Speaking topic: HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

USEFUL EXPRESSION:

Expression	Example
On a regular basis (regularly)	The health benefits of doing exercise on a regular basis are numerous and hard to ignore.
Order of business (A task to be dealt with)	To construct a fitness plan, the first order of business is to set a goal. We are usually quite motivated at the beginning but then find that our motivation slips over time. Setting ourselves a more specific means we will be more likely to stick with it. Then schedule time for fitness. Adding an exercise routine on a regular basis into your schedule. If you have trouble stick to the plan, find yourself a role model or a partner!
It has to be that way	The best way to exercise is not to focus on the fitness aspect and just have fun. You can exercise without even noticing you’re doing it. It has to be that way or else you would be easily demotivated, especially those who have trouble stick to a regular basis form of exercise
Opt for	I opt for cardiovascular exercises rather than muscle building because I think the best way to keep fit is to do exercise that raises your heart rate. The heart is a muscle and has to be worked like any other muscle.
Have trouble stick to	Many people have trouble stick to a fitness plan because between work and children, school and homework, exercise is hard to fit it, especially those who have no exercise experience under their belt before. However, this is not the case. The truth is, everything counts and the more you move, the healthier you will be. So, doing chores, or covering short distance journeys on foot instead of using motorbikes or something like that are all beneficial.
Focus on	As far as I’m concerned, the best way to exercise is not to focus on the fitness aspect and just have fun. You can exercise without even noticing you’re doing it. For example, when you play badminton with your friends or for a long walk on a sunny day, or something like that.
Under your belt (When you have something “under your belt”, it is part of your past experience)	He is new to the company and doesn’t have much work experience under his belt. She already has three years of college under her belt. Many people have trouble stick to a fitness plan because between work and children, school and homework, exercise is hard to fit it, especially those who have no exercise experience under their belt before. However, this is not the case. The truth is, everything counts and the more you move, the healthier you will be. So, doing chores, or covering short distance journeys on foot instead of using motorbikes or something like that are all beneficial.
Lead to	I strongly believe that the invention of TV has led to people being much too sedentary. It’s all too easy to become a coach potato.
The bulk of your time	In these days, most people work in offices, so the bulk of their time is spent on the chair, they might only move to go to the printer or photocopier. That’s very unhealthy.

I strongly believe that the invention of TV has led to people being much too sedentary. It’s all too easy to become a couch potato. Also, most people work in offices, so the bulk of their time is just in the chair. That’s very unhealthy.

The best way to exercise is not to focus on the fitness aspect and just have fun. You can exercise without even noticing you’re doing it. For instance, when you play volley ball or badminton, not only can they give you a taste for playing sports, you also get the sense of achievement and the feeling of camaraderie with your teammates. It has to be that way or else you would be easily discouraged, especially those who have trouble stick to a regular basis form of exercise.

Usually, I would opt for individual sports rather than team sports because if I do badly in a team game, I always feel I’m letting everyone down

There is no better time to begin your healthy lifestyle than today. In fact, the only thing we’ve ever been completely sure is right now in this moment. The future is never guaranteed, so why wait to start living a beautiful, healthy, active life later when right now is really all that you have

QUESTION

1.      What do you do to stay physically healthy?

The trick to healthy living is making small changes. Take more steps each day, adding fruit to your cereal, having an extra glass of water or saying no to that second helping of buttery mashed (nghiền) potatoes. So, what else can you be doing to live healthy? Your first order of business is to start exercising. Eat a healthy breakfast, add more vegetables and fruit in daily meals. Keep a regular sleep hours. Cut out processed food.

There are enormous ways to maintain a good body or to stay healthy. For example, eat properly, means eating the right foods and the right amounts of foods. Control the weight. Keep a regular sleeping hours.

These are the steps I take to stay healthy. Cut out processed food, keep sufficient sleeping hours – say 7 hours a day, eat a healthy breakfast, add more vegetables and fruit in daily meals. However, my first order of business is to exercise on a regular basis. Also, I strongly believe that having a regular medical checkup to detect disease in the early stages is absolutely needed. This should be performed at least once a year.

2.      What do you do to stay mentally healthy?

Mental Health is everybody’s business. It’s about the way you think and feel, the way you cope with life’s difficulties, how you manage your relationships and making the most of your potential. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health

I believe there are links between physical and mental health. Therefore, doing regular exercise can both keep us fit and release feel good chemicals into our body.

I manage to make exercise a habit and play sports in my free time because it can help me sleep, look and feel better which in turn can boost my confidence and increase my self-esteem.

I also join a dance class where I can share my same interests with people there. I find that being part of a group with people with a common interest provides a sense of belonging and is absolutely good for mental health

Develop and maintain strong relationships with people around you who will support and enrich your life. The quality of our personal relationships has a great effect on our wellbeing. Putting time and effort into building strong relationships can bring great rewards.

Participate and share interests. Join a club or group of people who share your interests. Being part of a group of people with a common interest provides a sense of belonging and is good for your mental health. Join a sports club; a band; an evening walking group; a dance class; a theatre or choir group; a book or car club

3.      Talk about the importance of staying healthy.

As far as I’m concerned, being mentally and physically healthy helps me deal with stress and enjoy the happiness in life. In addition, staying healthy for me is vital for maintaining a youthful, attractive appearance.

4.      Talk about something we should avoid to stay healthy?

- Avoid spending the bulk of your time sitting in front of a computer or sitting on a couch watching TV. It’s all easy to become a coach potato.

- Avoid eating junk food, fast food and beverage constantly

- Avoid sleeping late

5. What do you think is a balanced diet?

6. What kind of exercise is suitable for you? Why?

IELTS Questions

1. Do you have any  specific diet?

2. How often do you go for medical check-ups?

3. Do you like playing sport?

4. How often do you exercise or play a sport?

5. What is your favorite sport? Why?

6. How healthy is your lifestyle? What do you do to stay healthy?

7. What kind of exercise do you do to keep fit?

8. How much do you weigh?

9. Do you think you need to put on weight/lose weight? What do you want to do gain weight/lose weight?

10. Have you ever tried to lose/gain weight? If so, what motivated you to start a diet or physical activity? In what ways is your diet different from when you were a young child?

11. How many portions of fruit and vegetables do you eat everyday?

12. What sports are you good at?

13. Do you ever read articles which are about sport and healthy?

14. Talk about a sport you would like to learn.

15. What sports do you enjoy watching?

16. Are there any sports you don't like?