Learning a new hobby can be an exciting and enriching experience. In IELTS Speaking tests, questions about hobbies are quite common, especially when describing a hobby you’d like to try. This topic allows candidates to showcase their vocabulary, fluency, and ability to express personal interests. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to this topic and achieve a high band score.
Describe a hobby you started recently can be a great way to prepare for this topic, as it shares similar themes and vocabulary. Now, let’s dive into the different parts of the IELTS Speaking test and how to approach them when discussing a hobby you’d like to try.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about hobbies. Here are some common questions and sample answers:
Do you have any hobbies?
Sample answer (Band 7-8): “Yes, I have a few hobbies that I thoroughly enjoy. I’m particularly passionate about photography and have been honing my skills for several years now. Additionally, I find great pleasure in reading historical novels, which allows me to immerse myself in different time periods and cultures.”
What hobbies are popular in your country?
Sample answer (Band 8-9): “In my country, there’s a wide array of popular hobbies. Many people are enthusiastic about outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling, especially given our diverse landscapes. There’s also a growing trend towards urban gardening, with more people cultivating small vegetable patches or herb gardens on their balconies. Additionally, traditional crafts like calligraphy and pottery have seen a resurgence in popularity among younger generations who are keen on preserving cultural heritage.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:
Describe a hobby that you would like to try
You should say:
- What the hobby is
- How you became interested in it
- What skills or equipment you would need
- And explain why you haven’t tried it yet
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about a hobby that I’ve been fascinated by for quite some time but haven’t had the chance to try yet – beekeeping. This intriguing hobby caught my attention a few years ago when I stumbled upon a documentary about the crucial role bees play in our ecosystem.
My interest in beekeeping was further piqued when I learned about the intricate social structure of bee colonies and the complex process of honey production. The idea of nurturing these industrious insects and harvesting their honey seems both rewarding and educational.
To get started with beekeeping, I’d need to acquire some essential equipment such as a beehive, protective gear including a suit and gloves, and various tools like a smoker and hive tool. More importantly, I’d need to develop a solid understanding of bee behavior, hive management, and safety protocols. This would likely involve taking some courses or seeking mentorship from experienced beekeepers.
The main reason I haven’t tried beekeeping yet is the lack of suitable space. Living in an urban apartment doesn’t provide the ideal environment for keeping bees. Additionally, I want to ensure I have enough time to dedicate to this hobby, as it requires regular attention and care. However, I’m actively researching and planning, hoping to pursue this hobby in the near future when I move to a more suitable location.
Beekeeping appeals to me not only as a fascinating hobby but also as a way to contribute positively to the environment. I believe it would be an enriching experience, allowing me to connect with nature while also producing something tangible and delicious.”
Beekeeper tending to beehives in protective gear
Additional questions the examiner might ask:
What challenges do you think you might face when starting this hobby?
Sample answer (Band 8-9): “I anticipate several potential challenges in starting beekeeping. Firstly, there’s the initial learning curve of understanding bee behavior and hive management, which could be quite steep. I’d need to familiarize myself with the seasonal cycles of bees and how to address common issues like pests or diseases. Additionally, there’s always the risk of getting stung, so developing the right handling techniques would be crucial. Finally, balancing the time commitment with my other responsibilities might prove challenging, as beekeeping requires regular, consistent care.”
How do you think this hobby might benefit you personally?
Sample answer (Band 7-8): “I believe beekeeping would offer numerous personal benefits. It would likely enhance my patience and observational skills, as working with bees requires careful attention to detail. The hobby could also serve as a stress-reliever, providing a meditative experience as I focus on the bees and their needs. Moreover, it would deepen my connection with nature and increase my environmental awareness. Lastly, the satisfaction of producing my own honey and potentially sharing it with friends and family would be incredibly rewarding.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to hobbies. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
How do hobbies contribute to personal development?
Sample answer (Band 8-9): “Hobbies play a pivotal role in personal development by offering numerous benefits. Firstly, they provide an avenue for self-expression and creativity, allowing individuals to explore their passions outside of work or academic commitments. Engaging in hobbies can also foster resilience and problem-solving skills, as people often encounter challenges they need to overcome. Moreover, hobbies can be a source of lifelong learning, continuously exposing individuals to new information and experiences. They also offer opportunities for social interaction and community building, especially when shared with others who have similar interests. Lastly, hobbies can contribute to overall well-being by providing a sense of accomplishment and serving as a healthy outlet for stress relief.”
Do you think the popularity of certain hobbies changes over time? Why?
Sample answer (Band 7-8): “Yes, I definitely believe the popularity of hobbies fluctuates over time, influenced by various factors. Technological advancements often spark interest in new hobbies, such as drone flying or 3D printing, while potentially diminishing the appeal of some traditional pastimes. Social media and influencer culture can also rapidly popularize certain hobbies, making them trendy for a period. Economic factors play a role too; during economic downturns, people might gravitate towards more affordable hobbies. Additionally, growing awareness about health and environmental issues has led to a surge in hobbies like organic gardening and upcycling. Cultural shifts and changing lifestyles also impact hobby preferences, with busy urban dwellers often opting for hobbies that can be easily pursued in limited spaces or short time frames.”
Collage of diverse modern hobbies
How might the rise of digital technology affect traditional hobbies?
Sample answer (Band 8-9): “The rise of digital technology has had a profound impact on traditional hobbies, both positive and negative. On one hand, it has revolutionized many hobbies by providing new tools and platforms. For instance, photography has been transformed by digital cameras and editing software, making it more accessible and versatile. Similarly, traditional crafts like knitting or painting have found new audiences through online communities and tutorials, helping to preserve these skills.
However, digital technology has also posed challenges to some traditional hobbies. The allure of digital entertainment has led to a decline in participation in certain analog pastimes. Reading physical books, for example, has faced competition from e-books and online content. Moreover, the instant gratification offered by digital activities can make some traditional hobbies seem less appealing due to the time and patience they require.
Interestingly, this digital shift has also led to a countermovement, with some people deliberately seeking out traditional, hands-on hobbies as a way to disconnect from screens and technology. This has resulted in a resurgence of interest in activities like gardening, woodworking, and analog photography among certain groups.
Overall, while digital technology has undoubtedly altered the landscape of traditional hobbies, it has also created opportunities for these hobbies to evolve and adapt, often leading to interesting hybrid forms that blend traditional techniques with modern technology.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
To achieve a high band score, it’s crucial to use a variety of sophisticated vocabulary and phrases. Here are some examples:
Pique one’s interest /piːk wʌnz ˈɪntrəst/ (phrasal verb): To stimulate one’s curiosity or interest.
Example: “The documentary about bees really piqued my interest in beekeeping.”Cultivate /ˈkʌltɪveɪt/ (verb): To develop or acquire a skill or interest.
Example: “I hope to cultivate a deeper understanding of bee behavior through this hobby.”Immerse oneself /ɪˈmɜːs wʌnˈself/ (phrasal verb): To involve oneself deeply in an activity or interest.
Example: “I plan to immerse myself in the world of beekeeping once I have the right space.”Enrich /ɪnˈrɪtʃ/ (verb): To improve or enhance the quality or value of something.
Example: “I believe beekeeping would enrich my life in many ways.”Resilience /rɪˈzɪliəns/ (noun): The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.
Example: “Engaging in challenging hobbies can build resilience and problem-solving skills.”
Remember to use these words and phrases naturally and in the appropriate context to demonstrate your language proficiency.
Describe a place in nature that makes you feel peaceful can be another interesting topic to explore, as it shares similarities with discussing hobbies that involve nature, like beekeeping or gardening.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing hobbies:
- Practice describing various hobbies in detail, focusing on your personal experiences or interests.
- Develop a wide range of vocabulary related to different types of hobbies and leisure activities.
- Work on your ability to express opinions and give reasons for your preferences.
- Improve your fluency by regularly discussing hobbies and interests with others in English.
- Pay attention to your pronunciation and intonation, especially when using hobby-specific terminology.
By following these tips and using the sample answers as inspiration, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss hobbies eloquently in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, the key is to speak naturally and confidently while showcasing your language skills.
Describe a person who enjoys gardening could be a great topic to practice next, as it combines elements of discussing hobbies and describing people, both common themes in IELTS Speaking.