Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe an article you have read about healthy living - Cue Card # 752
- Details
- Last Updated: Sunday, 25 May 2025 11:06
- Written by IELTS Mentor
- Hits: 23313
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 article you have recently read about healthy living.
You should say:
- when you read it
- where you read it
- what topics related to healthy living it covered
and explain what you have learned from it.
[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.]
Model Answer 1:
Just like every other health-conscious person, I also have a habit of reading and learning more about healthy living. Of course, I don’t always like what I read or learn (well…trust me, “living healthy” is not an easy thing), but I certainly liked a health-related article, which I have recently read, and today I would like to talk about that.
Anyway, I read the article about a month ago or so in a very popular health magazine in my country – a health magazine which I very seldom read because, frankly speaking, it is kind of expensive for me to buy or subscribe online. But I decided to buy a copy of this magazine with the hope that I would get some authentic and updated news about maintaining “gut health” as I suffer from some digestive problems from time to time. Of course, it is not a serious health issue, but it does negatively affect my normal life, and I wanted to do something different about it instead of just taking some medicines.
Now, back to our original topic – the article that is. Oh, by the way, the article, I am talking about, didn’t really talk exclusively about “gut health” (which I was looking for), but it did talk about some kind of “balanced diets” for people of different age groups. In fact, the article, written by a very accomplished public health professional of our country, went to a great length also in explaining what kinds of foods we ought to consume in different kinds of weather to keep our body and digestive system functioning at its optimum.
Anyway, to conclude, I learned a great deal about how our overall health and digestive system are so intricately interconnected. Besides, by reading this article, I also came to know how we can enjoy our food even more by eating the right kind and amount of food at the right time. So, all in all, the article was a great read with all the information it provided.
Model Answer 2:
Introduction:
Recently, I had the opportunity to delve into an insightful article on healthy living that significantly impacted my perspective on well-being. The article, titled "Holistic Wellness: A Roadmap to a Healthier You," caught my eye during a casual browsing session online a few weeks ago. For this topic, I would like to talk about this article.
When you read it:
I stumbled upon this article about three weeks ago when I was looking for reliable sources of information on holistic health practices. As I have been actively striving to lead a healthier lifestyle, the timing of finding this piece felt serendipitous.
Where you read it:
I read the article on a reputable health and wellness website known for its evidence-based content. The platform is frequented by health enthusiasts and professionals alike, ensuring that the information provided is accurate and up-to-date.
What topics it covered:
"Holistic Wellness: A Roadmap to a Healthier You" covered a myriad of topics related to comprehensive well-being. It began by discussing the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and emotional health, emphasising the importance of addressing each aspect for overall wellness. The article delved into practical tips for maintaining a balanced diet, incorporating regular exercise, managing stress through mindfulness practices, and fostering positive social connections. Additionally, it explored lesser-known aspects of holistic health, such as the significance of sleep hygiene and the role of environmental factors.
And explain what you have learned from it:
The article served as a comprehensive guide, dispelling common misconceptions about health and offering practical strategies for a balanced and fulfilling life. One key takeaway was the emphasis on the mind-body connection and how nurturing mental well-being positively influences physical health. The insights on creating a personalised wellness plan, considering individual preferences and lifestyle, resonated deeply with me. Moreover, the article prompted me to reevaluate my approach to self-care, encouraging a more holistic perspective. It reiterated the importance of small, sustainable changes over time, reinforcing the idea that a healthy lifestyle is a journey rather than a destination.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
Healthy living is a topic that is increasingly relevant today, and articles about it can offer valuable insights into maintaining a balanced and active lifestyle. Here are 10 ideas for describing an article you might have recently read about healthy living:
1. Article on balanced diet:
I recently read an article in a health magazine about the importance of maintaining a balanced diet. I came across it while browsing through the magazine in a local café last week. The article covered topics such as the benefits of eating whole foods, the importance of reducing sugar intake, and how to balance macronutrients for optimal health. From it, I learned that making small changes to my diet, such as incorporating more fruits and vegetables, can significantly improve my overall health and energy levels.
2. Article on mental health and exercise:
About a month ago, I read an article online on a well-known wellness website about the link between mental health and regular exercise. It discussed how physical activity, even simple walking or yoga, can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. I read it while doing some research on maintaining mental well-being. The article taught me that exercise is not just beneficial for the body but also has powerful effects on mental health, boosting mood and reducing negative thoughts.
3. Article on the importance of hydration:
Recently, I read an article in a lifestyle blog about the importance of staying hydrated. I read it on my phone while waiting for an appointment. The article discussed the effects of dehydration on energy, digestion, and skin health, and provided tips on how to drink more water throughout the day. I learned that staying hydrated is more important than I thought, and it can have a significant impact on my overall well-being, such as improving my skin and concentration.
4. Article on sleep hygiene:
Not long ago, I read an article about sleep hygiene in a health newsletter I subscribe to. The article provided tips on creating a sleep-friendly environment, such as avoiding screens before bed and maintaining a regular sleep schedule. I learned a lot about how improving my sleep habits can help me feel more refreshed and productive the next day. Since reading it, I’ve made an effort to wind down earlier and reduce my screen time before sleep.
5. Article on the benefits of mindfulness meditation:
I read an article on a meditation app's blog last week about the benefits of mindfulness meditation for reducing stress. The article explained how practising mindfulness can help individuals stay present in the moment and reduce feelings of anxiety. From this article, I learned the importance of incorporating mindfulness into my daily routine to manage stress and improve my overall mental clarity and emotional well-being.
6. Article on the importance of physical activity for ageing:
Several weeks ago, I came across an article in a health journal about the benefits of physical activity for older adults. The article discussed how regular exercise helps improve mobility, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and enhance mental sharpness in ageing populations. I was surprised to learn that even simple exercises like walking or stretching could have such profound effects on overall health as we age.
7. Article on plant-based diets:
About two weeks ago, I read an article in a nutrition magazine about the benefits of switching to a plant-based diet. The article covered topics like how a plant-based diet can lower the risk of heart disease, improve digestion, and promote sustainable living. I learned that incorporating more plant-based foods into my diet could significantly improve my health, and I’ve started to make small changes, such as having plant-based meals a few times a week.
8. Article on stress management techniques:
I recently read an article on a wellness website about various stress management techniques. It discussed strategies such as deep breathing, yoga, and time management to help reduce stress levels. I found it very helpful and learned that stress, if not managed, can have a negative impact on both physical and mental health. After reading the article, I’ve incorporated a few of these techniques into my daily routine to better handle stressful situations.
9. Article on the benefits of outdoor activities:
A few days ago, I read an article in a lifestyle magazine about the benefits of outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and gardening, for overall health. The article highlighted the mental and physical benefits of spending time in nature, including reduced stress and improved fitness. I learned from it that regular exposure to the outdoors can have a significant impact on my mood and energy, and I’ve started to incorporate more outdoor activities into my routine.
10. Article on the importance of regular check-ups:
Not long ago, I read an article in a health journal about the importance of regular medical check-ups for preventive care. The article discussed how early detection of health issues can prevent more serious conditions later on. I learned that getting regular health screenings and check-ups is crucial, even if I feel healthy, because it can catch potential health problems before they become more serious.
Vocabulary for this Candidate task card/ Cue card topic:
When describing an article about healthy living, using precise and informative vocabulary can effectively convey the content, your learning experience, and the article's impact on you. Employing a range of terms will help you articulate the nuances of the health advice and your personal takeaways, enhancing your response for the examiner. Here are some relevant words and phrases:
Publication: – A book, journal, article, etc., issued for public sale or distribution.
Example: I read it in a reputable online publication specialising in wellness.
Insightful: – Having or showing an accurate and deep understanding; perceptive.
Example: The article was very insightful, offering a fresh perspective on diet.
Holistic approach: – Characterised by the belief that the parts of something are intimately interconnected and explicable only by reference to the whole.
Example: It advocated for a holistic approach to wellness, considering mind, body, and spirit.
Nutritional guidance: – Advice or information concerning healthy eating and diet.
Example: The article provided excellent nutritional guidance, especially on plant-based diets.
Mindfulness practices: – Techniques that involve focusing on the present moment to achieve a state of calm awareness.
Example: It highlighted the importance of mindfulness practices for mental well-being.
Preventative/ preventive measures: – Actions taken to stop something undesirable from happening.
Example: The author emphasised various preventative/preventive measures to maintain long-term health.
Debunking myths: – Exposing the falseness or hollowness of a widely held but mistaken belief.
Example: The article did a great job debunking common myths about exercise.
Shed new light on: – Provide new information or a new understanding of something.
Example: It shed new light on the connection between gut health and mood.
Prompted me to reconsider: – Caused me to think about something again and possibly change my opinion.
Example: The statistics presented prompted me to reconsider my daily habits.
Enhanced my understanding: – Improved my knowledge or comprehension of a subject.
Example: The article significantly enhanced my understanding of metabolic health.
Actionable advice: – Practical suggestions that can be directly put into practice.
Example: What I liked most was the actionable advice provided for improving sleep quality.
If you prepare for the topic "Describe an article you have recently read about healthy living", you should be able to talk about the following topics as well:
1) Describe an interesting article or blog post you have recently read.
2) Describe something interesting that you have recently learned.
3) Describe a newspaper or a magazine that you often read.
4) Describe something useful you have recently learned.
5) Describe a social media post that you found interesting.
6) Describe a time when you were sick for a while.
Report