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IELTS Speaking Part 2 · Hobbies & activities

Describe an activity you do to relax after a busy day

Describe an activity you do to relax after a busy day

You should say:

  • what the activity is
  • where and when you usually do it
  • how long you usually spend doing it

and explain why this activity helps you feel refreshed and relaxed.

How to plan your answer

Use your 1 minute to jot down key words for each point, not full sentences.

  1. 1

    what the activity is

    Activity: Taking a quiet evening stroll in a park while listening to audiobooks.

  2. 2

    where and when you usually do it

    Where/When: Near my apartment, right after coming home around six in the evening.

  3. 3

    how long you usually spend doing it

    Duration: Around thirty to forty-five minutes at a gentle, comfortable pace.

  4. 4

    and explain why this activity helps you feel refreshed and relaxed.

    Why/Closing: It sets a boundary between work and home, leaving me feeling grounded.

Sample answer

about 242 words · 2 minutes

After a hectic day at work or studying, the main activity I rely on to unwind is taking a quiet evening stroll around a small park near my home while listening to calm instrumental music or an audiobook. I usually do this right after I get back home, usually around six or seven in the evening. As soon as I change out of my work clothes, I head straight out to the park. It is a lovely, tree-lined space just a five-minute walk from my apartment, which makes it extremely convenient. I typically spend about thirty to forty-five minutes walking. I try not to rush; instead, I keep a gentle, steady pace so that I am not exerting myself too much physically, but rather letting my body slow down after a fast-paced day. This simple routine helps me feel remarkably refreshed for several reasons. First of all, moving outdoors gives me a clear boundary between my professional life and my personal time. Breathing in the fresh evening air and looking at nature helps me clear my head of all the tasks and deadlines that accumulated during the day. Furthermore, listening to soothing sounds diverts my attention away from my worries, allowing my brain to recharge. By the time I walk back through my front door, I feel completely de-stressed, mentally bright, and ready to enjoy a peaceful evening. Overall, this daily walk is an essential habit that keeps me grounded and balanced.

A teaching example, not a script to memorise. Say it in your own words.

Useful phrases

  • rely on to unwind

    Reading a book is the habit I rely on to unwind on weekends.

  • change out of

    She always changes out of her office attire as soon as she arrives home.

  • keep a gentle, steady pace

    When jogging long distances, it is vital to keep a gentle, steady pace.

  • clear my head

    A quick walk during the lunch break usually helps me clear my head.

  • keeps me grounded

    Spending quality time with family keeps me grounded during stressful periods.

Common mistakes

I am usually doing this activity for relax after my work.

I usually do this activity to relax after work.

Use 'to relax' for purpose and present simple for routine habits.

The park makes me feeling very refreshed and calm.

The park makes me feel very refreshed and calm.

The verb 'make' requires an object followed by a bare infinitive verb.

I spend thirty minutes for walking in the park.

I spend thirty minutes walking in the park.

The verb 'spend' followed by time takes a gerund (-ing form), not 'for'.

Tips for a higher band

  • Use natural discourse markers like 'First of all' and 'Furthermore' to transition smoothly between bullets.
  • Incorporate varied topic vocabulary related to relaxation such as 'de-stressed', 'grounded', and 'recharge'.
  • Maintain a steady conversational rhythm rather than rushing or sounding like a pre-memorized text.

Part 3 follow-up questions

After Part 2 the examiner may ask deeper questions on the same theme.

  • Do you think people today have less time to relax compared to past generations?
  • What are the main differences between how young people and older adults choose to relax?
  • Is it important for employers to encourage their staff to rest during the working day?

Now try this cue card

1 minute to prepare, up to 2 minutes to speak, then a band estimate and tips for each criterion.

Practise this cue card

Practice estimate, not an official IELTS score.

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Describe an activity you do to relax after a busy day (IELTS Cue Card & Sample Answer)