Discussing childhood hobbies is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 1 and Part 2. This subject allows examiners to assess your ability to describe past experiences, express emotions, and use appropriate vocabulary. To help you excel in this area, let’s explore effective strategies and sample answers for describing a hobby you had as a child.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, you may encounter questions like:

1. Did you have any hobbies as a child?
2. What was your favorite hobby when you were younger?
3. How did you spend your free time as a child?

Let’s focus on answering the second question:

Examiner: What was your favorite hobby when you were younger?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“When I was a child, I was absolutely fascinated by collecting stamps. I would eagerly anticipate receiving letters from relatives abroad, hoping to find unique stamps to add to my collection. It was not just a hobby but a gateway to learning about different countries and cultures. I remember spending hours organizing my stamps in albums, researching their origins, and trading duplicates with friends. This hobby sparked my interest in geography and history, which has stayed with me to this day.”

Key elements that make this a strong response:

• Use of descriptive adjectives and adverbs
• Varied vocabulary related to the hobby
• Explanation of how the hobby impacted the speaker
• Specific details that bring the experience to life

Part 2: Long Turn

For Part 2, you might receive a cue card like this:

Describe a hobby you had as a child

You should say:
- What the hobby was
- When and how you started it
- Why you enjoyed it
- Whether you still have this hobby now

Here’s a sample answer targeting different band scores:

Band 6-7 Answer:

“The hobby I want to talk about is collecting stickers. I started this hobby when I was about 7 years old. It all began when my parents bought me a sticker album for my birthday. I enjoyed it because the stickers were colorful and had different themes like animals, sports, and cartoon characters. I would spend my pocket money on sticker packs and trade with my friends at school. It was fun to fill up the album and see my collection grow. Unfortunately, I don’t collect stickers anymore, but I still have my old albums and sometimes look at them for nostalgia.”

Band 8-9 Answer:

“I’d like to share my childhood passion for model aircraft building, a hobby that captivated me from the age of nine. It all began when my uncle, an aviation enthusiast, gifted me a basic model kit for my birthday. I was instantly hooked by the intricate process of assembling these miniature marvels.

What truly enthralled me about this hobby was the meticulous attention to detail it required. Each model presented a unique challenge, from delicately applying decals to carefully painting tiny components. The hobby fostered my patience and fine motor skills, while also igniting a deep interest in aeronautics and engineering.

The sense of accomplishment upon completing a model was unparalleled. I’d spend hours researching the history of each aircraft, which significantly enhanced my knowledge of military and aviation history. This hobby wasn’t merely a pastime; it was an educational journey that shaped my analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Although I no longer actively build models due to time constraints, the skills and passion it instilled in me have been invaluable. They’ve influenced my career choice in mechanical engineering and continue to fuel my fascination with aviation technology.”

Child building model aircraft

Follow-up questions:

1. How did this hobby influence your later interests or career choices?
2. Do you think children today have similar hobbies?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“This hobby had a profound impact on my career trajectory. The precision and patience required in model building directly translated to my current work in mechanical engineering. It honed my ability to visualize complex structures and understand how different components interact, which is crucial in my field.

Regarding children’s hobbies today, I believe there’s been a significant shift. While some still enjoy hands-on activities like model building, many are drawn to digital hobbies such as coding or virtual world-building. These modern hobbies offer instant gratification and align with our increasingly digital world. However, I think there’s immense value in physical, tactile hobbies that develop fine motor skills and spatial awareness. Perhaps the ideal scenario is a balance between traditional and digital pursuits, allowing children to reap the benefits of both worlds.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to hobbies:

Examiner: How do you think hobbies benefit children’s development?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Hobbies play a crucial role in children’s development. Firstly, they provide an opportunity for children to explore their interests and discover their passions. This self-discovery is essential for building confidence and a sense of identity. Moreover, hobbies often require dedication and practice, which helps children develop perseverance and time management skills. These are valuable traits that can benefit them in their academic and professional lives later on.

Additionally, many hobbies involve social interaction, whether it’s joining a sports team or participating in a chess club. These experiences help children develop social skills, learn to work in teams, and make friends with like-minded peers. Hobbies can also be a great stress reliever, providing a healthy outlet for emotions and a break from academic pressures.

Furthermore, hobbies can enhance cognitive development. For example, playing a musical instrument can improve memory and math skills, while reading as a hobby can boost language proficiency and creativity. Overall, I believe hobbies are an integral part of a well-rounded childhood, contributing significantly to both personal and academic growth.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“The benefits of hobbies in children’s development are multifaceted and profoundly impactful. At their core, hobbies serve as catalysts for personal growth, offering children avenues to explore their interests and cultivate their unique talents. This process of self-discovery is instrumental in shaping a child’s identity and boosting their self-esteem.

One of the most significant advantages of hobbies is their role in developing essential life skills. Many hobbies demand dedication, patience, and consistent effort, which foster a strong work ethic and resilience in children. These qualities are invaluable in facing life’s challenges and are often transferable to academic and professional settings.

Moreover, hobbies can be powerful tools for cognitive development. For instance, chess enhances strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, while artistic pursuits stimulate creativity and emotional expression. Physical hobbies like sports or dance promote motor skills development and body awareness, contributing to overall health and well-being.

Socially, hobbies often provide platforms for interaction, allowing children to forge connections with peers who share similar interests. This social aspect is crucial for developing empathy, communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively – all essential competencies in our increasingly interconnected world.

Additionally, hobbies can serve as effective stress management tools, offering children healthy outlets for emotional expression and relaxation. In our high-pressure academic environments, this aspect of hobbies is becoming increasingly important for maintaining mental health and emotional balance.

In essence, hobbies are not mere pastimes but integral components of a child’s holistic development. They complement formal education by providing practical, real-world applications of knowledge and skills, thereby creating more well-rounded, confident, and capable individuals prepared for the complexities of adult life.”

Children engaged in various hobbies

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To enhance your responses and aim for higher band scores, consider using these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:

1. Engrossing /ɪnˈɡrəʊsɪŋ/ (adjective): Absorbing all one’s attention or interest.
   Example: “Building model aircraft was an engrossing hobby that occupied most of my free time.”

2. To nurture /ˈnɜːtʃə(r)/ (verb): To care for and encourage the growth or development of.
   Example: “This hobby nurtured my problem-solving skills from a young age.”

3. Meticulous /məˈtɪkjələs/ (adjective): Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise.
   Example: “The meticulous nature of stamp collecting taught me patience and organization.”

4. To cultivate /ˈkʌltɪveɪt/ (verb): To develop or acquire a skill or quality.
   Example: “Through this hobby, I cultivated a deep appreciation for art and history.”

5. Invaluable /ɪnˈvæljuəbl/ (adjective): Extremely useful; indispensable.
   Example: “The skills I gained from this childhood hobby proved invaluable in my later career.”

Remember to use these words naturally and in context to demonstrate your vocabulary range effectively.

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in describing your childhood hobby during the IELTS Speaking test:

1. Practice storytelling: Develop the ability to narrate your experiences coherently and engagingly.

2. Use descriptive language: Incorporate vivid adjectives and adverbs to bring your hobby to life.

3. Show enthusiasm: Let your passion for the hobby shine through in your tone and choice of words.

4. Make connections: Relate your hobby to broader themes like personal growth or cultural understanding.

5. Prepare examples: Have specific anecdotes ready to illustrate your points and add authenticity to your responses.

6. Develop your answers: Aim to speak for the full time given, especially in Part 2, by elaborating on each point.

7. Stay relevant: Always keep the question in mind and ensure your answer directly addresses all aspects of it.

By following these strategies and incorporating advanced vocabulary, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss your childhood hobby effectively in your IELTS Speaking test. Remember, practice is key to describe a subject you enjoyed in school or any other topic with confidence and fluency.