In recent years, the topic of healthy habits has become increasingly prevalent in IELTS Speaking exams. As health and wellness continue to be global priorities, it’s highly likely that this theme will remain a staple in future tests. This article will guide you through effectively answering questions about healthy activities you enjoy, providing sample responses for different band scores and essential tips to excel in your IELTS Speaking exam.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you several questions about healthy habits. Here are some common questions you might encounter:
- Do you have any healthy habits?
- What do you do to stay healthy?
- How important is it to have a healthy lifestyle?
Let’s focus on the second question and explore a sample answer:
Question: What do you do to stay healthy?
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“To maintain my health, I make a conscious effort to incorporate regular exercise into my daily routine. I typically go for a 30-minute jog in the morning, which not only helps me stay fit but also boosts my energy levels for the day ahead. Additionally, I pay close attention to my diet, ensuring I consume a balanced mix of nutrients by including plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins in my meals. I also prioritize getting adequate sleep, aiming for around 7-8 hours each night, as I believe it’s crucial for both physical and mental well-being.”
Key features:
- Specific examples of healthy habits
- Varied vocabulary related to health and fitness
- Clear explanation of the benefits
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe something healthy you enjoy doing
You should say:
- What the activity is
- How often you do it
- Where you usually do it
- And explain why you think it is healthy
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“One healthy activity I really enjoy is swimming. I try to go swimming at least twice a week, usually after work or on weekends. There’s a local community pool near my house where I usually go for my swimming sessions.
I think swimming is incredibly healthy for several reasons. First, it’s a full-body workout that helps improve cardiovascular fitness and builds strength. It’s also low-impact, which means it’s easier on my joints compared to activities like running. Swimming helps me relax and de-stress after a long day at work.
What I particularly like about swimming is that it’s refreshing, especially during hot summer days. It’s also a skill that could potentially save my life or someone else’s in an emergency situation near water.
Overall, swimming is not just a healthy physical activity for me, but it also contributes to my mental well-being. It’s a perfect combination of exercise and relaxation that I look forward to every week.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’m delighted to share with you one of my favorite healthy activities – practicing yoga. I’ve integrated this ancient holistic discipline into my daily routine, dedicating at least 45 minutes each morning to my practice. I have a tranquil space set up in my home, adorned with plants and natural light, which serves as my personal yoga sanctuary.
The reasons I consider yoga to be exceptionally beneficial for health are multifaceted. Primarily, it’s an incredibly versatile form of exercise that simultaneously enhances flexibility, builds strength, and improves balance. Unlike high-impact activities, yoga is gentle on the joints while still providing a comprehensive workout.
Moreover, the meditative aspect of yoga plays a crucial role in maintaining my mental health. The focus on breath work and mindfulness helps me alleviate stress, increase concentration, and foster a sense of inner peace that permeates throughout my day. This mind-body connection is, in my opinion, what sets yoga apart from other forms of exercise.
Another aspect that I find particularly valuable is how yoga promotes body awareness. Through regular practice, I’ve developed a deeper understanding of my physical limitations and capabilities, which has helped me make more informed decisions about my overall health and wellness.
In essence, yoga isn’t just a physical exercise for me; it’s a holistic approach to health that nourishes my body, mind, and spirit. The cumulative benefits I’ve experienced, from improved posture to enhanced emotional regulation, have made yoga an indispensable part of my healthy lifestyle.”
Follow-up questions:
- How has this activity impacted your overall health?
- Would you recommend this activity to others? Why or why not?
Sample Answer for Question 1 (Band 8-9):
“The impact of yoga on my overall health has been truly transformative. Physically, I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my flexibility and core strength, which has alleviated the back pain I used to experience from long hours at a desk job. My posture has notably improved, and I feel more energized throughout the day.
On a mental and emotional level, the benefits have been equally profound. The mindfulness practices inherent in yoga have greatly reduced my stress levels and enhanced my ability to maintain focus and concentration at work. I’ve also observed an improvement in my sleep quality, which I attribute to the relaxation techniques I’ve learned through yoga.
Furthermore, yoga has fostered a greater sense of body awareness, enabling me to make more mindful choices about my diet and overall lifestyle. This holistic approach to health has led to a ripple effect, positively influencing various aspects of my life beyond just physical fitness.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: Do you think people in your country are becoming more health-conscious? Why or why not?
Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I believe people in my country are definitely becoming more health-conscious, and this trend has been particularly noticeable in recent years. There are several factors contributing to this shift.
Firstly, there’s been a significant increase in health-related information available through various media channels. Social media platforms and health apps have made it easier for people to access information about nutrition, exercise, and overall wellness. This increased awareness has led many to reassess their lifestyle choices.
Secondly, we’re seeing a rise in health-focused businesses, such as gyms, organic food stores, and wellness centers. This growth reflects a growing demand for health-oriented products and services.
Moreover, there’s been a notable shift in government policies towards promoting public health. We’re seeing more initiatives aimed at encouraging physical activity and educating people about the importance of a balanced diet.
However, it’s important to note that while awareness is increasing, there’s still a gap between knowledge and practice. Many people struggle to maintain healthy habits due to factors like busy lifestyles or economic constraints.
Overall, I’d say that while we’re moving in the right direction, there’s still room for improvement in terms of translating this growing health consciousness into sustained, healthy lifestyle changes.”
Examiner: How can governments encourage people to lead healthier lifestyles?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Governments can play a pivotal role in promoting healthier lifestyles through a multifaceted approach that addresses various aspects of public health.
One crucial strategy is implementing comprehensive education programs. By integrating health and nutrition education into school curricula from an early age, governments can instill healthy habits in younger generations. This could be complemented by public awareness campaigns targeting adults, utilizing various media channels to disseminate accurate health information and counteract misinformation.
Another effective measure would be to create supportive environments that make healthy choices easier. This could involve urban planning initiatives to develop more green spaces, bicycle lanes, and pedestrian-friendly areas, encouraging physical activity. Additionally, regulating food labeling and imposing taxes on unhealthy foods while subsidizing nutritious options could nudge people towards healthier dietary choices.
Governments could also incentivize health-promoting behaviors through tax breaks or health insurance premium reductions for individuals who maintain healthy lifestyles or participate in preventive health programs. This approach not only encourages personal responsibility but also potentially reduces the long-term burden on healthcare systems.
Furthermore, collaborating with private sector entities to promote workplace wellness programs could significantly impact public health, given the amount of time people spend at work.
Lastly, investing in research and innovation in health technology could lead to more personalized health interventions and make health monitoring more accessible to the general public.
It’s important to note that these strategies should be tailored to the specific cultural and socioeconomic contexts of each country to ensure their effectiveness and acceptance by the population. By adopting such a comprehensive approach, governments can create an environment that not only educates people about healthy living but also makes it easier and more appealing to adopt and maintain healthy habits.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Holistic approach /həʊˈlɪstɪk əˈprəʊtʃ/ (noun phrase): Considering the whole person, including physical, mental, and social factors, rather than just physical symptoms.
Example: “Yoga offers a holistic approach to health, benefiting both body and mind.” -
Mindfulness /ˈmaɪn(d)f(ʊ)lnəs/ (noun): The practice of being aware and fully present in the moment.
Example: “Practicing mindfulness through meditation has significantly reduced my stress levels.” -
Cardiovascular fitness /ˌkɑːdɪəʊˈvæskjʊlə ˈfɪtnəs/ (noun phrase): The ability of the heart, blood cells and lungs to supply oxygen-rich blood to the working muscle tissues.
Example: “Regular swimming has greatly improved my cardiovascular fitness.” -
Nutritional value /njuːˈtrɪʃ(ə)n(ə)l ˈvæljuː/ (noun phrase): The amount of nutrients provided by a food in relation to the energy it provides.
Example: “I always check the nutritional value of foods before purchasing them.” -
Sedentary lifestyle /ˈsed(ə)nt(ə)ri ˈlaɪfstaɪl/ (noun phrase): A way of life that involves little or no physical activity.
Example: “Many office workers struggle to avoid a sedentary lifestyle due to long hours at a desk.”
Tips from an IELTS Speaking Examiner
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Practice regularly: Consistent practice is key to improving your speaking skills. Try to speak English daily, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
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Expand your vocabulary: Focus on learning health-related vocabulary and incorporate it naturally into your responses.
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Use personal examples: Relating the topic to your personal experiences makes your answers more authentic and engaging.
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Develop your ideas: Don’t just give short answers. Explain your points and provide reasons for your opinions.
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Work on your fluency: Aim to speak smoothly without too many pauses or hesitations. Regular practice can help with this.
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Pay attention to pronunciation: Clear pronunciation is crucial. Focus on commonly mispronounced words in your language.
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Listen actively: In Part 3, make sure you understand the questions fully before answering. Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification if needed.
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Stay calm: Remember, the examiner is not trying to trick you. They want to give you the opportunity to showcase your English skills.
By following these tips and practicing regularly, you can improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing healthy habits and activities. Remember, the key is to speak naturally and confidently about your experiences and opinions related to health and wellness.
For more insights on improving your IELTS Speaking skills, you might find it helpful to describe your favorite sport and its benefits or describe an activity you do to stay fit. These topics are closely related and can provide additional practice in discussing health-related themes.