This week, you will train to speak about one of the most common topics in IELTS Speaking: routines! This sample was scripted by a practicing examiner and it uses real questions that were reportedly seen this year (2024) on a real IELTS exam.
| Part 3 questions How can a good morning routine influence the rest of the day? What are some common components of a healthy morning routine? How can a healthy routine contribute to better mental health? How have electronic devices impacted people’s mental health? Why is it difficult for some people to establish healthy routines? |
| 🧑🎓Target language: mixed bag -something that is both positive and negative “I would say the impact of electronic devices is a mixed bag.” |
Step 1: Tune in to this week’s podcast episode (audio and video version available below).
Step 2: Listen to the sample a few times to get more familiar with the language.
Step 3: Engage this week’s full speech shadowing lesson. (If you do not yet have access, click here to sign up for full lessons.)
Step 4: Below is Monday’s speech exercise. Post yourself saying this excerpt to your Whatsapp group. Exercises for Tuesday to Friday will be posted in the group by your instructor. (If you have not yet been added to a group, click here to sign up – select ‘Join a Whatsapp group’.)
| Post yourself saying this into your Whatsapp group!🗣️📲 “I think a good morning routine sets a positive tone for the day. When an individual begins the day with healthy activities, it enhances productivity, reduces stress and improves a person’s overall mood. For example, engaging in activities such as exercise and meditation, and being sure to also eat a nutritious breakfast, can boost energy levels and mental clarity. When you feel great and are thinking clearly, the rest of your day is much more likely to be successful.” |
Step 5: It’s very important that you note any new language items or pronunciation points from this week’s lesson in your journal to help you chronicle your improvement.📝
Transcript
We’ve been talking about routines and I would like to ask you a few more questions about this topic. How can a good morning routine influence the rest of the day?
I think a good morning routine sets a positive tone for the day. When an individual begins the day with healthy activities, it enhances productivity, reduces stress and improves a person’s overall mood. For example, engaging in activities such as exercise and meditation, and being sure to also eat a nutritious breakfast, can boost energy levels and mental clarity. When you feel great and are thinking clearly, the rest of your day is much more likely to be successful.
What are some common components of a healthy morning routine?
Well, I already mentioned exercise, meditation and eating a healthy breakfast, but I feel the need to highlight these three items again as they are so critical to starting the day in a healthy way. Other components of a healthy morning routine might include planning the day’s tasks, reading or journaling. Doing these things can stimulate the mind and set clear goals for the day. I feel hydration and personal hygiene are also essential to kickstart the day on a positive note.
How can a healthy routine contribute to better mental health?
I believe it contributes to better mental health by providing a sense of structure. When you know exactly what you are going to do after you wake up, you have a sense of control and I think this reduces anxiousness and helps stabilise emotions. Also, regular physical activity releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Consistent sleep patterns are crucial for cognitive function and emotional regulation, too. I’d say these are the main ways a healthy routine contributes to better mental health.
How have electronic devices impacted people’s mental health?
Electronic devices have had a profound impact on people’s mental health, both positively and negatively. On the positive side, devices provide access to information, social connections, and mental health resources, which can be supportive. However, excessive use of electronic devices, particularly social media, has been linked to increased feelings of anxiety, depression and loneliness. This often leads to stress and disrupted sleep patterns. So I guess I would say the impact of electronic devices is a mixed bag.
Why is it difficult for some people to establish healthy routines?
One primary obstacle is the lack of motivation or willpower. It’s hard to establish a healthy routine if you don’t really want one. Additionally, busy lifestyles and demanding schedules can make it difficult to allocate time for new habits. Existing unhealthy habits, such as poor sleep patterns or a sedentary lifestyle, can also be hard to break.
Thank you. This marks the end of the IELTS Speaking exam.