Describe an article on health you read in a magazine or on the Internet: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

What the article was about
Where/when you read it
What you learned from it
And explain why it was interesting/useful

110 unique answers with expert feedback

How do you think stress affects people's daily lives?

Stress can significantly impact daily life by affecting mood, productivity, and relationships. When people are stressed, they may struggle to concentrate, feel irritable, or withdraw from social interactions, which can lead to a cycle of increased stress and further health issues.

What are some common sources of stress in modern life?

Common sources of stress today include work-related pressures, financial concerns, and personal relationships. Additionally, the fast-paced nature of modern life, social media, and the constant connectivity can contribute to feelings of overwhelm and anxiety.

Can you suggest any other methods to manage stress effectively?

Besides exercise and a healthy diet, other effective stress management techniques include mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, and engaging in hobbies. Spending time in nature and maintaining a strong support network can also help individuals cope with stress.

Band 7

00:00

Recently I read an article on health, how health has been impacted in today's generation and how we can compact it. One of the major reasons why health is degrading is because of lifestyle. In today's modern generation, people eat junk food, oily food, fried food and the sleep cycle is disrupted. All of these reasons are responsible for degrading health. People should be more cautious about what is going on in their body and do exercises accordingly. What is also impacting and shaping the health ecosystem is internet and social media. Internet is making people more aware about health problems and diseases. Social media influences is also teaching people to compact various diseases, how to live a healthier and a diet, healthier lifestyle without compromising their diet, their taste and their comfort. But all the problem in this is the frauds happening on the social media. There are a lot of fake influencers who give wrong information just to get more views. People should be more aware of these frauds happening on the internet. Everybody should do their own research before using any remedy or any diet plan. Remember at the last, health is wealth.

Follow up questions

What are some common health issues caused by poor lifestyle choices?

Common health issues include obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and mental health problems. Poor diet and lack of exercise contribute significantly to these conditions, leading to long-term health complications.

How can social media positively influence health awareness?

Social media can spread awareness about health issues quickly, share success stories, and provide tips for healthier living. Influencers can motivate people to adopt better habits and promote community support for health initiatives.

What steps can individuals take to verify health information online?

Individuals should check the credibility of sources, look for peer-reviewed studies, consult healthcare professionals, and cross-reference information across multiple reputable sites to ensure accuracy before following any health advice.

Band 7

00:00

A few months ago I read an interesting article about the benefits of drinking water everyday. I came across it on health and fitness website while I was browsing the internet. The title immediately caught my attention because I had recently started going to the gym and I wanted to improve my overall lifestyle. The article explained in detail how water plays a vital role in keeping our body hydrated, improving digestion, and every boosting congestion. It also mentioned that dehydration can cause headache, tiredness, and lack of focus. The writer suggested that people should drink at least 2-3 litres of water daily, depending on their activity level and climate. I found this article very useful because it was simple, practical, and based on scientific fact. After reading it, I started drinking water more. Throughout the day, I also replaced sugary drinks with plain water, which really helped me feel more energetic and fresh.

Follow up questions

What other health articles have you found helpful?

I've read several articles on nutrition and exercise. One that stood out was about the importance of a balanced diet. It emphasized how different food groups contribute to overall health and energy levels, which motivated me to pay more attention to my meals.

How do you ensure you drink enough water daily?

To ensure I drink enough water, I carry a reusable water bottle with me everywhere. I set reminders on my phone to take a sip every hour. I also try to drink a glass of water before each meal, which helps me stay hydrated throughout the day.

Have you noticed any changes since increasing your water intake?

Yes, since I increased my water intake, I've noticed that I feel more energetic and focused. My digestion has improved, and I rarely experience headaches now. It has also helped me reduce cravings for sugary drinks, which is a bonus for my overall health.

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Band 7

00:00

Most recently, the article that I read over the internet was on the topic of health and how it has four facets to it. In the common day's understanding and everyday understanding, we are told that health has two aspects in it, which is physical and the mental aspect. However, in that particular article, it was told that the health has four areas. One is physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. One person is considered to be healthy if somebody has an adequate balance in all the four aspects of health. However, in the social setup, what we usually see is the physical health is given the utmost importance However, the importance on the psychological health, mental well-being, spiritual health or overall mental health is not given a lot of importance However, to have a healthy sustaining lifestyle, we need to have an adequate balance in the all four spectrums One cannot be considered healthy if they have an implicit amount in one category and not much in the others

Follow up questions

How do you think society can improve awareness of emotional and spiritual health?

I believe society can improve awareness by integrating emotional and spiritual health into educational programs and public health campaigns. Workshops, seminars, and community discussions can help people understand the importance of these aspects and how to achieve balance in their lives.

What are some practical ways to maintain balance in all four aspects of health?

Practical ways include regular physical exercise, mindfulness practices like meditation for mental health, engaging in hobbies that fulfill emotional needs, and participating in community or spiritual activities. Setting aside time for each aspect can help maintain a healthy balance.

Can you share an example of how neglecting one aspect of health can affect overall well-being?

Neglecting emotional health, for instance, can lead to stress and anxiety, which may affect physical health by causing fatigue or illness. This imbalance can create a cycle where one aspect negatively impacts the others, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to health.

Band 7

00:00

Recently, I have read articles about growing heart conditions, especially in India. The younger generations are now facing more heart attacks as compared to previously, where elderly people with ages above 60 used to face these conditions. But nowadays, younger generations are more affected by this, which is completely unusual. But I think there is a link, there is a connection to our lifestyle nowadays, which cannot be ignored. Younger generations are not as fit and healthy as our parents used to be in our age. The activity in household and even sports have seen a decline over the years. Younger generations are not going out to play sports and just to take a stroll, they are sitting in their homes, curled up in their beds, watching TV, playing video games, which is impacting their health and they are not even realising it. The Generation X, which they now call it, they don't even listen to their parents regarding to these conditions.

Follow up questions

What lifestyle changes do you think can help improve heart health in younger generations?

To improve heart health, younger generations should engage in regular physical activities, such as sports or outdoor exercises. Additionally, adopting a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can significantly contribute to better heart health. Reducing screen time and promoting social interactions can also help.

How do you think technology impacts the health of young people today?

Technology has a dual impact on young people's health. While it provides access to health information and fitness apps, it also encourages sedentary behavior. Excessive screen time can lead to physical inactivity and mental health issues, making it crucial to find a balance between technology use and physical activity.

What role do parents play in promoting healthy habits among their children?

Parents play a vital role in shaping their children's habits. By modeling healthy behaviors, such as cooking nutritious meals and participating in physical activities together, they can instill good habits. Encouraging outdoor play and limiting screen time can also help children develop a healthier lifestyle.

Show all 110 answers

Cue 1:What the article was about

Begin by summarizing the main topic of the article, focusing on its key points.
Mention any specific health issue or advice that the article addressed.

Example

The article I read was about the importance of mental health, particularly during stressful times like the pandemic. It discussed various strategies to manage stress and anxiety, such as mindfulness and regular exercise.

Cue 2:Where/when you read it

Describe the platform where you found the article, whether it was a magazine, a website, or a blog.
Mention the time frame when you read it, such as a specific month or year.

Example

I found this article on a popular health website while browsing during my lunch break last month. I often look for health-related content online, and this one caught my attention immediately.

Cue 3:What you learned from it

Highlight the key takeaways or lessons you gained from reading the article.
Explain how this information could be applied to your own life or the lives of others.

Example

From the article, I learned about the significance of taking breaks and practicing self-care. It emphasized that even small changes, like a short walk or meditation, can greatly improve mental well-being. I started incorporating these practices into my daily routine.

Cue 4:And explain why it was interesting/useful

Discuss what made the article engaging or relevant to you personally.
Mention how the information could benefit others or contribute to public awareness.

Example

I found the article particularly interesting because mental health is often overlooked in our society. It provided practical tips that anyone could use, making it useful for a wide audience. I shared it with friends and family to raise awareness about the importance of mental health.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, reading this article not only enhanced my understanding of mental health but also motivated me to take better care of my own well-being. It serves as a reminder that we should prioritize our mental health just as much as our physical health.

Following this structure will ensure you cover all the essential points while providing a clear and engaging response to the cue card topic.

Tips to answer this Cue Card

1: Lack of Specific Details

Avoid vague answers that do not provide specific details about the article. This can make your response less engaging and informative.

Tip

Include specific examples from the article, such as key points or statistics, to make your answer more vivid and memorable.

2: Ignoring Personal Connection

Failing to explain how the article relates to you can make your response less impactful. Personal connections add depth to your answer.

Tip

Share a personal experience or opinion related to the article to show why it was meaningful to you.

Rushing Through the Explanation

Speaking too quickly can lead to unclear communication and missed opportunities to elaborate on important points.

Tip

Take your time to articulate your thoughts clearly, and pause to emphasize key points for better understanding.

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I like to taste different types of cuisine. Here I would like to talk about my favorite dish at my traditional festival of Onam which is Sadya. Sadya is popular in my city. We are experimenting these cuisines on Onam festival day. Onam is a famous festival in my city. All family members get together in my home and we make a delicious Sadya. There are many ingredients includes that Sadya. Moreover, we make a big feast that day as well as we create a lot of memories together and we wear that day the traditional dress called Sari and men wear the Dhotis. That festival is really important to us because the whole day we are conducting different kinds of games at our homes and all the family members came together. It's a memorable day in my life. This is the festival. We are making the Sambar and Aviyal. These all the kinds of foods are making with the vegetables.

Talk about a toy you liked in your childhood

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Answer

The toy which I liked in my childhood was a panda doll, which makes me pleasant and makes me more blush. The pandas are the most beautiful creatures of the world, which looks gigantic and has pooshy cheeks and they are like stars in the clouds and they dream in me. Furthermore, these have been given by my father. My father is a very very beautiful artistic person, who makes me think of that. Every day you will face every difficulties and make you suffer and move forward. Pandas are always seen in Japanese countries. It is my lifelong dream to visit a Japanese country and click a photo with the original pandas, which makes sounds better.

Describe a time you were in a place where you didn't know the local language

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Answer

As India is a very large country full of diversity, so there are many places which have their own language and speak their native language. The place which I visited and I didn't know about their language was Leladakh, which is about 300 km away from my hometown and it is a very good place as it consists of different kind of trees, animals and have many scenic views and I visited over there last year in summers as it was the best time to visit because it has many, it was cold over there and we had summers in our area so it was the best time to visit over there and I went over there with my whole family.

Describe a time when your friend damaged something you owned

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It Ends With Us is a book I read recently. It's by the author Colleen Hoare. It's mainly a story about two teenagers, Atlas and Lily, and how they just handle their life going through high school, adolescence, and just domestic violence at home. Both of them come from very, very different families. However, they have one common determining factor between them, which is domestic violence. The abuse that they've seen their moms go through is just insane, and they connect through that on a different level. They're actually in the same high school, but they never speak to each other until Atlas actually crashes into an empty house next to Lily's villa. When Atlas is homeless and he doesn't have anywhere to go, he just comes and breaks into the house next to Lily's, and Lily helps him with all the daily necessities like clothes and food, medicines and stuff. Furthermore, their friendship blossoms into love, but it doesn't really fructify as Atlas has to leave. This book really gave me a lot of knowledge about domestic abuse and how to deal with it.