The topic of describing a person passionate about their hobby is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests. It has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being a popular subject in future tests. This topic allows candidates to showcase their vocabulary, fluency, and ability to provide detailed descriptions.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about hobbies and interests. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Question: “Do you have any hobbies?”
Answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I do. I’m quite passionate about photography. It’s a hobby that I’ve been pursuing for several years now. I find it incredibly rewarding to capture moments and create visual stories through my lens. It’s not just a pastime for me; it’s become an integral part of how I express myself creatively.”
A passionate photographer capturing a moment in nature
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe a person who is passionate about their hobby
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What their hobby is
- How long they have been doing this hobby
- And explain why you think they are passionate about it
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about my friend Sarah, who is incredibly passionate about rock climbing. Sarah is a 28-year-old software engineer, but outside of work, her life revolves around her climbing hobby.
Sarah started rock climbing about seven years ago when she first tried it at an indoor climbing gym. Since then, it has evolved from a casual interest into a full-fledged passion. She spends almost every weekend either at indoor climbing walls or scaling natural rock formations in various locations.
What really stands out about Sarah’s dedication to climbing is how it has transformed her life. She’s not just physically fit; she’s also developed incredible mental resilience and problem-solving skills. Sarah often talks about the rush of adrenaline she feels when conquering a particularly challenging route and the sense of accomplishment that comes with it.
I believe Sarah is so passionate about rock climbing because it aligns perfectly with her personality. She’s always been someone who loves challenges and pushing her limits. Climbing provides her with constant opportunities for self-improvement and allows her to set and achieve tangible goals. Moreover, the climbing community has become like a second family to her, providing a strong sense of belonging and shared experiences.
Sarah’s enthusiasm is contagious. When she talks about climbing, her eyes light up, and she becomes incredibly animated. She’s always eager to share her knowledge and experiences, often encouraging friends to try the sport. Her dedication is evident in how she plans her vacations around climbing destinations and how she’s constantly researching new techniques and equipment.
In conclusion, Sarah’s passion for rock climbing is not just a hobby; it’s a lifestyle that has shaped her identity and brings her immense joy and fulfillment.”
A rock climber scaling a challenging cliff face
Follow-up questions:
- How has Sarah’s hobby influenced her daily life?
- Do you think having a passionate hobby like Sarah’s is beneficial? Why or why not?
Sample Answers:
-
(Band 7-8)
“Sarah’s rock climbing hobby has significantly impacted her daily life. She follows a strict fitness regimen to stay in top shape for climbing, which includes regular gym sessions and a balanced diet. Her social circle has expanded to include many fellow climbers, and she often plans her weekends and vacations around climbing opportunities. Additionally, the problem-solving skills she’s developed through climbing have positively influenced her approach to challenges in her professional life as a software engineer.” -
(Band 8-9)
“I firmly believe that having a passionate hobby like Sarah’s is incredibly beneficial. Firstly, it provides a healthy outlet for stress and a break from the monotony of daily routines. Engaging in a hobby one is passionate about can lead to improved mental health and overall life satisfaction. Secondly, pursuing a hobby with such dedication often results in the development of valuable skills that can be transferred to other areas of life, such as perseverance, goal-setting, and risk management. Lastly, passionate hobbies often lead to the formation of strong social connections with like-minded individuals, enriching one’s social life and providing a sense of community.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: “Do you think people’s hobbies reflect their personalities?”
Answer (Band 8-9):
“I strongly believe that people’s hobbies often serve as a window into their personalities. The activities we choose to pursue in our free time can reveal a great deal about our values, interests, and character traits. For instance, someone who enjoys solo activities like reading or painting might be more introverted and reflective, while those drawn to team sports might value social interaction and collaboration.
Moreover, the level of dedication and passion one shows towards their hobby can indicate traits like perseverance and commitment. Take extreme sports enthusiasts, for example. Their choice of hobby might suggest they are thrill-seekers who enjoy pushing their limits and taking calculated risks.
However, it’s important to note that this isn’t a hard and fast rule. Sometimes, people may choose hobbies that allow them to express aspects of their personality that they can’t in their daily lives. A quiet, reserved person might find release in performing arts, using their hobby as a form of self-expression.
In essence, while hobbies can often be a reflection of one’s personality, they can also be a means of exploring different facets of oneself, making the relationship between hobbies and personality a complex and fascinating subject.”
Diverse group of people engaged in various hobbies
Examiner: “How do you think technology has changed the way people pursue their hobbies?”
Answer (Band 7-8):
“Technology has revolutionized the way people engage with their hobbies in several significant ways. Firstly, it has made information and resources more accessible than ever before. For instance, someone interested in learning a new language can now access countless online courses, apps, and language exchange platforms, all from the comfort of their home.
Secondly, technology has created new forms of hobbies that didn’t exist before, such as video game streaming, drone photography, or digital art. These tech-based hobbies have opened up new avenues for creativity and self-expression.
Furthermore, social media and online communities have made it easier for people to connect with others who share their interests. This has led to the formation of global communities around niche hobbies, allowing enthusiasts to share knowledge, showcase their work, and find inspiration from others around the world.
However, it’s worth noting that while technology has enhanced many aspects of hobby pursuit, it has also led to some challenges. The ease of access to information can sometimes lead to information overload, and the constant connectivity can blur the lines between hobby and obsession.
Overall, I believe technology has largely had a positive impact on hobbies, making them more accessible, diverse, and interconnected than ever before.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
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Passionate (adjective) /ˈpæʃənət/ – having very strong feelings or emotions
Example: “She’s passionate about environmental conservation.” -
Pursue (verb) /pərˈsuː/ – to follow or engage in an activity with dedication
Example: “He has been pursuing photography as a hobby for over a decade.” -
Rewarding (adjective) /rɪˈwɔːrdɪŋ/ – giving satisfaction or pleasure
Example: “Volunteering at the animal shelter is a highly rewarding experience.” -
Evolve (verb) /ɪˈvɒlv/ – to develop gradually
Example: “His interest in cooking evolved into a serious culinary pursuit.” -
Full-fledged (adjective) /ˌfʊlˈfledʒd/ – completely developed or established
Example: “What started as a simple blog has now become a full-fledged online magazine.” -
Contagious (adjective) /kənˈteɪdʒəs/ – (of an emotion or feeling) likely to spread to others
Example: “Her enthusiasm for the project was contagious, inspiring the whole team.” -
Align (verb) /əˈlaɪn/ – to match or be in line with
Example: “His values align perfectly with the company’s mission.” -
Shape (verb) /ʃeɪp/ – to have a strong influence on the development of something
Example: “Early experiences often shape a person’s future interests and career choices.”
Advice: To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, practice using a wide range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures. Focus on fluency and coherence in your responses, and try to provide detailed, relevant examples to support your points. Regular practice with a variety of topics will help you become more comfortable and confident in expressing your ideas clearly and effectively.
