As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I often encounter students who feel anxious about the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when faced with unfamiliar questions. One such question that frequently arises is “Do you ever change your routine?”. This seemingly simple question can actually offer a wealth of opportunities to showcase your English proficiency.
Understanding the “Routine” Theme in IELTS Speaking
The IELTS Speaking test assesses your ability to communicate effectively in English, and topics like “routines” are commonly used to evaluate your fluency, vocabulary, and grammar. Examiners want to see if you can:
- Describe your daily activities: This demonstrates your vocabulary related to everyday life and your ability to use different tenses (present simple, present continuous, etc.)
- Express preferences and reasons: Sharing why you like or dislike certain routines reveals your ability to use language for expressing opinions and providing justifications.
- Discuss changes and adaptations: Talking about changes in your routine allows you to demonstrate your command of more complex grammatical structures and vocabulary related to time and change.
Tackling “Do You Ever Change Your Routine?”
Here’s a breakdown of how to effectively answer the question “Do you ever change your routine” and other related prompts:
1. Acknowledge the Question:
Start by directly addressing the question, rather than jumping into a lengthy description of your routine. For example:
- “Yes, I definitely change my routine from time to time.”
- “While I generally prefer sticking to a set schedule, there are definitely times when I need to switch things up.”
2. Provide Specific Examples:
Avoid vague statements like “I sometimes change my routine.” Instead, offer concrete examples of situations where you alter your routine. This demonstrates your vocabulary and ability to develop your ideas. Consider these possibilities:
- Weekends vs. Weekdays: “During the week, my schedule is quite rigid due to work and studies. However, on weekends, I have much more flexibility to sleep in, pursue hobbies, and socialize with friends.”
- Seasonal Changes: “In the summer, I tend to wake up earlier and spend more time outdoors, while in the winter, I prefer cozy evenings at home.”
- Travel or Special Occasions: “Whenever I travel or have a special event coming up, my routine is completely different. I might be adjusting to a new time zone, trying different foods, or engaging in activities I don’t normally have time for.”
3. Explain the Reasons Behind the Changes:
Don’t just list changes; explain why you make them. This adds depth to your answer and allows you to use a wider range of vocabulary and grammar:
- Necessity: “I have to adjust my sleep schedule when I travel for work to minimize jet lag.”
- Preference: “I find that incorporating exercise into my morning routine helps me feel more energized throughout the day.”
- Opportunities: “On weekends, I often deviate from my routine to explore new restaurants or visit local museums.”
4. Use Linking Words and Phrases:
Connect your ideas smoothly using transition words and phrases. This enhances the coherence and fluency of your response:
- To express contrast: “However,” “On the other hand,” “While,” “Although”
- To add information: “Furthermore,” “Moreover,” “In addition,” “Additionally”
- To provide examples: “For instance,” “For example,” “Such as”
5. Keep it Natural and Engaging:
Speak in a clear and natural tone, just as you would in a regular conversation. Vary your sentence structure and vocabulary to keep your response engaging. Don’t be afraid to inject some personality into your answer by sharing an anecdote or a humorous observation about your routines.
Example of IELTS Speaking test about Routine
Example IELTS Speaking Response
Here’s an example of how you could answer the question, incorporating the tips above:
Examiner: “Do you ever change your routine?”
Candidate: “Yes, I definitely change my routine from time to time. For instance, during the week, my schedule is quite structured because of my job and evening classes. I usually wake up around 7 am, have a quick breakfast, and then head to work. However, on weekends, I allow myself to sleep in a bit later and enjoy a leisurely brunch with friends. I find that having this change in my routine helps me to relax and recharge after a busy week. Additionally, whenever I travel, my routine goes out the window completely! I love experiencing new cultures and trying different foods, so I’m always up for adjusting my schedule to make the most of my trips.”
Practice Makes Perfect
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is practice. Practice answering a variety of questions related to routines, using the strategies outlined above. Record yourself speaking and analyze your performance to identify areas for improvement. With consistent effort, you’ll feel confident and prepared to ace the IELTS Speaking test.
