Speaking Part 1 — Topic Guide
IELTS Speaking: Daily Routine
A typical weekday, weekends, time management, and changes to your routine over time.
6
Part 1 Questions
5
Part 2 Cue Cards
20–30 s
Per Answer
Part 1 Common Questions
The examiner may ask any of these in a real exam. Aim for 20–30 seconds per answer — give a direct response and add one specific example or reason.
- What does a typical day look like for you?
- Are you a morning person or a night person?
- Has your daily routine changed recently?
- How do you usually start your day?
- What do you do to relax at the end of the day?
- Do you think having a routine is important?
Part 1 tip: Don't give one-word answers. Use the question word to structure
your reply — if asked "Do you enjoy…?", answer "Yes, I do, because…" and add a brief example.
Aim for 2–3 sentences.
Part 2 Cue Cards on Daily Routine
These Part 2 prompts are linked to the Daily Routine topic. You get 1 minute to prepare, then speak for 1–2 minutes.
Describe a time you were late for something important
what you were late for
why you were late
Describe a habit you would like to change
what the habit is
when you started it
Describe a time you were very busy
when it was
what you were doing
Describe a time when you had to be extremely patient
when and where this happened
why you needed to be patient
Describe a time when you had to wait in a very long queue
what you were waiting for
where it happened