IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe an online article about health

A Band 8 model answer with the one-minute plan behind it, the vocabulary that lifts it, and the Part 3 questions that follow.
  • 245 words
  • A film, book, song or programme
  • 1 minute to prepare
  • 2 minutes to speak

The cue card

Describe an online article about health

You should say:

  • →where and when you came across it
  • →what the main topic or advice was
  • →why you chose to read it
  • →and explain why you found this post so interesting.

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

A film, book, song or programme

How to plan it in one minute

  1. 1

    Note down the source of the blog post and why you were searching for health tips.

  2. 2

    Jot down two specific pieces of advice mentioned in the post, such as morning sunlight and sleep cycles.

  3. 3

    Highlight your personal reaction and whether you actually adopted any of the habits.

Model answer

Band 8 model answer

Band 8245 words, about two minutes at a natural pace. Details are invented; use your own.

A few months ago, while I was scrolling through a lifestyle forum that a colleague had recommended, I stumbled upon a really fascinating post about improving sleep quality naturally. At the time, I'd been feeling quite run-down because of some tight deadlines at work, so the headline immediately caught my eye.

The piece was written by a certified nutritionist, and instead of repeating the usual generic tips like drinking chamomile tea or cutting out caffeine, it focused on circadian rhythms and morning light exposure. The author explained that stepping outside into natural daylight within half an hour of waking up sets off an internal biological timer, which boosts alertness during the day and regulates melatonin production later at night. It broke down the physiological science in a way that was simple to grasp without sounding overly academic.

What made it particularly engaging was the practical, down-to-earth tone. The writer wasn't trying to flog expensive supplements or trendy gadgets; instead, they outlined straightforward lifestyle adjustments that cost absolutely nothing to implement. I decided to give the morning walk routine a go, and within about a fortnight, I noticed a genuine shift in my energy levels.

I suppose I found it so compelling because it challenged the way I viewed daily recovery. Nowadays, people often look for quick fixes in a pill or an energy drink, but this article highlighted how working in harmony with our body's natural rhythms can yield profound benefits for our overall wellbeing.

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7 words

Vocabulary from the answer

  • run-down

    tired, unwell, or lacking energy due to overwork

  • circadian rhythm

    the body's natural 24-hour internal clock

  • melatonin

    a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle

  • flog

    to sell or promote aggressively

  • fortnight

    a period of two weeks

  • quick fix

    an easy, temporary solution to a complex problem

  • wellbeing

    the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy

5 questions

Part 3 questions that follow this card

  1. 1Where do most people in your country get advice about healthy living nowadays?
  2. 2What are the main risks of relying on social media influencers for health guidance?
  3. 3How has public interest in fitness and nutrition changed over recent decades?
  4. 4Should governments do more to regulate health information published on the internet?
  5. 5Do you think digital technology will make future generations healthier or more sedentary?

Answer each in three to five sentences: position, reason, example, limit. Read Band 8 answers to these Part 3 questions: digital media and public health awareness.

Frequently asked questions

How should I start the cue card "Describe an online article about health"?+

Note down the source of the blog post and why you were searching for health tips.

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

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