Unlock Your Childhood Passion: Mastering IELTS Speaking with Nostalgic Hobbies

Describing a childhood hobby is a popular topic in IELTS Speaking exams, offering a unique opportunity to showcase your English proficiency while reminiscing about your past. This theme has consistently appeared in previous tests and is likely to remain relevant in future examinations. Let’s explore how to effectively address this topic and maximize your IELTS Speaking score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

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

1. What hobbies did you have as a child?
2. Do you still enjoy the same hobbies now?
3. How have your hobbies changed over time?

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

Examiner: What hobbies did you have as a child?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“As a child, I was absolutely fascinated by stamp collecting. I vividly remember spending hours organizing my collection, carefully arranging stamps from different countries in my album. It was not just a hobby, but a gateway to learning about various cultures and histories. I would often lose track of time as I examined each stamp, imagining the journeys they had taken to reach me.”

Child examining stamp collection

Part 2: Long Turn

In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic and some bullet points. Here’s a sample cue card related to childhood hobbies:

Describe a hobby you had in childhood

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

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):

“I’d like to talk about my childhood hobby of building model airplanes. I started this hobby when I was about 8 years old, after receiving a model kit as a birthday gift from my uncle.

The process of building these miniature aircraft was incredibly engaging. I would spend hours carefully gluing tiny pieces together, painting the details, and applying decals. What I enjoyed most was the sense of accomplishment I felt upon completing each model.

This hobby sparked my interest in aviation and engineering. I loved learning about different types of planes and their functions. It also helped improve my patience and attention to detail.

Unfortunately, I don’t actively pursue this hobby anymore due to time constraints. However, I still have a few models displayed in my room, reminding me of those cherished childhood memories.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d be delighted to share with you my childhood passion for building model airplanes, a hobby that captivated my imagination from the tender age of 8. It all began when my aviation-enthusiast uncle gifted me my first model kit for my birthday, igniting a fascination that would last for years.

The meticulous process of assembling these intricate replicas was utterly absorbing. I would lose myself for hours, carefully piecing together minuscule components, applying paint with painstaking precision, and delicately affixing decals. The pinnacle of satisfaction came with the completion of each model, a tangible testament to my patience and dedication.

What truly enthralled me about this hobby was how it seamlessly blended creativity with technical knowledge. It sparked an insatiable curiosity about aviation and engineering, prompting me to delve into the history and mechanics of various aircraft. This hobby was instrumental in honing my fine motor skills and instilling a deep appreciation for attention to detail.

While the demands of adulthood have curtailed my active participation in this hobby, its impact lingers. The few models still proudly displayed in my room serve as poignant reminders of those formative years, evoking a sense of nostalgia and accomplishment. This childhood passion has undoubtedly shaped my approach to problem-solving and precision in my current endeavors.”

Child building model airplane

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) for Question 1:

“My childhood hobby of building model airplanes has had a profound impact on my later interests and career trajectory. It fostered a deep-seated fascination with engineering and design, which ultimately led me to pursue a degree in aerospace engineering. The meticulous nature of model building cultivated essential skills such as patience, precision, and problem-solving, which have proven invaluable in my professional life. Moreover, this hobby instilled in me a lifelong passion for aviation, influencing my travel choices and even my volunteering activities at local air shows. It’s remarkable how a seemingly simple childhood pastime can shape one’s life path so significantly.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here’s an example:

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 outlet for creativity and self-expression, allowing children to explore their interests outside of academic settings. This can boost confidence and help children discover their strengths.

Moreover, hobbies often involve problem-solving skills, whether it’s figuring out a puzzle or learning a new musical piece. This cognitive stimulation can enhance critical thinking abilities that are valuable in all areas of life.

Many hobbies also have a social component, enabling children to interact with peers who share similar interests. This can help develop social skills and foster friendships based on common passions.

Lastly, hobbies teach children the value of dedication and practice. When children see their skills improve over time, it reinforces the importance of perseverance and can instill a growth mindset that will serve them well in future endeavors.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“The benefits of hobbies in children’s development are multifaceted and profound. Primarily, hobbies serve as a catalyst for self-discovery, allowing children to explore their interests and aptitudes in a low-pressure environment. This exploration can be instrumental in shaping their identity and fostering a sense of individuality.

From a cognitive perspective, hobbies often engage children in complex problem-solving scenarios. Whether it’s deciphering the intricacies of chess or mastering the techniques of origami, these activities stimulate neural pathways and enhance cognitive flexibility. This mental agility can translate into improved academic performance and better adaptability to new challenges.

The social dimension of many hobbies is equally significant. Engaging in shared interests facilitates the formation of meaningful peer relationships, helping children develop crucial social skills such as empathy, cooperation, and effective communication. These social connections can also provide a support network that bolsters emotional resilience.

Furthermore, hobbies instill important life skills and values. The process of setting goals, practicing regularly, and seeing tangible improvements cultivates discipline and a strong work ethic. This experiential learning of the correlation between effort and achievement can instill a growth mindset, encouraging children to embrace challenges and view failures as opportunities for growth.

Lastly, hobbies often serve as a healthy outlet for stress and emotions, promoting better mental health. In our increasingly fast-paced and digitally saturated world, hobbies can provide a much-needed respite, allowing children to engage in mindful activities that promote relaxation and self-reflection.”

Children engaged in various hobbies

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Captivate /ˈkæptɪveɪt/ (verb): To attract and hold the interest of someone
   Example: “The intricate details of model airplanes captivated my young mind.”

2. Meticulous /məˈtɪkjələs/ (adjective): Showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise
   Example: “Building model planes required meticulous attention to detail.”

3. Ignite /ɪɡˈnaɪt/ (verb): To arouse or inflame (an emotion or situation)
   Example: “This hobby ignited my passion for aviation.”

4. Pinnacle /ˈpɪnəkl/ (noun): The most successful or admired part of something
   Example: “Completing a complex model was the pinnacle of satisfaction for me.”

5. Profound impact /prəˈfaʊnd ˈɪmpækt/ (phrase): A very significant or deep effect
   Example: “My childhood hobby had a profound impact on my career choice.”

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in IELTS Speaking, particularly when discussing childhood hobbies:

1. Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases naturally into your responses.
2. Provide specific examples: Don’t just state facts; illustrate your points with personal anecdotes.
3. Demonstrate critical thinking: When answering Part 3 questions, show your ability to analyze and evaluate ideas.
4. Maintain fluency: Practice speaking at length without long pauses or repetition.
5. Use varied grammatical structures: Incorporate complex sentences and a mix of tenses to showcase your language proficiency.

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Practice regularly, record yourself, and describe an enjoyable day spent with friends to gain confidence in expressing your thoughts fluently.

By following these tips and incorporating the sample answers and vocabulary provided, you’ll be well-equipped to describe a goal you set for yourself and achieved in your IELTS Speaking test, whether it’s related to childhood hobbies or any other topic. Good luck with your IELTS preparation!