s something really satisfying about seeing the fruits of your labor, quite literally in some cases!”

This answer demonstrates a good range of vocabulary related to relaxation and hobbies. The candidate uses specific examples and expresses personal opinions, which is crucial for scoring well in IELTS Speaking.

Woman gardening to relax

Part 2: Long Turn

In Part 2, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic and some bullet points to guide your speech. Here’s a sample cue card related to our theme:

Describe An Activity You Do Regularly For Relaxation

You should say:
- What the activity is
- When and where you do it
- How you do it
- And explain why you find it relaxing

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):

“The activity I’d like to talk about is reading, which I do regularly to relax. I usually read in the evening, after dinner, when I’m in my bedroom. I have a comfortable armchair by the window where I like to sit.

I usually pick up a novel or sometimes a magazine, depending on my mood. I try to read for at least 30 minutes, but often I get so engrossed in the story that I end up reading for much longer.

I find reading relaxing because it allows me to escape from the pressures of daily life. When I’m reading, I can forget about my worries and immerse myself in a different world. It’s also a great way to wind down before bed, helping me sleep better.

Reading also broadens my horizons and gives me new perspectives, which I find mentally refreshing. Overall, it’s a simple yet effective way for me to relax and recharge.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to share with you a quintessential part of my daily routine that I find incredibly relaxing – the art of brewing and savoring a cup of tea. This ritual typically takes place in the early evening, around 6 PM, in the tranquil setting of my balcony that overlooks a lush garden.

The process begins with selecting the tea – I have a penchant for loose-leaf oolong or a robust Assam, depending on my mood. I meticulously heat the water to the optimal temperature, allowing the leaves to unfurl and release their complex flavors. The act of preparing the tea is, in itself, a meditative experience.

As I wait for the tea to steep, I often find myself engrossed in the ambient sounds of nature or soft classical music playing in the background. Once ready, I pour the tea into my favorite ceramic cup, its warmth permeating through my hands.

A person relaxing on a balcony with a cup of tea

The reason I find this activity so relaxing is multifaceted. Firstly, it serves as a clear demarcation between my workday and personal time, helping me to mentally transition and unwind. The aromatic scent of the tea has a calming effect on my senses, while the act of sipping slowly encourages mindfulness and presence in the moment.

Moreover, this daily ritual provides a consistent anchor in my often unpredictable schedule, offering a sense of comfort and familiarity. It’s a time for introspection and reflection, allowing me to process the day’s events and recalibrate my thoughts.

In essence, this simple yet profound act of brewing and enjoying tea is my way of creating a pocket of serenity in the midst of a hectic world, rejuvenating both my mind and spirit.”

Follow-up Questions:

1. Has your preferred relaxation activity changed over time?
2. Do you think different age groups have different ways of relaxing?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9) for question 1:

“Absolutely, my relaxation preferences have evolved significantly over the years. In my younger days, I found solace in more energetic pursuits like playing video games or engaging in team sports. However, as I’ve matured, I’ve developed an appreciation for quieter, more introspective activities.

This shift is largely due to the changing dynamics of my life. With increased work responsibilities and a busier schedule, I now gravitate towards activities that offer a stark contrast to my daily routine. The tea ritual, for instance, provides a much-needed respite from screen time and constant connectivity.

Moreover, I’ve become more attuned to the benefits of mindfulness and stress reduction. Activities that seemed boring to my younger self now appear as valuable opportunities for self-reflection and mental rejuvenation. This change also reflects my growing interest in holistic well-being, encompassing not just physical relaxation but mental and emotional balance as well.

In essence, my relaxation choices have adapted to meet my evolving needs, moving from external stimulation to internal calm, and from passive consumption to active mindfulness.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions:

1. How do relaxation habits differ between cultures?
2. Do you think modern technology has changed how people relax?
3. What role does relaxation play in maintaining good mental health?

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

Examiner: Do you think modern technology has changed how people relax?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“I believe modern technology has drastically altered the way people relax, for better and worse. On one hand, technology has made relaxation more accessible. We can now easily stream movies, listen to music, or play games on our devices anytime, anywhere. Apps for meditation and mindfulness have also gained popularity, making these relaxation techniques more mainstream.

However, there’s a flip side to this convenience. The constant connectivity that technology provides can make it harder to truly switch off. Many people find themselves habitually checking their phones or social media even during downtime, which can actually increase stress levels rather than reduce them.

Person feeling overwhelmed by technology

Moreover, the sedentary nature of many tech-based relaxation activities, like binge-watching TV series, might not be as beneficial for overall well-being as more active forms of relaxation. There’s also the issue of digital eye strain and disrupted sleep patterns due to excessive screen time.

In my opinion, while technology has expanded our options for relaxation, it’s crucial to find a balance and not let it encroach on more traditional, unplugged ways of unwinding. The key is to use technology mindfully as a tool for relaxation, rather than letting it become a source of stress itself.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To achieve a high score in IELTS Speaking, it’s crucial to use a wide range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures. Here are some key words and phrases related to relaxation, along with their definitions and example sentences:

1. Unwind (verb) – /ʌnˈwaɪnd/ – to relax after a period of work or tension
   Example: “After a stressful day at work, I like to unwind by taking a long bath.”
2. Therapeutic (adjective) – /ˌθerəˈpjuːtɪk/ – having a good effect on the body or mind; contributing to a sense of well-being
   Example: “I find gardening very therapeutic; it helps me forget my worries.”
3. Rejuvenate (verb) – /rɪˈdʒuːvəneɪt/ – to give new energy or vigor to; to restore to a former state; to make young or youthful again
   Example: “A weekend in the countryside always rejuvenates me.”
4. Serenity (noun) – /səˈrenəti/ – the state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled
   Example: “The serenity of the lake at sunset is incredibly relaxing.”
5. Mindfulness (noun) – /ˈmaɪn(d)f(ʊ)lnəs/ – the practice of being aware of your body, mind, and feelings in the present moment
   Example: “Practicing mindfulness through meditation has greatly reduced my stress levels.”

Remember to use these words naturally in your responses, and try to incorporate them into complex sentences to demonstrate your language proficiency.

Tips from an IELTS Examiner

As an experienced IELTS examiner, here are some tips to help you excel in the Speaking test:

1. Practice regularly: Consistency is key. Try to speak English every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
2. Expand your vocabulary: Learn new words and phrases related to common IELTS topics, including relaxation and leisure activities.
3. Use a variety of sentence structures: Mix simple and complex sentences to showcase your language skills.
4. Be specific and provide examples: When describing your relaxation activity, give concrete details and personal anecdotes.
5. Stay on topic: Make sure your answers are relevant to the questions asked.
6. Speak naturally: Aim for fluency rather than perfection. It’s okay to make minor mistakes as long as you communicate effectively.
7. Show enthusiasm: Examiners appreciate candidates who engage positively with the topics.

By following these tips and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss your relaxation activities and other topics in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key is to communicate clearly and confidently while showcasing your English language skills.

If you’re looking for more IELTS Speaking practice, you might find it helpful to describe a place where you often go to exercise or describe a hobby you started recently. These topics can help you expand your vocabulary and improve your ability to discuss various aspects of your daily life and interests.

Additionally, for those who enjoy outdoor activities, practicing how to describe a forest trail you want to explore or describe a nature hike you took and what you saw can be excellent ways to enhance your descriptive language skills. These topics often overlap with relaxation activities and can provide you with a broader range of vocabulary and ideas to draw from during your IELTS Speaking test.

Lastly, don’t forget that relaxation often plays a significant role in our weekends. You might want to practice describing a memorable weekend you had recently, which can help you tie together various aspects of relaxation, activities, and personal experiences in a cohesive narrative.

By preparing for these related topics, you’ll be well-equipped to handle a wide range of questions in your IELTS Speaking test, demonstrating your ability to communicate fluently about various aspects of your life and interests.