The IELTS Speaking test often includes topics about people and their interests. One recurring theme is describing someone with an unusual or unique hobby. This topic allows candidates to showcase their vocabulary, fluency, and ability to provide detailed descriptions. Let’s explore how to approach this topic effectively to achieve a high band score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about hobbies and interests. Here are some possible questions:

1. Do you have any hobbies?
2. What kinds of hobbies are popular in your country?
3. Do you think hobbies are important? Why or why not?

Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:

Examiner: Do you have any hobbies?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I do. I enjoy reading books in my free time. I usually read fiction novels, especially those in the mystery genre. It’s a great way to relax after a long day at work.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely! I’m quite passionate about photography. I find it incredibly fulfilling to capture moments and create visual stories. Recently, I’ve been experimenting with macro photography, which has opened up a whole new world of detail and beauty in everyday objects. It’s not just a hobby for me; it’s a form of self-expression and a way to perceive the world through a different lens, both literally and figuratively.

Describe a place where you go to enjoy traditional music

Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)

Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a person with a unique hobby:

Describe a person who has a unique hobby or interest

You should say:
- Who this person is
- What their unique hobby or interest is
- How you know about this hobby
- And explain why you think this hobby is unique

Band 6-7 Sample Answer:

I’d like to talk about my friend John, who has a rather unusual hobby. He’s really into urban exploration, which involves exploring abandoned buildings and structures in the city.

I first learned about John’s hobby when he showed me some photos he’d taken inside an old, abandoned factory. It was quite surprising to see such eerie yet beautiful images.

John’s hobby is unique because not many people would choose to spend their free time exploring potentially dangerous abandoned places. He has to be very careful and always follows safety rules.

I think he finds it exciting to discover hidden parts of the city’s history and architecture that most people never see. It’s a way for him to connect with the past and document these forgotten places before they disappear.

Band 8-9 Sample Answer:

I’d like to shed light on my colleague Sarah, whose passion for extreme ironing has always fascinated me. This unconventional pursuit involves taking an ironing board and iron to remote, often precarious locations and ironing clothes there.

I first became acquainted with Sarah’s peculiar hobby during a team-building retreat. While we were scaling a moderately challenging cliff face, Sarah nonchalantly produced a compact ironing set from her backpack and proceeded to press a shirt right there on the mountainside. It was a jaw-dropping sight that left us all in awe.

The uniqueness of extreme ironing lies in its absurd juxtaposition of a mundane household chore with adrenaline-pumping settings. Sarah has ironed atop snow-capped peaks, beneath the waves while scuba diving, and even while skydiving – a feat that boggles the mind.

I believe Sarah’s hobby is truly one-of-a-kind because it challenges conventional notions of both domestic life and extreme sports. It requires not only physical prowess and adventurous spirit but also a keen sense of humor and creativity. Through her hobby, Sarah pushes the boundaries of what’s possible and injects a dose of whimsy into otherwise ordinary situations, inspiring others to think outside the box and find joy in unexpected places.

Extreme ironing as an unusual hobby

Examiner: That’s interesting. Do you think such unique hobbies can be beneficial?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think unique hobbies can be quite beneficial. They allow people to express themselves in different ways and can be a great conversation starter. These hobbies might also help develop new skills that could be useful in other areas of life.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Absolutely. I believe unique hobbies can be immensely beneficial on multiple levels. Firstly, they foster creativity and out-of-the-box thinking, which can translate into innovative problem-solving skills in one’s professional life. Moreover, such hobbies often require dedication and perseverance, traits that are valuable in all aspects of life. They can also serve as a stress outlet, providing a much-needed respite from daily routines. Additionally, niche interests often lead to connections with like-minded individuals, creating a sense of community and broadening one’s social circle. Ultimately, these unique pursuits contribute to personal growth and can lead to a more fulfilling and well-rounded life.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Examiner: Do you think social media has influenced people’s choice of hobbies?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I think social media has had a big impact on hobbies. People often see interesting activities on platforms like Instagram or TikTok and want to try them out. It’s also easier to find information and tutorials about different hobbies online, which makes it simpler for people to start new interests.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Undoubtedly, social media has played a pivotal role in shaping people’s hobby choices. It has democratized access to information about niche interests and created communities around even the most obscure pursuits. Platforms like Instagram and YouTube have made it possible for individuals to showcase their talents and passions, inspiring others to explore new avenues of interest. This exposure has led to the resurgence of traditional hobbies like knitting or gardening, as well as the emergence of entirely new ones, such as ASMR content creation or drone racing.

Moreover, social media has fostered a culture of experiential living, where people are more inclined to pursue hobbies that are visually appealing or share-worthy. This has both positive and negative implications. On one hand, it encourages people to step out of their comfort zones and try new things. On the other, it may lead to a superficial engagement with hobbies, where the focus is more on documenting the experience for social media rather than genuinely enjoying the activity itself.

Describe a person who loves cooking for others

Examiner: How do you think hobbies might change in the future with advancing technology?

Band 6-7 Answer:
I think technology will have a big impact on hobbies in the future. We might see more people getting into virtual reality games or using 3D printers for crafts. Some traditional hobbies might become less popular, while new ones related to technology could emerge. People might also use apps and online platforms more to learn and practice their hobbies.

Band 8-9 Answer:
The intersection of hobbies and technology is likely to yield fascinating developments in the future. I anticipate that we’ll see a significant shift towards more immersive and interactive experiences. Virtual and augmented reality technologies, for instance, could revolutionize hobbies like travel or art appreciation, allowing people to explore far-flung destinations or interact with masterpieces from the comfort of their homes.

Additionally, advancements in AI and robotics might give rise to entirely new categories of hobbies. We could see people engaging in collaborative projects with AI, or participating in robot-building competitions. The maker movement is likely to expand, with more accessible and sophisticated tools enabling people to create complex projects at home.

However, I also believe there might be a countertrend – a resurgence of analog hobbies as a reaction to our increasingly digital lives. People might seek out more tactile, offline experiences like woodworking or gardening as a way to disconnect and find balance.

Ultimately, while technology will undoubtedly shape the landscape of hobbies, the fundamental human desire for creativity, learning, and self-expression will remain the driving force behind our leisure pursuits.

Virtual reality gaming as a future hobby

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

To achieve a high band score in IELTS Speaking, it’s crucial to use a variety of advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions. Here are some key terms and phrases used in the sample answers above, along with their meanings and examples:

1. Passionate (adj) – having very strong feelings or emotions
   Example: She’s passionate about environmental conservation.

2. Incredibly fulfilling (phrase) – extremely satisfying or rewarding
   Example: Volunteering at the animal shelter is incredibly fulfilling for me.

3. Experiment with (phrasal verb) – to try new methods or ideas
   Example: The chef likes to experiment with unusual flavor combinations.

4. Self-expression (noun) – the expression of one’s feelings, thoughts, or ideas
   Example: For many artists, their work is a form of self-expression.

5. Perceive (verb) – to become aware of through the senses
   Example: He perceived a slight change in her tone of voice.

6. Shed light on (idiom) – to help explain or reveal something
   Example: The new evidence sheds light on what really happened that night.

7. Precarious (adj) – not securely held or in position; dangerously likely to fall or collapse
   Example: The climbers were in a precarious position on the cliff face.

8. Juxtaposition (noun) – the fact of two things being seen or placed close together with contrasting effect
   Example: The juxtaposition of old and new buildings in the city center was striking.

9. Boggle the mind (idiom) – to overwhelm or astonish with complexity, vastness, or the like
   Example: The sheer scale of the universe boggles the mind.

10. Push the boundaries (idiom) – to extend the limits of what is possible or acceptable
    Example: The artist is known for pushing the boundaries of traditional sculpture.

Describe a sport you would like to learn in the future

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a person with a unique hobby, consider the following tips:

1. Provide rich details: Don’t just state facts; elaborate on them with examples and personal insights.

2. Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases relevant to the topic, but ensure you use them correctly.

3. Maintain fluency: Practice speaking at length about various topics to improve your ability to speak without long pauses.

4. Show enthusiasm: Your tone and manner of speaking should convey interest in the topic, even if it’s not your personal hobby.

5. Structure your answer: For the long turn, organize your thoughts logically, addressing all parts of the cue card.

6. Develop your ideas: In Part 3, try to give extended answers, exploring different aspects of the questions asked.

7. Use idiomatic language: Incorporate idioms and colloquial expressions naturally in your speech.

8. Practice, practice, practice: Regularly engage in English conversations and mock speaking tests to build confidence and fluency.

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about knowing the language, but about using it effectively to communicate your thoughts and ideas.

IELTS Speaking practice session

Describe a person who has overcome great challenges

By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you can improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test and increase your chances of achieving a high band score when describing a person with a unique hobby or any other topic.