Alright, let’s talk about habits—specifically, the ones your friends have that make you go, “Wow, I wish I could do that!” If you’re prepping for the IELTS Speaking test, you might get a cue card like “Describe a habit your friend has and you want to develop.” Sounds simple, right? But how do you make it sound interesting and personal? Let’s break it down with some examples that feel like we’re just chatting over a cup of coffee. No robotic stuff here—just real, relatable stories.

The IELTS Speaking Test: Keep It Real

First off, the IELTS Speaking test is basically a conversation. Part 2 is where you get a cue card, a minute to prepare, and then 2 minutes to talk. The key is to keep it personal and engaging. Think of it as telling a story to a friend. Let’s dive into some examples to give you an idea.

Describe a habit your friend has and you want to develop.
 

You should say:

• Who your friend is?
• What habit he/she have?
• When did you notice this habit?
• Why you want to develop this habit?

Example 1: Maya and Her Journaling Habit

Introduction 
Let me tell you about my friend Maya. She’s one of those people who just seems to have her life together, you know? One of the things I admire most about her is her habit of journaling every single day.

Who is your friend?
Maya and I have been friends since high school, and she’s always been the kind of person who’s super organized and reflective.

What habit does she have?
Every evening, without fail, she spends about 20 minutes writing in her journal. She uses it to reflect on her day, set goals, and even brainstorm creative ideas.

When did you notice this habit?
I first noticed this habit during a particularly stressful exam period. While the rest of us were freaking out, Maya seemed calm and focused. When I asked her how she managed it, she told me journaling helped her clear her mind and stay on track.

Why do I want to develop this habit? 
Well, let’s just say my life is a bit of a whirlwind most days. Between work, social commitments, and everything else, I often feel like I’m juggling a million things at once.

Conclusion 
I think journaling could help me slow down, reflect, and maybe even figure out what’s really important.

Example 2: Alex and His Morning Meditation

Introduction 
Now, let’s talk about my friend Alex. He’s the kind of guy who always seems to have it together, no matter what’s going on. And I’m pretty sure his secret weapon is his habit of mindfulness meditation every morning.

Who is your friend?
Alex and I met in college, and we’ve had some pretty deep conversations about life and self-improvement.

What habit does he have?
One thing that always stood out to me was how calm and focused he was, even during the most stressful times. 

When did you notice this habit?
I first noticed his meditation habit during a group discussion on stress management. While the rest of us were talking about how overwhelmed we felt, Alex was just sitting there, cool as a cucumber. When I asked him how he stayed so calm, he told me about his daily meditation practice.

Why do I want to develop this habit? 
Well, let’s just say I’m not exactly known for my calm demeanor. I tend to get stressed out pretty easily, and I think meditation could help me find a bit of inner peace. Plus, I’ve heard it’s great for improving focus, which is something I could definitely use.

Example 3: Sarah and Her Early Rising Routine

Introduction
Alright, let me tell you about my roommate Sarah. She’s one of those people who’s up at the crack of dawn, full of energy and ready to take on the day. And honestly, it’s both inspiring and a little annoying.

Who is your friend?
Sarah and I have been living together for over a year now, and I’ve seen firsthand how her early rising habit benefits her.

What habit does she have?
Every morning, without fail, she’s up at 5:30. She uses that time to exercise, read, and plan her day.

When did you notice this habit?
I first noticed this habit when I moved in with her. While I was still hitting the snooze button, she was already halfway through her workout. And the crazy thing is, she always seems so much more productive than me.

Why do you want to develop this habit? 
Well, let’s just say I’m not exactly a morning person. But I’ve seen how much Sarah gets done before I’ve even had my first cup of coffee, and it’s made me realize that I could probably benefit from a similar routine.

Conclusion 
Plus, I think having that extra time in the morning could help me start my day on a more positive note.

Example 4: Jack and His Exercise Routine

Introduction 
Last but not least, let’s talk about my friend Jack. He’s one of those people who’s always on the move, and his dedication to regular exercise is something I really admire.

Who is your friend?
Jack and I have been friends since university, and we’ve always shared an interest in staying healthy. But while I tend to fall off the wagon when it comes to exercise, Jack is super consistent.

What habit does he have?
Every evening, without fail, he’s either at the gym or out for a walk.

When did you notice this habit?
I first noticed his exercise habit during a reunion a couple of years ago. While the rest of us were complaining about how out of shape we were, Jack looked amazing. When I asked him how he did it, he told me about his daily workout routine.

Why do I want to develop this habit?

Well, let’s just say I could use a bit more energy in my life. I’ve seen how much better Jack feels, both physically and mentally, and I think regular exercise could do the same for me.

Conclusion 
Plus, it’s a great way to manage stress, which is something I definitely need help with.

Follow-Up Questions: Let’s Keep It Going

After you’ve shared your story, the examiner might ask you some follow-up questions. Here’s how you could tackle them:

1. What habits should children develop?
   I think kids should develop habits that promote health, discipline, and respect. Things like eating well, exercising, and having a consistent study routine can set them up for success later in life.
2. What should parents do to help their children develop good habits?
   Parents can lead by example. If kids see their parents reading, exercising, or managing their time well, they’re more likely to pick up those habits themselves.
3. How do bad habits influence a child’s development?
   Bad habits can really hold kids back. They can affect everything from their schoolwork to their social skills, and if they’re not corrected early, they can lead to bigger problems down the road.
4. Why do some habits change as people get older?
   I think as people get older, they become more aware of the long-term effects of their habits. That awareness often pushes them to make positive changes, like eating healthier or exercising more.
5. Which habit are you most proud of developing?
   I’m really proud of my habit of being punctual. It’s something I’ve worked hard on, and it’s made a big difference in both my personal and professional life.
6. Do habits really change a person’s lifestyle?
   Absolutely. Good habits can completely transform your life. They help you stay organized, focused, and healthy, which can lead to all sorts of positive changes.

Wrapping It Up

Habits are powerful things. They can shape our days, our health, and even our relationships. Whether it’s journaling like Maya, meditating like Alex, rising early like Sarah, or exercising like Jack, there’s always something we can learn from the people around us.

So, if you’re prepping for the IELTS Speaking test, just think of it as sharing a story. Keep it real, keep it personal, and you’ll do great. And who knows? Maybe it’ll inspire you to pick up a new habit of your own.

Good luck, and happy habit-forming!

Check out other IELTS speaking cue card topics

Describe an invention that is useful in daily life

Describe a crowded place you have been to

Describe a product you bought, but returned

Describe a successful businessperson you know

Describe a successful business person you admire

Describe a time when you were stuck in a traffic