Describe a daily routine that brings you joy – IELTS Speaking sample part 2, 3

1. Vocabulary related to Routine

2. Sample IELTS Speaking part 2: Discuss a routine in your life that you find enjoyable

2.1. The Prompt

To start your speech, introduce directly a daily habit in your life that you particularly cherish. It could be a morning routine, an exercise regimen, or a habit of reading before bedtime.

Next, you should delve deeper into that habit, exploring aspects such as how frequently you engage in the activity. You can explain whether this activity is easily carried out as a habit or not. If not, what difficulties did you encounter to develop such a habit?

Lastly, share your personal feelings about that daily habit. Do you plan to continue this habit in the future?

2.2. Example 1: Practicing Yoga

Join us in listening to Mytour's Part 2 sample podcast:

Therefore, I’m going to share with you today about a habit of mine: morning yoga. I try to do it approximately every other day, however I don’t do it every morning. When I do yoga, I try to get up around 5 a.m, and then perform a rather simple yoga sequence that I picked up years ago when I attended yoga classes.

There are approximately ten distinct yoga poses in total; nothing overly challenging, just the basics. I aim to practice these movements at least three to four times a week, as mentioned earlier, which helps me maintain a calm body.

And since my body feels particularly sore the day after playing tennis, I need to do it then in particular. In any case, I wouldn’t suggest that maintaining this practice is simple. Who really wants to get out of bed at five in the morning? Some days are incredibly difficult, but I try to tell myself that after I finish, I’ll feel a lot better, which is typically true. But on some days, especially on those that are chilly or rainy, it can be really challenging to follow this schedule. Sometimes it seems impossible to get out of bed on those kinds of days.

So, even though it can be challenging to stick to this schedule at times, I really enjoy it because of how I feel after practicing yoga. I’ve been trying for years to make this routine a regular habit of mine, but I haven’t yet been successful. Sometimes I will skip doing yoga for a month or longer, but eventually I will get back into it, and the advantages of practicing yoga will serve as my inspiration to keep doing it consistently.

2.2.1. Translation

Today, I will share with you my morning routine: practicing yoga. I try to do this daily, although not every morning. When I practice yoga, I strive to wake up around 5 AM and then perform a rather simple yoga pose that I learned many years ago in yoga classes.

In total, there are about ten separate yoga postures; nothing too difficult, just the basic principles. I try to perform these exercises at least three to four times a week, as I mentioned, and it helps my body feel calm.

And because my body feels particularly sore the day after playing tennis, I especially need to do that. In any case, I do not consider maintaining this method simple. Who really wants to get out of bed at five in the morning?

Some days are extremely challenging, but I remind myself that I will feel much better after completing the work, which is often true. However, on certain days, especially cold or rainy ones, sticking to this schedule can be really difficult. Sometimes it feels impossible to get out of bed on those days.

So, even though adhering to this schedule can be challenging at times, I really enjoy it because of how I feel after yoga. I have been trying for many years to turn this habit into a consistent routine, but have not yet succeeded. Sometimes I will skip yoga for a month or longer, but I always come back to it, and the benefits of yoga inspire me to continue practicing it consistently.

2.2.2. Key Vocabulary

• Sequence (n): động tác
• Sore (adj): đau
• Chilly (adj): lạnh
• Inspiration (n): niềm cảm hứng
• Consistently (adv): một cách nhất quán

2.3. Example 2: Reading Routine

Join us in listening to Mytour's Part 2 sample podcast:

My nighttime reading regimen is one habit I have that I really value. I make sure to schedule at least 30 to 60 minutes each night before going to bed to read a book. After a long day, I find that this routine is a great way to unwind and is also a great method for me to go into another world and forget about any stress or anxieties I may be experiencing.

I make an effort to read a variety of books, based on my current mood and interests. I occasionally read classic literature, and other times I choose for more recent or instructive works. In order to truly immerse myself in the book, I always make sure to switch off my phone and keep myself away from any other distractions.

I would say that, generally speaking, I have no trouble keeping to this regimen. I’ve always been a voracious reader, and I’ve found that incorporating it into my evening routine makes it easier for me to prioritize it and make sure I don’t miss it.

I would say that I feel positively ecstatic about this routine. One of my favorite pastimes is reading, and I eagerly anticipate any opportunity to curl up with a good book. It’s a terrific opportunity to learn new things or temporarily escape into an other world, and I find that it helps me to calm and relax. Overall, reading every night is a pretty significant and enjoyable portion of my day.

2.3.1. Translation

My nighttime reading routine is a habit that I truly value. I make sure to spend at least 30 to 60 minutes every evening before bed reading. After a long day, I find this habit to be a great way to relax and also a wonderful method to enter a different world and forget any stress or worries I may be experiencing.

I try to read various types of books depending on my current mood and interests. Sometimes I read classic literature, and other times I choose more recent works or instructional pieces. To fully immerse myself in the book, I always make sure to turn off my phone and avoid any other distractions.

Overall, I can say that I do not encounter any difficulties in adhering to this routine. I have always been an avid reader and I find that incorporating it into my nighttime routine helps me prioritize and ensure that I do not miss out on it.

I can say that I feel very happy about this habit. One of my favorite pastimes is reading books, and I eagerly await any opportunity to read a good book. It's a great chance to learn new things or temporarily escape to another world, and I find it helps me stay calm and relaxed. Overall, reading every evening is a fairly important and enjoyable part of my day.

2.3.2. Key Vocabulary

• Regimen (n): chế độ
• Unwind (v): thư giãn
• Classic literature (n): văn học cổ điển
• Instructive (adj): mang tính chỉ dẫn
• Immerse myself in (v): đắm mình vào
• Voracious reader (n): người ham đọc sách
• Ecstatic (adj): vui mừng
• Curl up with (v): đọc

3. IELTS Speaking part 3: Describe a routine you have in your life that you enjoy

Please listen to Mytour's Podcast Part 3 sample:

3.1. What routines do people have at home?

There may be a few common patterns among people even though various people have distinct daily schedules at home. For instance, some people may have an evening routine that includes taking a shower, eating dinner, engaging in hobbies, and brushing their teeth before bed.

Parents with children may have a morning routine that involves waking their children up at a specific time, having breakfast, getting ready, and leaving for school at a set time. Similarly, adults may follow a routine when heading to work. People also establish routines for household chores like laundry or cleaning bathrooms on designated days.

• Common patterns (n): khuôn mẫu chung

(Translation: There may be some common patterns among people even though many have different daily schedules at home. For instance, some may have evening routines involving bathing, having dinner, pursuing hobbies, and brushing teeth before going to bed.)

Parents with young children may have a morning routine where the children wake up at a specific time, have breakfast, get ready, and then go to school at a set time. Similarly, adults may follow a similar process when going to work. People also adhere to routines for tasks they need to complete at home, such as laundry or cleaning the bathroom on specific days.

3.2. What routines do the elderly have?

Actually, that’s a bit of a tough topic because I don’t really work with senior folks that often, but I suppose they might have more reliable routines for things like medical checkups.

Furthermore, many elderly individuals enjoy participating in various group activities with other seniors, such as playing cards, dancing, or sports. Consequently, they may engage in one activity on a particular day of the week and another on a different day of the week.

• Senior folks (n): người cao tuổi
• Medical checkups (n): kiểm tra sức khỏe

(Translation: In reality, this is a somewhat difficult topic for me because I don't regularly interact with elderly people, but I believe they may have more reliable routines for things like health check-ups.

Moreover, many elderly people enjoy engaging in different group activities with other seniors, such as playing cards, dancing, or sports. As a result, people may participate in one activity on a specific day of the week and then engage in another activity on a different day of the week.

3.3. What are the advantages of implementing a routine for children at school?

I believe that having a routine around school generally has a big positive impact on children. Since they follow a routine, I believe kids are less distracted, more present in the moment, and less preoccupied with their schedules.

I believe that providing children with a structured routine for their school activities, such as ensuring they complete their homework in the evening, is a beneficial approach that enhances their learning process effectively and efficiently.

• Distracted (adj): bị phân tâm
• Preoccupied (adj): bận tâm 

(Translation: I believe that having a routine at school generally has a significantly positive impact on children. Because they adhere to a routine, I believe children will be less distracted, more present in the moment, and less concerned about their schedules.

I believe that establishing a framework and routine around school learning activities, such as ensuring they do their homework in the evening, is an excellent concept that will support their learning quickly and effectively.

3.4. In your view, how crucial is it to allocate dedicated time for activities that bring you joy in your daily routine?

Allocating time in your daily schedule for activities you find enjoyable is essential, in my opinion. Engaging in pleasant activities enhances your overall well-being and allows you to recharge and find satisfaction in your daily life.

You put self-care and pleasure first by setting aside dedicated times for these activities. It promotes a happy mindset, boosts productivity, and reduces stress.

• Set aside (v): dành riêng

(Dịch: Theo tôi, việc đặt ra thời gian trong lịch trình hàng ngày để làm những điều bạn thích là vô cùng quan trọng. Tham gia vào các hoạt động thú vị nâng cao sức khỏe tổng thể của bạn và giúp bạn nạp lại năng lượng cũng như tìm thấy sự hài lòng trong cuộc sống hàng ngày.

You prioritize self-care and joy by dedicating time to these activities. It promotes a positive mindset, increases productivity, and reduces stress.

3.5. Do you believe that having a specific routine contributes to maintaining a healthy work-life balance? Why or why not?

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance depends heavily on having a set routine. It gives your daily activities structure and organization while ensuring that you allot time for work, personal obligations, and leisure.

You can prevent feeling overburdened or ignoring key elements of your life by having a well-planned schedule. It enables you to establish limits, effectively manage your time, and foster harmony between your personal and professional lives.

• Allot (v): phân bổ
• Overburdened (adj): quá tải
• Harmony (n): sự hài hòa

(Dịch: Bạn có nghĩ rằng có một thói quen cụ thể giúp duy trì sự cân bằng lành mạnh giữa công việc và cuộc sống không? Tại sao hoặc tại sao không?

You can prevent overwhelm or neglecting important factors in life by carefully planning a structured schedule. It allows you to set boundaries, manage time effectively, and promote harmony between your personal life and career.

3.6. What are some potential obstacles one might encounter when trying to adhere to a routine, and how can they be overcome?

Numerous difficulties can arise when trying to maintain a schedule. The temptation to delay or depart from the schedule is a frequent barrier. Self-control and the capacity to appropriately prioritize tasks are needed to overcome this difficulty. Getting used to sudden changes or disruptions in the daily routine is another issue.

When unforeseen situations occur, flexibility and adaptability are essential for altering the schedule. It might sometimes be challenging to stick to the schedule due to outside distractions and conflicting priorities. To address these difficulties, you might develop tactics like time management, realistic goals, and distraction reduction.

• Temptation (n): sự cám dỗ
• Conflicting (v): xung đột
• Realistic goals (n): mục tiêu thực tế

(Dịch: Có nhiều thử thách có thể phát sinh khi cố gắng duy trì một lịch trình. Sự cám dỗ để trì hoãn hoặc bị lệch khỏi lịch trình là một rào cản thường gặp. Cần có sự tự chủ và khả năng ưu tiên hóa nhiệm vụ để vượt qua những khó khăn này. Thích nghi với những thay đổi đột ngột hoặc gián đoạn trong thói quen hàng ngày là một vấn đề khác.

When unexpected situations arise, flexibility and adaptability are essential to adjusting your schedule. Sometimes difficulties in sticking to a routine stem from external distractions and conflicting priorities. To address these challenges, strategies such as time management, realistic goal-setting, and minimizing distractions can be developed.

3.7. How does having a routine that you enjoy contribute to your overall well-being and happiness?

A schedule that incorporates activities you enjoy greatly enhances your general pleasure and well-being. Enjoyable activities can help you feel happier and less stressed by lowering stress levels. You can pursue your interests and passions since it gives you a sense of fulfillment and purpose.

Your physical and emotional health are nurtured by a routine that includes self-care activities, which supports a healthy and happy living.

You can develop happy and contented moments by partaking in enjoyable activities on a regular basis, which promotes general wellbeing.

• Fulfillment (n): thỏa mãn
• Nurture (v): nuôi dưỡng
• Contented (adj): hài lòng

(Dịch: Một lịch trình kết hợp các hoạt động bạn yêu thích sẽ đáng kể nâng cao niềm vui và sức khỏe tổng thể của bạn. Các hoạt động thú vị có thể giúp bạn cảm thấy hạnh phúc hơn và giảm căng thẳng bằng cách giảm stress.

Bạn có thể theo đuổi sở thích và đam mê của mình vì nó mang lại cho bạn cảm giác thỏa mãn và mục đích. Sức khỏe thể chất và tinh thần của bạn được nuôi dưỡng bằng một thói quen bao gồm các hoạt động tự chăm sóc bản thân, hỗ trợ một cuộc sống khỏe mạnh và hạnh phúc.