IELTS Speaking: Health & Fitness Questions & Answers (2026)
IELTS Speaking health and fitness topic guide. Model answers for Part 1, 2 & 3 questions about exercise, diet, mental health, and healthy lifestyles.
Part 1 Questions: Health
These questions are asked at the start of the speaking test. Keep your answers to 2-3 sentences.
- Do you exercise regularly?
- What do you do to stay healthy?
- Do you think you have a healthy diet?
- How important is health to you?
- Do you prefer exercising alone or with others?
- Have you ever tried a new sport?
Part 2 Cue Card
Describe a healthy habit you have. You should say: what it is, when you started doing it, how often you do it, and explain why you think it is good for you.
Model Answer (Band 7+)
A healthy habit I have maintained for the past three years is morning running, and I genuinely believe it has been one of the most positive changes I have ever made to my routine.
I started running during the pandemic when gyms were closed and I was looking for a way to stay active. Initially, I could barely manage a kilometre without stopping, which was quite humbling. However, I committed to running three mornings a week, gradually increasing the distance. Now I run approximately five kilometres each session, typically at around six o'clock in the morning before the day begins.
The physical benefits have been obvious. I have lost weight, my cardiovascular fitness has improved dramatically, and I rarely get ill these days. My resting heart rate has dropped from about 80 beats per minute to around 58, which my doctor says is a strong indicator of cardiac health.
However, the mental health benefits have been even more significant. Running in the early morning, when the streets are quiet and the air is fresh, provides a meditative quality that I have not found in any other activity. It gives me dedicated time to process my thoughts without the constant interruption of phones and screens. By the time I return home, I feel mentally clear and energised in a way that coffee simply cannot replicate. On the days I do not run, I notice a tangible difference in my mood and concentration.
I think what makes this habit sustainable is that I no longer see it as exercise. It has become a non-negotiable part of my morning routine, like brushing my teeth.
Part 3 Discussion Questions
These are more abstract questions that require deeper analysis. Aim for 3-5 sentences per answer.
- Do you think people are healthier now than in the past?
- Why do some people find it hard to exercise regularly?
- Should governments do more to promote healthy lifestyles?
- How has technology affected people's health?