Hobbies and interests (Part 1--IELTS Speaking)

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Hobbies & Interests (Part 1--IELTS Speaking)

Question:

What are your hobbies?

Or

What hobbies or interests do you enjoy?

Sample Answer 1:

Well, I have a few hobbies and interests that I thoroughly enjoy. Firstly, I'm a bookworm through and through. I love diving into different genres and getting lost in the pages of a captivating novel. Also, I have a passion for photography. Capturing moments and freezing them in time is like painting with light. Also, I find solace in the great outdoors, whether it's hiking up a mountain trail or simply taking a leisurely stroll in a picturesque park. These activities bring me immense joy and help me unwind from the hustle and bustle of life. 

Sample Answer 2:

Well, the hobby I devote the most time to is music. I'm a music aficionado. I enjoy exploring various genres from classical compositions to toe-tapping jazz tunes. Apart from this, I do like to relax and destress with a good book off and on but I wouldn't call myself exactly a bookworm. I'm a nature lover as well and enjoy going on scenic hikes or taking leisurely bike rides to soak up the beauty of the great outdoors. 

Sample Answer 3:

I have a few hobbies and interests that really float my boat. Firstly, I'm a big fan of hitting the gym and breaking the sweat. It's a great way to blow off some steam and stay in tip-top shape. Also, I have a knack for cooking up a storm in the kitchen. Trying out new recipes and experimenting with flavours gets my creative juices flowing. I'm a movie buff as well; I love catching the latest flicks at the cinema or curling up on the couch for a movie marathon. 

Sample Answer 4:

Oh, there are quite a few things that really float my boat. Firstly, I'm a big fan of hitting the gym and breaking a sweat. It's a great way to blow off some steam and stay in tip-top shape. Secondly, I have a knack for cooking up a storm in the kitchen. Trying out new recipes and experimenting with flavors gets my creative juices flowing. Thirdly, I'm a movie buff. I love catching the latest flicks at the cinema or curling up on the couch for a movie marathon. Lastly, I'm a nature lover and enjoy going on scenic hikes or taking leisurely bike rides to soak up the beauty of the great outdoors.

Noteworthy Vocabulary:

• Bookworm: a person who loves reading books
• Dive into: To immerse oneself deeply in something 
• Genres: Different categories or styles of artistic or literary works
• Get lost: To become fully absorbed or engrossed in something
• Captivating: Fascinating or holding one's attention
• Toe-tapping: Describing music that is lively or rhythmic, making one want to tap their feet to the beat
• Solace: Comfort or relief in times of distress or sadness
• Great outdoors: The natural environment, especially outside of built-up areas
• Hiking: Walking or trekking in natural environments, often on trails or in the countryside
• Leisurely: Relaxed or unhurried
• Stroll: To walk in a leisurely or relaxed manner
• Immense joy: Great or overwhelming happiness
• Unwind: To relax or de-stress
• Hustle and bustle: Busy and noisy activity or commotion
• Float my boat: To be something that one finds enjoyable or exciting
• Hit the gym: To go to the gym and exercise
• Break a sweat: To engage in physical activity that causes perspiration
• Blow off some steam: To release or relieve stress or frustration
• Stay in tip-top shape: To maintain excellent physical condition
• Have a knack for: To have a natural talent or skill for something
• Cook up a storm: To cook a large amount or variety of food with enthusiasm and skill
• Get creative juices flowing: To stimulate one's creativity and imagination
• Movie buff: A person who is very enthusiastic and knowledgeable about movies
• Catch the latest flicks: To watch the most recent movies
• Curl up: To sit or lie in a comfortable position, especially when wrapped in a blanket or something cozy
• Movie marathon: Watching several movies in succession without a break
• Nature lover: Someone who enjoys and appreciates the natural world
• Scenic hikes: Hiking in picturesque or beautiful landscapes
• Leisurely: Relaxed or unhurried
• Soak up: To absorb or enjoy something fully and completely
• Great outdoors: The natural environment, especially outside of built-up areas

Question:

When did you first develop this hobby?

Sample Answer 1:

Answer 1: I first got into this hobby donkey's years ago. It was way back in my teenage years when I stumbled upon it. It instantly clicked with me, and I've been hooked ever since.

Sample Answer 2:

I started dabbling in this hobby back in my college days. It was during a summer break when boredom was driving me up the wall. I decided to give it a shot, and I've been passionate about it ever since.

Sample Answer 3:

This hobby became a part of my life way back in my childhood days. It all started when my older sibling introduced me to it, and I've been smitten ever since.

Sample Answer 4:

I've recently jumped on the bandwagon with this hobby. It's a newfound passion that I stumbled upon not too long ago. It's been a breath of fresh air in my life, and I'm excited to explore it further.

Sample Answer 5:

I'm afraid I hardly have any time to devote to this hobby. Between work, family commitments, and other responsibilities, it often takes a back seat. I try to squeeze in a few minutes here and there whenever I can, but it's definitely not as much as I'd like.

Sample Answer 6:

I manage to dedicate some time to this hobby, but not as much as I would want. Due to various commitments and obligations, it often gets put on the back burner. Nonetheless, I try to make the most of the time I do have and enjoy it to the fullest.

Noteworthy Vocabulary:

• Donkey's years ago: A long time ago; a colloquial expression emphasizing a significant period of time
• Stumble upon: To discover or come across something by chance or accident
• Click with: To have a strong connection or affinity for something or someone
• Hooked: Completely engaged or addicted to something; being unable to get enough of it
• Dabbling in: To engage in something as a casual or experimental interest
• College days: The period of time when one attends college or university
• Summer break: A vacation period during the summer months when schools and colleges are closed
• Drive someone up the wall: To annoy or frustrate someone intensely
• Give it a shot: To try something, often with a sense of experimentation or risk-taking
• Passionate: Having or showing intense enthusiasm, interest, or devotion
• Became a part of my life: To integrate or become an integral aspect of one's life
• Way back: A long time ago; an informal expression emphasizing a significant time in the past
• Childhood days: The period of time during one's childhood
• Older sibling: A brother or sister who is older in age
• Introduce someone to: To make someone familiar with or aware of something
• Smitten: Completely captivated or infatuated with something or someone
• Jumped on the bandwagon: To join or participate in something that has recently gained popularity or become trendy
• Newfound: Recently discovered or acquired; newly developed
• Stumbled upon: To discover or come across something by chance or accident
• Breath of fresh air: Something new, refreshing, or invigorating that brings positive change or excitement
• Explore further: To delve deeper into or continue exploring something
• Hardly any: Very little or almost none
• Take a back seat: To be given a lower priority or receive less attention
• Squeeze in: To find a small amount of time for something amidst a busy schedule
• Put on the back burner: To postpone or delay something
• Make the most of: To maximize the benefit or enjoyment of a situation or opportunity
• Enjoy it to the fullest: To fully savor or appreciate something

Question:

How much time do you devote to this hobby?

Sample Answer 1:

I dedicate a good chunk of my free time to this hobby. I carve out a few hours every week to indulge in it. It's my way of unwinding and letting off some steam. 

Sample Answer 2:

I make it a point to set aside regular slots for this hobby. I dedicate a decent amount of time to it, usually a couple of hours a day. It's my way of rejuvenating and finding a sense of balance.

Sample Answer 3:

I invest quite a bit of time in this hobby. I set aside a substantial portion of my schedule for it, usually a few hours every day. It's a way for me to escape the daily grind and immerse myself fully. 

Noteworthy Vocabulary:

• Devote: To give or allocate a significant amount of time, energy, or attention to something
• Good chunk: A considerable or substantial portion
• Carve out: To set aside or create time for something, often by making a deliberate effort
• Indulge in: To allow oneself to enjoy or partake in something pleasurable
• Unwind: To relax or de-stress
• Let off some steam: To release or relieve stress or tension
• Make it a point: To ensure or prioritize doing something
• Set aside: To reserve or allocate time for a specific purpose
• Regular slots: Fixed or scheduled time periods
• Dedicate: To devote or commit time and effort to something
• Decent: Sufficient or satisfactory in quantity or quality
• Rejuvenating: Refreshing or restoring vitality
• Finding a sense of balance: Achieving a state of equilibrium or harmony
• Invest: To put in time, effort, or resources into something
• Quite a bit: A significant or considerable amount
• Substantial portion: A significant or sizable part
• Daily grind: The monotonous or routine aspects of everyday life
• Immerse myself fully: To deeply engage or involve oneself completely in something

Question:

What are the advantages of having this hobby?

Sample Answer 1:

Having this hobby has its fair share of perks. Firstly, it provides me with a much-needed outlet for self-expression. It allows me to unleash my creativity and explore new horizons. Secondly, it serves as a great stress reliever. When I immerse myself in this hobby, all my worries and tensions melt away. Lastly, it offers a sense of fulfillment and personal satisfaction. Achieving milestones and witnessing my progress brings me a genuine sense of accomplishment. 

Sample Answer 2:

This hobby brings with it a host of advantages. Firstly, it allows me to escape from the daily grind and unwind. It's a refreshing break from routine and rejuvenates my mind. Secondly, it fosters personal growth and development. Engaging in this hobby challenges me, pushes my limits, and helps me acquire new skills. Lastly, it creates a sense of community and connection. I've met like-minded individuals who share the same passion, and we support and inspire each other along the way.

Noteworthy Vocabulary:

• Fair share: A considerable or reasonable amount
• Outlet: A means or channel for release or expression
• Self-expression: The expression of one's thoughts, feelings, or creativity
• Unleash: To release or set free
• Explore new horizons: To venture into new experiences or possibilities
• Stress reliever: Something that helps to alleviate or reduce stress
• Immerse oneself: To deeply involve or engage oneself in something
• Melt away: To gradually disappear or be eliminated
• Milestones: Significant or noteworthy achievements or stages
• Sense of accomplishment: The feeling of achievement or success
• Host of: A wide range or variety of
• Daily grind: The monotonous or routine aspects of everyday life
• Unwind: To relax or de-stress
• Refreshing break: A revitalizing pause or intermission
• Rejuvenate: To restore or revitalize
• Foster: To encourage or promote the growth or development of
• Personal growth: The development and improvement of oneself, often in terms of skills, knowledge, or character
• Sense of community: The feeling of belonging to a group or shared interests
• Like-minded: Having similar interests, values, or opinions

Question:

What hobbies and interests are popular in your country?

Sample Answer 1:

In my neck of the woods, sports reign supreme. Football is like a religion here, with fans going bonkers over matches and players. Cricket also has a massive following, with people glued to their screens during important tournaments. Additionally, outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and gardening are quite popular, as they allow people to enjoy beautiful landscapes and stay connected with nature. 

Sample Answer 2:

In my country, people are crazy about music. Playing musical instruments, singing, and attending concerts are widely popular. Traditional arts and crafts, such as pottery and weaving, also hold a special place in our culture. Furthermore, food enthusiasts are aplenty, with cooking and exploring different cuisines being a favourite pastime. Finally, nature lovers flock to national parks and wildlife sanctuaries for activities like bird-watching and wildlife photography.

Sample Answer 3:

In my homeland, many people are hooked on fitness and wellness. Gyms and fitness centres are thriving, with folks sweating it out to stay in shape. Yoga and meditation have also gained widespread popularity, as people seek inner peace and balance. Moreover, the culinary scene is thriving, with cooking classes and food festivals attracting foodies from all walks of life. Lastly, adventure sports like rock climbing, surfing, and paragliding have captivated the thrill-seekers among us.

Noteworthy Vocabulary:

• Neck of the woods: A specific area or neighborhood
• Reign supreme: To be the dominant or most popular
• Like a religion: Something that is deeply revered or followed with great passion
• Go bonkers: To become extremely enthusiastic or excited
• Glued to: To be completely engrossed or focused on something
• Massive following: A large number of fans or supporters
• Crazy about: Extremely passionate or enthusiastic about something
• Widely popular: Highly favoured or liked by many
• Hold a special place: To be highly valued or cherished
• Aplenty: In abundance or plentiful
• Flock to: To go or gather in large numbers
• Bird-watching: The activity of observing and identifying birds in their natural habitats
• Hooked on: Addicted or deeply interested in something
• Thriving: Flourishing or prospering
• Sweating it out: Engaging in intense physical exercise or exertion
• Stay in shape: To maintain good physical fitness
• Culinary scene: The environment or culture surrounding food and cooking
• Foodies: People who are passionate about food and enjoy exploring different flavors
• Captivated: Fascinated or enthralled
• Thrill-seekers: Individuals who actively seek out thrilling or adventurous experiences

Question:

What hobbies did you have as a child?

Sample Answer 1:

As a kid, I was all about playing make-believe and exploring my imagination. I would spend hours building elaborate forts and creating imaginary worlds with my friends. I was also into collecting and trading cards, from Pokémon to baseball cards, it was a big deal back then.

Sample Answer 2:

When I was a youngster, I was really into playing sports. I would spend countless hours kicking around a soccer ball, shooting hoops, and swinging a tennis racket. I was also an avid reader, immersing myself in adventure and fantasy books that transported me to different worlds.

Sample Answer 3:

During my childhood, I had a knack for arts and crafts. I would spend hours drawing, painting, and making various DIY projects. I also enjoyed playing musical instruments like the piano and guitar. It was a creative and melodic escape for me.

Noteworthy Vocabulary:

• Make-believe: Engaging in imaginative or pretend play
• Imaginary worlds: Fictional realms or settings created in one's mind
• Trading cards: Cards depicting various subjects that are collected, traded, or used in games
• Pokémon: A popular franchise of video games, trading cards, and animated series
• Baseball cards: Cards featuring baseball players that are collected and traded
• Countless: Numerous or too many to be counted
• Kicking around: Informal expression for playing or practising a sport involving kicking
• Shooting hoops: Playing basketball
• Swinging a tennis racket: Playing tennis
• Avid: Enthusiastic or passionate
• Immersing: Fully engaging or involving oneself in something
• Adventure and fantasy books: Books that depict exciting or imaginative stories
• Transported: Carried away or mentally transported to a different place or time
• Knack: Natural skill or talent
• Arts and crafts: Activities involving creativity and manual skills
• DIY (Do-It-Yourself) projects: Handmade or self-created projects
• Creative: Having the ability to think imaginatively and produce original ideas
• Melodic: Relating to or producing pleasant and tuneful sounds

Question:

Do you think parents should encourage their children to have a hobby or interest?

Sample Answer 1:

Absolutely! I firmly believe that parents should play an active role in encouraging their children to pursue hobbies or interests. It helps foster a sense of passion and curiosity, allowing kids to explore their talents and develop new skills. Hobbies also provide a healthy outlet for self-expression and creativity, contributing to their overall personal growth and well-being.

Sample Answer 2:

Without a doubt, parents should actively encourage their children to cultivate hobbies and interests. Engaging in activities outside of academics helps kids discover their passions and strengths. It provides a healthy balance in their lives, allowing them to unwind and develop important life skills such as discipline, perseverance, and time management. Moreover, hobbies can spark creativity and serve as an avenue for building self-confidence and boosting self-esteem.

Sample Answer 3:

Absolutely! Parents should certainly encourage their children to have hobbies and interests, but it's crucial to let the kids choose their own path based on their personal interests. It's their personal time, after all. By giving them the freedom to explore and decide, parents empower their children to discover their true passions and develop a sense of ownership and independence. When kids are able to pursue activities they genuinely enjoy, it fosters a greater sense of fulfillment and motivation to excel.

Noteworthy Vocabulary:

• Firmly believe: Strongly hold the belief or opinion
• Play an active role: Actively participate or engage in a particular activity or situation
• Pursue: To engage in or actively follow a particular activity or interest
• Foster: To encourage the development or growth of something
• Sense of passion: Strong enthusiasm or dedication
• Outlet: A means or channel for release or expression
• Self-expression: The expression of one's thoughts, feelings, or creativity
• Personal growth: The development and improvement of oneself, often in terms of skills, knowledge, or character
• Well-being: The state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy
• Without a doubt: Unquestionably or undoubtedly
• Actively encourage: Actively promote, support, or motivate
• Cultivate: To develop or nurture
• Balance: A state of equilibrium or stability
• Unwind: To relax or de-stress
• Life skills: Abilities or competencies that are valuable for daily life
• Perseverance: Persistence or determination in the face of challenges or difficulties
• Time management: The ability to effectively use and allocate time
• Spark: To ignite or inspire
• Avenue: A means or opportunity for something
• Building self-confidence: Strengthening one's belief in oneself and one's abilities
• Boosting self-esteem: Increasing or improving one's sense of self-worth or self-value
• Nurture: To foster or cultivate the growth or development of something
• Well-rounded personality: Having a broad range of interests, skills, and experiences
• Resilience: The ability to recover quickly from difficulties or adversity
• Vital: Essential or crucial
• Cruci-encourage: To strongly urge or support
• Letting the kids choose: Allowing the children to make their own decisions
• Personal time: Time dedicated to one's own activities or pursuits
• Empower: To give someone the authority or ability to do something
• Sense of ownership: Feeling a sense of responsibility or control
• Excel: To perform exceptionally well or surpass expectations

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