The topic of describing a new hobby you would like to take up is a common and engaging subject in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows candidates to showcase their language skills while discussing personal interests and aspirations. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s explore how to approach this topic effectively across all parts of the IELTS Speaking exam.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about hobbies and interests. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

1. Do you have any hobbies?
2. What kind of hobbies are popular in your country?
3. Do you think hobbies are important? Why/Why not?

Let’s focus on question 3:

Examiner: Do you think hobbies are important? Why/Why not?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I believe hobbies are incredibly important in our lives. They provide a much-needed escape from the daily grind and help us maintain a healthy work-life balance. Hobbies allow us to explore our passions and develop new skills, which can be both personally fulfilling and professionally beneficial. Moreover, engaging in hobbies can be a great way to reduce stress and improve mental health, which is crucial in today’s fast-paced world.”

The Importance of Hobbies for Mental Health

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a new hobby:

Describe A New Hobby You Would Like To Take Up

You should say:

• What the hobby is
• Why you want to take it up
• What you need to do to start this hobby
• And explain how you think this hobby will benefit you

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’ve always been fascinated by the art of pottery, and it’s a hobby I’m eager to delve into. The idea of transforming a lump of clay into a beautiful, functional piece of art is incredibly appealing to me.

My interest in pottery stems from my appreciation for handmade crafts and the therapeutic nature of working with one’s hands. I believe it would be an excellent way to channel my creativity and find a sense of calm in my often hectic life.

To start this hobby, I’d need to invest in some basic equipment, such as a pottery wheel, clay, and various tools for shaping and glazing. I’d also need to find a local studio that offers classes for beginners, as I believe learning from experienced potters would be crucial in developing proper techniques and understanding the nuances of the craft.

I think taking up pottery would benefit me in numerous ways. Firstly, it would provide a creative outlet that’s entirely different from my day-to-day work, allowing me to express myself artistically. Secondly, the meditative aspect of working with clay could help reduce stress and improve my overall well-being. Additionally, learning a new skill like this would boost my confidence and potentially open up new social circles as I meet fellow pottery enthusiasts.

Moreover, I believe that engaging in a hands-on, tactile hobby like pottery would be a welcome respite from our increasingly digital world. It would allow me to create tangible objects that I can use in my daily life or give as unique, personalized gifts to friends and family. Ultimately, I see pottery as not just a hobby, but a lifelong journey of learning and self-expression that I’m excited to embark upon.”

Pottery as a New Hobby

Follow-up questions:

1. How long do you think it would take to become proficient in pottery?
2. Are there any potential drawbacks to taking up pottery as a hobby?

Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):
“Becoming proficient in pottery is likely a gradual process that could take several months to a few years, depending on various factors. It’s a craft that requires developing muscle memory and a keen understanding of materials, which comes with consistent practice. I’d expect to see significant improvement within the first six months of regular practice, but mastering advanced techniques and developing a unique style could take years of dedicated effort. The journey to proficiency would involve continuous learning, experimentation, and refining skills through both successes and failures.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to hobbies and leisure activities. Here’s an example:

Examiner: How do you think the popularity of different hobbies has changed in recent years?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The landscape of popular hobbies has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, largely influenced by technological advancements and shifting societal values. We’ve seen a notable surge in digital hobbies, such as video gaming, digital art, and content creation for social media platforms. These hobbies have gained immense traction, particularly among younger generations who are digital natives.

Conversely, there’s been a resurgence of interest in traditional, hands-on hobbies like gardening, baking, and various crafts. This trend could be interpreted as a reaction to our increasingly digital lives, with people seeking tangible, offline experiences. The COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated this shift, as lockdowns prompted many to explore new hobbies that could be enjoyed at home.

Moreover, there’s been a growing interest in hobbies that promote physical and mental well-being, such as yoga, meditation, and outdoor activities. This reflects a broader societal focus on health and wellness.

Another interesting trend is the rise of ‘productive’ hobbies that can potentially lead to side hustles or alternative careers, such as coding, podcasting, or selling handmade items online. This shift arguably reflects the changing nature of work and the gig economy.

In conclusion, while some traditional hobbies remain popular, we’re seeing a diversification of interests that mirrors broader technological and societal changes. The definition of what constitutes a hobby is expanding, blurring the lines between leisure, self-improvement, and potential career development.”

The Changing Landscape of Popular Hobbies

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

Here are some advanced vocabulary items and phrases that can help boost your IELTS Speaking score:

1. To delve into /delv ɪnˈtuː/ (phrasal verb) – to research or examine something thoroughly
   Example: “I’m eager to delve into the history of pottery techniques.”

2. Therapeutic /ˌθerəˈpjuːtɪk/ (adjective) – having a beneficial effect on the body or mind
   Example: “I find the therapeutic nature of working with clay very appealing.”

3. To channel (one’s) creativity (phrase) – to direct one’s creative energy into a particular activity
   Example: “Pottery would be an excellent way to channel my creativity.”

4. Nuances /ˈnjuːɑːnsɪz/ (noun) – subtle differences or variations
   Example: “Understanding the nuances of the craft is crucial for creating high-quality pottery.”

5. Tactile /ˈtæktaɪl/ (adjective) – relating to the sense of touch
   Example: “Engaging in a hands-on, tactile hobby like pottery would be a welcome respite from our digital world.”

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing hobbies:

1. Use a wide range of vocabulary, including less common words and idiomatic expressions.
2. Demonstrate your ability to speak at length by providing detailed answers with relevant examples.
3. Use a variety of grammatical structures accurately, including complex sentences.
4. Maintain fluency by speaking at a natural pace without long pauses.
5. Pronounce words clearly and use appropriate intonation to convey meaning effectively.

Remember, practice is key to improving your speaking skills. Try recording yourself answering sample questions and listen back to identify areas for improvement. Don’t be afraid to describe a time when you did something outside of your comfort zone as this can provide rich material for discussion. Additionally, describe an interesting hobby you would like to try to expand your repertoire of topics. By incorporating these strategies and continuously working on your language skills, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the IELTS Speaking test with confidence.