Mastering the Art of Describing Your New Hobby in IELTS Speaking

The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about personal interests and hobbies. One common topic that frequently appears is describing a recently started hobby. This article will provide you with valuable insights and strategies to effectively answer questions related to “describe a hobby you have started recently” in your IELTS Speaking exam.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test, you may encounter questions about your hobbies. Here are some typical questions an examiner might ask:

1. Do you have any hobbies?
2. What do you like to do in your free time?
3. Have you started any new hobbies recently?
4. How do you find time for your hobbies?

Let’s focus on answering the third question: “Have you started any new hobbies recently?”

Sample answer (Band 7-8):

“Yes, I have. Recently, I’ve taken up urban sketching, which is essentially drawing scenes from everyday life in cities. It’s a fantastic way to combine my love for art and exploration. I find it incredibly rewarding to capture the essence of my surroundings through quick sketches, whether it’s a bustling cafe or a quiet park bench.”

Part 2: Long Turn

In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample cue card related to our theme:

Describe a hobby you have started recently
You should say:
- What the hobby is
- When and how you started it
- Why you chose this hobby
- And explain how you feel about this hobby

Sample answer (Band 6-7):

“I’d like to talk about a hobby I recently started, which is urban sketching. I began this hobby about three months ago after stumbling upon some amazing sketches on social media. The idea of capturing everyday scenes in quick drawings really appealed to me.

I chose this hobby because it combines my interest in art with my love for exploring my city. It’s a great way to observe and appreciate the details of my surroundings that I might otherwise overlook.

To get started, I bought a small sketchbook and some pencils, and I began by sketching simple objects in my home. Gradually, I ventured outside to sketch buildings, parks, and people.

I feel really excited about this hobby. It’s challenging but also very rewarding. Each time I complete a sketch, I feel a sense of accomplishment. It’s also helping me to see my city in a new light and appreciate the beauty in ordinary scenes.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to share with you a hobby I’ve recently embraced – urban sketching. This artistic pursuit involves capturing the essence of city life through quick, on-location drawings. I stumbled upon this fascinating hobby roughly three months ago while perusing social media platforms.

The allure of urban sketching lies in its ability to seamlessly blend my passion for art with my love for urban exploration. It’s an ingenious way to observe and appreciate the intricate details of my surroundings that often go unnoticed in our fast-paced lives.

To embark on this journey, I invested in a compact sketchbook and a set of high-quality pencils. Initially, I honed my skills by sketching mundane objects around my home. As my confidence grew, I ventured into the bustling streets, capturing the essence of buildings, parks, and the vibrant city life.

I must say, I’m utterly captivated by this hobby. While it presents its fair share of challenges, the rewards are immensely satisfying. Each completed sketch fills me with a profound sense of achievement. Moreover, it’s revolutionized my perception of the urban landscape, enabling me to discern beauty in the most unexpected places. Urban sketching has not only enhanced my artistic abilities but also deepened my connection with my surroundings.”

Urban sketching materials for IELTS Speaking topic

Follow-up questions:

1. How often do you practice your new hobby?
2. Have you met new people through this hobby?
3. Do you think this hobby will become a long-term interest?

Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):

“I make a concerted effort to engage in urban sketching at least three to four times a week. I find that maintaining a consistent practice is crucial for honing my skills and fully immersing myself in this art form. On weekdays, I often squeeze in quick 15-minute sketching sessions during my lunch breaks, which I find both invigorating and creatively stimulating. On weekends, I dedicate more substantial blocks of time, sometimes spending up to two hours on a single location, really delving into the intricate details of the urban landscape.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this part, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions:

1. How do hobbies contribute to personal development?
2. Do you think people’s hobbies change as they get older?
3. What role do hobbies play in modern society?

Let’s focus on the first question:

Examiner: How do hobbies contribute to personal development?

Sample answer (Band 7-8):

“Hobbies play a crucial role in personal development. They provide opportunities for individuals to acquire new skills, expand their knowledge, and explore different facets of their personalities. For instance, my urban sketching hobby has not only improved my artistic abilities but also enhanced my observational skills and patience.

Moreover, hobbies often serve as stress relievers, helping people maintain good mental health. They can also boost self-confidence as individuals master new skills and overcome challenges related to their hobbies.

Additionally, many hobbies involve social interaction, which can improve communication skills and expand one’s social network. This social aspect can lead to personal growth through exposure to diverse perspectives and experiences.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“Hobbies are instrumental in fostering personal development across various dimensions. They serve as catalysts for skill acquisition, knowledge expansion, and self-discovery. Take my recently adopted hobby of urban sketching, for example. It has not only honed my artistic prowess but also sharpened my observational acuity and cultivated patience – skills that are transferable to many aspects of life.

Furthermore, hobbies act as effective stress-mitigation tools, contributing significantly to mental well-being. They provide a welcome respite from the pressures of daily life, allowing individuals to recharge and refocus. The sense of achievement derived from mastering new skills or overcoming hobby-related challenges can substantially boost self-esteem and foster a growth mindset.

Many hobbies also facilitate social interaction, thereby enhancing communication skills and broadening one’s social horizons. This social dimension can be particularly enriching, exposing individuals to diverse perspectives and experiences, which in turn fosters empathy, cultural awareness, and personal growth.

Moreover, hobbies can ignite passion and spark creativity, often leading to unexpected innovations or career paths. They encourage individuals to think outside the box, experiment with new ideas, and push their boundaries – all crucial elements in personal and professional development.

In essence, hobbies are not mere pastimes; they are powerful vehicles for self-improvement, offering a holistic approach to personal development that encompasses cognitive, emotional, social, and sometimes even physical growth.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To enhance your IELTS Speaking performance when discussing hobbies, consider using these sophisticated words and phrases:

1. Pursue /pəˈsjuː/ (verb): To follow or engage in an activity with commitment.
   Example: “I’ve decided to pursue urban sketching as a new hobby.”

2. Engrossing /ɪnˈɡrəʊsɪŋ/ (adjective): Absorbing all one’s attention or interest.
   Example: “I find urban sketching to be an engrossing activity that helps me relax.”

3. Cultivate /ˈkʌltɪveɪt/ (verb): To develop or acquire a skill or quality.
   Example: “Through this hobby, I’m cultivating patience and attention to detail.”

4. Therapeutic /ˌθerəˈpjuːtɪk/ (adjective): Having a beneficial effect on the body or mind.
   Example: “Engaging in my new hobby has been incredibly therapeutic for me.”

5. Broaden one’s horizons (idiom): To expand one’s range of interests, experiences, or knowledge.
   Example: “Taking up urban sketching has really broadened my horizons in terms of appreciating art and architecture.”

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing hobbies:

1. Be specific and provide details about your hobby.
2. Use a range of vocabulary, including less common words and idiomatic expressions.
3. Speak fluently and coherently, organizing your ideas logically.
4. Show enthusiasm when talking about your hobby to engage the examiner.
5. Practice describing your hobby in different ways to prepare for various question types.

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, fluency, and the ability to express your thoughts clearly are crucial factors in achieving a high score.

Learn more about describing interesting trends in IELTS Speaking to further enhance your Speaking skills.