Describe your favourite way to relax.: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

What is it?
How effective is it for you?
When and how do you relax?

67 unique answers with expert feedback

How often do you listen to music or meditate?

I listen to music daily, especially when I need to unwind after a long day. Meditation is something I do a few times a week, particularly before exams or stressful situations, to help clear my mind and focus.

What types of songs do you enjoy listening to?

I enjoy a variety of genres, including pop, classical, and jazz. Each genre has its own vibe, and I find that different types of music can evoke different emotions, which is why I love exploring various styles.

How has drawing helped you in your relaxation process?

Drawing allows me to express my creativity and escape from daily stress. It’s a form of meditation for me, as I focus entirely on the artwork, which helps me forget my worries and feel accomplished once I finish a piece.

Band >7

00:00

My favourite way to relax is travelling. Although many people say that travelling would be very hectic because you have to create a very detailed itinerary, but my favourite way to do the travelling is slow travelling. When I travel, it unravels all the peace in the world and it unravels all the stress I've gone through in a whole month. I love it because I live a stressful day to day life where the work is very stressful and I've tried many other ways to relax but I've found comfort in travelling. It gives you a moment of peace. We can slow down our movement when we go into a different world where we travel to new places, we meet new people. It shows how life can be, how others' lives can be. It doesn't have to be stressful. We can meet new people, we can be away from all our problems. It is a very good way, it is a very good form of relaxation. You can do whatever you want, you can do whoever you want to be. Although I can't do it all the time, I do create my schedule in such a way that I give priority for travelling because without travelling I cannot relax and without relaxing I cannot do my work properly. If I ever had a chance to do a remote work, I would definitely give all my time to travelling because it is the best form of relaxation for me. Travelling gives me peace, it's like meditation for me and when you're stressful you have to relax and travelling does that for me.

Follow up questions

What destinations have you enjoyed the most while traveling?

I have particularly enjoyed traveling to places like Japan and Italy. Japan's culture and tranquility are captivating, while Italy's rich history and delicious cuisine make it a delightful experience. Each destination offers unique opportunities to relax and unwind.

How do you plan your travel itineraries for slow traveling?

I prefer to keep my itineraries flexible, allowing for spontaneous adventures. I research a few key attractions but leave plenty of time for exploration and relaxation. This way, I can immerse myself in the local culture without feeling rushed.

What other activities do you find relaxing besides traveling?

Besides traveling, I enjoy reading and practicing yoga. Reading allows me to escape into different worlds, while yoga helps me to unwind and focus on my breathing, providing a sense of calm and relaxation amidst my busy life.

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Band 7

00:00

My favorite way to relax is dancing. Dancing is not just my hobby, it is like a passion for me. I have been dancing since my early childhood and I was also very famous as a great dancer in my community. I have participated in lots of dance competitions and I have taught a lot of dancers. I prefer choreographing my own dance. It is such a great stress reliever for me. Whenever I feel bored or feeling a little bit of stress, I prefer to turn on the music and groove to the beats. It is like a stress booster for me. It just makes my mood so much better. I usually dance every day. Whether I am alone or in front of my family, I try to entertain them with me. They really enjoy my dance and they are my motivators. They encouraged me for dancing by seeing how skilled I am in dancing. I have a very flexible body, so I try to dance my stress out. It is one of my best therapies for relieving stress or any kind of tension. Other than that, I also prefer reading books for relaxation.

Follow up questions

What types of dance do you enjoy the most?

I enjoy various styles of dance, but my favorites are contemporary and hip-hop. I love the freedom of expression in contemporary dance, while hip-hop allows me to showcase my energy and creativity. Each style brings something unique to my relaxation routine.

How has dancing influenced your life outside of relaxation?

Dancing has significantly influenced my life by boosting my confidence and social skills. It has allowed me to connect with others who share the same passion, and I've made many friends through dance. Additionally, it has taught me discipline and commitment.

Do you think dancing can help others relieve stress as well?

Absolutely! I believe dancing is a universal language that can help anyone relieve stress. It allows people to express their emotions and forget their worries for a while. I've seen many friends find joy and relaxation through dance, just like I do.

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Band 6-7

00:00

My most favorite way of relaxation which is after college is scrolling through YouTube. YouTube is one of my most favorite comfort places since childhood because I generally enjoy it during eating my meals even though I know it is not recommended to watch screens while eating but I have developed it as a habit since my childhood to watch YouTube while relaxing or eating. One of my favorite things about YouTube is that it offers you with a wide range of topics. You can explore through science or fashion videos, whatever you like even if you like politics though I am not that interested in that particular subject. It also inspires me to become a content creator because everyone we know in this world is now becoming a content creator and for me it is quite a fascinating job. While relaxing YouTube helps me to give ideas about what I can do to create my own content and put my skills on there and monetize it in order to get some money while I study. So yes, YouTube is the best way of relaxation for me.

Follow up questions

What types of videos do you enjoy watching on YouTube?

I enjoy a variety of videos, especially science and fashion. I love exploring different topics and learning new things. Sometimes I watch tutorials or vlogs that inspire me creatively. It’s fascinating how diverse the content is, and I often find something new that piques my interest.

How has YouTube influenced your desire to create content?

YouTube has shown me the potential of sharing ideas and creativity with a wide audience. Watching other creators motivates me to express myself and develop my skills. I see it as a platform where I can combine my interests and possibly earn money while doing something I love.

Do you think watching YouTube while eating is a good habit?

While I know it's not recommended to watch screens while eating, I find it comforting and enjoyable. It has become a part of my routine. However, I also recognize the importance of being mindful during meals, so I try to balance it by sometimes eating without distractions.

Band 6-7

00:00

Whenever I feel stressed and feel that I do not do in a good space, then I like to relax with the music. I just go for a walk, start my music and it feels so good and it calms my mind. It stops my mind just to keep thinking the things and gives me a solution also to how to proceed further. However, I like to go shopping whenever I feel that I am not in a place that I can do things more. I just go and take some clothes, buy something which gives me a pampering. These are my ways of relaxing and further I also like to spend time with my family and friends. It also makes me feel good. I also like to cook because it is also a way of relaxing. I enjoy all these things, just cooking, shopping, listening to music, then go for a walk. Especially when I go for a walk with my sister, it calms my mind. I just stop thinking anything else and it reinforces me to do something creative. Furthermore, I also like to have some kind of pizza party. This is another way to calm myself and stop thinking about the workload whenever I am stressed. These are some of the ways to relax.

Follow up questions

What type of music do you prefer when you want to relax?

I usually prefer soft instrumental music or acoustic songs. They help create a calming atmosphere and allow me to unwind. Sometimes, I also enjoy nature sounds or classical music, as they help me clear my mind and focus on the moment.

How often do you spend time with family and friends?

I try to spend time with my family and friends at least once a week. Whether it's having dinner together, going for a walk, or just chatting, these moments are important to me. They help strengthen our bonds and provide a great way to relax and enjoy each other's company.

What do you like to cook when you want to relax?

When I want to relax while cooking, I usually make simple dishes like pasta or stir-fried vegetables. I find that cooking something I enjoy, like a homemade pizza, allows me to be creative and focus on the process, which is very therapeutic for me.

Show all 67 answers

Cue 1:What is it?

Begin by clearly stating your favourite way to relax, such as reading, meditating, or watching movies.
Provide a brief explanation of why this activity is your preferred method of relaxation.

Example

My favourite way to relax is by reading books. I find that immersing myself in a good story allows me to escape from the stresses of daily life and enter a different world.

Cue 2:How effective is it for you?

Discuss the benefits you experience from this activity, such as reduced stress or improved mood.
Mention any specific instances where this method of relaxation has helped you cope with challenges.

Example

Reading is incredibly effective for me as it helps me unwind after a long day at work. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, diving into a novel not only distracts me but also lifts my spirits. For instance, after a particularly stressful week, I read a gripping mystery that kept me engaged for hours.

Cue 3:When and how do you relax?

Describe the times when you usually engage in this relaxing activity, such as in the evenings or on weekends.
Explain your routine or environment when you relax, like a cozy corner at home or a park.

Example

I usually relax by reading in the evenings, right after dinner. I have a cozy nook in my living room with a comfortable chair and a warm lamp, which creates the perfect atmosphere for getting lost in a book. On weekends, I also enjoy reading at a nearby park, surrounded by nature.

Conclusion

Summarize the key points about your favourite way to relax.
Reiterate why this method is significant to you and how it contributes to your overall well-being.

Example

In conclusion, reading is my favourite way to relax because it transports me to different worlds and helps me manage stress effectively. It is a cherished part of my daily routine that contributes significantly to my mental well-being.

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: Being Too Vague

Candidates often give very general answers without specific details. This can make the response less engaging and informative, leading to a lower score.

Tip

Provide specific examples of your relaxation method, including details about what you do, where you do it, and why you enjoy it.

2: Lack of Structure

A disorganized response can confuse the listener. Failing to address the cues in a logical order may result in a less coherent answer.

Tip

Follow the cue card prompts in order: start with what it is, then discuss its effectiveness, and finally explain when and how you relax.

Overly Short Responses

Some candidates give very brief answers, which can limit the opportunity to showcase language skills and depth of thought.

Tip

Expand your answers by including personal anecdotes or feelings related to your relaxation method to create a more engaging narrative.

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