Discussing hobbies and personal interests is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests. This theme frequently appears across all three parts of the speaking exam, particularly in Part 2 where candidates may need to give a detailed description of a hobby they wish to develop further.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions about hobbies include:
- What hobbies do you currently have?
- How long have you been doing these hobbies?
- Do you prefer indoor or outdoor hobbies?
- What new hobbies would you like to try?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’m particularly passionate about photography, which I’ve been practicing for about three years now. I find it incredibly fulfilling because it allows me to capture fleeting moments and express my creativity. Currently, I’m looking to delve deeper into specialized techniques like long-exposure photography.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a hobby you would like to develop further
You should say:
- What the hobby is
- How you started it
- Why you want to develop it further
- And explain what specific aspects you want to improve
Sample Response (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about my growing interest in digital art creation, which I stumbled upon during the pandemic lockdown. Initially, I started experimenting with basic sketching apps on my tablet, but I’ve become increasingly fascinated by the vast possibilities this medium offers.
What particularly draws me to this hobby is how it seamlessly blends traditional artistic skills with modern technology. I’m especially keen on developing my skills in character design and digital painting techniques. The ability to create multiple iterations and undo mistakes instantly has made this an incredibly engaging learning experience.
describe a season you enjoy the most because it offers perfect lighting conditions for my digital art projects.
I plan to invest in professional software like Adobe Illustrator and possibly take some online courses. What really motivates me is the potential to eventually freelance as a digital artist or perhaps create my own webcomic series.”
Follow-up Questions
Q: How much time do you dedicate to this hobby?
A: “I try to maintain a consistent practice schedule of at least two hours daily. It’s crucial to develop muscle memory and improve technical proficiency.”
Similar to describe an unusual hobby you would like to take up, mastering digital art requires dedication and patience.
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q: How do hobbies contribute to personal development?
A (Band 8-9): “Hobbies play a vital role in personal growth by fostering creativity and developing problem-solving skills. They often serve as an outlet for stress relief while simultaneously building expertise in specific areas. Moreover, hobbies can lead to meaningful connections with like-minded individuals and potentially open up career opportunities.”
Much like describe an outdoor activity you want to try, developing a hobby can be both challenging and rewarding.
Key Vocabulary and Expressions
- To delve deeper into (phrasal verb) – to explore something in detail
- To foster/nurture (verb) – to encourage the development of something
- To hone skills (phrase) – to improve abilities through practice
- Particularly drawn to (phrase) – especially attracted to
- To dabble in (phrasal verb) – to take part in an activity in a casual way
For those interested in describe a new hobby you are considering, these expressions can help articulate your thoughts effectively.
Just as describe a friend who enjoys nature, developing your vocabulary will enhance your ability to express your hobby interests clearly and effectively.