Mastering the Art of Solo Leisure: How to Ace Your IELTS Speaking Task

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In the IELTS Speaking test, you may encounter questions about leisure activities you do alone. Here are some common questions and a sample answer:

1. Do you enjoy doing activities alone?
2. What kind of activities do you prefer to do by yourself?
3. How often do you engage in solo leisure activities?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“Absolutely, I find great pleasure in engaging in solo activities. One of my favorite pastimes is reading, which I thoroughly enjoy doing alone. It allows me to immerse myself in different worlds and perspectives without any distractions. I try to dedicate at least an hour each day to reading, usually in the evening when the house is quiet. This daily ritual not only helps me unwind but also broadens my horizons and stimulates my imagination.”

Person enjoying solo reading as a leisure activity

Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card

Describe a leisure activity that you do alone.

You should say:

• What the activity is
• When and where you do it
• Why you choose to do it alone
• And explain how you feel about this activity

Sample Answer (Band 6-7)

“The leisure activity I’d like to talk about is jogging. I usually go jogging early in the morning, around 6 AM, in a park near my house. I choose to do it alone because it gives me time to think and clear my mind. When I jog, I feel refreshed and energized for the day ahead. It’s a great way to start my morning and stay fit.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9)

“I’d like to delve into a solitary leisure activity that I find immensely fulfilling – photography. This creative pursuit typically takes place during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon when the lighting is exquisite for capturing images. I often venture out to various locations, from bustling city streets to serene natural landscapes, depending on my artistic inspiration at the time.

Opting to engage in photography alone is a conscious choice that allows me to fully immerse myself in the process without any distractions. It provides me with the freedom to experiment with different angles, compositions, and subjects at my own pace. This solitude also enables me to keenly observe my surroundings and capture fleeting moments that might otherwise go unnoticed in company.

Delving into photography solo evokes a profound sense of tranquility and creative fulfillment. It serves as a form of meditation, allowing me to focus intently on the present moment and appreciate the beauty in everyday scenes. Moreover, the process of reviewing and editing my photographs later provides a sense of accomplishment and continual learning, making it an incredibly rewarding pastime.”

Person enjoying solo photography during nature walk

Follow-up Questions

1. How has technology changed the way people enjoy leisure activities alone?
2. Do you think it’s important for people to have hobbies they can do by themselves?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“Technology has revolutionized solitary leisure activities in numerous ways. For instance, streaming platforms have transformed how we consume entertainment, allowing us to enjoy a vast array of content at our convenience. Additionally, apps for meditation, fitness, and learning have made it easier for individuals to pursue personal growth independently.

I firmly believe that having solo hobbies is crucial for personal development. These activities provide opportunities for self-reflection, skill improvement, and stress relief. They also foster independence and can be a valuable source of joy and fulfillment, especially in times when social interactions might be limited.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: How do you think leisure activities differ between young people and adults?

Sample answer (Band 6-7):

“I think young people and adults have different leisure activities because of their interests and responsibilities. Young people might prefer more active and social activities, while adults might choose quieter hobbies due to work stress. Also, adults usually have less free time than young people.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“The disparity in leisure activities between younger generations and adults can be attributed to several factors. Primarily, the difference stems from varying energy levels, responsibilities, and life stages. Young people often gravitate towards more dynamic and social activities, such as team sports or attending music festivals, which align with their typically higher energy levels and desire for peer interaction.

In contrast, adults might opt for more subdued pursuits like gardening or reading, which offer a respite from their professional responsibilities. This shift is often influenced by the need for stress relief and the constraints of limited free time due to work and family commitments.

Moreover, technological proficiency plays a role, with younger individuals often embracing digital leisure activities more readily than their older counterparts. However, it’s important to note that these are generalizations, and individual preferences can vary significantly regardless of age.”

Comparison of leisure activities between young people and adults

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Immerse oneself (phrasal verb) /ɪˈmɜːrs wʌnˈself/: To involve oneself deeply in an activity.
   Example: “I love to immerse myself in a good book on weekends.”

2. Venture out (phrasal verb) /ˈventʃər aʊt/: To go somewhere, typically somewhere new or intimidating.
   Example: “Despite the rain, I decided to venture out for my daily jog.”

3. Exquisite (adjective) /ɪkˈskwɪzɪt/: Extremely beautiful or carefully made.
   Example: “The exquisite detail in her paintings shows her dedication to the craft.”

4. Profound (adjective) /prəˈfaʊnd/: Very great or intense.
   Example: “Photography has had a profound impact on how I see the world around me.”

5. Gravitate towards (phrasal verb) /ˈɡrævɪteɪt təˈwɔːdz/: To be attracted to or move towards something.
   Example: “As I’ve gotten older, I find myself gravitating towards more relaxing hobbies.”

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing leisure activities:

1. Expand on your answers: Provide detailed explanations and examples to demonstrate your ability to communicate complex ideas.

2. Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions naturally in your responses.

3. Maintain fluency: Practice speaking on various topics to improve your ability to speak at length without hesitation.

4. Show critical thinking: In Part 3, analyze questions from different angles and provide balanced viewpoints.

5. Use appropriate stress and intonation: This helps convey your meaning more effectively and shows good control over pronunciation.

Remember, regular practice and exposure to English through various media can significantly improve your speaking skills and confidence.