Mastering IELTS Speaking: Describe a Person Who Is Very Passionate About Their Hobbies

In the IELTS Speaking test, examiners assess candidates on four key criteria: Fluency and Coherence, Lexical Resource, Grammatical Range and Accuracy, and Pronunciation. Among the diverse topics candidates may encounter, describing a passionate person is quite common and allows candidates to showcase their vocabulary and narrative skills. This article offers a comprehensive guide with model answers to help candidates excel in this topic.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1 of the IELTS Speaking test, examiners ask general questions about familiar topics. Here’s a common question and a sample answer:

Common Question:

1. Do you have any hobbies or interests?

Sample Answer:

“Yes, I have several hobbies, but the one I am most passionate about is painting. There’s something incredibly soothing about blending colors and creating art from a blank canvas. It allows me to express my emotions and unwind after a busy day.”

Part 2: Long Turn

For Part 2, candidates are given a cue card with a specific topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. This part tests the candidate’s ability to organize and express their thoughts coherently.

Cue Card:

Describe a person who is very passionate about their hobbies. You should say:

• Who the person is
• What their hobbies are
• How you know about their passion
• And explain how you feel about their passion

Sample Answer:

“I would like to describe my friend, Sarah, who is incredibly passionate about gardening. Sarah and I have been friends since high school, and her love for plants and gardening has always impressed me. She spends hours cultivating her garden, growing a variety of flowers, vegetables, and herbs.

Sarah’s passion for gardening started when she was a child, accompanying her grandmother who was an avid gardener. She has learned many techniques over the years and even attended workshops to improve her skills. Her garden is a vibrant and lush haven, teeming with life. Her dedication and knowledge about plants are truly admirable.

I feel inspired by her commitment and the joy she derives from her hobby. It has also had a positive impact on her well-being, providing a sense of peace and accomplishment.”

Follow-up Bullet Points:

1. How do hobbies benefit people?

   • Hobbies provide an excellent outlet for stress and creativity, allowing individuals to pursue interests outside of their work or study.

2. Do you think people should have hobbies? Why?

   • Absolutely, having hobbies enriches life; they help develop new skills, foster social connections, and improve mental health.

Part 3: Two-Way Discussion

In this section, examiners ask more abstract questions related to the topic discussed in Part 2. This part assesses the candidate’s ability to express and justify opinions and analyze issues.

Discussion Questions:

1. Why do you think many people lose interest in their hobbies as they grow older?

Sample Answer:

“I believe the primary reason many people lose interest in their hobbies as they grow older is due to increased responsibilities and lack of time. As people age, they often prioritize their professional and familial obligations over personal interests. The pressure to meet deadlines and take care of family needs can leave little room for leisure activities. Additionally, some might feel that hobbies are less important compared to other aspects of their lives.”

2. What role do schools play in cultivating hobbies among students?

Sample Answer:

“Schools play a crucial role in encouraging hobbies by providing various extracurricular activities and clubs. These programs allow students to explore and develop their interests outside the academic curriculum. By supporting diverse activities such as sports, arts, and crafts, schools can help students discover their passions and hone their skills from a young age. This, in turn, promotes a well-rounded education and personal growth.”

Gardener passion

Vocabulary and Key Structures

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, it’s essential to use a variety of vocabulary and structures:

Important Vocabulary:

1. Passionate (adj) /ˈpæʃ.ən.ət/: having strong emotions or a strong interest in something.

   • Example: She’s passionate about environmental conservation.

2. Cultivate (v) /ˈkʌl.tɪ.veɪt/: to grow plants or crops.

   • Example: He loves to cultivate rare orchids in his spare time.

3. Soothing (adj) /ˈsuː.ðɪŋ/: having a calming effect.

   • Example: The sound of the ocean is incredibly soothing.

Key Structures:

1. Complex Sentences:

   • Example: “Sarah and I have been friends since high school, and her love for plants and gardening has always impressed me.”

2. Conjunctions for Reasoning:

   • Example: “I believe the primary reason … is due to increased responsibilities and lack of time.”

Examiner’s Advice

Tips for Practice:

1. Record Yourself: Regularly practice speaking on various topics and record yourself to identify areas of improvement.
2. Expand Vocabulary: Learn and use new words related to common IELTS topics.
3. Mock Tests: Engage in mock speaking tests with friends or tutors to simulate real exam conditions.

By adopting these strategies and continuously practicing, candidates can significantly improve their IELTS Speaking performance and achieve their desired band scores.