Health is one of the most common and easy-to-develop topics in the IELTS Speaking test. With the prompt Talk about how to stay healthy, you not only need to share your healthy habits and lifestyle but also know how to develop ideas and use vocabulary related to health, nutrition, and exercise. This is a great opportunity to show a rich vocabulary and impress the examiner with natural, coherent answers.
In this guide, IDP will walk you through how to approach Parts 1, 2, and 3 so you can confidently handle this topic.
1. Common Questions for “Talk About How to Stay Healthy” – IELTS Speaking Part 1
In Part 1, questions often focus on your personal habits and general opinions about health. Keep your answers short, direct, and add one or two sentences of explanation.
Sample questions:
What do you do to stay healthy?
What kind of exercise do you usually do?
What kind of food do you usually eat to stay healthy?
Do you prefer to exercise alone or with others? Why?
How do you manage stress in life?
Do you have any unhealthy habits?
Did you have any health classes at school?
Do you have any advice on staying healthy?
What do you think is more important, eating healthy or doing exercise?
What part of your lifestyle would you most like to make healthier?
2. Sample Answers – IELTS Speaking Part 1
Q: What do you do to stay healthy?
I strive to maintain a healthy lifestyle by integrating regular physical activity into my daily routine, aiming for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise on most days. I also pay close attention to my diet, focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods while minimizing processed items and sugary drinks.
High-scoring vocabulary:
strive to – make an effort
integrating regular physical activity – adding exercise into daily life
moderate-intensity exercise – workout at a medium level of effort
pay close attention to – focus on
nutrient-dense foods – foods rich in nutrients
minimizing the intake – reducing consumption
Q: What are the health benefits of playing a sport?
Sports work wonders for our overall health. They help us stay fit, build muscle strength, and improve cardiovascular function. Many people also use sports as a way to relax after a stressful day, which can lead to deeper, more restful sleep.
High-scoring vocabulary:
work wonders – bring great benefits
stay fit – maintain good physical condition
enhance muscle strength – increase muscle power
cardiovascular function – heart and blood circulation health
unwind after a stressful day – relax after stress
restful sleep – deep, good-quality sleep
Q: What is more important, eating healthy or doing exercise?
For me, maintaining a nutritious diet is more essential. As the saying goes, “You are what you eat.” A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients strengthens the immune system and prevents illness—benefits that cannot be achieved through exercise alone.
High-scoring vocabulary:
nutritious diet – healthy food plan
You are what you eat – idiom stressing the link between diet and health
balanced diet – eating a variety of healthy foods
strengthen the immune system – improve the body’s defense against illness
3. Understanding the Topic – IELTS Speaking Part 2
Health is more than exercise and eating well—it also covers mental well-being, lifestyle choices, and social factors.
Sample prompt: Describe a way to stay healthy You should say:
What this way is
How you learned about it
When you started
Why it helps you stay healthy
4. Suggested Outline – Part 2
What this way is | One lifestyle that I find easiest to follow is to eat clean |
How you knew about this way | I found out about this way of life through social media platforms in 2018 because people were crazy about it back then |
When you started to do it/
How easy or difficult it is to follow
| I try to eat nutritious meals everyday You don't have to be perfect; it's about making better choices most of the time. Once you get into the habit, you start to feel the benefits, which motivates you to continue. However, fresh, organic ingredients sometimes cost more than processed foods. |
And explain why it can help you to stay healthy.
| You eat something clean, the food is organic and less processed This lifestyle keeps you away from added sugar, preservatives, artificial colours and flavours Eating well can boost mental clarity and reduce feelings of sluggishness. |
5. Sample Answer – IELTS Speaking Part 2
Absolutely, one activity I enjoy to keep healthy is trail running. I run two to three times a week in nearby scenic areas. Trail running not only keeps me active but also connects me with nature and helps me mentally recharge. The varied terrain builds strength, balance, and agility, while the fresh air reduces stress. It is a holistic way to improve both physical fitness and mental well-being.
High-scoring vocabulary:
picturesque landscapes – beautiful scenery
mentally unplug – take a mental break
varied terrain – different ground surfaces
holistic approach – improving overall health and wellness
6. Sample Answers – IELTS Speaking Part 3
Q: What are popular ways to keep healthy in your country?
Younger people often go to the gym or play sports, while older people prefer brisk walks in parks, which also provide social interaction.
Q: What should and shouldn’t we do for a long, healthy life?
We should exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, and get enough sleep. We should avoid smoking, excessive drinking, and poor eating habits.
Q: Do people pay enough attention to their health these days?
Not really. Many know the importance of health but struggle to prioritize it due to busy lifestyles, leading to processed food consumption and sedentary habits.
7. Key Vocabulary for “Talk About How to Stay Healthy”
General health terms:
wellness – overall health
nutrient-dense food – food rich in nutrients
physical fitness – body’s health and strength
immune system – body’s defense against illness
mental well-being – mental health
Healthy activities:
work out – exercise
do yoga – practice yoga
meditate – practice meditation
avoid junk food – avoid unhealthy fast food
drink plenty of water – stay hydrated
Useful idioms:
An apple a day keeps the doctor away – eating healthy helps prevent illness
Fit as a fiddle – very healthy
Recharge your batteries – rest to regain energy
Master the Topic with IDP
The topic “Talk about how to stay healthy” is a chance to show a wide range of vocabulary, logical idea development, and natural storytelling in IELTS Speaking. Combine topic-related vocabulary, collocations, and idioms with personal examples for higher scores.
IDP offers both IELTS Academic and General Speaking tests, plus IELTS One Skill Retake, allowing you to re-take one skill without repeating the whole test.
When you are ready, register for your IELTS test with IDP today.