IELTS Speaking Preparation

Playing a sport guarantees many benefits. [ Viewpoint 1 ] Besides the obvious health benefits, physical exercise has cognitive advantages. [ Extension ] Research shows that exercise releases a slew of feel-good hormones. These hormones improve sleep and memory, which is important to maintaining a healthy state of mind. [ Viewpoint 2 ] Sports also reinforce the importance of teamwork. [ Extension ] By playing team sports, we learn how a team can work together to anticipate challenges, outmanoeuvre their opponent, and achieve their goal. These skills are necessary for the workplace and real-life situations.

More angles to answer:

• Entertaining—a productive way for people of all ages to relax and have fun
• Unity—a sense of belonging to a group
• Competition—come up with innovative strategies, apply them, and adjust

Children that are members of a group sports team learn to reap plenty of benefits. [ Viewpoint 1 ] They learn how to be competitive. [ Extension ] Under great peer pressure, children are motivated to learn fast so that they can catch up with other teammates, and this contributes to their own competitiveness. [ Viewpoint 2 ] Group sports also present the perfect opportunity for children to socialize with their peers. [ Extension ] Playing with other children their age teaches a child cooperation, collaboration, and critical social skills. In addition to creating social bonds and friendships, children see and learn various models of acceptable behaviour.

More angles to answer:

• Life skills—learn how to cope with failure and how to attain success
• Decisive action—develop the skills needed to make effective snap decisions under high pressure
• Lifelong habits—more likely to continue physical activity as they age

[ Viewpoint 1 ] Aside from sports, going for a vegetarian diet is another way to be healthy. [ Extension ] Although exercise burns fat and strengthens the body, all of that effort is wasted if people eat unhealthily. Diseases such as diabetes and hypertension occur because of a poor diet. Vegetables, however, are a sure way of avoiding fat and excess sugar. [ Viewpoint 2 ] Another way is to watch entertaining movies. [ Extension ] Too much stress hurts the mind and body, which is why it is important to relax. Movies help take the mind away from the daily struggles, allowing a person to de-stress.

More angles to answer:

• Tidy up living environment—deep cleaning in the form of vacuuming, dusting, and scrubbing
• Dancing—can be guided or independent at a class or home
• Meditation—lengthens attention span, fights addictions, improves sleep

As far as I know, [ Viewpoint 1 ] it is a low-impact physical activity which means that one can increase their heart rate without putting stress on their joints. [ Extension ] Unlike running, swimming does not put stress on the body, so even beginners can increase their endurance and stamina. [ Viewpoint 2 ] Swimming is a full-body workout as well. [ Extension ] There is no need to dedicate time to just one body part or track which workout you have completed to target which muscle. By swimming, one can improve their overall strength and health.

More angles to answer:

• Social—working out with others is motivating and holds one accountable
• Increase life expectancy—research shows swimmers live longer and have better cognitive health
• Low risk of overheating—reduce sweating, prevent heat stroke

[ Viewpoint 1 ] I believe that home-cooked food is a much healthier option than restaurant food. [ Extension 1 ] One reason is the quality of ingredients used. At a restaurant, diners may not be aware that they are eating food that is close to or past the expiration date. Some restaurants claim to use fresh ingredients, but in reality, they are frozen. [ Viewpoint 2 ] Another issue is quantity. At home, we are able to control the amount of butter, salt, or grease that goes into a meal. However, most restaurants tend to overuse these unhealthy ingredients because they make food tastier.

More angles to answer:

• Better than nothing—eating at a restaurant for convenience is better than not eating
• Portion control—able to control portions served at home, less overeating
• Individualised menu—home meals can be cooked based on one's health conditions

[ Viewpoint 1 ] One word that comes to mind when I think of the term "healthy diet" is colourful. A healthy diet boasts an assortment of colours in the form of fruits and vegetables. [ Extension ] Indeed, a colourful diet is the opposite of an unhealthy diet, where fried foods share the same golden colour. [ Viewpoint 2 ] In addition, a healthy diet means eating less greasy food. [ Extension ] Consuming much greasy food is a sure way to clog your arteries, leading to heart-related diseases. So though such food may be tasty, it is not worth the risk.

More angles to answer:

• Light—it does not leave one feeling uncomfortably full and heavy
• Balanced—allows for occasional rewards in the form of sweets, etc.
• Seasoning control—use less salt and sugar, avoid using artificial seasonings

[ Viewpoint 1 ] Despite the wealth of information about the harms of unhealthy food, people continue to eat them because they are addictive. [ Extension ] Foods high in fat and sugar have been proven to trigger the release of chemicals in our brain that make us feel good. Our brain craves those feel-good chemicals, which turn into a craving for unhealthy food. [ Viewpoint 2 ] A different psychological aspect of eating unhealthy food is an association. Some people associate unhealthy foods with happiness. [ Extension ] Unhealthy food is often present in celebrations, so people turn to them for comfort. In these cases, diet and education are crucial.

More angles to answer:

• Family influence—growing up eating unhealthy food at home, no one set limits on it
• Convenience—no time to shop, prepare, and cook healthy foods
• Denial—doubt about the science or unwillingness to accept the facts

The government has the power to impact people's health positively. [ Viewpoint 1 ] The most effective and cost-effective method is educating children about health. [ Extension ] In this scenario, the government can cooperate with all public schools to implement a curriculum developed by nutritionists and health professionals that teach students lifelong skills to ensure their health into adulthood. By extension, children will also teach their family members. [ Viewpoint 2 ] Another significant way that governments can improve people's health is by reducing pollution. [ Extension ] This requires severe penalties for companies that pollute, more public transportation, and green initiatives.

More angles to answer:

• Bike lanes—people have the option to cycle to their destination safely
• Public exercise—access to a variety of exercise equipment and classes in public areas
• Subsidize gyms—provide funds for people who cannot afford a gym membership