Cue Cards Samples with band 8 answers
Describe something healthy you enjoy doing - Cue Card # 50
- Details
- Last Updated: Monday, 19 May 2025 02:28
- Written by IELTS Mentor
- Hits: 333889
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 something healthy you enjoy doing.
You should say:
- what you do
- where you do it
- who you do it with
and explain why you think doing this is healthy.
[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:
Like everybody else, I like to stay healthy while enjoying life at the same time. But, the problem is we can’t really enjoy life enough unless we also enjoy doing something healthy from time to time. Of course, different people enjoy doing different kinds of healthy activities, but as far as I am concerned, it is swimming.
I enjoy swimming. In fact, swimming was one of my favourite hobbies when I was growing up as a child as I would hardly let any day pass by during the summertime without swimming, whether I was swimming in a lake or a big river. Besides, one of the greatest advantages of living in the countryside (yes, I grew up in the countryside until I started attending high school) of my country is that it almost certainly would have some natural lakes or rivers to invite those who would like to swim.
Of course, the difference is that when I was growing up as a child, I used to enjoy swimming just for the fun of it, but today, I do "swimming" because it helps me remain healthy. Besides, these days, I swim mostly in a local swimming pool as the city, in which I live now, doesn’t have many natural lakes, rivers or any ocean where I would be able to enjoy this activity better. Anyway, I enjoy this healthy activity with a bunch of other guys (they are not related to me in any respect), and I do this every weekend if not more. By the way, I am trying to form a swimming club in my city in order to make swimming more of a fun activity rather than considering it as only a healthy activity.
Anyway, I think that swimming is a healthy activity because it forces each and every part of our bodies to engage in perfect sync with each other in order to keep us floating in the water. Besides, it also helps me relax after a long week of work by allowing me to forget about the worries of my daily life for a while.
Model Answer 2:
Introduction:
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial for a happy and prosperous life. Engaging in healthy activities helps us to remain fit and energetic. One such healthy activity that I enjoy doing is cycling, and for this topic, I will talk about it here.
What you do:
I enjoy cycling, which is not only a form of exercise but also a mode of transportation. Cycling helps me to burn calories and stay fit. I usually cycle for around 30-45 minutes every day, which helps me to stay active and energetic throughout the day.
Where you do it:
I usually cycle in a park near my house, which is a perfect place to cycle with its clean and green environment. The park has a separate track for cyclists, which ensures my safety and allows me to cycle without any disturbance.
Who you do it with:
I mostly cycle alone as it helps me to clear my mind and gives me some personal time. However, sometimes I also cycle with my friends, which makes the activity more enjoyable.
And explain why you think that doing this is healthy:
Cycling is a healthy activity that helps to strengthen my leg muscles and improve my cardiovascular health. It also helps me reduce stress and anxiety, which is a major concern in today's fast-paced life. Engaging in cycling regularly has improved my overall well-being and has made me more active and enthusiastic.
Moreover, cycling is an eco-friendly way of commuting, which helps to reduce my carbon footprint and contribute to a greener environment.
Model Answer 3:
Introduction:
Eating healthy is crucial for maintaining good health and well-being. One way to achieve this is by cooking nutritious meals at home. In this answer, I will describe cooking healthy food at home as a healthy activity that I enjoy.
What you do:
I regularly cook healthy meals at home, using fresh ingredients and whole foods. I try to incorporate a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains into my meals to ensure that I am getting all the necessary nutrients. I also avoid processed and high-fat foods and limit my intake of sugar and salt.
Where you do it:
I cook at home in my kitchen. I find it a convenient and cost-effective way to prepare healthy meals. I can control the ingredients and cooking methods, and I can experiment with different recipes and flavours.
Who you do it with:
I often cook with my mother or sister. It's a fun way to spend time together, and we can share our cooking tips and ideas. We also enjoy trying new recipes and exploring different cuisines.
And explain why you think it is healthy:
Cooking healthy food at home is a healthy activity for several reasons. Firstly, it allows me to control what I eat and ensure that I am getting all the necessary nutrients. Secondly, it helps me maintain a balanced and nutritious diet, which is crucial for maintaining good health. Finally, it is a creative and enjoyable activity that promotes mindfulness and relaxation, which can reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
Sample Answer 4:
There’s something magical about the early morning hour - the stillness, the crispness of the air, and the gentle hush that blankets everything. For me, mornings have become a sacred time. One of the healthiest habits I’ve nurtured over the years is my morning routine, which includes a brisk walk along the riverbank followed by a refreshing swim in the nearby stream. It’s not just a ritual, it’s a lifestyle that brings me joy, balance, and a strong sense of well-being.
I usually wake up around 5:30 am, when most of the world is still fast asleep. After a quick stretch and a glass of water, I lace up my sneakers, throw on my track pants, and step out into the soft glow of the breaking dawn. The walking path near my home winds along a peaceful river, shaded by old trees and occasionally dotted with joggers and early risers. Some mornings, I ride my bicycle instead of walking, depending on how I feel. After about 45 minutes of walking or cycling, I head to a shallow, clean part of the river and swim for 30 minutes. The cool water feels like silk on the skin, and the rhythmic motion of swimming helps me clear my mind.
I started this routine a few years ago, inspired by my father, who always believed in the power of starting the day early. As a child, he would gently nudge us out of bed at the break of dawn and take us to the nearby school field for light exercises. Over time, this simple routine evolved into something deeply personal. Nowadays, two of my close friends and sometimes even my cousin join me. There’s something heartwarming about greeting the sun with the people you care about, sharing conversations, laughter, or even quiet moments during our walks and swims.
What makes this habit particularly special is how it positively affects both my body and mind. I feel more energised, focused, and emotionally stable throughout the day. The morning air feels purer, the silence more therapeutic. It’s as if nature itself is gently guiding me into a better version of myself. The combination of physical movement, fresh air, and time for reflection is powerful. It helps me stay fit, reduces stress, and sets a positive tone for the rest of the day. To me, this is not just something I do to stay healthy - it’s something I do to feel alive.
Tips for answering this Cue Card Topic:
To begin with, exercising, cycling, hiking, swimming, walking, participating in outdoor sports, running, doing yoga etc. are some habits for good health. Exercise can vary from going for a walk to running, swimming, cycling, playing outdoor games, going to the gymnasium, doing yoga and so on.
On top of that, good diet habits are something positive we can adopt to maintain good health. You can talk about your habit of eating vegetables instead of eating a lot of red meat. Besides, your habit of drinking organic and fresh fruit juice is also something healthy you can talk about for this topic. Finally, gardening is a good habit which involves both passion and physical exercise.
On the other hand, reading books, cooking, listening to music etc. are good for our mental health and thus keep us joyful which is a healthy habit. If you want to talk about your habit of listening to music, painting, cooking or reading, first mention the mental benefits it offers. Then relate the mental health with your physical health and then continue describing the habit.
You can also talk about travelling, praying and meditation - as they are related to a sound mind. Healthy habits not only include activities that keep our body fit but also keep our psychology sound.
The second question: "why you do it" and the fourth question "and explain why you think doing this is healthy" are actually similar. For the latter one describe the benefits it offers and for the former, mention that you have a passion for it, you spend quality time this way and you really enjoy doing it. Since the topic asks you to describe something healthy you enjoy doing, do not only mention the health benefits it offers. You should also talk about why you enjoy it and how passionate you feel about doing this activity.
Idea generation for this Candidate task card / Cue card topic:
Healthy activities can be physical, mental, or a combination of both. Below are some practical and enjoyable things that people do regularly to stay healthy. Each idea below gives a short response covering all the supporting questions from the cue card.
1. Morning jogging:
I go jogging every morning in a park near my house. I usually do it alone while listening to music. Jogging improves my heart health and helps clear my mind before the day begins.
2. Practising yoga:
I practise yoga at home every evening in my bedroom using an online class. My sister sometimes joins me. Yoga is a great way to stay flexible and reduce daily stress.
3. Cycling outdoors:
On weekends, I cycle along a scenic route outside the city. I usually go with my two friends. This activity builds my leg strength and gives me fresh air and peace of mind.
4. Swimming:
I swim three times a week at a community pool not far from my neighbourhood. I usually go there with my cousin. Swimming exercises my whole body and is gentle on the joints.
5. Cooking healthy meals:
Recently, I’ve started preparing healthy meals at home. I often do it with my younger brother. Cooking healthy food helps me control what I eat and stay energetic throughout the day.
6. Dancing:
I attend a weekend dance fitness class at a local gym. I go with a couple of friends. It’s a fun way to burn calories and improve coordination without feeling like hard exercise.
7. Hiking:
I hike in the nearby hills once a month with a local trekking group. It’s a great way to build stamina while enjoying nature. I always feel refreshed after these hikes.
8. Meditation:
I meditate for 15 minutes every night in my bedroom before sleeping. I do it alone with calming music. It helps me manage stress and sleep better at night.
9. Playing badminton:
I play badminton every Friday afternoon at my school’s sports ground. My best friend and I have a great time doing this. It keeps me active and improves my focus and reflexes.
10. Attending a fitness class:
I joined a group fitness class at a gym close to my college. I attend with a few classmates. It keeps me motivated and helps me stay consistent with my health goals.
Part 3: Details Discussion:
Discussion topics - Keeping fit and healthy:
Q. What do most people do to keep fit in your country?
Q. How important is it for people to do some regular physical exercise?
Q. Why do so many people these days suffer from stress-related issues?
Discussion Topic - Health and modern lifestyles:
Q. Why do some people think that modern lifestyles are not healthy?
Q. Why do some people choose to lead unhealthy lives?
Q. Should individuals or governments be responsible for making people’s lifestyles healthy?
Q. What could be done to encourage people to live in a healthy way?
Click on IELTS Speaking Test - Sample 94 for the answer to these part 3 questions.
A few more Part- 3 questions that you can prepare for this topic:
Q 1. Do you think people in your country are less healthy today than they used to be? [Why/ why not?]
Answer: Well, I think that people have become actually more healthy in my country. At least the currently available data and statistics suggest so as far as the average life - meaning that the number of years people are actually living - of the people of my country is concerned. In fact, the average life span of the people of my country has significantly increased over the years. Besides, improvements in the treatment facilities and quality of food are also some of the important contributing factors that have played an important role in making people healthier in my country.
Q 2. How can the government encourage young people to stay healthy?
Answer: Governments have a huge role to play in ensuring better health for all of their citizens, regardless of their age. But, young people’s health is particularly more important here because they are actually the future of their countries, and that’s exactly why governments should make sure to provide practical health advice and health lessons at schools and colleges. Besides, they should also provide complete guidelines to ensure that they don’t have access to any kind of unhealthy food when eating at a restaurant or any other public place. Finally, building more public parks and sports centres can also help this movement.
Q 3. Should governments intervene to force people to do physical exercise and eat healthily? [Why? / Why not?]
Answer: Actually, I am never among those people who think that we can force people to do something good in the long run, which means that governments should never force people to become physically active and eat healthily. And I am of this opinion because of some practical reasons because, after all, governments aren’t just able to regulate what people eat or what they do in the privacy of their homes on a micro-level. Besides, many people feel just fine and healthy with their current lifestyles, and changing it might actually prove to be counter-productive in the long run. Having said that, the government can always encourage the citizens through advertisements, campaigns and other state-backed programmes to eat healthily and do some exercise regularly.
Q 4. Which one is more important for a healthy life - a healthy diet or a regular exercise plan? [Why?]
Answer: Well, I am certainly no health expert. But, from what I have known so far from all the health tips and health professionals’ advice, if we want to achieve optimum health, we need both healthy diets and regular exercise. After all, a regular exercise plan keeps the vital organs, like hearts, lungs and livers, active and well, while also managing our body weight. Now, taking the case of managing our body weights, can we actually maintain a healthy body weight just by doing some physical exercise while also consuming tons of extra calories at the same time? The answer to this question, of course, is a big “no”. So we also need a balanced diet to stay healthy.
Q 5. Why do more people visit doctors and hospitals today than at any time in the past?
Answer: The answer very much depends on the types of persons to whom the question is asked. For example, a positive person would probably say that people generally have become more health-conscious these days which drives them to visit health professionals and hospitals on a more regular basis than in the past. On the other hand, a cynical person would probably blame the lack of proper diets and physical activities for this unwanted “health mess” which is more visible today than at any time in the past.
Q 6. Should offices have a dedicated place for exercise? How can this help employees?
Answer: The answer is “yes” if anybody asks me whether or not the offices should have a dedicated place for exercise because such a facility can go a long way to help the employees become healthier and more productive (at work) in the long run. After all, an employee can always use that little 15-minute break of his office time to do some light exercise, not only to become a bit more physically fit and active but also to get rid of the boredom of continuous work.
Vocabulary for this Candidate Task Card / Cue Card topic:
Describing a healthy activity offers a great opportunity to talk about wellness, routine, motivation, and personal growth. Using expressive vocabulary will help you articulate the physical, emotional, and mental benefits of the activity you enjoy. Below is a list of useful words and phrases to help you speak fluently and effectively on this topic:
Cardiovascular exercise – Any activity that increases your heart rate and improves heart and lung health.
Stress relief – The reduction of mental or emotional tension.
Endorphins – Chemicals released in the brain that reduce pain and make you feel good after exercise.
Strength training – Exercise focused on building muscle and endurance.
Mindfulness – Being fully present and engaged in the current moment, often used in yoga or meditation.
Detoxifying – Removing harmful substances or effects from the body or mind.
Breathing techniques – Controlled breathing methods that enhance mental calmness and focus.
Immune system boost – A natural increase in the body's ability to fight illness.
Social interaction – Engaging with others, which can also support emotional well-being when doing healthy activities together.
Cognitive sharpness – The ability to think, learn and concentrate effectively.
Peace of mind – A feeling of calm and freedom from worry.
Emotional resilience – The ability to recover quickly from stress or hardship.
Zeal – Great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of something.
Devotion – Dedication and commitment to an activity or cause.
Inspiration – A motivating influence that sparks creativity or action.
Holistic advantages – Benefits that affect the body, mind, and spirit collectively.
Therapeutic effects – Healing or health-improving outcomes.
Preventative/ Preventive measure – An action taken to reduce the chance of illness or problems later.
Quality of life improvement – A noticeable enhancement in one’s general well-being.
Balanced nutrition – A diet that includes all essential food groups in the right proportions.
Mindful eating – Paying full attention to the experience of eating and drinking, both physically and emotionally.
Your preparation for this cue card would also help you answer the following cue card topics:
1. Describe something you enjoy doing.
2. Describe something you do every day.
3. Describe a good or bad habit you have.
4. Describe an outdoor activity you enjoy.
5. Describe a game or sport you enjoy playing.
6. Describe a really good habit you have.
7. Describe something you maintain to keep good health.
8. Talk about something you often do.
9. Describe a place you often go to.
10. Describe something healthy you would recommend to your friends.
11. Describe a healthy food item you eat.
Report