Relaxation

Hello everyone, and welcome back to IELTS TIME, the podcast where we explore IELTS Speaking topics and show you how to answer them naturally and confidently. I’m Archer, your host, and today we’re focusing on Speaking Part 3 — a topic we can all relate to: relaxation. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear idea of how to structure your answers, use useful vocabulary, and share your ideas in a way that feels natural and easy to follow.

Here’s how we’ll do it today: first, you’ll hear a short dialogue where two of our team members, Jessica and Joseph, go through eight Part 3 questions. Jessica will ask, Joseph will answer. Then, I’ll break down Joseph’s answers, highlight useful vocabulary and expressions, and give tips you can use in your own practice. Finally, we’ll wrap up with some practical advice to help you stay confident and relaxed in the exam.

Alright, let’s jump into the dialogue!

Do people in your country have enough places to relax?

Yeah, I think for the most part they do, but it really depends on where you are. In big cities, there are public parks, gardens, and even quiet little coffee shops where people can escape from the noise. In the countryside, it’s a different story—you’ve got open fields, hiking trails, and forests right on your doorstep. So while the places themselves are different, most people have access to some kind of relaxing environment.

Which do you think is more important: mental relaxation or physical relaxation?

That’s a tough one. I’d say both are essential because they work hand in hand, but if I had to choose, I’d go with mental relaxation. When your mind is racing, it’s almost impossible for your body to truly rest. But if you can quiet your thoughts, your body usually follows. That said, things like stretching, yoga, or even a massage are great because they relax the body and, in turn, calm the mind.

Are people generally more relaxed when they’re close to nature?

Definitely. There’s just something about being in nature that immediately puts people at ease. The sound of birds, the smell of fresh air, or even just looking at the sky can be incredibly calming. I think our brains are wired to connect with natural surroundings, and studies even show that spending time outdoors lowers stress and blood pressure. It’s also a break from screens and concrete, which most people really need these days.

Do people nowadays have more ways to relax compared to the past?

For sure. In the past, people mainly had books, radio, or maybe a walk around the neighborhood. Now we’ve got endless options: streaming services, podcasts, video games, fitness apps, meditation, and even virtual travel experiences. The variety is a big plus, but the downside is that having too many choices can feel overwhelming, and people sometimes struggle to just pick one thing and switch off.

Is it necessary to spend a lot of money in order to relax?

Not at all. Some of the best ways to relax are completely free. Going for a walk, listening to music, or spending time with friends and family doesn’t cost anything. Of course, some people associate relaxation with things like luxury holidays or spa treatments, but I think that’s more about indulgence than necessity. Real relaxation comes more from being present than from spending money.

Is physical activity a good way to relax?

Oh yeah, totally. Exercise is one of the best stress relievers because it releases endorphins, which boost your mood naturally. It also gives you a break from whatever’s on your mind since you’re focused on moving your body. It doesn’t have to be intense either—light stretching, yoga, or just going for a walk can leave you feeling refreshed and clear-headed.

What do people usually do when they feel relaxed?

It varies a lot, but usually it’s something enjoyable that doesn’t require much effort. Some people read or listen to music, others binge-watch shows or just chill on the couch. For many, it’s about spending time with friends or family. At the end of the day, it’s less about the specific activity and more about feeling calm and recharged.

Do you think people today find it harder to relax than in the past?

Yes, I’d say so. Life today moves much faster, and people are always connected through phones and social media. In the past, once you left work, you were done for the day. Now, emails and notifications follow you everywhere, even on holiday. So while we have more tools to relax than ever before, the constant pressure to be productive makes it harder to fully switch off.

Okay, let’s take a closer look at Joseph’s answers and see why they were effective.

On the first question, about whether people in the country have enough places to relax, Joseph gave a balanced response. He pointed out the difference between city and countryside — mentioning parks, gardens, and coffee shops in urban areas versus open fields and hiking trails in rural ones. That contrast immediately shows the examiner he can think beyond his own experience. I also loved the phrase “escape the noise” — that’s such a natural idiom, much stronger than simply saying “get away from the city.” And “right on your doorstep” is another nice touch; it’s a vivid way to say something is easily accessible.

For the second question, about mental versus physical relaxation, Joseph did exactly what high-band candidates do: he acknowledged both sides, but still made a clear choice. He said they work “hand in hand” — which is a lovely idiomatic expression — but then explained that mental relaxation is ultimately more important because when your thoughts are racing, your body can’t rest. That little phrase, “when your mind is racing,” is very natural spoken English, and it captures the feeling of stress in a way that’s easy for anyone to understand.

When talking about nature, Joseph gave a strong, enthusiastic “definitely” to start, which shows confidence. Then he painted a sensory picture: “the sound of birds, the smell of fresh air, even just looking at the sky.” That kind of imagery makes the answer feel real, not memorised. He also used the expression “our brains are wired to connect with natural surroundings,” which is a sophisticated way of saying humans naturally feel better in nature. And notice how he slipped in a reference to studies showing nature lowers stress and blood pressure. You don’t have to be an expert, but adding a detail like that gives weight to your argument.

On the question about modern versus past relaxation, Joseph made a smart comparison. He contrasted the simpler options of the past — like books or the radio — with today’s “endless options” such as streaming, podcasts, and apps. The phrase “endless options” really captures the variety people have now. What made his answer stronger was that he didn’t stop there; he added a downside, saying too much choice can feel overwhelming. That ability to show both positives and negatives makes an answer sound analytical, which examiners reward.

Then we moved to money and relaxation. Joseph’s key idea was that the best ways to relax are free, like walking or spending time with family. But he also acknowledged that some people think of spa treatments or luxury holidays. The best moment in his answer was the line “that’s more indulgence than necessity.” That’s a very polished phrase — it shows he can distinguish between what’s truly essential and what’s just extra.

On physical activity, Joseph was natural and enthusiastic, starting with “Oh yeah, totally.” That’s conversational, and then he added a precise piece of vocabulary: “endorphins.” Using a scientific term like that shows range without sounding forced. He also explained the benefit clearly — that it shifts your focus away from worries and leaves you feeling refreshed. Again, he didn’t overcomplicate it; he kept it natural.

When Jessica asked what people usually do when they feel relaxed, Joseph kept it broad, which is the right move. He mentioned reading, music, binge-watching, and socialising. But what stood out to me was his choice of the word “recharge.” Instead of repeating “relax” over and over, he used a synonym that captures the idea of restoring energy. That’s exactly the kind of lexical variety examiners look for.

Finally, on the last question about whether people today find it harder to relax, Joseph made a strong argument. He said modern life moves faster and people are always connected through phones and social media. Then he gave a nice contrast with the past, when leaving work meant you were truly done for the day. His line “emails and notifications follow you everywhere” is vivid and easy to imagine. And the way he wrapped it up — saying we have more tools but it’s harder to switch off — gave his answer a clear conclusion.

So across all eight questions, Joseph balanced natural, conversational English with well-chosen vocabulary like “escape the noise,” “wired to connect,” “endless options,” “indulgence versus necessity,” and “recharge.” He also developed his answers with contrasts, examples, and sensory detail.

This is exactly the kind of approach that makes answers feel confident, clear, and engaging. By speaking naturally, giving concrete examples, and using varied expressions, you can make your responses interesting and easy to follow — which is what really impresses examiners.

And that’s a wrap on today’s episode about Relaxation in Part 3. Remember, the goal isn’t to sound perfect — it’s to speak naturally, give your own examples, and use phrases that make your answers clear and engaging. Try slipping in expressions like “work hand in hand” or “right on your doorstep” in your practice to make your speech more vivid. Keep practicing, stay confident, and most importantly, stay relaxed while you speak.

Thanks for tuning in to IELTS TIME! I’ll catch you in the next episode!