Describe a positive change you made in your life.
IELTS speaking part 2 and part 3 example answers.
“I think the most positive change I have made in recent years would have to be getting into the habit and routine of exercising every day. About 6 months ago I felt that I really needed to do something about my fitness level, as I had not only started to put on weight, but had really become out of shape. I felt run down all the time, even though i wasn’t actually so busy with work, so, after some thought I decided to get membership to my local swimming pool, and get myself back into shape.
I still remember the first day I went to the pool, and how I was so tired after just a few minutes of swimming, and even felt a little embarrassed that I had become so out of shape. However, this actually gave me more encouragement and motivation, and I was determined to keep going every day, and get myself back into shape.
After just a few weeks I really started to notice a huge difference, and was now able to swim 10 or 12 laps of the pool with ease, which I felt very proud of. I also started to notice that I had more energy than before, and was full of beans every day, as well as feeling as fit as a fiddle. Another great thing was that I also looked better before, and felt much more confident in myself as I got myself back into shape.
I now get up at 6am every morning of the week and hit the pool for at least 20 laps, and have made it part of my daily routine. I’m extremely happy to say that I’m now in the best shape of my life, and believe I look the picture of good health.
Thank you…..”
Some idioms for talking about health.
- Out of shape
If someone is unhealthy or not able to do a lot of physical activity, we can say they are out of shape.
“He drinks and smokes too much, and has become very out of shape.”
- In good shape
If you’re in good shape, you are fit and healthy. This especially refers to the physical condition of your body ( being at a healthy weight, not overweight, getting plenty of exercise)
- Run down
If you’re feeling run down, you are tired and lacking energy, usually after a sustained period without enough rest.
“After working late in the office every night for the last 2 weeks, he started to feel very run down.”
- Full of beans
Someone who has a lot of energy might be described as full of beans.
“Young children are always full of beans, and love to run around, and play.”
- Fit as a fiddle
Fit as a fiddle means ‘in very good health’ and may more often be used to refer to older people.
“My grandfather is 86, but is still as fit as a fiddle, and goes to exercise in the park every morning.”
- Picture of good health
To look the picture of health simply means to look very healthy and well.
“Wow! Have you been going to the gym recently? You look the picture of health.
Describe a positive change you made in your life – Part 3 questions and example answers.
Is it easier for younger people to make changes than older people?
“Well….personally, I think it’s probably easier for younger people to make changes in their lives, rather than older people….. Generally speaking, younger people are more open minded, so they are more open to making changes, and often actually enjoy making changes in their lives.
On top of that, young people usually have less commitments than older people, so it’s easier for them to make changes in their lives…..for example older people normally have families to think about or a mortgage to worry about, so making a change is not always so simple.
I think one of the best examples of young people making changes today can be seen in the workplace, where more and more young people are leaving or changing their jobs than ever before, with many of them not just looking to work remotely, but to travel the world as they do so.
For an older person with a family to do this would be extremely difficult, or even impossible, so yes i think it’s certainly easier for younger people to make changes.”
Do you think change is always good?
“Well… i think this can often depend on what the change is, and of course why we are making the change, as in is it a positive or negative change. I think it’s always important to make a change for the right reasons, and not be forced to change for the wrong reasons.
For example, if someone is unhealthy or out of shape, and decides to make a positive change in their life by going to the gym everyday, that’s a great thing.
However, if for example another person finds the pressure of their job too much, and decides to start drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes…..well, that i believe would be a very negative change, and most certainly not a good one.”
What kinds of changes do people often try to make in their lives?
“I think most people try to make a number of changes in their lives, although the changes differ from person to person. A lot of younger people, for example high school or college students might decide to make a positive change towards their studies in order to be more successful……. People who are already working often try to make a more positive change in their job productivity in order to get that promotion or salary raise.
On top of that, people today have become much more health conscious than in the past, and often try to make positive lifestyle changes, for example to quit smoking,drinking alcohol, or getting into better shape by going to a gym and so on.”
More links to part 2 and 3 example answers
Describing people in part 2 topics
Describe something that helps you concentrate on study
Describe a city you think is very interesting
Describe something that helps you concentrate on study
Describe a story somebody told you and you remember
Describe an invention that changed peoples lives
