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 other exercises do you think complement planks?

Other exercises that complement planks include push-ups, squats, and deadlifts. These exercises also target core strength and overall body conditioning, helping to build a balanced workout routine. Incorporating them can enhance strength and stability, making planks even more effective.

How often do you recommend doing planks in a week?

I recommend doing planks at least 3 to 4 times a week. This frequency allows your muscles to recover while still providing enough stimulus for strength gains. It's important to listen to your body and adjust the frequency based on your fitness level and goals.

What tips would you give to someone starting with planks?

For beginners, I suggest starting with shorter durations, like 20 to 30 seconds, and focusing on form. Ensure your body is in a straight line from head to heels and engage your core. Gradually increase the time as you build strength, and don't forget to breathe!

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. Additionally, it has helped me manage stress effectively and has significantly boosted my overall energy levels.

How do you stay motivated to practice yoga regularly?

I stay motivated by setting a consistent schedule and reminding myself of the benefits I experience. I also enjoy the calming effect it has on my mind and body, and I find that each session leaves me feeling refreshed and energized.

Have you tried any other forms of exercise besides yoga?

Yes, I have tried jogging and swimming, but I find yoga to be more beneficial for my overall well-being. It combines physical exercise with mental relaxation, which I appreciate more than other forms of exercise.

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 other exercises do you enjoy besides running?

Besides running, I enjoy cycling and swimming. Cycling is great for my legs and stamina, while swimming is refreshing and works out my entire body. I also like to do yoga occasionally for flexibility and relaxation.

How do you stay motivated to exercise regularly?

I stay motivated by setting small goals for myself, like increasing my running distance or time. I also listen to music or podcasts while running, which makes it more enjoyable. Additionally, exercising with friends keeps me accountable and motivated.

What benefits have you noticed since you started running?

Since I started running, I've noticed improved stamina and energy levels throughout the day. It has also helped me manage stress better and improved my mood. I feel more focused and productive after my morning runs.

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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 engage multiple muscle groups, helping me build overall strength. I also incorporate some isolation exercises for specific muscles, ensuring a balanced workout.

How has strength training changed your daily life?

Strength training has significantly improved my daily life. I feel more energetic and capable of handling daily tasks. Simple activities like carrying groceries or climbing stairs have become easier. Additionally, my improved mental focus helps me in my studies and work.

Have you faced any challenges while doing strength training?

Yes, I faced challenges initially, such as learning the correct form and dealing with muscle soreness. Sometimes, I felt discouraged when progress seemed slow. However, with consistency and guidance from trainers, I overcame these challenges and now enjoy the process.

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 besides dance workouts?

I have tried jogging and yoga, but I found them less enjoyable. Dance workouts keep me engaged and motivated.

How do you think dance workouts compare to traditional exercises?

Dance workouts are more fun and less monotonous than traditional exercises. They allow for creativity and self-expression.

Have you ever participated in any dance competitions or performances?

Yes, I have participated in several college events and competitions. Being a lead dancer has boosted my confidence and skills.

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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Anonymous student Band 7.5

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.