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Describe a habit that you would like to change

Try the card on the exam timer first, then read the band-8 sample answer and the Part 3 questions that follow it.

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Part 2 · Candidate task card

Describe a habit that you would like to change.

You should say:

  • what the habit is
  • how long you have had it
  • what you have done to change it

and explain why you want to change this habit.

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1 minute to prepare, then 2 minutes to speak. It switches on its own.

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Band 8 sample answer

266 words · about 2 minutes at a natural pace · Phrases from the vocabulary list are highlighted.

The habit that I would most like to change is spending too much time on my phone, especially on social media and short videos. I've had this habit for roughly four years, ever since I got my first smartphone, and it has gradually become worse.

It usually works like this: I pick up my phone to check one message, and then forty minutes later I realise that I've been scrolling through videos without any purpose. This happens in the morning, at lunch, and most of all before sleep. Sometimes I even reach for the phone automatically when I'm waiting for my tea to brew.

To change it, I've tried a few things. First, I turned off most notifications so that my phone doesn't constantly call for my attention. Second, I installed an app that shows how much time I spend on each application, which was honestly shocking, as the average was over five hours a day. Third, I now charge my phone outside my bedroom at night and use a traditional alarm clock. Lastly, I've begun replacing screen time with other activities, like reading or going for a walk. It's working to some extent; I've reduced the time to about three hours, though I still have bad days.

I want to change it because it wastes time that I could use for studying, exercising or meeting friends. It also affects my sleep and concentration. I'd rather spend my life doing things than watching others do them. I think the most important thing is to be patient with myself, because changing a habit is a gradual process.

What to notice

  • It takes the points on the card in order, so the examiner can follow it.
  • Each point gets a specific detail or a short story, which is what keeps a talk going for two minutes.
  • The "explain" line at the end gets the most time, because that is where you give an opinion and show your range of language.

We wrote this answer for practice; it does not come from IELTS. Take its structure and phrases and tell your own story, because examiners notice memorised answers.

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Useful vocabulary

PhraseMeaning
break a habitstop doing something regularly
force of habitdoing something automatically
cut down onreduce
a vicious circlea bad situation that continues itself
willpowermental strength to control yourself
form a routineestablish regular behaviour

Plan it in one minute

Choose what to talk about in the first ten seconds, then write two or three key words for each point. Full sentences take too long to write and to read back.

Who or what you could talk about

  • Spending too much time on your phone
  • Staying up late and sleeping too little
  • Procrastinating or leaving things until the last minute

How to spend the two minutes

  1. 25 swhat the habit is
  2. 25 show long you have had it
  3. 25 swhat you have done to change it
  4. 45 sand explain why you want to change this habit.

Part 3 questions

In the exam these come straight after your talk, on the wider subject: Habits. Answer each in 3–4 sentences, with your view, a reason and an example.

  1. Why is it so hard to break a bad habit?
  2. What good habits should children learn early?
  3. Do you think technology creates new bad habits?
  4. How long does it take to form a new habit?
  5. Can friends and family help people change their habits?

Frequently asked questions

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