To prepare for the predicted topic of Health & Coronavirus in IELTS Speaking Part 3, you will find below questions, model answers and useful vocabulary with an audio for pronunciation. This is a current world issue and as you know IELTS are guided by world issues for their choice of topics in IELTS Speaking and IELTS Writing.
Questions & Model Answers: IELTS Speaking Health & Coronavirus Part 3
See the questions and model answers below. Remember, the examiner is not testing your knowledge. Each question is an opportunity for you to showcase your English language. The examiner might ask you to explain more, or interrupt you or challenge you. Be prepared in part 3 for a discussion rather than question/answer.
Do you think health is important? Why?
Health is extremely important. Without it we are unable to work, unable to earn a living, unable to socialise and we become completely dependant on others. Health is one of the few things that we can’t buy, but we can take steps to improve and protect our health. By protecting our health, we are protecting our future.
What types of activities do you think help people stay healthy?
There are many kinds of activities that can help us maintain good health. Cardiovascular exercise such as jogging, tennis and football are really beneficial. But many people prefer doing more gentle exercise like yoga or taichi that help us with our physical and mental health. Personally, I think a balanced approach of different types of exercises is best combined with a healthy life style and diet.
What is the difference between physical health and mental health?
Physical health is about our physical bodies: our muscles, our blood circulation, our internal organs and about keeping our immune systems and other bodily systems working well. Mental health, on the other hand, is concerned with how healthy our thoughts are and our perspectives. It affects our ability to cope with situations in life.
What difficulties did some people face with social distancing and lockdown at the time of the Coronavirus outbreak?
I think some people had a lot to cope with during lockdown. Some people struggled with the isolation, some people worried about their income and others struggled with being trapped in a building unable to go out. Most of the problems were psychological, but some also had practical problems. Some people were unable to get to supermarkets due to vulnerability and struggled to get food. It was a really challenging time.
What did some people do to stay positive at that time?
People used different methods to keep their chins up when they were in lockdown. I think some of them went online to either work or socialise. Others turned to indoor exercise and art projects. Nature projects like planting indoor plants and watching live videos of wildlife were also really popular. It was surprising how enterprising and creative people were ideas.
What useful technology helped us combat the Coronavirus?
That’s a really interesting question. Let me see … I guess some of the most important pieces of technology were things like ventilators which kept people breathing when they had severe Coronavirus and the technology behind the contact tracing and testing which was used quite effectively in many countries to suppress the spread of the virus. Looking ahead at new technology coming out, new apps are being designed to allow people to trace where they have been and if they have come into contact with the virus at any time. I think this will really help us control the virus better.
During the Coronavirus crisis, some people did courageous deeds. Can you give an example of one from your country?
There was more than one example of courage in the face of possible illness or death in my country during the Coronavirus pandemic. All doctors, nurses, hospital staff, care home workers, social workers and other frontline workers all selflessly went to work knowing the risks they were facing. Some of them lost their lives as a result. Each day, they showed courage and determination to save lives. They were indeed brave and without them many more people would have died.
What do you think could have been done better to deal with the Coronavirus outbreak?
It’s hard to say. Each country had their own approach based on what was happening in their own country and decisions were led by the science. With hindsight some countries should have done more rigorous contact tracing and testing at the start of the pandemic to prevent the disease spreading so widely. Also some of them ought to have gone into lockdown sooner before the virus had spread so far. We will see how things progress from this point onward.
Note: “It’s hard to say” is an expression which means “This isn’t a simple thing to discuss – it’s complicated.”
Useful Language & Pronunciation
To learn the pronunciation of the following vocabulary, click the audio below this word list.
- cardiovascular
- muscles
- aerobic
- brisk walking
- vigorous exercise
- blood circulation
- internal organs
- immune system
- taichi / yoga
- mental health
- psychological well-being
- perspectives
- struggle with isolation
- feeling trapped in a building
- socialise
- nature or art projects
- a creative outlet
- to be enterprising and creative
- ventilators
- rigorous contact tracing and testing
- pandemic
- frontline workers
- to be led by the science
- hindsight
Audio
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I hope you found this useful 🙂
All the best and stay safe!
Liz
………………..
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Dear Liz,
I would like to ask you a question. My examiner did not allow me to complete my sentence to his questions, each time he quickly jumped to the next question without listening to me. This happened in part 3! In what extend it is acceptable? as I have seen many IELTS videos/tests where different students performed their speech. None of these I saw such a situation like mine. I remember very well, I was responding quickly as I realized his reputation/”method”. It was clearly seen that he just did his “work” to finish the procedure and meet the next student.
I received my score 6.0 from speaking which is simply impossible, it is blindly and super subjective evaluation! (which actually happens many times to students in IELTS).
Well, I am a Ph.D. student, my study and communication language is English for a long time. There is no question about my English ability. My supervisor in the US doesn’t need any meaningless certificate from me, but the university department forced me to take this exam.
Now, after my appeal, they require additional payment to remark my results. I think it is purely legal type of corruption.
It is important that your preparation for IELTS speaking includes what is likely to happen in the test. This page: https://ieltsliz.com/why-the-ielts-speaking-examiner-stops-your-answer/ explains all about the examiner interrupting your answer. It explains that this is a normal part of the test and you should be prepared for it. It is not because the examiner is rushing, it is because a) the test is time controlled b) the examiner is moving from one language focus to another. Completing an full answer is not actually required to assess a particular language function. So, this is really something you should have known before you enter the test room.
About your score, if you feel you did much better than band 6, you should apply for a remark. This decision should be based on the language you showcased during the test rather than just the level you think your English is normally. The price of the remark is refunded if your score is improved. It is fair way for IELTS to offer remarking.
There are some things about the IELTS test that I struggle to accept, such as them withholding result for an indefinite period of time or without on-going communication. However, the situation you are facing is not something I see as a problem. a) you should have known how the examiner is likely to conduct the test b) remarking payment is refunded if your score increases which is fair.
I hope this reply will help you make decisions about which step to take next without feeling too negative.
Thank you soo much mam
Your Student from Punjab (India)
Hi Liz,
Your lessons are so helpful to me as I intend to do IELTS after this pandemic.
Thank you and you are beautiful
I’m glad you found my site. Enjoy learning 🙂
I am taking the test in 2 days, the information is very useful to me Liz. Thank you so much for considering the test takers , you are the best madam.
Bless your soul.
kindest regards.
alfred
Good luck!
Dear Mam
Only one thing that i want to say, “Thank You So Much”….You are Best Teacher and One Solid Example of Beauty Witb Brain😊☺☺….
Your student from India
Gagandeep kaur
You’re very welcome 🙂
Hello Ma,
I’m a new test taker,I was just informed two weeks ago that I have to write the ielts before beginning to start my admission process to a school in the UK. As it is now I’m so confused as to where to start from and how to practice at home because I was told I could also practice from home but still I’m a bit nervous about the forth coming exams which is booked for September. Please ma I need your assistance, I have also subscribed to your YouTube channel and I’m also receiving new posts via email.
Thanks a ton,
Love from Nigeria.
Amarachi
Go to the HOME page of this website and start reading how to use this site for your free preparation. Also download the free IELTS test on the BC IELTS website. Then start practising and preparing.
How u are receiving new posta via email I have subscribed and iam not greeting any new updates please can u help me what I have to do I order to get
Hi, Liz thank you so much this helps a lot. God bless
You’re welcome 🙂
Hello thanks alot. That was a great and I learned alot. I’m from iran and recently i have decided learning english.
This website is focused on IELTS, but it will also help you with your English. Go to the HOME page to learn how to use this site.
So, I’m from Belgium and I speak two languages, French and Dutch. In both these languages, the pronounciation of the letter ‘r’ is different. Because of that, I have a hard time pronouncing this letter in English, like for example words as ‘write’ or ‘read’. You can hear the French ‘r’ when I try to pronounce these words.
Can I get less points at the exam because of this?
And do you have any tips to help me with this?
This would count as only one aspect of pronunciation. You can still have a foreign accent and get band 9 in IELTS speaking. Your pronunciation has to be clear, not like a native speaker. See this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-speaking-accent-british-us-or-other/
Hi Liz,
I would like to inquire about the topics related to city or country. My country of residence and country of origin are different . So when I am asked about explain developments in your country or education system in your country, or recent events in your city, which city or country should I refer to . Please advice .
It depends which country you think and feel of as your own. Which one do you know well enough?
Hello, thank you very much my dear Liz , you are the best one😊
You’re welcome 🙂
Due to the covid situation, are speakers being used for listening in all centers? Headphones will be more clearer, isnt it?
This is a very good question that you must check with your test centre. I am sure they will all be using loud speakers, but you should check directly. Headphones are clearer mainly because you don’t hear background noise in the room so easily. But loud speakers will be ok as long as the volume is loud enough.
Dear Liz,
Thanks a lot for your hundreds of priceless lessons. Love from Myanmar!
May I ask you some questions?
I have never talked to any foreigner before and to be honest, I am too shy for you to ask this question.
” Can I achieve a band score of 7 in speaking if I only practise alone at home for about 3 or 4 months? ”
Please give me some advice, Liz. I have also watched your videos and tips for all four skills and all are helpful for me. I want to thank you again. You are the best.
With regards,
Thiha Naung
Sorry for mistake. It is too shy for me to ask this question. 🙂
Try to get rid of your shyness for the speaking test. Time to put on a performance of confidence and showcase your language in the speaking test. Start practising that now 🙂
Sure you can. There are a lot of people out there who don’t have a teacher and don’t have anyone to practice with. When you are in that position, you need to practice speaking the answers out loud, record them to play them back, listen, analyse and develop. You need to prepare at home for the real test and simulate the test environment to practice full tests. See all lessons and model answers on this page: https://ieltsliz.com/ielts-speaking-free-lessons-essential-tips/
You might find it a shock to find yourself face to face with an examiner. But lucky, at the moment, speaking tests are doing using zoom with the examiner in another room – that might help. But even so, be ready to do your best for 14 mins of your life regardless of the examiner’s response and body language. Some examiners are encouraging and other, unfortunately, are not.
Good luck!!! 🙂
Thank you very much, Liz.
Hello Liz. I am so glad I was able to find your website. I purchased your grammar e-book as well as the ideas for essay. I’m going to take my academic IELTS CD on July 21st. I’m hoping I can get my required band scores for me to continue and process my RN profession here in Canada. I am certain that your books and your site will contribute a lot to my success. Thanks and Stay safe! 🙂
You’ve got a month to prepare as fully as possible. Don’t miss any page on this site. Pay close attention to the Test Info pages which can be accessed through the RED MENU BAR at the top of the website. Good luck!! 🙂
Thanks Liz. Keep up the good work
Just want to appreciate you.
Thank you.Indeed,very helpful.
Hi Mam..
I am extremely interested and excited to learn your new lessons 😊
Thank u so much for your time and help.
You’re welcome 🙂
Very enlightening questions. God bless you Liz
Think you so much
Hi Liz, since the start of our Enhanced Community Quarantine here in our country , I’ve started following you like watching your Youtube videos, reading and doing some exercises on your website. At first I doubt myself because I’m struggling on Speaking as well as on Writing . But now, for at least a month I was slowly building up my confidence that I’m gonna get my target band score. Thanks a lot Liz, you’re such a great help to me 🙂 Take care and God bless!
It’s wonderful that you are using lockdown to learn and improve 🙂
Hello ma’am! you have been really helpful in this lockdown period and I am extremely grateful to you. Though my IELTS eaxm was supposed to be in March 2020 but due to Covid-19 it got cancelled and postponed .
Where can i download you E-book for the preparation ??
Which e-book? On this website, there are hundreds of pages of FREE lessons, tips, model answers, topics etc – go to the HOME page to access them. I also have an online store which contains Advanced Writing Task 2 Lessons and an Ideas for Topics E-book. Next week I’ll offer a large discount because I will be launching my new Grammar E-book. My store is: https://elizabethferguson.selz.com/
Thank you. I will go through this link. 🙂
Thank you
Liz, it is May when you will publish your E-book?
Next week 🙂
I cannot thank you enough Liz. The questions and answers so helpful to me. And also again thank you so much for your endless support.
Stay safe!
You are great!
Regards,
Tineesha
You’re welcome 🙂
Thanks lots, Liz!
Dear Liz,
I thank you immensely for share your knowledge and help me to keep improving in the way to afford my first experience with the IELTS exam (I have my appointment in June). I’m working really hard to refine my level in the way to obtain a score over 6, for this reason I visit your web page every day, it is my biggest resource.
I take the opportunity to wish you a Happy Workers Day 🙂
You are great!!
Regards,
Ayelén
Wishing you lots of luck!! 🙂
Thank you so much Liz, for making us motivated always!!
You’re welcome 🙂
Thank you teacher Liz. I wish you also be safe and really appreciate to your care for our trend speaking topic.
Thanks. Same to you – stay safe!!
Thank you so much for these questions.
Thank you so much Liz. I love this.
🙂
Dear mam,
A great greetings to you. You are really so generous.
How could I get the E-book? Please tell me the way so that I can collect it.
I’ll post information about that tomorrow 🙂
Dear LIZ, Thank you so much for your sharing. IT’s worth reading.
Thank You very much for every thing
Nana
Hi Liz,
You are great not only the best.
I wish you could teach me direct. You have inspired me to improve. I need bad 6. Where can I get your resources?
Thanks.
Nana
You can get the resources on this site. Go to the HOME page and read how to use this site 🙂
Thank you so much Liz , I really appreciate the way you send me updates from my upcoming exam. I am still doing my best to have more practice so that I could be able to get my band score for academic.
Good luck!
I cannot thank you enough Liz. I just went through the questions and answers with my husband. They were so helpful! God bless you more.
I’m glad it was useful. There are no right or wrong answers in IELTS Speaking – just opportunities to show your language skills in a natural way.
This question are really good and i got some interesting answer thanks liz 😇
Thanks ! I truly enjoyed the reading and grammar exercises. Then I heard about Captain Thomas More in the news. Although your audio stated he had raised 1 million pounds to date. The CBC news (in Canada) announced his efforts resulted in collecting 27 million” (Cannot remember if dollars or pounds) but obviously this story is progressing.
Thank you for keeping us current at this trying time.
My story stated he had raised 21 million – but the donations continued coming in after he had completed his walk and after I had written the story. The public didn’t stop giving – it’s amazing 🙂
Really grateful to you Liz.
It was more than helpful. You are awesome.
Thank you.
God bless you immensely 🙏
Thank you Liz, More blessings for your self less efforts.
Remain blessed. 🤝🤝🤝🤝
Thanks 🙂
Hello friends 🙂 Is there anyone who has been on the IELTS indicator test recently and would like to share his/her experience?
Thank you very much.
Thank you very much , very helpful
Thanks for sharing this
thanks Lizzy god bless you
Thank you so much.
Very helpful.
Thanks liz
Thank you very much for your great guidance and your every word inspires me a lot. 😊😊😊
You’re welcome 🙂
Thank you so much for your kind gesture Liz your endless support is highly appreciated we’re so grateful to have you here
You’re welcome 🙂
Thank you very much .I normally struggle with vocabulary and short sentences.I hope this will improve my speaking.
Fingers crossed 🙂
Thanks Liz. This is helpful
This is so great and kind of you to share such an inspiring topic with model answers. It goes a long way for me.
Thank you
Glad it’s useful 🙂
Thank you so much for advanced answers and vocabularies with pronunciations.
I have a question about speaking answers especially in part 3: can we include some formal words in our answers? Or better to avoid?
Thanks in advance for your reply.
I do not really know what you mean. There are words that are informal, such as kids, stuff etc which cannot be used in formal writing. But we don’t usually categorise words as formal. Can you give me some examples and I will let you know.
I mean: alleviate,mitigate,derive, stride… such formal words can be used to explain a part of our speech instead of their interchangeable
less-formal words?
These are not formal words. You would use them whenever you talk about something that requires those words. When you talk about something serious such as global warming, you would use those words. The topic of global warming appears in IELTS Speaking, which is informal, and IELTS Writing, which is formal.
I got it😊, thank you so much.
Thank you Liz. It’s very helpful. Honestly, I’m struggling with Speaking and Writing, that’s why I’m always reading your emails. God bless.
There are hundreds of pages of lessons, tips, model answers etc for free on this site. Lots of those pages cover writing and speaking – have you read them all? Go to the HOME page and learn how to use the free lessons on this site.
Thanks very much 😊 Liz and be safe
You are the best.
Is it advisable to take the speaking test onthe same day as the listening etc tests? I mean wil it be tiring to take it on same day asspeaking wil be last.
The main test (L,R&W) takes 2hours and 40 mins. You should do a full practice test at home under strict time control just like in the real test so that you get used to how tired you will feel. Use only an authentic IELTS test published by IELTS for this practice (IELTS Cambridge test books). This is the only way for you to judge for yourself how good you are at concentrating. After you have done this, you will know if you wish to take the speaking test on the same day or not.