The IELTS Speaking test is an essential part of the IELTS exam, evaluating a candidate’s speaking skills in English. This part consists of three sections: Part 1 (Introduction and Interview), Part 2 (Long Turn), and Part 3 (Two-way Discussion). Examiners look for various criteria such as fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. Questions about describing hobbies or activities are quite common, with the topic “Describe A New Hobby Or Activity That Is Becoming Popular” being particularly recurring.
In this guide, we will provide detailed strategies, exemplary answers, and insights tailored to help you achieve a high band score. Let’s delve into each part of the speaking test with a focus on describing new and trending hobbies.
IELTS Speaking Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Common Examiner Questions
- “Do you have any hobbies?”
- “What new hobbies or activities have you recently tried?”
- “Why do you think people enjoy trying new activities?”
Suggested Answer (Sample Question)
Question: “Why do you think people enjoy trying new activities?”
Answer: “I believe people enjoy trying new activities because it provides them with a sense of novelty and excitement. Exploring something new can be refreshing and help break the monotony of everyday routines. Additionally, new hobbies often help individuals develop new skills and social connections, which can be very rewarding.”
IELTS Speaking Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a new hobby or activity that is becoming popular. You should say:
- What the hobby or activity is
- How you learned about it
- Why it is becoming popular
- And explain why you think it is interesting
Sample Answer
“One new hobby that is rapidly gaining popularity is urban gardening. This activity involves cultivating plants and vegetables in small urban spaces like balconies, terraces, or even rooftops. I first learned about urban gardening through social media posts and a television program that highlighted the importance of sustainable living and the joy of home-grown produce.
Urban gardening is becoming popular for several reasons. Firstly, it allows people living in cities to connect with nature and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of gardening. Moreover, with the rise in awareness about environmental sustainability, many are turning to urban gardening to reduce their carbon footprint and promote eco-friendly practices. Personally, I find this hobby interesting because it combines creativity with practical benefits, such as access to fresh, organic vegetables right at home.”
Follow-up Questions
-
Question: “Do you think urban gardening is suitable for everyone?”
Answer: “While urban gardening is a fantastic hobby, it may not be suitable for everyone due to space constraints or lifestyle factors. However, with the right guidance and resources, most people can find a way to incorporate some level of gardening in their urban living space.”
-
Question: “What other new hobbies are becoming popular in urban areas?”
Answer: “Besides urban gardening, activities like indoor rock climbing and yoga are also gaining popularity. These hobbies offer fitness and mental well-being benefits and can be easily adapted to urban lifestyles.”
IELTS Speaking Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In-depth Discussion Questions
-
Examiner: “How do new hobbies like urban gardening impact social interactions in cities?”
Candidate: “New hobbies such as urban gardening have the potential to positively impact social interactions. Community gardens, for instance, provide a shared space for individuals to come together, share knowledge, and collaborate on gardening projects. These interactions can foster a strong sense of community and social cohesion in urban environments.”
-
Examiner: “Why are environmentally sustainable activities becoming more popular nowadays?”
Candidate: “Environmental sustainability activities are gaining traction due to increased awareness about climate change and its consequences. People are becoming more conscious of their environmental footprint and are making lifestyle changes to contribute positively to the planet. Sustainable hobbies not only benefit the environment but also allow individuals to lead healthier and more self-sufficient lives.”
Vocabulary and Key Phrases for High Scores
Important Vocabulary and Phrases:
-
Novelty (noun): The quality of being new or unusual.
- Example: “The novelty of a new activity can be incredibly motivating.”
-
Sustainable living (noun): A lifestyle that attempts to reduce an individual’s or society’s use of the Earth’s natural resources.
- Example: “Sustainable living practices are essential to mitigate environmental degradation.”
-
Therapeutic benefits (adjective + noun): Positive effects that an activity has on one’s mental or physical health.
- Example: “Gardening offers numerous therapeutic benefits, including stress relief and improved mood.”
-
Eco-friendly practices (adjective + noun): Actions that are beneficial or not harmful to the environment.
- Example: “Adopting eco-friendly practices in daily life is becoming increasingly crucial.”
-
Community gardens (noun): Shared gardens where individuals or groups can grow plants and vegetables.
- Example: “Community gardens serve as a green oasis in urban areas and promote social interactions.”
Examiner’s Advice for High Band Scores
- Practice Fluency and Coherence: Practice speaking on various topics to improve fluency. Use connectors and discourse markers to make your speech flow naturally.
- Build a Rich Vocabulary: Expand your vocabulary particularly related to common IELTS topics. Practice using new words and phrases accurately in sentences.
- Focus on Pronunciation: Clear pronunciation is crucial. Practice the sounds of English and ensure you are understood.
- Understand the Criteria: Familiarize yourself with the IELTS Speaking Band Descriptors to understand what examiners are looking for.
- Engage in Real Conversations: Practice speaking English in real-life situations or language exchange programs to improve your confidence and spontaneity.
Urban Gardening
By following these strategies and practicing with the sample questions and answers, you can significantly improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test and aspire to achieve a high band score.
