The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about hobbies and relaxation, making “describe a hobby that helps you to relax” a common topic. This theme has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic effectively to achieve a high score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about hobbies and relaxation. Here are some potential questions and a sample answer:

1. Do you have any hobbies?
2. How do you usually relax after a long day?
3. What activities do you find most relaxing?

Let’s focus on answering the third question:

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“Well, I find that reading fiction is incredibly relaxing for me. There’s something utterly captivating about immersing myself in a well-crafted story. It allows me to escape the pressures of daily life and unwind in a way that few other activities can match. I particularly enjoy fantasy novels as they transport me to completely different worlds, which I find both exhilarating and soothing at the same time.”

Describe a place where you go to escape from technology can be another interesting topic to explore when discussing relaxation techniques.

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card

Describe a hobby that helps you to relax
You should say:

• What the hobby is
• When and how you started it
• How often you do it
• And explain why you find it relaxing

Sample Answer (Band 6-7)

“I’d like to talk about my hobby of gardening, which I find very relaxing. I started gardening about five years ago when I moved to a house with a small backyard. At first, I just wanted to make the space look nicer, so I planted some flowers.

I usually spend time in my garden on weekends, maybe for an hour or two each time. Sometimes, if I have a stressful day at work, I might do a bit of gardening in the evening too.

Gardening helps me relax because it gets me outside in the fresh air. It’s nice to be away from screens and technology for a while. I like the physical work of digging and planting, and it’s satisfying to see the plants grow. It’s also peaceful to be surrounded by nature, even in a small way.

Overall, gardening is a great way for me to unwind and forget about my worries for a while.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9)

“I’d be delighted to share with you my passion for photography, a hobby that I find immensely relaxing and creatively fulfilling. I stumbled upon this artistic pursuit about seven years ago when I received a vintage film camera as a birthday gift from my grandfather.

I dedicate time to photography at least twice a week, usually on weekends when I can embark on photo walks or set up elaborate shoots. However, I also find myself reaching for my camera on spontaneous occasions when inspiration strikes.

The reason I find photography so relaxing is multifaceted. Firstly, it allows me to view the world through a different lens, quite literally. This shift in perspective helps me detach from daily stressors and focus on capturing beauty in the mundane. Secondly, the technical aspects of photography, such as adjusting aperture and shutter speed, require my full attention, which acts as a form of mindfulness practice.

Moreover, the post-processing phase, where I edit and refine my images, is akin to meditation for me. It’s a time when I can lose myself in the creative process, experimenting with different styles and techniques. This hobby not only helps me relax but also boosts my creativity and hones my observational skills, making it an invaluable part of my life.”

A person relaxing while taking photographs

Follow-up Questions

1. How has your hobby changed over time?
2. Do you think hobbies are important for maintaining good mental health?

Sample answer for question 2 (Band 8-9):

“Absolutely, I believe hobbies play a crucial role in maintaining good mental health. They provide a much-needed outlet for stress and offer a sense of accomplishment outside of work or academic pressures. Engaging in hobbies can boost self-esteem, foster creativity, and even help build social connections if pursued in group settings. Moreover, hobbies often act as a form of active meditation, allowing individuals to enter a state of flow where they’re fully immersed in an enjoyable activity, which can significantly reduce anxiety and improve overall well-being.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: “Let’s consider hobbies in a broader context. How do you think the concept of relaxation differs across generations?”

Sample answer (Band 6-7):

“I think different generations have different ideas about relaxation. Older people might prefer quiet activities like reading or gardening. Younger people often relax by using technology, like playing video games or watching movies. This is probably because they grew up with more technology. Some activities, like sports or music, are popular for relaxation across all ages.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“The concept of relaxation across generations is fascinatingly diverse and often reflects the socio-cultural context of each era. The older generation, having grown up in a less digitally saturated world, often gravitates towards more tactile and analog forms of relaxation. This might include activities like gardening, reading physical books, or engaging in traditional crafts.

In contrast, younger generations, particularly millennials and Gen Z, have been immersed in digital technology from an early age. For them, relaxation might encompass activities that older generations might perceive as stressful, such as fast-paced video gaming or binge-watching streaming content. This dichotomy highlights how relaxation is not a one-size-fits-all concept but rather a highly personalized experience shaped by one’s upbringing and environment.

Interestingly, we’re also seeing a resurgence of ‘old-school’ hobbies among younger people, perhaps as a reaction to digital fatigue. Activities like knitting, pottery, and vinyl record collecting are gaining popularity, suggesting a cyclical nature to relaxation trends.

Ultimately, while the methods may differ, the underlying need for mental and physical respite remains constant across generations, underscoring the universal importance of finding effective ways to unwind in our increasingly fast-paced world.”

Describe a person who inspires you to pursue a new hobby can provide insights into how different generations approach hobbies and relaxation.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Immersive /ɪˈmɜːsɪv/ (adj): Providing, involving, or characterized by deep absorption or immersion in something.
   Example: “Photography is an immersive hobby that allows me to forget about my daily worries.”

2. Therapeutic /ˌθerəˈpjuːtɪk/ (adj): Having a good effect on the body or mind; contributing to a sense of well-being.
   Example: “I find gardening to be incredibly therapeutic, especially after a stressful day at work.”

3. To unwind /ʌnˈwaɪnd/ (verb): To relax after a period of work or tension.
   Example: “Reading fiction helps me unwind and escape into different worlds.”

4. Rejuvenating /rɪˈdʒuːvəneɪtɪŋ/ (adj): Making one feel younger, more vital, or refreshed.
   Example: “My hobby has a rejuvenating effect on my mind and body.”

5. Mindfulness /ˈmaɪndfʊlnəs/ (noun): The quality or state of being conscious or aware of something.
   Example: “Practicing mindfulness through my hobby helps me stay grounded and relaxed.”

Word cloud of relaxing hobbies

Examiner’s Advice

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

1. Use a wide range of vocabulary related to relaxation and hobbies. Don’t just say something is “relaxing,” but use synonyms like “soothing,” “calming,” or “therapeutic.”

2. Elaborate on your answers with specific examples and personal experiences. This demonstrates your ability to speak at length on a topic.

3. Use complex sentence structures and idiomatic expressions where appropriate to showcase your language proficiency.

4. Practice describing your hobby in detail, focusing on why you find it relaxing. This preparation will help you speak more fluently during the test.

5. Be prepared to discuss the topic from different angles, such as the benefits of hobbies for mental health or how hobbies differ across cultures or generations.

6. Listen carefully to the examiner’s questions and make sure your answers are relevant and on-topic.

7. Maintain good eye contact and use natural gestures to appear confident and engage with the examiner.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is to demonstrate your English language skills while expressing your thoughts clearly and coherently. Regular practice and expanding your vocabulary will significantly improve your performance.

Describe a book you recently read that changed your perspective can be an excellent way to practice elaborating on personal experiences and their impact, which is crucial for the IELTS Speaking test.