IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe an exercise you do during study breaks

A Band 8 model answer with the one-minute plan behind it, the vocabulary that lifts it, and the Part 3 questions that follow.
  • 283 words
  • An activity or habit
  • 1 minute to prepare
  • 2 minutes to speak

The cue card

Describe an exercise you do during study breaks

You should say:

  • →what the activity is
  • →how often and where you do it
  • →what equipment or preparation is involved
  • →and explain how this activity helps you continue your studies

One minute to prepare, then speak for one to two minutes.

An activity or habit

How to plan it in one minute

  1. 1

    Activity: skipping and mobility stretching in the living room or garden.

  2. 2

    Gear: jump rope, mat, trainers, lounge clothes; zero hassle.

  3. 3

    Impact: clears mental fog, eases back and neck stiffness, boosts energy.

Model answer

Band 8 model answer

Band 8283 words, about two minutes at a natural pace. Details are invented; use your own.

To be honest, whenever I find myself stuck into a long study session at my flat, especially during exam revision, my go-to activity is doing a brisk routine of mobility stretches and skipping with a jump rope. I usually spend hours hunched over my laptop or textbooks at my desk, so every couple of hours I force myself to step away and get moving for about ten to fifteen minutes.

I don't really need a gym or a massive space for this, which makes it super convenient. I just clear a bit of floor space in my living room or, if the weather is decent, I nip out into the small garden at the back of my building. In terms of equipment, it's pretty minimal. I keep a simple leather skipping rope beside my study desk, and occasionally I might roll out a cushioned yoga mat if I'm doing core stretches or floor work. I usually do it in my normal lounge clothes, though I make sure to put on trainers so I don't hurt my ankles on the hard floor.

The main reason this helps me is that it gives both my body and mind a complete reset. Sitting still for hours makes me feel really sluggish and prone to losing concentration. By getting my heart rate up and stretching out my neck and lower back, I release all that built-up tension. It sort of clears the cobwebs, so to speak. When I sit back down at my desk, I notice an immediate boost in my mental clarity and stamina, which means I can tackle the next few hours of revision far more effectively rather than just staring blankly at the screen.

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8 words

Vocabulary from the answer

  • hunched over

    bending forward and down over something for a long time

  • go-to

    reliable first choice when something is needed

  • nip out

    go somewhere quickly for a short period of time

  • minimal

    very small in quantity or amount

  • sluggish

    moving slowly or lacking energy and alertness

  • clear the cobwebs

    refresh one's mind after a period of mental fatigue

  • mental clarity

    ability to think clearly and focus easily

  • stamina

    physical or mental ability to sustain prolonged effort

5 questions

Part 3 questions that follow this card

  1. 1Why do many people find it difficult to take regular breaks while working or studying?
  2. 2How has modern technology changed the physical habits of office workers and students?
  3. 3Do you think schools should schedule mandatory exercise breaks between academic lessons?
  4. 4How might work environments evolve in the future to encourage active lifestyles?
  5. 5What are the drawbacks of relying entirely on sedentary leisure activities to unwind?

Answer each in three to five sentences: position, reason, example, limit. Read Band 8 answers to these Part 3 questions: physical well-being and productivity.

Frequently asked questions

How should I start the cue card "Describe an exercise you do during study breaks"?+

Activity: skipping and mobility stretching in the living room or garden.

How long should my answer be?+

Speak for the full two minutes, about 220 to 280 words at a natural pace. The examiner will stop you at two minutes, which is a good sign, not a problem.

Can I use this model answer in the exam?+

Use its structure and vocabulary, not its sentences. Examiners recognise memorised answers and mark fluency down; a shorter answer from your own memory scores higher than a recited one.

Keep practising

More cue cards: an activity or habit

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