The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about hobbies and interests, making it essential for candidates to be prepared to discuss such topics. The cue card “Describe a new hobby you want to start” is a common theme that frequently appears in Part 2 of the Speaking test. This topic allows examiners to assess your ability to express personal preferences, future plans, and reasons for your choices. Let’s explore how to effectively approach this topic and achieve a high band score.
Describe a new hobby you would like to start is a versatile topic that can be adapted to suit various interests and backgrounds. Whether you’re passionate about arts, sports, or intellectual pursuits, this question provides an opportunity to showcase your language skills and creativity.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about hobbies to warm you up. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
- Do you have any hobbies?
- How do you spend your free time?
- What hobbies are popular in your country?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I have several hobbies that I enjoy in my free time. One of my main interests is photography, which I’ve been pursuing for about five years now. I find it incredibly rewarding to capture beautiful moments and express my creativity through images. Additionally, I’m quite fond of cooking and experimenting with new recipes. It’s a great way to unwind after a long day and share delicious meals with friends and family.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:
Describe a new hobby you want to start
You should say:
- What the hobby is
- Why you want to start it
- How you plan to learn it
- And explain how this hobby might benefit you in the future
IELTS Speaking Cue Card: Describe a new hobby you want to start
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I’ve been thinking about starting a new hobby, and I’ve decided that I want to learn how to play the guitar. It’s something I’ve always been interested in but never had the chance to pursue properly.
The main reason I want to start playing the guitar is that I love music, and I think it would be great to be able to create my own. Also, I’ve heard that learning an instrument can be really good for reducing stress and improving mental health.
To learn the guitar, I plan to start with some online tutorials and maybe find a local teacher for some face-to-face lessons. I think a combination of self-study and professional guidance would work best for me.
In the future, I believe this hobby could benefit me in several ways. Firstly, it could be a great way to meet new people and maybe even join a band. Secondly, I think it would boost my confidence and give me a new skill to be proud of. Lastly, who knows, it might even lead to a new career path in music!”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’ve recently become fascinated with the idea of taking up astrophotography as a new hobby. It’s a captivating blend of astronomy and photography, two fields that have always piqued my interest.
The primary motivation behind this choice is my longstanding passion for space and celestial bodies. I find the vastness of the universe utterly mesmerizing, and the thought of capturing its beauty through a camera lens is incredibly exciting. Moreover, I believe this hobby would challenge me intellectually and push me out of my comfort zone, which I always find rewarding.
To embark on this ambitious endeavor, I plan to adopt a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, I intend to immerse myself in online resources, including specialized forums and video tutorials. Secondly, I’m considering joining a local astronomy club to learn from experienced enthusiasts. Lastly, I’ll invest in the necessary equipment gradually, starting with a decent DSLR camera and a sturdy tripod before moving on to more advanced gear like telescopes and tracking mounts.
I believe this hobby could prove immensely beneficial in the long run. On a personal level, it would foster patience and perseverance, as astrophotography often requires long hours of preparation and waiting for the perfect shot. Professionally, it could open up new avenues in fields like science communication or space tourism, which are rapidly growing industries. Furthermore, the technical skills I’d acquire, such as advanced photography techniques and image processing, could be transferable to various other domains. Ultimately, I see this hobby as not just a pastime, but a gateway to exploring the cosmos and perhaps even contributing to our understanding of the universe in my own small way.”
Follow-up questions:
- How long do you think it will take you to become proficient in this hobby?
- Are there any potential challenges you might face when starting this new hobby?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Realistically speaking, I anticipate that it will take a considerable amount of time and dedication to become truly proficient in astrophotography. Given its technical complexity, I’d estimate it could take anywhere from 18 months to 3 years to reach a level where I can consistently produce high-quality images of deep-sky objects. However, I believe the journey itself will be incredibly rewarding, with each small success fueling my motivation to improve further.
As for challenges, I foresee several potential hurdles. Firstly, there’s the significant financial investment required for quality equipment. Secondly, light pollution in urban areas could make it difficult to capture clear images, necessitating trips to darker sky locations. Lastly, the learning curve for both the astronomical and photographic aspects might be steep. However, I’m prepared to tackle these obstacles head-on, viewing them as opportunities for growth rather than deterrents.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this part, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to hobbies and leisure activities. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
- How do hobbies contribute to personal development?
- Do you think children should be encouraged to have hobbies? Why or why not?
- How have people’s leisure activities changed in recent years?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Hobbies play a crucial role in personal development. They provide opportunities for individuals to acquire new skills, expand their knowledge, and discover hidden talents. Moreover, engaging in hobbies can boost self-confidence, reduce stress, and promote work-life balance.
I strongly believe that children should be encouraged to have hobbies. Hobbies can help children develop important life skills such as time management, persistence, and creativity. They also provide a healthy outlet for energy and emotions, which is particularly important during adolescence.
In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in people’s leisure activities, largely due to technological advancements. On one hand, digital hobbies like gaming, coding, and social media have gained popularity. On the other hand, there’s been a resurgence of interest in traditional crafts and outdoor activities, perhaps as a reaction to our increasingly digital lives. The COVID-19 pandemic has also influenced this trend, with many people discovering new home-based hobbies during lockdowns.”
Describe a time when you learned something outside of school is another topic that could be related to starting a new hobby, as many hobbies involve learning new skills outside of formal education settings.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Captivating /ˈkæptɪveɪtɪŋ/ (adjective): Capable of attracting and holding interest; charming.
Example: “I find astrophotography to be a captivating blend of science and art.”Immerse /ɪˈmɜːrs/ (verb): To involve oneself deeply in a particular activity or interest.
Example: “I plan to immerse myself in online tutorials to learn this new hobby.”Endeavor /ɪnˈdevər/ (noun): An attempt to achieve a goal.
Example: “Taking up astrophotography is an ambitious endeavor that will require dedication.”Pique one’s interest /piːk wʌnz ˈɪntrəst/ (phrase): To stimulate curiosity or interest.
Example: “The complexity of astrophotography has really piqued my interest.”Push out of one’s comfort zone (phrase): To do something that is outside of one’s usual experiences or habits.
Example: “This new hobby will definitely push me out of my comfort zone, which I find exciting.”
Describe a sport you would like to try is another topic that shares similarities with describing a new hobby, as many sports can also be considered hobbies.
IELTS Speaking High Score Vocabulary
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing new hobbies:
- Expand your vocabulary: Use a wide range of words and phrases related to hobbies and personal interests.
- Practice speaking fluently: Work on reducing hesitations and fillers in your speech.
- Develop your ideas: Don’t just list facts; explain your thoughts and provide reasons for your opinions.
- Use a variety of grammatical structures: Incorporate complex sentences and different tenses to showcase your language skills.
- Be authentic: While it’s good to prepare, make sure your answers sound natural and reflect your genuine interests.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, fluency, and the ability to express your ideas clearly are all crucial factors in achieving a high band score.
Describe an object you have owned for a long time could be an interesting topic to explore if your new hobby involves using a particular object or tool that you’ve had for a while but are now using in a new way.