IELTS Speaking Practice: What do you usually do after work or school?

This IELTS Speaking practice focuses on the topic “What do you usually do after work or school?” — a common theme in Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking Test. Below, you’ll find a full Mock Exam format including Parts 1, 2, and 3 with model answers and useful vocabulary.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Topic: Daily Routine / After Work Activities

Sample Questions & Model Answers

Q1: What do you usually do after work or school?
A1: After work, I usually relax at home by watching a short TV series or listening to music. Sometimes, I go out for a walk around my neighborhood to unwind and clear my mind.

Q2: Do you prefer to spend your free time alone or with others?
A2: It depends on my mood. Most days I enjoy being alone because it helps me recharge, but occasionally I meet friends for dinner or coffee.

Q3: How much time do you usually have to relax after work or school?
A3: I normally get about two to three hours in the evening before going to bed. It’s not a lot, but I try to make the most of it.

Q4: What activities help you relieve stress after a long day?
A4: Listening to calm music and taking a warm shower really help me relax. I also enjoy journaling before bed because it helps me process my thoughts.

Q5: Has your routine changed recently?
A5: Yes, since I started working from home, I have more flexibility. I can cook dinner earlier and spend more time exercising or reading after work.

Part 2: Cue Card

Describe what you usually do after work or school.
You should say:

• what you do

• where you do it

• who you do it with

• and explain how you feel about it.

Preparation time: 1 minute
Speaking time: 1–2 minutes

Model Answer 1 (Band 8+ Sample – Relaxing Evening at Home)

After finishing work, I usually spend my evening in a pretty relaxing way. The first thing I do is make myself a cup of tea and have a light snack. Then I often read a book or watch something online to unwind.

If the weather is nice, I like to go for a short walk around my neighborhood park. It helps me release tension and think about the day. Sometimes, I call my family or chat with friends on social media.

I do all these things at home, usually by myself, because it’s my personal “quiet time.” I feel very relaxed and comfortable during this period. It allows me to disconnect from work and recharge for the next day.

Overall, I really enjoy my evenings because they give me a balance between productivity and rest. Without that time, I’d probably feel too tired and stressed during the week.

Model Answer 2 (Band 8+ Sample – After School with Friends)

After school, I usually hang out with my classmates before heading home. We often grab a quick snack from a nearby café or play basketball for a while. It’s our way to relax after a long day of studying.

Once I get home, I take a shower and review my notes for a short time, especially if I have homework. Then I spend the rest of the evening watching YouTube videos or chatting with my friends online.

I think these activities help me stay connected with people and keep a good balance between studying and enjoying life. Spending time with friends after school makes me feel happy and re-energized for the next day.

Model Answer 3 (Band 8+ Sample – Productive Evening Routine)

After work, I prefer to do something productive rather than just watching TV. Usually, I go to the gym to exercise for about an hour. Working out helps me stay fit and release stress from the office.

After that, I cook dinner for myself and sometimes try new recipes. Cooking is both relaxing and rewarding because I can focus on something different from work.

Later, I read a few pages of a self-improvement book or take an online course. It might sound a bit serious, but I actually enjoy learning new things. By the time I go to bed, I feel accomplished and satisfied.

Model Answer 4 (Band 8+ Sample – Family Time)

After work, I spend most of my evenings with my family. We usually have dinner together and talk about how our day went. It’s a nice way to stay close and maintain strong relationships.

After dinner, I often play with my younger siblings or help them with their homework. Sometimes we watch a movie together or go for a short drive to buy dessert.

Spending time with my family helps me relax and feel supported. It reminds me that life is not only about work, but also about the people you care about. I think it’s the best way to end a busy day.

Model Answer 5 (Band 8+ Sample – Evening for Hobbies)

In the evenings after work, I usually focus on my hobbies. My favorite one is playing the guitar. It helps me express myself creatively and forget about the stress from my job.

I also like painting or writing short stories when I’m in the mood. These activities give me a sense of achievement and allow me to use my imagination.

I usually do these things alone in my room with some soft background music. It’s a peaceful environment where I can completely relax. I believe having hobbies is important because they make life more meaningful and enjoyable.

Part 3: Discussion Questions

Topic: Work–Life Balance and Leisure

Q1: Why do you think relaxation is important after work or school?

A1: Relaxation is essential because it allows both the mind and body to recover from stress. Without rest, people can easily become exhausted or less productive. Taking time to unwind improves concentration and emotional stability, which leads to better performance the next day.

Q2: Do you think people today have less free time than in the past?

A2: Yes, I believe so. Modern life is faster and more demanding. Even though technology saves time, many people use it for work-related tasks or social media, which keeps them mentally busy. In the past, people had simpler routines and fewer distractions, so they could truly relax.

Q3: How does technology influence the way people spend their leisure time?

A3: Technology has changed how people relax. Many now spend their free time watching streaming platforms, playing online games, or browsing social media. While this can be entertaining, it sometimes prevents real rest because people stay glued to screens instead of engaging in physical or outdoor activities.

Q4: What can employers do to help workers achieve a better work–life balance?

A4: Employers can offer flexible working hours, remote work options, or shorter workweeks. These policies help employees manage personal responsibilities more easily. Some companies also organize wellness programs or encourage regular breaks, which make workers happier and more motivated.

Q5: In your opinion, what is the best way for students to balance study and relaxation?

A5: Students should plan their schedules carefully and include short breaks between study sessions. For example, using the “Pomodoro technique” — studying for 25 minutes and resting for 5 — helps maintain focus. It’s also important for students to spend weekends doing enjoyable activities to avoid burnout and keep motivation high.

Vocabulary & Expressions

Tips for Your Speaking Practice

• Use varied tenses: talk about your current, past, and future routines.

• Include linking phrases like “to be honest,” “on the other hand,” “as a result.”

• Avoid very short answers — aim for 2–3 sentences in Part 1.

• In Part 2, use structured storytelling (beginning → details → reflection).

• In Part 3, focus on ideas and reasoning, not personal details.

FAQs

What is the best way to answer “What do you usually do after work or school?” in IELTS Speaking?

Give a concise overview (1–2 sentences), then add two specific activities and one brief reason or feeling. For example: routine → examples → benefit. Keep it natural, use present simple with occasional present perfect or past simple to add variety.

How long should my Part 1 answers be for this topic?

Aim for 2–3 sentences (about 12–20 seconds). That’s enough to show fluency and a bit of range without sounding memorized. If the examiner asks a follow-up, add one extra detail or example.

What grammar should I highlight when talking about after-work routines?

Prioritize present simple for habits (“I usually go to the gym”), add adverbs of frequency (“often,” “rarely”), and include one present perfect or past simple sentence to show change (“Recently, I’ve started cooking; before that, I ordered takeout”).

Which vocabulary helps me sound more natural and precise?

Use verbs and collocations like unwind, wind down, recharge, squeeze in a workout, catch up on reading, binge a series, prep meals, commute, social catch-up. Add feelings: mentally drained, refreshed, re-energized.

How can I extend answers without going off-topic?

Apply the mini-structure: Statement → Example → Result. Example: “I usually take a walk. For instance, I go around the park near my apartment. It clears my head and helps me sleep better.” Keep one clear thread per answer.

What are common mistakes to avoid in this topic?

Over-memorized scripts, lists without development, and vague words like “stuff.” Also avoid tense mixing (e.g., present continuous for habits) and repeating the same verbs (do, make)—swap in specific actions.

How can I adapt my answer if I’m a student vs. a worker?

Students can mention homework, clubs, cram school, dorm life; workers can mention overtime, commute, gym, cooking, family time. In both cases, show balance: one practical task + one relaxing activity + a short reflection.

What if I don’t have much free time after work or school?

Be honest but constructive. Say what you do manage and why it matters: “I don’t have much time because of my commute, so I squeeze in a 15-minute stretch and prepare lunch for the next day. It keeps me organized.”

How can I raise my band score on this topic quickly?

Add linking phrases (to be honest, on weekdays, as a result, lately), vary sentence length, and include one idiomatic but safe expression (call it a day). Aim for precise nouns and collocations instead of general phrasing.

Can you give a Band 7–8 sample for Part 1 on this topic?

“On weekdays, I usually wind down by cooking something simple and listening to a podcast. If I finish early, I go for a quick jog around my block. It helps me switch off from work and sleep more soundly.”

IELTS Speaking Topics 300 – Practice Questions, Model Answers & Mock Tests [2025–2026 Guide]