IELTS Speaking Part 2

Describe your daily routine

Describe your daily routine

You should say:

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

How to plan it in one minute

  1. Use chronological order to ensure you cover every bullet point without getting lost.
  2. Add sensory details to make your routine feel authentic and help you speak longer.
  3. Focus on your feelings about the routine to provide depth and natural complexity.

Band 8 model answer

My daily routine is fairly regimented, primarily because I find that structure keeps my anxiety at bay. I usually wake up around 6:30 am, just as the light begins to filter through my curtains. My first port of call is the kitchen, where I brew a strong cup of artisan coffee. I spend about twenty minutes sitting on my balcony with a journal, jotting down my intentions for the day while the neighbourhood is still hushed and peaceful. By 7:30 am, I’ve completed a quick yoga flow to wake up my muscles before settling into my home office. My typical day is a blend of intense focus and sporadic bursts of creativity. I work as a digital illustrator, so my mornings are dedicated to the most demanding technical tasks while my mind is sharpest. After a quick, nutritious lunch—usually a quinoa salad—I spend the afternoon liaising with international clients over video calls. It is a balancing act, but I enjoy the autonomy it affords me. As evening approaches, I deliberately shut down my laptop to signal a shift in pace. I often head to a local park for a brisk walk to clear my head. Dinner is usually something simple but flavourful, like a roasted vegetable pasta, which I enjoy while catching up on a documentary. I try to avoid screens before bed, opting instead for a novel. I stick to this routine because it provides a sense of stability in an otherwise unpredictable world, ensuring I remain productive without burning out.

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

Vocabulary from the answer

regimented
Very organised and controlled with strict rules
port of call
The first place you go or thing done
hushed
Quiet and peaceful with very little noise
sporadic
Happening at irregular intervals or scattered moments
liaising
Communicating with people to exchange useful information
autonomy
The freedom to act independently and control oneself
balancing act
A difficult situation requiring careful management of priorities
burning out
Becoming physically or mentally exhausted from overwork

Part 3 questions that follow this card

Answer each in three to five sentences: position, reason, example, limit. See the Part 3 guide.

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Frequently asked questions

How should I start the cue card "Describe your daily routine"?

Use chronological order to ensure you cover every bullet point without getting lost.

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.

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