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Describe a Resolution You Made in the New Year - IELTS Speaking Cue Card Model Answer

Describe a resolution you made in the new year.

You should say:

  • what is the resolution

  • how will you complete it

  • how you feel about it

  • why you made this resolution


Describe a Resolution You Made in the New Year - IELTS Speaking Cue Card Model Answer

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Model Answer 1

As the new year unfolded, I embraced a resolution that resonated deeply with my core values and aspirations. My resolution is to enhance my environmental consciousness and contribute positively to the planet by adopting a zero-waste lifestyle. This ambitious goal, I believe, is not just a personal milestone but a crucial step towards a sustainable future.


To actualize this resolution, I've embarked on a journey of gradual, mindful changes. It began with simple, yet impactful actions like eliminating single-use plastics from my daily routine and advocating for eco-friendly alternatives. Each week, I delve into learning about sustainable practices, from composting kitchen waste to supporting local, organic produce. This hands-on approach allows me to witness the tangible benefits of my efforts, fostering a deeper connection with the environment.


Emotionally, this resolution instills a sense of empowerment and hope within me. Witnessing the direct impact of my actions on the environment fills me with pride and motivates me to persevere. It's a transformative experience, altering not just habits but my perspective on the significance of individual contributions in addressing global challenges.


My decision to pursue this resolution stemmed from a growing awareness of the environmental crisis. The alarming rate of climate change, coupled with the catastrophic consequences of pollution and waste, propelled me to act. I realized that waiting for systemic changes wasn't enough; it was imperative to be the change I wished to see in the world.


In essence, this resolution is more than a personal goal; it's a commitment to our planet, a testament to the power of individual action in fostering global change. As I navigate this journey, the challenges I face are dwarfed by the gratification of contributing to a greener, healthier earth.


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Why this is a High Scoring Answer

The sample answer provided for the topic "Describe a resolution you made in the new year" is an excellent illustration of a high-scoring response in the IELTS Speaking exam. This response showcases the essential qualities that examiners look for: fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, and pronunciation.


Fluency and Coherence: The answer flows smoothly, connecting ideas elegantly and logically. The speaker transitions from discussing the resolution itself to the steps taken to achieve it, and then to the emotional and motivational aspects. For instance, the transition from explaining the zero-waste lifestyle resolution to detailing the specific actions taken demonstrates an ability to organize thoughts coherently.


Lexical Resource: The response is rich in vocabulary, employing phrases like "enhance my environmental consciousness," "embarked on a journey of gradual, mindful changes," and "tangible benefits." These phrases not only convey the speaker's ideas effectively but also showcase a wide-ranging vocabulary.


Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The answer employs a variety of complex sentence structures while maintaining accuracy. The use of complex grammatical constructions, such as conditional sentences and relative clauses, is evident in sentences like, "I realized that waiting for systemic changes wasn't enough."


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In summary, the provided response to "Describe a resolution you made in the new year" stands as a high-scoring answer due to its fluency, wide-ranging vocabulary, grammatical sophistication, and potential for clear pronunciation. It serves as a model answer that demonstrates how effectively articulating one's thoughts and ideas can lead to success in the IELTS Speaking test.


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Model Answer 2

This New Year, I embarked on a journey of self-improvement by setting a resolution to enhance my physical fitness and overall well-being. My resolution, shaped by a desire for a healthier lifestyle, revolves around integrating regular exercise and balanced nutrition into my daily routine.


To achieve this, I've adopted a holistic approach. Mornings begin with yoga, a practice that not only improves flexibility but also instills mental calmness. This is complemented by thrice-weekly visits to the gym, focusing on cardio and strength training, which are pivotal in building stamina and resilience. Nutrition-wise, I've transitioned to a diet rich in whole foods, prioritizing fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. This combination of physical activity and mindful eating has become a cornerstone of my daily life.


The journey, while challenging, has been immensely rewarding. Each day, as I push through the physical exertions and adhere to my nutritional plan, I feel a surge of accomplishment. This endeavor has transcended beyond physical fitness; it's become a catalyst for profound personal growth, enhancing my discipline and self-awareness.


My motivation for this resolution stemmed from a year of introspection, where I recognized the necessity of health as a foundation for a fulfilling life. The realization that a healthy body cultivates a healthy mind was a pivotal moment, driving me to commit to this life-altering path. It was no longer just about looking good; it was about feeling good and harnessing the energy to pursue my ambitions and enjoy life's pleasures.


In essence, this resolution represents a journey towards a healthier, more vibrant version of myself. It's a commitment that goes beyond the superficial, targeting holistic well-being and fostering a lifestyle that radiates positivity and strength.


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Why this is a High Scoring Answer

The response to "Describe a resolution you made in the new year" exemplifies a high-scoring IELTS Speaking answer due to its comprehensive structure and effective use of language, reflecting the core aspects evaluated in the IELTS Speaking test.


Fluency and Coherence: The answer demonstrates a high degree of fluency and coherence. The speaker seamlessly transitions from introducing the resolution to detailing the steps taken to achieve it, and finally, reflecting on the personal significance of this journey. For example, the progression from mentioning the resolution to integrate exercise and nutrition into daily life to describing specific actions like yoga and gym sessions illustrates a well-structured response.


Lexical Resource: The answer showcases a rich and varied vocabulary. Phrases such as "holistic approach," "mental calmness," and "profound personal growth" not only add depth to the response but also demonstrate the speaker's ability to use language effectively and appropriately.


Grammatical Range and Accuracy: There is a wide range of grammatical structures used accurately in the response. Complex sentences are employed skillfully, as seen in "The journey, while challenging, has been immensely rewarding," which adds to the overall sophistication of the answer.


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Model Answer 3

This New Year, I embarked on a transformative journey by setting a resolution to enrich my life through the power of reading. Determined to broaden my horizons, I resolved to read at least one book every month, spanning various genres and cultures. This commitment to expanding my literary repertoire was not just about increasing my reading volume but about deepening my understanding of the world and its myriad perspectives.


To fulfill this resolution, I meticulously curated a diverse reading list, ensuring a mix of classic literature, contemporary novels, insightful non-fiction, and groundbreaking works from different parts of the world. Each book was chosen to challenge my thinking and expose me to new ideas. I dedicated specific times for reading, turning it into a cherished daily ritual, whether it was during my morning commute or as a wind-down activity before bed.


Engaging with these literary works has been an exhilarating experience. Every page turned adds a layer to my understanding, making me more empathetic and knowledgeable. It's not just about the stories or the information; it's about the journey each book takes me on, offering new lenses through which I can view the world.


This resolution was inspired by a growing realization of the fast-paced, technology-driven world's impact on my attention span and depth of thought. I yearned for a return to introspection and intellectual growth, and reading provided that perfect avenue. It was a conscious decision to reclaim my cognitive space, to immerse myself in the rich tapestry of words and ideas.


In essence, this resolution is a gateway to a world of exploration and discovery, a commitment to lifelong learning and personal growth. It represents a journey of self-enrichment that transcends the mere act of reading, shaping me into a more well-rounded, thoughtful individual.


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Why this is a High Scoring Answer

The response to "Describe a resolution you made in the new year" is a stellar example of a high-scoring answer in the IELTS Speaking section, and here's why:


Fluency and Coherence: The speaker demonstrates excellent fluency, conveying ideas smoothly and logically. The narrative flows seamlessly from outlining the resolution to delve into the methods of achieving it and reflecting on its personal significance. This is evident in how the speaker transitions from the initial declaration of the resolution to reading diverse literary genres, showcasing a well-structured and coherent thought process.


Lexical Resource: The vocabulary used is both varied and contextually appropriate, enhancing the quality of the response. Terms like "transformative journey," "literary repertoire," and "cognitive space" not only enrich the narrative but also demonstrate the speaker's ability to use a wide range of vocabulary effectively.


Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The response features a variety of complex sentence structures used accurately, contributing to the overall sophistication of the answer. For instance, the use of complex phrases like "Every page turned adds a layer to my understanding," demonstrates grammatical proficiency.


To further enhance your IELTS preparation, exploring our exclusive IELTS books (download pdf) can be incredibly beneficial. These resources are tailored to provide you with comprehensive insights and strategies, equipping you with the tools to excel in all facets of the exam.


In short, the given response to "Describe a resolution you made in the new year" is an exemplary answer for the IELTS Speaking test. It effectively blends fluent and coherent speech, a rich vocabulary, grammatical sophistication, and the potential for clear pronunciation, all of which are key to achieving a high score in the IELTS Speaking section.


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