IELTS Speaking Practice: What Time Do You Usually Wake Up and Go to Bed?

Part 1: Introduction and Interview (Daily Routine)

Question 1: What time do you usually wake up and go to bed?
Answer:
I usually wake up around 6:30 in the morning and go to bed at around 11:00 p.m. I try to maintain a consistent schedule because I’ve noticed that when I sleep and wake up at regular times, I feel more energetic and focused during the day. On weekdays, I often have to wake up early for work or study, so keeping a routine helps me stay productive. On weekends, I might sleep in a little, maybe until 8:00 a.m., but I still prefer to start my day early to make the most of it.

Question 2: Has your sleeping schedule changed over the years?
Answer:
Yes, it has changed a lot. When I was a student, I used to stay up very late, sometimes past midnight, studying or watching videos online. But now, I’ve realized how important proper sleep is for my health and mental clarity. I’ve made an effort to go to bed earlier, especially on weekdays, and to wake up at a consistent time even when I don’t have to. It’s one of the best habits I’ve developed as an adult.

Question 3: Do you think getting up early is important?
Answer:
Definitely. Getting up early gives me a sense of control over my day. I can plan my tasks, exercise, or even enjoy a peaceful breakfast without rushing. I also think early mornings are the most productive time because the environment is quiet, and I can focus better. However, I understand that not everyone is a morning person — some people are more creative and energetic at night, and that’s perfectly fine too.

Question 4: What do you usually do before going to bed?
Answer:
Before going to bed, I try to relax and avoid screens. I usually take a shower, brush my teeth, and read a book or listen to some calm music. Sometimes I review my goals for the next day or write in my journal. I used to check my phone a lot before sleeping, but I’ve stopped doing that because it makes it harder to fall asleep. Now, I prefer quiet activities that help me unwind.

Question 5: Do you find it easy to fall asleep?
Answer:
Most of the time, yes. I fall asleep quite easily because I’ve built a regular routine. But if I drink coffee too late in the day or use my phone right before bed, it can take me longer to fall asleep. I think setting a calm bedtime routine really helps the body recognize it’s time to rest.

Part 2: Cue Card (2-Minute Long Answer)

Describe your daily routine and your sleeping schedule.
You should say:

• What time you usually wake up and go to bed

• What you do in the morning and evening

• Whether your routine changes on weekends

• And explain how your sleep schedule affects your lifestyle

.

Model Answer 1: The Organized Professional (Early Riser Style)

My daily routine is quite organized because I like to start my day early. I usually wake up at around 6:00 in the morning. As soon as I get up, I drink a glass of water and go for a 20-minute jog around my neighborhood. After that, I take a shower and have breakfast — usually coffee, eggs, and fruit. I start working at around 8:30 a.m., so I try to finish my morning routine calmly without rushing.

In the evening, I come back home around 6:00 p.m. and spend some time relaxing or cooking dinner. I like to read a book or listen to a podcast after eating. Around 10:00 p.m., I start getting ready for bed — I turn off my phone and try to sleep before 11:00.

On weekends, my schedule changes a little. I wake up around 7:30 a.m., and I might go hiking, do laundry, or meet friends for lunch. I still try not to stay up too late, even on weekends, because I’ve noticed that sleeping early makes me more energetic.

Maintaining this sleep schedule keeps me mentally sharp and physically healthy. When I get enough rest, I feel motivated and perform better at work. Sleep really affects my productivity and mood.

Model Answer 2: The University Student (More Relaxed Tone)

As a university student, my daily routine depends a lot on my class schedule. On most weekdays, I wake up around 7:30 a.m. If I have an early class, I grab a quick breakfast like a sandwich or banana and head out. After classes, I usually study in the library or hang out with friends on campus.

In the evening, I go back to my dorm, have dinner with my roommates, and watch something on Netflix. I usually go to bed around midnight, although sometimes it gets later if I have assignments or exams.

On weekends, I wake up much later — maybe around 9:30 or 10:00 a.m. I like to sleep in because it helps me recover from the week. I often spend Saturday meeting friends or doing part-time work, and Sundays are my “reset days” when I clean, plan, and rest.

Even though my sleep schedule isn’t perfect, I can tell that when I sleep well, I study better and feel more positive. When I don’t, I become tired and can’t focus. So I’m trying to build a healthier sleep habit.

Model Answer 3: The Health-Conscious Person (Morning Routine Focused)

My daily routine revolves around maintaining a healthy lifestyle. I wake up at 5:30 a.m. every day, even on weekends. I like to start my morning with meditation and light exercise, like yoga or stretching. After that, I prepare a healthy breakfast — usually oatmeal, fruit, and tea — before starting work at 8:00 a.m.

Throughout the day, I take short breaks to avoid stress. In the evening, I usually go for a walk or spend some time cooking dinner. I eat early, around 6:30 p.m., because it helps me digest food before sleeping. Around 9:30 p.m., I start reading or journaling, and by 10:00 p.m., I turn off all screens and sleep.

On weekends, I still follow a similar routine, but I allow myself to rest more or meet friends. Having a consistent sleep schedule gives me more energy and improves my mood. I rarely feel tired, and I believe my mental clarity comes from sleeping and waking up early. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it.

Model Answer 4: The Night Owl (Creative Lifestyle)

My routine is quite different because I’m a night owl. I usually wake up around 9:00 in the morning, and my most productive time starts in the late afternoon. In the morning, I take it easy — I have coffee, check emails, and maybe go for a short walk. Around noon, I start working on my creative projects since I’m a freelance designer.

In the evening, I feel the most inspired, so I often work from 8:00 p.m. until midnight. I have dinner late, around 9:00 p.m., and sometimes I unwind by listening to music or sketching. I usually go to bed around 1:00 a.m.

On weekends, I sleep a bit later, maybe around 2:00 a.m., especially if I’m hanging out with friends. I wake up around 10:00 a.m. the next day. I know it’s not the “traditional” schedule, but it fits my creative rhythm. When I force myself to wake up early, I feel sleepy all day. So I’ve learned that the best schedule is the one that matches your natural energy levels.

Having a flexible sleep routine helps me stay creative and relaxed, though I try to make sure I still get enough hours of sleep every night.

☕ Model Answer 5: The Balanced Worker (Realistic Urban Routine)

My daily routine is quite typical for someone living in the city. I wake up at around 7:00 a.m. and start my day with a shower and breakfast — usually coffee and bread. I leave for work by 8:00 and spend most of the day at the office. During lunch, I try to go for a short walk to get some sunlight.

After work, I reach home by 6:30 p.m. I relax a bit, then prepare dinner or sometimes order food if I’m too tired. Around 8:00 p.m., I watch TV or read a few pages of a book. By 10:30 p.m., I start preparing for bed and usually fall asleep around 11:00.

On weekends, I allow myself to sleep in — maybe until 8:30 a.m. I spend my time doing chores, meeting friends, or exploring new restaurants. However, I always make sure to get at least seven hours of sleep every night, even if I stay out late.

I’ve learned that having a consistent sleep pattern really helps me manage stress and stay productive. When I sleep enough, I can handle challenges calmly. When I don’t, I feel distracted and impatient. So, balance is the key in my lifestyle.

Part 3: Discussion Questions (Sleep Habits and Lifestyle)

Question 1: Why do many people nowadays go to bed late?
Answer:
There are several reasons. One major factor is technology — people spend a lot of time on their phones or computers, often scrolling through social media or watching videos late into the night. Work-related stress also plays a role, as some people bring their work home and end up staying awake longer to finish tasks. Moreover, in cities, there are more entertainment options and social activities that keep people awake. Many people also find the nighttime to be their only quiet moment of the day, so they use it for personal time, even if it cuts into their sleep.

Question 2: How does lack of sleep affect people’s lives?
Answer:
Lack of sleep affects almost every aspect of life. Physically, it can weaken the immune system, cause fatigue, and even lead to long-term health problems like high blood pressure. Mentally, people who don’t sleep enough tend to have trouble concentrating, make more mistakes, and feel more stressed or anxious. Emotionally, they may also become more irritable and less patient. In the long run, chronic sleep deprivation can reduce productivity and affect relationships.

Question 3: Do you think people in your country get enough sleep?
Answer:
Not really. Many people in my country, especially those living in big cities, don’t get enough rest. Long working hours, long commutes, and high stress levels make it difficult to maintain a proper sleep schedule. Students also stay up late to study or use their phones. I think there’s a growing awareness about the importance of sleep, but it’s still common for people to prioritize work or social life over rest.

Question 4: Should schools or workplaces start later in the day to help people sleep more?
Answer:
That’s an interesting question. I think starting later could help some people, especially students who naturally stay up late and find it hard to wake up early. Studies have shown that teenagers perform better when schools start later. However, for working adults, it might be more complicated because companies often rely on fixed schedules. Instead of changing start times, I think we should focus on promoting healthy sleep habits and reducing unnecessary overtime.

Question 5: How can modern technology help people improve their sleep?
Answer:
Technology can actually be used in a positive way. For example, there are many sleep-tracking apps and smartwatches that monitor your sleep quality and help you understand your patterns. Some apps play calming sounds or guide you through breathing exercises before bed. Also, smart lights that gradually dim can help prepare the body for rest. The key is to use technology wisely — not as a distraction, but as a tool to improve health.

Question 6: Do cultural habits affect people’s sleeping patterns?
Answer:
Yes, very much. In some cultures, people have late dinners and stay up longer socializing, while in others, early bedtimes are the norm. For example, in Mediterranean countries, it’s common to have a nap during the day, known as a siesta, which affects when people sleep at night. In contrast, in many Asian countries, people tend to work long hours and sleep less. Cultural expectations about productivity, family life, and even meal times all influence when people sleep and wake up.

Conclusion

Sleeping habits may seem like a personal choice, but they have a strong impact on health, performance, and overall lifestyle. From waking up early for productivity to staying up late for relaxation, everyone’s schedule reflects their priorities and environment. However, one thing is certain — getting enough quality sleep is essential for living a balanced, happy, and successful life.

FAQs

What exactly does this IELTS Speaking cue card ask me to do?

It asks you to describe your daily routine with a focus on your sleep schedule. You should state typical wake-up and bedtime, what you do in the morning and evening, how weekends differ, and explain the impact of sleep on your lifestyle. Aim for 1.5–2 minutes of continuous speech.

How should I structure my 2-minute answer?

Use a simple 4-part structure: Opening (times you wake up/sleep), Morning (key habits), Evening & Weekends (activities and variations), and Impact (how sleep affects energy, mood, productivity). Add a brief concluding line to signal you’re done.

What tense and grammar should I use?

Use the present simple for routines (I wake up at…), present continuous for temporary changes (lately I’m going to bed later), and present perfect to show change over time (my schedule has improved). Add cause–effect linkers (because, so, therefore) and contrast (however, whereas).

Which vocabulary helps me sound natural and precise?

Time words: at around, roughly, by, past. Routine verbs: wind down, doze off, hit the snooze button, power nap. Health/impact: restorative sleep, circadian rhythm, groggy, alert, productivity. Degree: slightly, significantly, on balance.

How can I extend answers without going off-topic?

Use the detail–example–reason loop: state a fact, give a quick example, explain why it matters. For instance: “I avoid screens after 10 p.m. For example, I read for 15 minutes because blue light keeps me awake.”

What common mistakes should I avoid?

Avoid listing your entire day minute-by-minute, repeating the prompt, memorizing a script verbatim, or ignoring the “weekend changes” and “impact” parts. Don’t overuse simple adjectives like good/bad; vary them (refreshing, draining, demanding).

How can I improve fluency and coherence?

Signpost your ideas: firstly, in the evenings, on weekends, overall. Use cohesive devices: also, in addition, meanwhile. Keep sentences medium length; combine related ideas with which, that, because.

What pronunciation tips are useful for this topic?

Stress key time words (SIX-thir-ty, e-LEVen). Link words naturally (wake_up at, go_to bed). Keep a calm pace and drop intonation at sentence ends to sound decisive. Avoid reading tone; sound conversational.

How is this evaluated for Band 7+?

Fluency & Coherence: smooth flow, logical sequence. Lexical Resource: precise sleep/health vocabulary. Grammar Range & Accuracy: few errors, varied structures. Pronunciation: clear, consistent stress and rhythm.

Can I include different routines for weekdays and weekends?

Yes—this directly answers the prompt. Contrast them briefly and explain why: work demands, social plans, or rest. End by stating how you manage consistency despite changes.

What quick template can I memorize safely?

“On weekdays I usually wake up at … and go to bed by …. In the morning I …; in the evening I …. On weekends, this shifts to … because …. Overall, this schedule affects me by … (energy, mood, productivity), so I try to ….” Personalize with one concrete example.

Any sample follow-up ideas if the examiner asks more?

Be ready to discuss alarms vs. natural waking, caffeine, screen time, naps, or how travel and deadlines disrupt your schedule—and how you recover (e.g., earlier dinner, short nap, hydration, light exercise).

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