The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal experiences and interests. One common topic that candidates may encounter is describing a time when they explored a new interest or hobby online. This article will provide valuable insights and sample answers to help you excel in this speaking task.
Person exploring new hobby on laptop
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In the first part of the IELTS Speaking test, the examiner may ask general questions about your hobbies and interests. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Q: Do you have any hobbies?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do. I enjoy reading books and playing basketball in my free time. They help me relax and stay active.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely! I’m quite passionate about a few hobbies. Photography is my main interest, as it allows me to capture beautiful moments and express my creativity. Additionally, I’m an avid hiker, which not only keeps me fit but also provides opportunities to immerse myself in nature and discover new landscapes.
Q: Have you ever tried learning a new hobby online?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I have. Last year, I started learning how to cook by watching YouTube videos. It was interesting and helpful.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Indeed, I have. In fact, I’ve embraced the digital age when it comes to exploring new interests. Recently, I delved into the world of digital art through online courses and tutorials. It’s been a fascinating journey, combining technology with creativity in ways I never imagined possible.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to discuss for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample cue card related to our theme:
Describe A Time When You Explored A New Interest Or Hobby Online.
You should say:
- What the interest or hobby was
- How you discovered it online
- What you did to learn about it
- And explain how you felt about this experience
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
**I’d like to talk about the time I explored the fascinating world of urban sketching online. Urban sketching is the art of drawing on location in cities or towns, capturing the essence of a place through quick, observational sketches.
I stumbled upon this hobby quite serendipitously while browsing Instagram. I came across some captivating sketches of cityscapes with the hashtag #urbansketching, which immediately piqued my interest. The way artists could capture the soul of a city with just a few pen strokes was truly mesmerizing.
Intrigued, I delved deeper into this art form. I joined several online urban sketching communities and followed prominent urban sketchers on social media platforms. I also enrolled in a few online courses on platforms like Skillshare and Udemy to learn the basic techniques. These courses covered various aspects such as perspective drawing, using different mediums, and tips for sketching on location.
To practice, I started small by sketching views from my window and gradually built up the courage to venture outside. I would watch live sketching sessions on YouTube and try to sketch along, pausing the video when needed. I also participated in virtual sketching meetups, where artists from around the world would connect online and sketch together in real-time.
This experience of exploring urban sketching online was incredibly rewarding. It opened up a whole new way of seeing and appreciating my surroundings. I felt a sense of connection with a global community of artists, despite the physical distances. The hobby also proved to be a wonderful stress-reliever, allowing me to focus intensely on the present moment and find beauty in everyday scenes.
Moreover, I was amazed at how quickly I could progress with consistent online learning and practice. It was gratifying to see my skills improve over time, from shaky lines to more confident strokes. This experience really highlighted the power of the internet in enabling us to discover and nurture new passions, regardless of our location or prior experience.**
Follow-up Questions:
- Did you face any challenges while learning this new hobby online?
Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I did. Sometimes the internet connection was slow, which made watching tutorial videos difficult. Also, it was hard to get feedback on my sketches without an in-person teacher.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Certainly, there were a few hurdles to overcome. The main challenge was the lack of immediate, personalized feedback that you might get in a physical class. To address this, I had to develop a keen eye for self-critique and actively seek constructive criticism from online communities. Additionally, maintaining motivation without the structure of regular in-person classes required significant self-discipline. I overcame this by setting personal goals and participating in online challenges to stay engaged and accountable.
- How has this online learning experience changed your view on acquiring new skills?
Band 6-7 Answer:
It showed me that we can learn many things online now. It’s convenient and often cheaper than traditional classes. I think online learning is very useful.
Band 8-9 Answer:
This experience has fundamentally transformed my perspective on skill acquisition. It’s made me realize that the barriers to learning have significantly diminished in the digital age. The sheer wealth of resources available online, often for free or at a fraction of the cost of traditional education, is truly remarkable. Moreover, it’s highlighted the importance of self-directed learning and the value of global communities in the learning process. I’ve come to appreciate that while online learning requires more self-discipline, it also offers unparalleled flexibility and the opportunity to learn from experts worldwide, democratizing education in ways previously unimaginable.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
Q: How do you think the internet has changed the way people pursue hobbies?
Band 6-7 Answer:
The internet has made it easier for people to find information about different hobbies. They can watch videos, read articles, and join online communities. It’s also made some hobbies more accessible, like learning languages or playing music.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The internet has revolutionized hobby pursuit in multifaceted ways. Firstly, it has democratized access to information and expertise, allowing anyone with an internet connection to learn from top professionals in virtually any field. This has lowered the entry barriers for many hobbies that previously required significant resources or in-person instruction.
Secondly, the internet has fostered global communities of enthusiasts, enabling people to connect with like-minded individuals regardless of geographical constraints. This has not only provided support and motivation but also expanded the collaborative possibilities within hobbies.
Moreover, the digital landscape has given rise to entirely new hobbies, such as blogging, podcasting, and digital art, which are intrinsically linked to online platforms. It has also transformed traditional hobbies, integrating technology to enhance the experience – think of how apps have changed fitness routines or how 3D printing has influenced crafting.
Lastly, the internet has made hobby pursuit more flexible and personalized. People can now engage in their interests at their own pace, on their own schedule, and tailor their learning journey to their specific goals and preferences. This accessibility and customization have undoubtedly encouraged more people to explore diverse interests and continuously expand their skill sets.
Q: Do you think online learning can completely replace traditional methods of acquiring new skills?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I don’t think online learning can completely replace traditional methods. While it’s very useful, some skills need hands-on practice and face-to-face interaction. However, online learning is a great supplement to traditional methods.
Band 8-9 Answer:
While online learning has made remarkable strides, I believe it’s unlikely to entirely supplant traditional learning methods, but rather complement them in a blended approach. Online learning excels in providing accessibility, flexibility, and a vast array of resources. It’s particularly effective for theoretical knowledge and certain practical skills that can be demonstrated visually.
However, traditional methods still hold significant value, especially in fields requiring hands-on experience, immediate feedback, or nuanced interpersonal interactions. For instance, while you can learn the theory of surgery online, the practical application necessitates in-person training. Similarly, skills like counseling or teaching benefit greatly from face-to-face interactions.
Moreover, traditional learning environments offer intangible benefits such as networking opportunities, spontaneous discussions, and the development of social skills, which are harder to replicate fully online.
The future of learning likely lies in harnessing the strengths of both approaches. We’re already seeing this with flipped classrooms and hybrid learning models. The key is to leverage online resources for information dissemination and individual practice, while utilizing in-person sessions for application, clarification, and collaborative work.
Ultimately, the most effective learning method depends on the subject matter, the learner’s preferences, and the specific skills being developed. A flexible, adaptable approach that combines the best of both worlds is likely to yield the most comprehensive and effective learning outcomes.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To enhance your speaking performance, incorporate these sophisticated words and phrases:
-
Serendipitously (adverb) /ˌserənˈdɪpətəsli/ – by chance in a happy or beneficial way
Example: I serendipitously discovered my passion for photography while on a nature walk. -
Pique one’s interest (phrase) – to arouse curiosity or interest
Example: The unusual sculpture in the park piqued my interest in modern art. -
Delve into (phrasal verb) /delv ˈɪntuː/ – to research or explore something thoroughly
Example: I decided to delve into the history of jazz music to better appreciate its evolution. -
Mesmerizing (adjective) /ˈmezməraɪzɪŋ/ – capturing one’s complete attention; spellbinding
Example: The street performer’s juggling act was absolutely mesmerizing. -
Venture outside (phrase) – to go outdoors, often implying some risk or new experience
Example: After weeks of practicing indoors, I finally ventured outside to try plein air painting. -
Gratifying (adjective) /ˈɡrætɪfaɪɪŋ/ – giving pleasure or satisfaction
Example: It was incredibly gratifying to see my language skills improve after months of practice. -
Democratize (verb) /dɪˈmɒkrətaɪz/ – to make something accessible to everyone
Example: Online courses have helped democratize education, making it available to a global audience. -
Multifaceted (adjective) /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ – having many different aspects or features
Example: Learning a new language is a multifaceted process, involving grammar, vocabulary, and cultural understanding.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing exploring new interests online:
-
Develop your answers: Provide detailed responses with examples and personal experiences. This demonstrates your ability to communicate effectively on a range of topics.
-
Use a variety of vocabulary: Incorporate sophisticated words and phrases relevant to the topic. This showcases your lexical resource, a key scoring criterion.
-
Maintain fluency: Practice speaking on various topics to improve your ability to speak at length without noticeable effort or loss of coherence.
-
Show critical thinking: In Part 3, demonstrate your ability to analyze abstract ideas and provide well-reasoned opinions.
-
Practice regularly: Engage in daily speaking practice, perhaps by describing your activities or discussing current events with others in English.
-
Record yourself: This allows you to identify areas for improvement in pronunciation, intonation, and fluency.
-
Stay informed: Keep up with current trends in online learning and digital hobbies to provide relevant, up-to-date examples in your responses.
By following these tips and incorporating the provided vocabulary and sample answers, you’ll be well-prepared to excel in your IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing online exploration of new interests and hobbies.
For more IELTS speaking practice, you might find it helpful to review sample answers for other common topics, such as describing a time when you were bored. This will help you build a diverse range of vocabulary and improve your ability to discuss various personal experiences fluently.
