Describe an exercise you know.: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

What is it & how is it done?
When did you first try it?
Why do you think it is a good exercise?

30 unique answers with expert feedback

What are some other exercises that complement planks?

Other exercises that complement planks include push-ups, squats, and deadlifts. These exercises also target core strength and overall body conditioning, enhancing the benefits of planks by promoting balance and stability.

How often do you recommend doing planks for beginners?

For beginners, I recommend starting with planks 2-3 times a week. It's important to focus on form and gradually increase the duration as strength improves. Consistency is key, and listening to your body to avoid strain is essential.

Can you share any tips for maintaining proper form while doing planks?

To maintain proper form during planks, keep your elbows directly under your shoulders, engage your core, and keep your body in a straight line from head to heels. Avoid sagging your hips or raising your buttocks too high, as this can lead to injury.

Band 7

00:00

One exercise I do to keep fit is yoga. I usually practice yoga every morning at my home or at a nearby park. I started this routine about 2 years ago. After hearing about its numerous health benefits, yoga has become an integral part of my daily life. I began practicing yoga on the recommendation of my teacher. A certified yoga instructor initially I found some poses challenging, but with consistent practice I improved significantly. I enjoy yoga because it strengthens my body and calms my mind. It is an excellent way to stay physically and mentally fit. I usually start my yoga session with some warm-up exercises and then move on to different asanas like Surya Namaskar, Chakrasan, Vajrasan and Bhujangasan. Additionally Chandra Namaskar also. Each session lasts about an hour. I practice it every morning at 6 am. These benefits are increased flexibility of the body, improved breathing and enhanced mental clarity. Additionally, yoga has helped me manage stress better and has boosted my overall energy level. In conclusion, yoga is a highly effective way to maintain fitness and overall well-being. I encourage everyone to try yoga and experience its benefits firsthand.

Follow up questions

What specific health benefits have you noticed from practicing yoga?

Since I started practicing yoga, I've noticed increased flexibility, better breathing, and improved mental clarity. It has also helped me manage stress more effectively and has boosted my overall energy levels, making me feel more vibrant throughout the day.

How do you stay motivated to practice yoga regularly?

I stay motivated by setting a consistent schedule and reminding myself of the benefits I gain from yoga. Additionally, I enjoy the routine and the sense of peace it brings me. Sometimes, I also join group classes to keep things interesting and meet like-minded individuals.

Have you ever faced challenges while practicing yoga, and how did you overcome them?

Yes, initially, I found some poses quite challenging. To overcome this, I focused on my breathing and practiced regularly. I also sought guidance from my instructor and watched online tutorials, which helped me improve my technique and build confidence in my practice.

Band 6-7

00:00

Well, since my childhood to this present time, I have had tried countless exercises, although sometimes my experience was not up to the mark, but majority of the time, I was over the moon. However, today I would like to talk about one exercise that I found easy to do, and it's early morning running. Basically, this exercise is very easy, you just have to run as much as you can, which helps to keep our body warm and also make our body flexible by all ways, in terms of hands, legs, and the back pain also can be released by doing this exercise. I had tried so many exercises, but they all was not cup of tea for me, but I found this is very easy and convenient for me, and I do on daily basis in the early morning. I really remember this exercise was taught by my father, as I was a very lazy boy earlier, once he scolded me and advised this exercise to do in the morning every day, and after he suggested me, I got some motivation and I started doing this exercise early in the early morning every day, I also recommend to my friend to join me, as it helps to be fit and refreshed all the day, and also...

Follow up questions

What benefits have you experienced from morning running?

Morning running has significantly improved my stamina and flexibility. I feel more energetic throughout the day, and it has also helped me manage stress better. Additionally, I have noticed a positive change in my mood and overall mental health since I started this routine.

How do you motivate yourself to keep running regularly?

I set small goals for myself, like increasing my distance or speed gradually. I also listen to music or podcasts while running, which makes it more enjoyable. Having a running buddy, like my friend, keeps me accountable and motivated to stick to our morning routine.

Have you tried any other forms of exercise besides running?

Yes, I have tried cycling, swimming, and yoga. While I enjoyed them, they didn't fit into my routine as well as running does. Running feels more accessible and allows me to clear my mind while staying fit, which is why I prefer it over other exercises.

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Band 6-7

00:00

An exercise which I best know is strength training. It is usually done in the gym. I first started strength training because I have a condition called PCOS. So to balance my hormones, my doctor has prescribed me to do strength training in order to balance my hormones. So I started strength training almost 2 or 3 years ago and have been doing since then. It has impacted a lot of, it has created a lot of impact not only medically but also mentally and physically. I am able to, mentally I am able to concentrate better and I am able to handle stress a lot more better. Hormonally it has helped me a lot as well and physically I can see a lot of change in my appearance and the strength that I have gained from the training has helped me immensely and gave me a lot of energy as well. Overall it has improved, strength training has improved me, helped me in all the aspects of my life. So it made me a lot more happier person in general.

Follow up questions

What specific exercises do you include in your strength training routine?

In my strength training routine, I focus on exercises like squats, deadlifts, and bench presses. These compound movements target multiple muscle groups and help build overall strength. I also incorporate some isolation exercises for specific muscles to ensure a balanced workout.

How has strength training influenced your daily life?

Strength training has significantly influenced my daily life by increasing my energy levels and improving my mood. I find that I am more productive and focused throughout the day. Additionally, I feel more confident in my physical abilities, which positively affects my social interactions.

Have you faced any challenges while doing strength training?

Yes, I initially faced challenges such as soreness and adjusting to the workout intensity. However, I learned to listen to my body and gradually increased my weights. Staying consistent and having a supportive community at the gym also helped me overcome these challenges.

Band 6-7

00:00

I am not usually a fan of exercise and due to that I had to resort to different means through which I could burn my calories and maintain a healthy lifestyle. So one such thing that I enjoy, specifically not exercise, is the dance workout. The part of dance workout strung me because I enjoy listening to songs and dancing to the rhythm of the songs. So it was one of the places where I could have elucidated my habits and exercise and burn down my calories. So it was always once in a blue moon that I tried to exercise. So dance workout was a great deal for me. It helped me reduce my calories, be more active and efficient. It has always helped. And in dance workout, we use some dance steps and dance just to the rhythm of the songs. I found out first when I was trying to lead a healthy lifestyle. So there are various dance workout videos that you can watch on YouTube and you can learn. And also by doing dance workout, one of the pros is that you can learn to dance and this has always helped me and now I am many a times a lead dancer for my college or institution whenever there are festivities around. So that's it.

Follow up questions

What other forms of exercise have you tried?

I have tried yoga and jogging, but I found them less enjoyable compared to dance workouts. They felt more like a chore, while dancing allows me to express myself and have fun.

How often do you participate in dance workouts now?

I try to do dance workouts at least twice a week. It keeps me motivated and helps me stay active, especially with my busy college schedule.

What benefits have you noticed from dance workouts?

I've noticed improved stamina, better coordination, and a boost in my mood. Dance workouts make me feel more energetic and confident, especially when I perform at college events.

Show all 30 answers

Cue 1:What is it & how is it done?

Begin by clearly stating the name of the exercise and its purpose.
Describe the steps involved in performing the exercise, ensuring to include any necessary equipment or specific techniques.

Example

The exercise I want to describe is yoga, specifically the 'Surya Namaskar' or Sun Salutation. It is a series of twelve postures that flow into one another, designed to warm up the body and improve flexibility. To perform it, you start in a standing position, then move through a sequence of poses that involve stretching, bending, and strengthening various muscle groups.

Cue 2:When did you first try it?

Share a personal anecdote about when you first encountered this exercise.
Mention any specific circumstances or motivations that led you to try it.

Example

I first tried yoga during my college days, around five years ago. I was feeling quite stressed due to exams and a friend suggested that I join a yoga class with her. I was curious about it and thought it might help me relax and focus better.

Cue 3:Why do you think it is a good exercise?

Discuss the physical and mental benefits you have experienced from this exercise.
Mention any long-term effects or improvements you have noticed since you started practicing it.

Example

I believe yoga is an excellent exercise because it not only enhances physical strength and flexibility but also promotes mental well-being. Since I started practicing it regularly, I have noticed a significant reduction in my stress levels and an improvement in my concentration. It has also helped me maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Conclusion

Summarize your overall thoughts on the exercise and its importance in your life.
Encourage others to consider trying it for their own well-being.

Example

In conclusion, yoga, particularly Surya Namaskar, has become an integral part of my daily routine. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a holistic approach to fitness and mental health, as it has truly transformed my life.

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: Avoid Vague Descriptions

Using vague language can make your answer unclear. It's important to provide specific details about the exercise to engage the listener and demonstrate your knowledge.

Tip

Use clear examples and specific terms when describing the exercise, such as the equipment used or the steps involved.

2: Don't Rush Through Your Answer

Rushing can lead to incomplete answers and missed details. Taking your time allows you to think and articulate your thoughts more clearly.

Tip

Practice speaking slowly and pausing between points to give yourself time to think and ensure clarity.

Neglecting Personal Experience

Failing to include personal experiences can make your answer less engaging. Personal stories help to illustrate your points and connect with the examiner.

Tip

Share a brief personal anecdote about when you first tried the exercise to make your response more relatable and interesting.

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Describe your favourite food at a traditional festival or a special event in your country

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

Pitampura Test Centre, New Delhi

Answer

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

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 8

Sector 34 Test Centre, Chandigarh

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

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 6.5

Whitefield Test Center, Bengaluru

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

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7

Begumpet Test Centre, Hyderabad

Answer

When I was a kid, I had a little pencil box which had these four buttons which gave the pencil box an operative use. When you press the button, the box would open up. When you press the second button, a little part of it would slide out. Basically it was just a little electronical and a fun thing to have and I owned it when I was in 6th. One day after break, I was standing and talking there with one of my friends and another friend of mine was running through the hallway and accidentally she pushed my shoulder and my pencil box hit the ground and it broke into multiple pieces to the point that it was not functional anymore.

Describe a book you recently read

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

CBD Belapur Test Centre, Navi Mumbai

Answer

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.