Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe an activity you do to stay healthy or fit - Cue Card # 829
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IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.
[The topic for your talk will be written on a card which the examiner will hand over to you. Read it carefully and then make some brief notes.]
Describe an activity you do to stay healthy or fit.
You should say:
- what the activity is
- when and where you usually do it
- how you do it
and explain how this activity helps you keep healthy or fit.
[Instruction: You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]
[Examiner: All right? Remember you have one to two minutes for this, so don't worry if I stop you. I'll tell you when the time is up. Can you start speaking now, please?]
Model Answer 1:
Health is wealth, and therefore, everybody should take their fitness issue seriously to live a happy and healthy life. Needless to say, one of the best ways to remain fit and healthy is to try some kind of physical activity, and today here, I would like to talk about one such activity that I try at least 4 days a week.
The activity, I try, is known to many as “jogging”. But, before coming into the habit of “jogging”, I used to run fast every once in a while, but the problem with that activity – running fast, that is – was that I used to sweat profusely and eventually get very tired as a result of that. Of course, it was not much of a problem during the winter season, since I almost didn’t sweat at all during that time, but during the summer, it was quite the opposite. In fact, because of that excessive sweating at times, I thought that I was going to stop running during the summertime, especially, when the weather was a bit too hot until one of my good friends came along and advised me to do “jogging” (or running at a “ slow and steady” speed) instead of running fast.
Needless to say, my friend’s advice worked just fine for me as far as the issue of sweating was concerned. Now, I enjoy jogging every other morning, and sometimes, during the evening too when I am on holiday or vacation, at a nearby public garden where I live. Sometimes, I do jogging on pavements too when the garden is a bit too crowded for my liking. By the way, when I jog, I do take some rest from time to time so that I don’t get too tired before reaching home.
I really enjoy this activity because it not only helps me burn the extra fat in my body but also keeps my heart healthy. Besides, this activity revitalizes my lungs since I get to enjoy lots of fresh air in the public garden which is full of many large trees.
Model Answer 2:
Introduction:
I believe that, in today's fast-paced life, it is important to make some time to exercise to remain healthy. We all know that engaging in regular physical activity is important, but many of us can't manage time to do that. Many also lack the willpower to do that. Personally, I prefer going to the gym to keep myself fit and active.
What the activity is:
I visit a gym at least five days a week and do some exercise at the gymnasium to keep me active. I usually follow the exercise routine that my gym instructor has advised me to follow.
When and where you usually do it:
I usually visit the gym in the evening, after completing my daily work. I go to a nearby gym that is equipped with modern equipment and has certified trainers to guide me.
How you do it:
I start with a warm-up session for 10-15 minutes, which includes stretching exercises and light cardio. Then, I move on to weight training and strength exercises, focusing on different muscle groups each day. I also do cardio exercises like running on the treadmill or cycling for around 20-30 minutes.
And explain how this activity helps you keep healthy or fit:
Regular exercise in the gym helps me to stay healthy and fit in many ways. It improves my cardiovascular health, strengthens my muscles, and boosts my endurance. It also helps me to maintain a healthy body weight and increases my metabolism. Moreover, exercising helps to release endorphins, which improves my mood and reduces stress levels. It has become an essential part of my daily routine, and I encourage everyone to engage in physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
Maintaining good health is essential, and people engage in a variety of physical and mental activities to stay fit. Below are several ideas you can use to answer this cue card question. Each one includes details on the activity, location, method, and its impact on health or fitness.
1. Morning jogging in the park:
I go jogging every morning at the nearby city park. I usually start around 6 a.m. and run for about 30 minutes. I stretch before and after the jog, and use a fitness tracker to monitor my steps. It boosts my stamina and helps keep my weight in check.
2. Practicing yoga at home:
I practice yoga in my living room every evening. I follow an online instructor on YouTube and use a yoga mat and block. The breathing exercises and postures improve my flexibility and mental calmness, which supports both my physical and emotional health.
3. Swimming at the community pool:
Twice a week, I swim laps at the local sports complex. I follow a routine of freestyle and breaststroke for 45 minutes. Swimming gives me a full-body workout and improves my lung capacity and muscle tone.
4. Going to the gym after work:
I go to a gym located near my office three times a week. I usually follow a routine of cardio for 20 minutes and weight training for another 30 minutes. It helps me build muscle strength and release work-related stress.
5. Cycling through the countryside:
Every weekend, I go cycling with my friends on rural trails. We cover about 20 kilometers each trip. It’s a great cardiovascular workout, and the fresh air and scenic views make it even more enjoyable.
6. Dancing as a fitness routine:
I joined a Zumba class at a local dance studio. It’s held twice a week in the evenings. The energetic moves, set to music, are a fun way to burn calories and stay active without it feeling like exercise.
7. Playing football with friends:
I play football every Sunday afternoon at a nearby sports ground. We play for about two hours, including warm-ups and short breaks. This team sport improves my endurance, coordination, and keeps my heart healthy.
8. Hiking in the mountains:
Whenever I get a weekend off, I plan a hiking trip with friends. We choose nearby forest trails and hike for hours. Climbing uphill improves my leg strength, burns calories, and reconnects me with nature.
Sample Answer 3:
Thank you so much for this interesting topic. The activity I engage in regularly to maintain my health and fitness is practising yoga in the comfort of my own home. It’s become an integral part of my routine, and something I genuinely look forward to.
I usually dedicate about 45 minutes to an hour for yoga practice, typically in the early mornings before starting my day, or sometimes in the late evenings to unwind. I’ve created a small, peaceful space in my living room with a yoga mat and a few props like blocks and a strap.
My practice usually involves a combination of different yoga styles. I start with some gentle warm-up stretches to prepare my body, followed by a series of asanas, or postures. These range from standing poses that build strength and balance, like warrior poses and tree poses, to seated postures that improve flexibility in my hips and spine, such as forward folds and twists. Depending on how I feel, I might include some inversions like downward-facing dog variations or shoulder stands. I always conclude my session with a few minutes of Savasana, or corpse pose, for deep relaxation and to absorb the benefits of the practice.
Practising yoga has had a profound impact on my overall health and fitness. Physically, it has significantly improved my flexibility and range of motion, which has helped alleviate the stiffness I used to experience. It has also built noticeable strength in my core and legs, improving my posture and balance. While it might not be as intense as some cardio exercises, I find that the sustained movement and mindful engagement help me maintain a healthy weight and boost my energy levels throughout the day. Beyond the physical benefits, yoga has been instrumental in reducing my stress levels and improving my mental clarity.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card / Cue card topic:
When describing an activity you do to stay healthy or fit, using vocabulary related to exercise types, routines, benefits, and your commitment can make your response clear and engaging. Here are some useful words and phrases with example sentences:
Regular exercise regimen – A planned and consistent program of physical activity.
Example: I follow a regular exercise regimen to stay healthy and fit.
Cardiovascular workout – Exercise that improves heart and lung health.
Example: Running is a great cardiovascular workout.
Strength training – Exercises aimed at building muscle strength.
Example: I incorporate strength training into my routine twice a week.
Flexibility exercises – Activities that improve the range of motion in your joints.
Example: Yoga includes many beneficial flexibility exercises.
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) – Short bursts of intense exercise alternated with periods of rest or lower-intensity activity.
Example: HIIT workouts are very effective for burning calories in a short time.
Bodyweight exercises – Exercises that use your own weight for resistance.
Example: I often do bodyweight exercises like push-ups and squats.
Dedicated time slot – A specific period of time set aside for an activity.
Example: I have a dedicated time slot for my workouts in the morning.
Well-equipped facility – A place that has all the necessary equipment.
Example: I usually go to a well-equipped local gym.
Maintain a healthy weight – Stay at a weight that is good for your health.
Example: This activity helps me maintain a healthy weight.
Boost my energy levels – Increase how energetic I feel.
Example: Regular exercise significantly boosts my energy levels.
Improve my stamina – Increase my ability to sustain physical effort for longer.
Example: It has noticeably improved my stamina and endurance.
Reduce stress levels – Lower the amount of tension and worry I feel.
Example: Exercise is a great way to reduce stress levels.
Enhance my overall well-being – Improve my general physical and mental health.
Example: This activity greatly enhances my overall well-being.
Integral part of my routine – A necessary and regular component of my daily life.
Example: Staying active has become an integral part of my daily routine.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe an activity you do to stay healthy or fit", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe something healthy you enjoy doing.
2) Describe a kind of exercise you often do.
3) Describe an activity that you do after school or office.
4) Describe something you plan to do in the future.
5) Describe an activity that you enjoy doing.
6) Describe a type of exercise you used to do but no longer do now.
7) Describe your favourite way to relax.
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