IELTS Speaking examiners often ask candidates to describe a hobby they would like to start. This topic is popular in IELTS Speaking tests and is likely to appear in future exams. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to this topic and achieve a high band score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask some general questions about hobbies. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:
Examiner: Do you have any hobbies?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely. I’m quite passionate about photography. I find it incredibly fulfilling to capture moments and scenes through my lens. It’s not just a hobby for me; it’s a way to express my creativity and document the world around me. I particularly enjoy landscape photography, as it allows me to explore and appreciate nature in a unique way.”
Describe a skill you want to master is another common topic in IELTS Speaking that relates to personal development and interests.
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a hobby you would like to start:
Describe A Hobby You Would Like To Start
You should say:
- What the hobby is
- Why you want to start it
- What you need to do to start this hobby
- And explain how this hobby might benefit you
IELTS Speaking Cue Card Example
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I’ve been thinking about taking up gardening as a hobby. I want to start it because I’ve always loved nature and plants, and I think it would be nice to grow my own vegetables and flowers. To begin, I’ll need to buy some basic gardening tools, seeds, and pots. I might also need to read some books or watch online videos to learn more about gardening techniques. This hobby could benefit me by providing fresh produce for my meals and helping me relax after a long day at work.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’ve been contemplating taking up astrophotography as a hobby. This fascination stems from my longstanding interest in both astronomy and photography, and I believe combining these passions could yield truly awe-inspiring results.
To embark on this journey, I’d need to invest in some specialized equipment, such as a high-quality telescope with a camera mount and a DSLR camera with appropriate lenses. Additionally, I’d need to delve into the technicalities of long-exposure photography and familiarize myself with astronomy software for tracking celestial objects.
I anticipate this hobby would be immensely rewarding on multiple levels. Firstly, it would challenge me intellectually, requiring me to grasp complex concepts in astronomy and photography. Secondly, it would foster patience and persistence, as capturing the perfect shot of distant galaxies or nebulae often requires hours of setup and multiple attempts. Lastly, I believe it would instill a profound sense of wonder about the universe, potentially leading to a deeper appreciation of our place in the cosmos.”
Follow-up questions:
- How much time do you think you’ll need to dedicate to this new hobby?
- Do you think this hobby might lead to a career change in the future?
Sample answer (Band 8-9) for question 1:
“To truly excel in astrophotography, I believe I’d need to dedicate a significant amount of time, particularly in the initial stages. I’d aim to allocate at least 10-15 hours per week, including time for research, practice, and actual shooting sessions. Astrophotography often requires late-night or early-morning shoots to capture celestial events, so I’d need to be flexible with my schedule. As I become more proficient, I might be able to streamline my processes, but I anticipate it will remain a time-intensive hobby due to its technical nature and the unpredictability of weather conditions.”
Describe a time when you tried a new hobby can provide useful insights into discussing past experiences with hobbies, which can be relevant when talking about future hobby plans.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: Do you think people’s hobbies change as they get older?
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“Yes, I think people’s hobbies often change as they get older. When we’re young, we might prefer more active hobbies like sports. As we grow older, we might choose quieter hobbies like reading or gardening. This could be because of changes in our interests, physical abilities, or the amount of free time we have.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I firmly believe that people’s hobbies tend to evolve as they age, reflecting changes in their lifestyle, priorities, and physical capabilities. In our youth, we often gravitate towards more physically demanding or socially oriented hobbies, such as team sports or adventure activities. These hobbies align with our high energy levels and desire for social connection.
As we mature, our hobbies often shift to more contemplative or skill-based pursuits. This could be due to a combination of factors, including increased family and work responsibilities, a desire for personal growth, or physical limitations that come with age. For instance, a person who enjoyed extreme sports in their youth might transition to photography or painting, channeling their love for nature and adventure into a less physically demanding form.
Moreover, as we accumulate life experiences, we often develop a more nuanced understanding of our interests and values. This can lead to hobbies that are more aligned with our personal philosophies or that contribute to our communities, such as volunteering or mentoring. Ultimately, the evolution of our hobbies often mirrors our personal growth and changing life circumstances.”
Evolution of Hobbies Throughout Life
Describe a skill you would like to develop is another topic that can help you practice discussing personal growth and future plans, which is relevant when talking about new hobbies.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Contemplate /ˈkɒntəmpleɪt/ (verb): to think about something carefully
Example: I’ve been contemplating learning a new language for a while now. -
Fascination /ˌfæsɪˈneɪʃn/ (noun): a very strong attraction or interest
Example: My fascination with astronomy led me to consider astrophotography as a hobby. -
Delve into (phrasal verb): to research or investigate something thoroughly
Example: To start this hobby, I’ll need to delve into the technicalities of long-exposure photography. -
Foster /ˈfɒstə(r)/ (verb): to encourage the development of something
Example: This hobby would foster patience and persistence. -
Instill /ɪnˈstɪl/ (verb): to gradually but firmly establish an idea or attitude in a person’s mind
Example: Astrophotography could instill a profound sense of wonder about the universe. -
Gravitate towards (phrasal verb): to be attracted to or move towards something
Example: In our youth, we often gravitate towards more physically demanding hobbies. -
Channel /ˈtʃænl/ (verb): to direct towards a particular end or object
Example: He channeled his love for nature into landscape photography. -
Align with (phrasal verb): to match or agree with something
Example: My new hobby aligns with my interest in environmental conservation.
Describe a recipe you can cook is another interesting topic that can help you practice describing processes and personal interests, which can be useful when discussing hobbies.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a hobby you’d like to start:
- Use a wide range of vocabulary, including less common words and phrases related to hobbies and personal interests.
- Demonstrate your ability to speak at length by fully developing your ideas and providing specific examples.
- Use a variety of complex sentence structures to show your language proficiency.
- Show enthusiasm and engagement with the topic through your tone and the depth of your responses.
- Practice linking your ideas coherently, using appropriate transition words and phrases.
- Be prepared to discuss the topic from different angles, considering both personal and societal perspectives.
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 complex ideas clearly are all crucial factors in achieving a high band score.
IELTS Speaking Practice Session
Describe a time when you experienced extreme weather can help you practice narrating personal experiences, which is a useful skill when discussing hobbies and interests in the IELTS Speaking test.
