The topic of describing a new hobby you’ve recently started is a popular one in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess your ability to discuss personal experiences, express opinions, and use a range of vocabulary related to leisure activities. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being a common theme in future tests.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask you some general questions about hobbies. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:

Q: Do you have any hobbies?

A: Yes, I do. I recently started learning to play the guitar. It’s been a fascinating journey so far, and I’m really enjoying the process of mastering a new skill. I’ve always been passionate about music, so picking up an instrument felt like a natural step for me.

Describe a hobby you want to pursue in the future if you’re looking to expand your range of interests beyond your current hobbies.

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:

Describe A New Hobby You Started Recently.
You should say:

• What the hobby is
• When and why you started it
• How you pursue this hobby
• And explain how you feel about this new hobby

Sample Answer (Band 8-9)

“I’d like to talk about a new hobby I recently picked up – urban sketching. I started this captivating activity about three months ago after stumbling upon some stunning sketches on social media. The artistry and creativity displayed in those urban sketches immediately piqued my interest.

I was inspired to start urban sketching because I’ve always been fascinated by architecture and city life. Moreover, I was looking for a hobby that would encourage me to spend more time outdoors and appreciate my surroundings. Urban sketching seemed like the perfect blend of artistic expression and exploration.

Urban sketching supplies

To pursue this hobby, I dedicate at least an hour every weekend to sketching various urban scenes. I usually carry a small sketchbook and a set of watercolor pencils in my bag, so I’m always prepared when inspiration strikes. I often visit different neighborhoods in my city, finding interesting buildings, street corners, or cafes to sketch. Sometimes, I join local urban sketching groups for meetups, which has been a fantastic way to improve my skills and meet like-minded individuals.

Urban sketching meetup

I must say, I’m thoroughly enjoying this new hobby. It has transformed the way I see my city, making me more observant of the intricate details in architecture and urban landscapes. Urban sketching has also been incredibly therapeutic, providing a creative outlet and helping me unwind from the stresses of daily life. Moreover, it’s boosting my confidence as an artist and encouraging me to step out of my comfort zone by sketching in public spaces.

Overall, urban sketching has become a rewarding and enriching part of my life, and I’m excited to continue developing this skill and exploring new urban landscapes through my sketches.”

Follow-up Questions

Q: How has this hobby impacted your daily life?

A (Band 6-7): This hobby has changed my routine quite a bit. I now spend more time outdoors and pay more attention to my surroundings. It’s also helped me relax after work.

A (Band 8-9): Urban sketching has profoundly influenced my daily life. It has heightened my awareness of my environment, encouraging me to observe and appreciate the subtle nuances of urban landscapes that I previously overlooked. Moreover, it has served as a meditative practice, allowing me to find moments of tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of city life.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Q: Do you think hobbies are important for maintaining a work-life balance?

A (Band 6-7): Yes, I think hobbies are important for balance. They help people relax and forget about work stress. Hobbies also give people something fun to look forward to after work.

A (Band 8-9): Absolutely. I believe hobbies play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. They provide a much-needed outlet for creativity and self-expression, which can be particularly valuable for those in high-stress professions. Engaging in hobbies allows individuals to disconnect from work-related pressures and immerse themselves in activities that bring joy and fulfillment. This mental shift can lead to increased productivity and job satisfaction when they return to work, creating a positive feedback loop that enhances overall well-being.

Achieving work-life balance with hobby

Describe a time when you went out of your comfort zone can be an interesting way to discuss how starting a new hobby might have challenged you initially.

Q: How do you think technology has changed the way people pursue hobbies?

A (Band 6-7): Technology has made it easier to learn new hobbies. People can find tutorials online and join online communities. It’s also easier to buy supplies for hobbies online.

A (Band 8-9): Technology has revolutionized the way people engage with hobbies in several significant ways. Firstly, it has democratized access to information and resources, allowing individuals to explore and learn about a wide range of hobbies through online tutorials, forums, and virtual communities. This has lowered the entry barriers for many activities that were once considered niche or inaccessible.

Moreover, technology has facilitated the creation of global communities around specific hobbies, enabling enthusiasts to connect, share experiences, and collaborate regardless of geographical boundaries. This has led to a cross-pollination of ideas and techniques, accelerating skill development and innovation within hobby circles.

Additionally, technology has given rise to entirely new forms of hobbies, such as digital art, game streaming, and podcasting, expanding the landscape of leisure activities available to people. It has also transformed traditional hobbies, integrating smart devices and apps to enhance the experience, like fitness trackers for sports enthusiasts or digital sketchpads for artists.

However, it’s worth noting that while technology has brought numerous benefits, it also poses challenges such as information overload and the potential for decreased face-to-face interaction in hobby communities. Striking a balance between leveraging technology and maintaining the core essence of the hobby is crucial for enthusiasts in the digital age.

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

1. Captivating activity /ˈkæptɪveɪtɪŋ ækˈtɪvəti/ (adj. + n.): An extremely interesting or attractive pursuit.
   Example: “Bird watching is a captivating activity that requires patience and keen observation skills.”
2. Pique one’s interest /piːk wʌnz ˈɪntrəst/ (phrasal verb): To stimulate or arouse one’s curiosity or attention.
   Example: “The documentary about deep-sea creatures piqued my interest in marine biology.”
3. Therapeutic /ˌθerəˈpjuːtɪk/ (adj.): Having a positive effect on the body or mind, often helping to relieve stress or tension.
   Example: “Many people find gardening therapeutic, as it allows them to connect with nature and relax.”
4. Step out of one’s comfort zone /step aʊt əv wʌnz ˈkʌmfət zəʊn/ (idiom): To do something that one is not comfortable with or that is unfamiliar.
   Example: “Learning to speak in public was a way for me to step out of my comfort zone and build confidence.”
5. Profoundly influenced /prəˈfaʊndli ˈɪnfluənst/ (adv. + verb): Deeply or significantly affected.
   Example: “Reading classic literature has profoundly influenced my writing style and perspective on life.”

Describe a goal you set for yourself and achieved can be related to how you might set goals within your new hobby to improve your skills.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing a new hobby:

1. Use a wide range of vocabulary, including topic-specific terms and idiomatic expressions.
2. Demonstrate your ability to use various grammatical structures accurately.
3. Speak fluently and coherently, organizing your ideas logically.
4. Provide detailed responses with relevant examples from your personal experience.
5. Show your ability to discuss abstract concepts, especially in Part 3.

Practice regularly by recording yourself answering sample questions and analyzing your performance. Focus on improving your weak areas and expanding your vocabulary related to hobbies and leisure activities.

Describe an outdoor activity you want to take up can be a great way to practice discussing future plans related to hobbies, which is another common IELTS Speaking topic.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about memorizing answers, but about developing the ability to communicate effectively on a variety of topics. Your new hobby can serve as an excellent subject to demonstrate your English language skills and personal experiences.

Describe a hobby you would like to start in the future can help you practice talking about future aspirations, which is another valuable skill for the IELTS Speaking test.