The “Describe an Exercise You Know” is an important and most commonly asked IELTS cue card topic. This topic is based on the personal life and aims to discover the individual point of view of each IELTS candidate.
The IELTS cue card “Describe an Exercise You Know” allows candidates to talk for 1-2 minutes in front of the examiner to demonstrate their English language skills, namely, fluency and coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and pronunciation.
While speaking on the “Describe an Exercise You Know” topic, candidates should include the four major points: What the exercise is, how you learned about it, how often you do it, and why you think it is a good exercise to demonstrate a strong command of the English language. This article covers the IELTS exam “Describe an Exercise You Know” cue card overview, sample answers, and follow-up questions for the IELTS Speaking test 2 and 3.
Describe an Exercise You Know: IELTS Speaking Cue Card Overview
The IELTS cue card includes various topics based on personal, professional, educational, and socio-cultural events. The “Describe an Exercise You Know” is a personal cue card prompt. Here, candidates can give answers based on their personal experience or create stories as per their convenience.
Here, the IELTS cue card topic is “Describe an Exercise You Know.” You should include the following points to frame your answers:
The simplest exercise I know is walking. I usually go for a 30–40 minute walk in the evening after work, especially when the weather’s nice.
I picked up this habit during the lockdown days when gyms were shut and everyone was stuck at home. I used to feel super lazy and mentally drained, so one day I just put on my headphones and stepped out for a short walk—and it kind of stuck with me.
Walking is generally very simple and not scary for beginners. I can walk at my own pace and timing. I generally walk while listening to music and podcasts. For me, walking helps both my physical health and my mental health. I get to breathe, think, or even stop overthinking.
I think it's underrated, to be honest. People think you need a fancy workout to stay fit, but walking does wonders, especially if you're consistent with it. Plus, you don’t need any equipment or a gym membership—just a decent pair of shoes and a little motivation.
One exercise that I have known since childhood is Surya Namaskar—it's basically a series of yoga poses done in a flow. My mom used to do it every morning, and she made me try it once during school holidays. At first, I just copied her because I was bored, but later, I actually started liking it.
It’s a mix of stretching, breathing, and posture, and even if you do just 5 rounds, your whole body feels active. It works on flexibility, balance, and even helps with digestion and stress. I usually do it in the morning when the house is quiet, and it kind of sets the tone for the day.
What I like most is that it doesn’t feel rushed or aggressive like gym workouts. It’s slow, but powerful. And honestly, you feel this weird sense of calm after it, like your body and brain both get a reset.
Even now, whenever I feel too stiff or drained mentally, I just roll out the mat and do a few rounds. It may not burn 500 calories, but it really helps me feel good—and that’s what I need most days.
So, one fun way I like to stay active is through dance workouts. I came across this YouTube channel during college that mixes Bollywood songs with cardio moves, and honestly, it doesn’t even feel like exercise.
I am not a professional dancer or anything, but I love music and movement, so this felt like the perfect combo. I usually follow along for 20–30 minutes, especially when I am too lazy to go out or the weather’s bad.
What’s great is that I don’t even realise how sweaty I get until the video ends. The music keeps the energy high, and you’re just vibing while your body gets a full workout. No pressure, no complicated equipment—just good music and movement.
It’s helped me a lot with stamina and mood, especially on stressful days. And honestly, on days I feel too low to function, this helps shake off that heaviness. It’s like therapy, but with beats.
Describe an Exercise You Know: IELTS Speaking Part 3 Follow Up Questions
Here are some common follow-up questions for the IELTS Speaking Part 3:
Q. What kinds of exercises do older people prefer?
Ans. Most older folks I know go for light stuff like walking or yoga. Some even join laughter clubs or morning park groups—nothing too intense, but still good for health.
Q. Is it better to exercise indoors or outdoors?
Ans. Depends on the mood and weather, honestly. Outdoor workouts feel fresh, but if it’s too hot or raining, I would rather stay in and do a quick home workout or some yoga.
Q. Why do some people avoid doing exercise?
Ans. Mostly because they’re lazy or just super busy. Some also feel awkward or don’t know where to start. It can be overwhelming if you’re not used to it.
Q. Do you think technology is making people less active?
Ans. To some extent, yes. People spend too much time sitting, scrolling, working, and binge-watching. But ironically, there are also fitness apps and online workouts now, so it really depends on how you use tech.
Q. What exercises are popular among young people these days?
Ans. Gyms, dance fitness, and now even Pilates is trending. Also, running and Zumba are a big hit. Most just want something fun that also keeps them fit.
Q. How do people stay motivated to work out regularly?
Ans. That’s the tough part, honestly. Some track their progress, others follow fitness pages, or work out with friends. Music also plays a big role—it keeps the energy up.
Q. Do you think schools should have daily physical education classes?
Ans. Yeah, not just once or twice a week. Kids sit all day in class, and a little movement daily would help their focus and health. It shouldn’t feel like a punishment, though—more like play.
Q. What do you think about people who work out just to look good?
Ans. That’s their choice, and honestly, if it gets them moving, why not? Some start with that goal but later realise it’s also about feeling good from the inside.
Q. Is walking enough to stay healthy?
Ans. For most people, yes. Especially if you’re regular with it. Combine it with decent sleep and food, and you’re sorted. It’s underrated but super effective.
Q. Do you think people follow fitness trends blindly?
Ans. Sometimes, yeah. Just because something’s trending doesn’t mean it’s for everyone. I have seen people hurt themselves trying random Instagram workouts. It’s better to do what suits your body.
Understanding the sample answers for “Describe an exercise you know” IELTS cue card can improve your speaking performance. Talking about an exercise you know is a great way to show your English skills in the IELTS exam. Remember to keep your answer simple and clear.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to follow a specific structure in the answer?
Not a strict one, but yes—having a basic flow helps. You can start with the name of the exercise, then how you learned it, how often you do it (or did it), and finally why you think it’s helpful.
Can I be honest if I don’t enjoy exercising?
Absolutely. If you’re not a fan of working out, you can say that too—but add what you do like, or what helps you stay active, even if it’s just dancing alone or taking stairs.
Is it okay to include a small personal story or memory?
Yes, please do! That’s what makes your answer feel real and different. Maybe you learned the exercise during summer break or tried it after watching a video—small things like that make a difference.
What kind of vocabulary should I use?
Use words that you’re comfortable with. Don’t push in heavy gym terms if you’ve never used them. Even basic words like “refreshing,” “light,” “energising,” etc., work beautifully.
Can I talk about an exercise I learned online?
Of course. Many people learn workouts from YouTube or fitness apps. You can talk about what you watched, why it caught your eye, and how you felt while doing it.
What should I do if I forget what I wanted to say?
Take a short pause and breathe. It happens. You can say something like, “Sorry, I lost my words for a second... What I meant was...” That actually sounds human and relatable.
How can people add more physical activity into their daily life without doing proper workouts?
There are small ways—like taking stairs instead of the lift, walking while on a phone call, stretching between tasks, or dancing while cleaning. You don’t always need a gym; just movement wherever possible.
Why do some people give up on their fitness routine after a few days or weeks?
Honestly, because it gets boring or tiring, or they expect fast results. Also, life gets busy and people lose track. I have done it too—start with full energy and then slowly stop. Consistency is really hard without a strong ‘why’.
What role do family and friends play in helping someone stay fit?
Quite a big one, I would say. Like, if your family has healthy habits or your friends drag you to a Zumba class, it becomes easier.
upGrad Abroad Editorial Team |4093 articles published
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