Describing a childhood hobby is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2. This theme allows examiners to assess your ability to recall past experiences, express emotions, and use descriptive language effectively. Let’s explore how to tackle this topic and maximize your score.

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Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about hobbies. Here are a few examples:

1. Do you have any hobbies now?
2. How do your current hobbies differ from those you had as a child?
3. What hobbies are popular among children in your country?

Let’s focus on question 2 and provide a sample answer:

Examiner: How do your current hobbies differ from those you had as a child?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Well, my hobbies have certainly evolved over time. As a child, I was obsessed with collecting stickers and trading cards. It was all about the thrill of completing sets and showing them off to friends. Now, as an adult, I’ve developed a passion for photography. It’s a more sophisticated hobby that allows me to express my creativity and capture moments in a way that sticker collecting never could. I’d say the main difference is that my current hobby requires more skill and offers greater long-term satisfaction.”

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

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

Describe a hobby you enjoyed as a child
You should say:

• What the hobby was
• When and how you started it
• Why you enjoyed it
• And explain if you still have this hobby now

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):

“When I was a child, I really enjoyed collecting stamps. I started this hobby when I was about 8 years old after my grandfather gave me his old stamp album. At first, I was just fascinated by the colorful designs and different shapes of the stamps.

I loved this hobby because it felt like I was exploring the world through these tiny pieces of paper. Each stamp had a story to tell, whether it was about a famous person, a historical event, or a beautiful place. I would spend hours organizing my stamps, trying to find out more about their origins.

Unfortunately, I don’t actively collect stamps anymore. As I grew older, I became busy with school and other activities. However, I still have my old stamp album, and sometimes I look through it, remembering the joy it brought me as a child.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about a hobby that captivated me as a child – stamp collecting. This philatelic pursuit began when I was around 8 years old, sparked by an old stamp album my grandfather bequeathed to me. What started as a simple curiosity soon blossomed into a full-fledged passion.

The hobby was utterly engrossing for several reasons. Primarily, it served as a window to the world, each stamp a miniature ambassador from distant lands. I was enthralled by the intricate designs and historical significance of these tiny pieces of art. The process of cataloging and researching each stamp was like embarking on a treasure hunt of knowledge.

Moreover, stamp collecting honed my organizational skills and instilled in me a sense of patience and attention to detail. It was a solitary yet fulfilling activity that allowed me to immerse myself in a world of history and geography.

While I no longer actively collect stamps, the impact of this childhood hobby lingers. The analytical skills and global perspective I gained continue to influence my approach to learning and appreciation of cultural diversity. Occasionally, I’ll revisit my old album, and it never fails to evoke a sense of nostalgia and wonder, reminding me of the joy of discovery that defined my childhood.”

Child collecting stamps as a hobby

Follow-up questions:

1. How did this hobby influence your personality?
2. Do you think children today have similar hobbies?

Sample Answer for Question 1 (Band 8-9):

“This hobby profoundly shaped my personality in several ways. Firstly, it cultivated a strong sense of patience and perseverance. Searching for rare stamps and meticulously organizing my collection taught me the value of long-term commitment. Additionally, it fostered an analytical mindset; I learned to pay attention to minute details and appreciate the subtle differences between similar items. Perhaps most importantly, stamp collecting sparked a lifelong curiosity about different cultures and histories, broadening my horizons and making me more open-minded. These traits have proved invaluable in both my personal and professional life.”

Sample Answer for Question 2 (Band 8-9):

“I believe the nature of children’s hobbies has undergone a significant shift in recent years. While traditional hobbies like stamp collecting still exist, they’ve been largely overshadowed by digital pursuits. Many children today are more likely to engage in video gaming, social media, or digital art creation. These modern hobbies offer instant gratification and social connectivity, which appeal to the current generation. However, I think there’s still value in promoting more tactile, focused hobbies like stamp collecting. They cultivate different skills and offer a break from screen time, which is increasingly important in our digital age.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic of hobbies and childhood activities.

Examiner: How do you think hobbies can benefit a child’s development?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Hobbies can play a crucial role in a child’s development. Firstly, they provide an outlet for creativity and self-expression, allowing children to explore their interests and talents. Additionally, hobbies can teach important life skills such as time management, goal-setting, and perseverance. For example, a child who collects stamps might learn about organization and research skills. Moreover, hobbies can boost a child’s confidence as they improve and master new skills. They also offer a healthy way to manage stress and emotions, providing a sense of accomplishment and enjoyment outside of academic pursuits.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Hobbies can be immensely beneficial to a child’s development, impacting various aspects of their growth. Primarily, they serve as a conduit for self-discovery, allowing children to explore their passions and uncover latent talents. This process of exploration can be instrumental in shaping their identity and boosting self-esteem.

Moreover, hobbies foster the development of crucial life skills. They cultivate discipline, time management, and goal-setting abilities as children learn to balance their hobbies with other responsibilities. For instance, a child engrossed in model building might develop patience, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills.

Hobbies also play a vital role in social and emotional development. They can provide a sense of belonging, especially if the hobby involves group activities or sharing with like-minded peers. This can enhance social skills and emotional intelligence. Furthermore, hobbies offer a healthy outlet for stress and emotions, promoting mental well-being and resilience.

In the cognitive domain, hobbies can complement formal education by stimulating curiosity and encouraging self-directed learning. A child interested in astronomy, for example, might delve into complex scientific concepts out of sheer enthusiasm, thereby enhancing their academic performance.

Ultimately, the multifaceted benefits of hobbies contribute significantly to a child’s holistic development, equipping them with a diverse skill set that will serve them well into adulthood.”

Children engaging in various hobbies

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Captivate (verb) /ˈkæptɪveɪt/ – to attract and hold the interest of
   Example: “The intricate designs of the stamps captivated my young mind.”

2. Philatelic (adjective) /ˌfɪləˈtelɪk/ – relating to the collection and study of postage stamps
   Example: “My philatelic pursuits taught me a lot about world geography.”

3. Blossom (verb) /ˈblɒsəm/ – to develop or come to a promising stage
   Example: “My interest in stamp collecting blossomed into a lifelong passion for history.”

4. Engrossing (adjective) /ɪnˈɡrəʊsɪŋ/ – very interesting and keeping your attention completely
   Example: “I found the process of researching each stamp’s origin utterly engrossing.”

5. Cultivate (verb) /ˈkʌltɪveɪt/ – to develop or acquire a skill, habit, or quality
   Example: “This hobby helped me cultivate patience and attention to detail.”

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Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a childhood hobby:

1. Use a variety of descriptive language and avoid repetition.
2. Incorporate personal anecdotes to make your answers more engaging and authentic.
3. Practice speaking about your hobbies fluently for 2 minutes to prepare for Part 2.
4. In Part 3, try to provide balanced, well-reasoned responses that demonstrate critical thinking.
5. Use appropriate tenses when talking about past and present hobbies.
6. Incorporate idiomatic expressions naturally to showcase your language proficiency.

Remember, the key to success is not just in memorizing answers, but in being able to communicate your thoughts clearly and confidently. Regular practice with a variety of topics will help you develop the flexibility needed to perform well in the IELTS Speaking test.

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