The ability to describe a person with an interesting hobby is a crucial skill for IELTS Speaking success. This topic frequently appears in IELTS exams and is likely to remain popular in future tests. Let’s explore how to excel in this speaking task and impress the examiner with your English proficiency.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about hobbies. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Examiner: “Do you have any hobbies?”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely. I’m quite passionate about photography. It’s a fascinating hobby that allows me to capture moments and express my creativity. I particularly enjoy landscape photography, as it combines my love for nature with my artistic side. What’s great about this hobby is that it’s always evolving with new techniques and technologies to explore.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a person you know who has an interesting hobby.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What their hobby is
- How you know about their hobby
- And explain why you think it is interesting
Sample Answer (Band 6-7)
“I’d like to talk about my friend Sarah, who has a really interesting hobby. She’s really into beekeeping, which I think is quite unusual.
I’ve known Sarah since college, and I found out about her hobby when she invited me to visit her family’s farm. She showed me the beehives and explained how she takes care of the bees.
What makes it interesting is that it’s not just a simple hobby. Sarah has to know a lot about bees, their behavior, and how to keep them healthy. She also gets to produce her own honey, which is pretty cool.
I think it’s fascinating because it’s so different from most people’s hobbies. It requires patience, knowledge, and a bit of bravery too. Plus, it’s helping the environment by supporting bee populations, which are really important for our ecosystem.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
“I’d be delighted to describe my colleague, Alex, whose captivating hobby of urban foraging has piqued my interest. Alex is a vibrant individual in his early thirties who works as a graphic designer.
His hobby, urban foraging, involves scouring city parks, abandoned lots, and even sidewalks for edible plants and fungi. I stumbled upon this fascinating aspect of Alex’s life during a team-building event when he casually identified several edible plants in the park we were visiting.
What makes this hobby particularly intriguing is its blend of botanical knowledge, culinary creativity, and environmental awareness. Alex has cultivated an impressive understanding of local flora and their culinary applications. He can distinguish between seemingly identical plants, identifying which are safe to consume and which should be avoided.
The allure of this hobby lies in its multifaceted nature. Firstly, it challenges conventional notions of food sourcing, encouraging a reconnection with nature even in urban environments. Secondly, it promotes sustainability by utilizing overlooked food sources and reducing reliance on commercial produce. Lastly, it fosters a deeper appreciation for local ecosystems and biodiversity.
Alex’s enthusiasm for urban foraging is infectious. He often shares his harvests with colleagues, introducing us to unique flavors and textures we wouldn’t typically encounter. His hobby has sparked conversations about food security, urban planning, and the hidden natural resources within our cities.
In essence, Alex’s urban foraging is more than just a pastime; it’s a thought-provoking practice that challenges our perceptions of urban spaces and our relationship with food and nature. It’s a hobby that continually evolves with the changing seasons and urban landscape, making it endlessly fascinating to observe and learn about.”
Follow-up Questions
Examiner: “How do people in your country typically react to unusual hobbies like urban foraging?”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“In my experience, reactions to unconventional hobbies like urban foraging tend to be quite diverse in my country. On one hand, there’s often an initial skepticism or even wariness, particularly among older generations who might view it as eccentric or potentially dangerous. However, I’ve noticed a growing interest and open-mindedness, especially among younger people and those concerned with environmental issues. They often see such hobbies as innovative ways to reconnect with nature and promote sustainability. There’s also a subset of food enthusiasts who find urban foraging intriguing from a culinary perspective, viewing it as a source of unique, local ingredients. Overall, while it might raise eyebrows at first, there’s an increasing appreciation for the knowledge and skills involved in such hobbies, as well as their potential benefits for both individuals and communities.”
Examiner: “Do you think unusual hobbies can be beneficial for personal development?”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely. I believe unusual hobbies can be immensely beneficial for personal development in numerous ways. Firstly, they often challenge individuals to step out of their comfort zones, fostering resilience and adaptability. Take urban foraging, for instance – it requires developing new skills, from plant identification to understanding local ecosystems, which broadens one’s knowledge base significantly.
Moreover, unconventional hobbies can enhance problem-solving abilities as enthusiasts often need to think creatively to pursue their interests, especially when resources or information might be limited. They also tend to cultivate mindfulness and attention to detail, qualities that are transferable to many aspects of life and work.
Another crucial aspect is that unusual hobbies can boost self-confidence. Mastering a unique skill sets individuals apart and can be a source of pride and personal fulfillment. It can also lead to forming connections with like-minded individuals, potentially expanding one’s social circle and exposure to diverse perspectives.
Lastly, these hobbies often intersect with larger societal issues – urban foraging, for example, ties into sustainability, food security, and urban planning. This connection can foster a sense of purpose and social responsibility, contributing to personal growth and a broader worldview.
In essence, while they might seem unconventional, these hobbies can be powerful catalysts for developing a wide range of skills, qualities, and perspectives that contribute significantly to personal development.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: “How do hobbies contribute to society?”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“Hobbies play a multifaceted role in contributing to society, extending far beyond mere personal enjoyment. Firstly, they often foster community building by bringing together individuals with shared interests. This can lead to the formation of clubs, online forums, or local groups that enhance social cohesion and provide support networks.
Moreover, many hobbies directly contribute to cultural preservation and development. Take traditional crafts or folk music as examples – enthusiasts keep these art forms alive, ensuring the transmission of cultural heritage to future generations. Similarly, hobbies like local history research or genealogy contribute valuable knowledge to our understanding of our past and identity.
Hobbies can also have significant economic impacts. They often spawn industries around them, from equipment manufacturers to educational services, creating jobs and driving innovation. Furthermore, hobbyists frequently transition their passions into small businesses or social enterprises, contributing to economic diversification and local development.
Another crucial aspect is the role of hobbies in promoting physical and mental well-being. Engaging in enjoyable activities reduces stress, enhances cognitive function, and can improve overall health, potentially reducing the burden on healthcare systems.
Lastly, hobbies often align with broader societal goals. For instance, gardening or beekeeping contribute to biodiversity and environmental conservation. Volunteer-based hobbies like community theater or sports coaching provide valuable services that enrich community life and support social development.
In essence, hobbies serve as a conduit for personal fulfillment, cultural expression, economic activity, and social cohesion, making them integral to the fabric of a healthy, vibrant society.”
Examiner: “Do you think the government should provide more support for people’s hobbies?”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“This is a complex issue that requires careful consideration of various factors. On one hand, there’s a strong argument for government support of hobbies given their numerous societal benefits. As we’ve discussed, hobbies contribute significantly to personal well-being, community building, and even economic development. Government support could take various forms, such as funding for community spaces, tax incentives for hobby-related businesses, or educational programs to promote certain activities.
However, we must also consider the counterarguments. Firstly, there’s the question of resource allocation – in a world with pressing issues like healthcare, education, and infrastructure, some might argue that supporting hobbies should not be a priority for public funds. Additionally, there’s the challenge of deciding which hobbies to support, as this could lead to accusations of favoritism or bias.
That being said, I believe a balanced approach is possible and beneficial. Rather than directly funding individual hobbies, governments could focus on creating an enabling environment. This might include maintaining public spaces that can be used for various activities, supporting libraries and community centers, or implementing policies that make it easier for people to pursue their interests alongside work and other responsibilities.
Moreover, governments could integrate hobby promotion into broader policy objectives. For example, supporting gardening or cycling as hobbies aligns with environmental and public health goals. Similarly, promoting cultural hobbies can be part of heritage preservation efforts.
Ultimately, while direct financial support for hobbies might be contentious, governments can play a crucial role in creating conditions that allow hobbies to flourish. This approach can harness the societal benefits of hobbies without overstepping into personal choices or misallocating resources.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
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Pique one’s interest /piːk wʌnz ˈɪntrəst/ (phrasal verb): to arouse curiosity or interest
Example: “The unusual hobby piqued my interest, prompting me to learn more about it.” -
Captivating /ˈkæptɪveɪtɪŋ/ (adjective): very attractive or interesting
Example: “His captivating stories about urban foraging kept us all engaged.” -
Multifaceted /ˌmʌltiˈfæsɪtɪd/ (adjective): having many different aspects or features
Example: “Urban foraging is a multifaceted hobby, combining botanical knowledge with culinary skills.” -
Foster /ˈfɒstə(r)/ (verb): to encourage the development of something
Example: “This hobby fosters a deeper appreciation for urban ecosystems.” -
Cultivate /ˈkʌltɪveɪt/ (verb): to develop or acquire a skill or quality
Example: “Through his hobby, Alex has cultivated an impressive understanding of local flora.”
Describe a person who loves reading can be another interesting topic for IELTS Speaking, as it allows you to showcase similar descriptive skills.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a person with an interesting hobby:
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Prepare a diverse vocabulary: Use a range of descriptive words and phrases to make your answer more engaging and demonstrate your language proficiency.
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Practice structure: Organize your thoughts logically, covering all points in the cue card systematically.
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Develop ideas: Don’t just state facts; explain why you find the hobby interesting and its impact on the person or others.
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Use personal experiences: Relate the topic to your own life or observations to make your answer more authentic and detailed.
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Work on fluency: Practice speaking continuously for 2 minutes to build your confidence and fluency.
Remember, the key is to sound natural and confident while showcasing your English language skills. Regular practice with a variety of topics will help you achieve this.
Describe a technology that has changed your daily routine is another topic where you can apply these speaking strategies effectively.