As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I’ve heard the question “What are your favorite hobbies?” countless times in the IELTS Speaking test. It might seem simple, but many candidates stumble, unsure how to provide an answer that impresses the examiner. This is your opportunity to demonstrate your vocabulary, fluency, and ability to engage in natural conversation.

Why This Question Matters in Your IELTS Speaking Test

The examiner isn’t just curious about your free time activities. They are assessing your ability to:

• Use a range of vocabulary: Discuss diverse hobbies with precision and avoid repetition.
• Speak fluently and coherently: Transition smoothly between ideas and elaborate naturally.
• Demonstrate grammatical accuracy: Use correct tenses and grammatical structures.
• Show your personality: Let your genuine interests shine through.

Crafting Your Perfect Response

Here’s a breakdown of how to answer effectively:

1. Brainstorm authentically:

• Don’t invent hobbies to sound impressive. Choose activities you genuinely enjoy.
• Think about what each hobby says about you (creative, active, intellectual, etc.).

2. Go beyond one-word answers:

• Instead of: “I like reading.”
• Say: “I’m an avid reader, especially of historical fiction. I find it fascinating to learn about different eras through the lives of fictional characters.”

3. Utilize a variety of vocabulary:

• Instead of: “I like to watch movies.”
• Say: “I’m a film enthusiast, particularly drawn to independent cinema and documentaries. I appreciate the unique storytelling and perspectives they offer.”

4. Explain why you enjoy your hobbies:

• Instead of: “I like playing basketball.”
• Say: “Playing basketball is a great way for me to de-stress and stay active. I also enjoy the team aspect and the challenge of constantly improving my skills.”

5. Connect to your experiences (if possible):

• Example: “I’ve been interested in photography since I was young. My grandfather gifted me my first camera, and I’ve been capturing memories ever since.”

IELTS Speaking Test Example

Example from a Real IELTS Speaking Test

Examiner: “What are some of your favorite hobbies?”
Candidate: “Well, I’m quite passionate about cooking. I find it incredibly rewarding to experiment with different flavors and create delicious meals from scratch. I also love the social aspect of cooking – having friends over to share a meal I’ve prepared is always a special occasion.”

Analysis: This candidate provides a clear hobby (cooking) and expands on their answer with reasons (rewarding, creative, social) and a personal touch (sharing with friends).

Tips for Success

• Practice speaking about your hobbies beforehand to improve fluency.
• Prepare for follow-up questions: “Why do you enjoy that?”, “How often do you…?”, “Tell me more about…”.
• Be enthusiastic and engaging to demonstrate your genuine interest.

Conclusion

Remember, the “hobbies” question in the IELTS Speaking test is more than just listing activities. It’s an opportunity to showcase your language skills and personality. By choosing authentic hobbies, using varied vocabulary, and explaining your passions, you can create a memorable response that will impress the examiner.