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

107 unique answers with expert feedback

How do you personally manage stress in your life?

I try to manage stress by incorporating regular exercise into my routine, maintaining a balanced diet, and ensuring I spend quality time with friends and family. I also practice mindfulness and meditation, which helps me stay grounded and reduces anxiety.

What other health topics interest you?

I'm particularly interested in nutrition and its effects on mental health. I also find articles about sleep hygiene and its importance for overall well-being fascinating. These topics often highlight how interconnected our physical and mental health really is.

Do you think stress management is important for everyone?

Absolutely! Stress management is crucial for everyone, as it can significantly affect our physical and mental health. Learning to cope with stress can lead to a healthier lifestyle and improve our overall quality of life.

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 useful?

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, which motivated me to pay more attention to my meals and incorporate more fruits and vegetables.

How do you ensure you drink enough water daily?

To make sure I drink enough water, I carry a reusable water bottle with me everywhere. I also set reminders on my phone to take a sip every hour. Additionally, I try to drink a glass of water before each meal, which has become a helpful habit.

What other lifestyle changes have you made recently?

Besides drinking more water, I've started exercising regularly and cooking at home more often. I also try to get enough sleep and reduce screen time before bed, which has significantly improved my energy levels and overall well-being.

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

What do you think is the most important aspect of health?

I believe that while all four aspects are crucial, mental health often takes precedence. A person can be physically fit but if they are struggling emotionally or mentally, their overall health is compromised. Therefore, mental well-being should be prioritized to achieve a balanced life.

How can people improve their emotional and spiritual health?

Improving emotional health can involve practices like journaling, therapy, or engaging in hobbies that bring joy. For spiritual health, activities like meditation, spending time in nature, or participating in community service can foster a deeper connection with oneself and others.

Why do you think physical health is prioritized over other aspects?

Physical health is often more visible and measurable, making it easier to assess. Society tends to focus on physical appearances and fitness levels, which can overshadow the importance of mental and emotional well-being. This can lead to neglecting the holistic view of health.

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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 could improve heart health in younger generations?

I believe that incorporating regular physical activity, such as sports or even daily walks, can significantly improve heart health. Additionally, promoting a balanced diet and reducing screen time can help younger people become more aware of their health and make better choices.

How can parents encourage their children to lead a healthier lifestyle?

Parents can set a good example by being active themselves and involving their children in outdoor activities. They can also limit screen time and encourage participation in sports or group activities, making it a fun and engaging experience for their kids.

What role do you think technology plays in the health of younger generations?

Technology has a dual role; while it can promote health through fitness apps and online resources, it often leads to sedentary lifestyles. Balancing technology use with physical activity is crucial to ensure that it benefits rather than harms health.

Band 7

00:00

Recently I read an article on health in National Geographic's online magazine. The article focused on the importance of gut health and how it affects not only digestion but also mental well-being. It explained that trillions of microorganisms live in our intestines forming what is known as the gut microbiome. The article highlighted how eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and fermented foods like yogurt and kimchi can improve gut bacteria. While too much processed food and sugar can harm it, what I found really interesting was the connection between gut health and mood. Because studies suggest that an unhealthy gut can contribute to stress, anxiety and even depression. The piece also offered practical advice such as drinking more water, exercising regularly and avoiding unnecessary antibiotics. Overall the article was very informative and made me realize that taking care of our digestive system plays a much larger role in overall health than most people think.

Follow up questions

What changes have you made to your diet after reading the article?

After reading the article, I started incorporating more fermented foods like yogurt and kimchi into my diet. I also try to eat more fruits and vegetables and have reduced my intake of processed foods and sugar. I feel more energetic and healthier since making these changes.

How do you think gut health affects mental well-being?

I believe gut health is crucial for mental well-being because the gut microbiome can influence our mood and stress levels. The article mentioned studies linking an unhealthy gut to anxiety and depression, which makes me think that taking care of our digestive health can lead to better mental health.

What other health topics interest you?

I'm particularly interested in topics related to nutrition and mental health. I also enjoy reading about the benefits of exercise and how lifestyle choices impact overall health. Articles that explore the connection between physical and mental well-being are especially fascinating to me.

Show all 107 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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