IELTS Speaking Habits: Essential Vocabulary & Sample Answers

The topic of Habits is a staple in the IELTS Speaking test, as it offers a direct reflection of your lifestyle and personality. However, the line between a natural-sounding response and one that sounds “rehearsed” is very thin. Using precise collocations related to routines, energy levels, and time management is key to securing a high band score.

To help you navigate this topic with ease, Mr. Dang Quoc Thinh (an 8.5 IELTS instructor at ECE Language Center) has compiled a comprehensive guide featuring essential vocabulary, native-level expressions, and detailed sample answers for all three parts of the test. Let’s dive in!

Natural Vocabulary and Expressions for the Habits Topic

Instead of sticking to basic terms like “good habit” or “bad habit,” elevate your responses by incorporating the following nouns, verbs, and natural phrases:

Nouns & Noun Phrases

Verbs & Verb Phrases

Natural Phrases & Structures

IELTS Speaking Part 1 Sample – Daily Habits

In Part 1, aim for a natural, conversational rhythm.

Q1: What is your daily routine like?

“I guess my day-to-day routine is pretty similar to that of most office workers. I work during office hours and usually get home before six in the evening. After that, I have some free time to decide how I want to spend the rest of the day, whether it’s going to the gym or simply having some me time, like watching a movie or walking my dog.”

Q2: Do you prefer having a fixed routine or a flexible lifestyle?

“A fixed routine sounds a bit scary to me because I don’t really enjoy doing the same things every single day. That’s why I prefer a more flexible lifestyle, where each day feels slightly different and more refreshing. Of course, it can sometimes feel a little chaotic, but overall I still enjoy that sense of freedom.”

Q3: What habit do you think is important for a healthy life?

“Personally, I try to do some light exercise first thing in the morning. Maintaining this habit helps me kick-start my day with more energy and a clearer mind.”

Q4: Are you good at managing your time?

“To be honest, I’m not naturally very good at time management, and it’s something I still struggle with sometimes. That’s why I rely quite a lot on digital tools, such as task-tracking apps, to help me stay organised. They remind me of upcoming tasks, deadlines, and important meetings, so they help me avoid forgetting things.”

IELTS Speaking Part 2 Sample

Topic: Describe a bad habit you want to stop.

You should say:

• What the habit is
• How long you have had it
• How it affects your life
• And explain why you want to change it.

Sample Answer:

Recently, there has been a bad habit that I really want to get rid of. I have been struggling to get out of bed immediately after waking up in the morning. I think I developed this habit a few months ago, and it has become more frustrating than ever.

I would blame it on the fact that I often stay up late the night before to finish work, which leaves me exhausted the next morning. So, instead of getting up as soon as my alarm goes off, I usually stay in bed for another 10 to 15 minutes. At first, I thought it was harmless, but I gradually realised that it negatively affects my energy levels throughout the day.

What makes it worse is that this small act of procrastination often leaves me feeling guilty afterwards because I sometimes skip my morning warm-up exercises to make up for the lost time. Ironically, that extra sleep doesn’t even make me feel more energized. In fact, it often makes me feel even more tired and sleepy during the day. I did some research and found out that going back to sleep after waking up can disrupt your sleep cycle.

Since I’m fully aware of how negatively this habit affects my daily life, I’m trying my best to break it. One technique I have been applying is the “countdown”. Whenever I feel like I want to stay in bed longer, I countdown from three and force myself to get up right away. Hopefully, it will help me get rid of this habit for good.

• Analysis: The response is logically structured using a cause-effect approach. Using phrases like blame it on, act of procrastination, and disrupt sleep cycle makes the narrative authentic and sophisticated.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 – Discussion Questions

Part 3 requires the ability to provide deeper analysis regarding psychological factors and the impact of social environments on human habits.

Q1: Why do some people find it difficult to change their habits?

“I think the reason is quite obvious. Changing or forming a new habit is already challenging in itself because it is a long process that never happens overnight and requires a great deal of commitment. From what I know, it usually takes at least a couple of months to fully develop or change a habit. However, many people give up before they can actually see the results.”

Q2: What factors influence people’s habits?

“This might sound surprising, but I think the environment has a much stronger influence on people’s habits than willpower or self-discipline. What I mean is that our behaviour is heavily shaped by the things around us and how convenient they are. If an activity is easy to do and constantly visible, people are more likely to turn it into a habit. For example, if a student wants to read more, they should keep books in visible and easy-to-reach places in their room. That way, they are constantly reminded to pick up a book and read.”

Q3: Can habits affect a person’s success?

“Definitely, habits play a crucial role in shaping a person’s success, especially when someone can maintain positive habits over a long period of time. In fact, I think habits are even more important than things like inspiration or motivation because those feelings are not always reliable. Good habits help people stay consistent and keep making progress even when they don’t feel motivated.”

Q4: Do you think social media creates unhealthy habits?

“Unfortunately, yes. Social media platforms are designed to keep users engaged for as long as possible, and they have successfully taken up a huge amount of people’s daily time. As a result, many people spend less time on healthier or more meaningful habits, such as exercising, reading, or spending time with their loved ones.”

In summary, to excel in the Habits topic, you don’t need to cram complex vocabulary. What makes the difference is your ability to use collocations like kick-start my day, disrupt sleep cycle, or maintain positive habits naturally. Follow the ideas and development strategies provided by Mr. Dang Quoc Thinh to practice, build your reflexes, and walk into the exam room with confidence. Best of luck with your studies at ECE!