Master IELTS Speaking: Describing Your Favorite Hobby Spot

Learning a new hobby can be an exciting and enriching experience. In the IELTS Speaking test, you may be asked to describe a place where you go to learn a new hobby. This topic has appeared in past IELTS exams and is likely to continue being a popular subject for future tests. Let’s explore how to effectively answer questions related to this theme and showcase your English language skills.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In the first part of the IELTS Speaking test, the examiner may ask you some general questions about hobbies and learning new skills. Here are some potential questions you might encounter:

1. Do you have any hobbies?
2. How do you usually learn new skills?
3. Is there a hobby you’d like to try in the future?

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

Examiner: Do you have any hobbies?

Candidate: Absolutely! I’m quite passionate about photography. I picked it up a few years ago and it’s become a significant part of my life. I find it incredibly rewarding to capture beautiful moments and scenes through my lens. It’s not just a hobby for me; it’s a way to express my creativity and see the world from a different perspective.

This answer demonstrates a good use of vocabulary and enthusiasm for the topic, which are key factors in achieving a high band score.

Part 2: Long Turn

Now, let’s move on to the Part 2 cue card task. Here’s a sample cue card related to our topic:

Describe a place where you go to learn a new hobby

You should say:
- Where this place is
- What hobby you learn there
- How you found out about this place
- And explain why you chose to learn this hobby at this particular place

Here are two sample responses, one for Band 6-7 and another for Band 8-9:

Band 6-7 Response:

I’d like to talk about the local community center where I go to learn pottery. It’s located in the heart of my city, just a 15-minute walk from my house. I discovered this place through a flyer I saw at a coffee shop, and I was immediately interested because I’ve always wanted to try my hand at making ceramics.

The community center offers various classes, but I was drawn to the pottery workshop because it seemed like a great way to unleash my creativity. The instructor is very experienced and patient, which makes learning enjoyable. I chose this particular place because it’s conveniently located, affordable, and has a friendly atmosphere.

What I appreciate most about learning pottery here is the sense of community. Everyone is supportive, and we often share ideas and techniques. It’s become more than just a hobby; it’s a place where I can relax, meet new people, and create something beautiful with my own hands.

Band 8-9 Response:

I’d like to describe the avant-garde art studio where I’ve been honing my skills in abstract painting. This eclectic space is nestled in a converted warehouse on the outskirts of the city, exuding an air of creativity and inspiration from the moment you step inside.

I stumbled upon this hidden gem through a serendipitous encounter with a local artist at a gallery opening. Intrigued by her description of the studio’s unconventional approach to teaching, I felt compelled to explore it further. The moment I walked through its doors, I was captivated by the vibrant energy and the sheer diversity of artistic expressions adorning the walls.

What sets this place apart, and why I chose to pursue my passion for abstract art here, is its unparalleled commitment to fostering individual creativity. The instructors, all accomplished artists in their own right, encourage us to push boundaries and challenge conventional norms. They provide guidance while allowing ample room for personal exploration and growth.

Moreover, the studio’s state-of-the-art facilities and the opportunity to collaborate with fellow aspiring artists create an enriching environment that continually fuels my artistic journey. It’s not merely a place to learn technique; it’s a sanctuary where I can immerse myself in the world of abstract art and unleash my creative potential.

Art studio for abstract painting class

Follow-up questions:

1. How often do you visit this place?
2. Have you made any friends while learning your new hobby?

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

Candidate: I make it a point to immerse myself in the creative atmosphere of the studio at least twice a week. These sessions have become an integral part of my routine, offering a much-needed respite from the demands of daily life. As for friendships, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the strong bonds I’ve formed with fellow art enthusiasts. We often collaborate on projects, exchange ideas, and even organize small exhibitions together. These connections have enriched my experience tremendously, providing both support and inspiration in my artistic journey.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to hobbies and learning new skills. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

Examiner: How do you think hobbies contribute to personal development?

Candidate (Band 8-9): Hobbies play a pivotal role in personal development by offering a multitude of benefits. Firstly, they provide an outlet for self-expression and creativity, allowing individuals to explore facets of their personality that may not be evident in their professional lives. Moreover, engaging in hobbies can enhance cognitive function by challenging the mind to learn new skills and solve problems. This mental stimulation can have far-reaching effects, potentially improving performance in other areas of life.

Additionally, hobbies often serve as a stress-relief mechanism, providing a healthy way to decompress and maintain emotional balance. They can also boost self-esteem as individuals witness their own progress and achievements in their chosen pursuits. Furthermore, many hobbies involve social interaction, which can improve interpersonal skills and expand one’s social network.

In essence, hobbies contribute to a well-rounded personality, fostering personal growth, resilience, and a sense of fulfillment that extends well beyond the activity itself.

Examiner: Do you think the way people learn new skills has changed with technology?

Candidate (Band 8-9): Absolutely. Technology has revolutionized the way people acquire new skills, making learning more accessible, diverse, and flexible than ever before. Online platforms and mobile apps have democratized education, allowing individuals to learn at their own pace and on their own schedules. This shift has broken down geographical barriers, enabling people to access expertise from around the world without leaving their homes.

Moreover, technology has introduced interactive and immersive learning experiences through virtual reality and augmented reality, making complex concepts more tangible and engaging. Artificial intelligence has also played a significant role by providing personalized learning paths tailored to individual needs and learning styles.

However, it’s important to note that while technology has expanded learning opportunities, it has also created new challenges. The abundance of information available can be overwhelming, and learners must develop critical thinking skills to discern credible sources. Additionally, the lack of face-to-face interaction in some online learning environments may impact the development of certain social skills.

In conclusion, technology has transformed the learning landscape, offering unprecedented opportunities for skill acquisition while also necessitating new approaches to information management and social interaction in the learning process.

Online learning platform interface

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To elevate your speaking performance, incorporate these sophisticated words and phrases:

1. Avant-garde /ˌævɒ̃ˈɡɑːd/ (adj): New and experimental ideas and methods in art, music, or literature.
   Example: The avant-garde art studio challenges traditional painting techniques.

2. Eclectic /ɪˈklektɪk/ (adj): Deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources.
   Example: The community center offers an eclectic mix of hobby classes.

3. Serendipitous /ˌserənˈdɪpɪtəs/ (adj): Occurring or discovered by chance in a happy or beneficial way.
   Example: My encounter with the local artist was a serendipitous event that led me to the studio.

4. Immerse oneself (phrasal verb): To involve oneself deeply in a particular activity or interest.
   Example: I love to immerse myself in the creative process of painting.

5. Push boundaries (idiom): To extend the limits of what is possible or acceptable.
   Example: The instructors encourage us to push boundaries in our artistic expression.

6. Fuel one’s journey (phrase): To provide inspiration or motivation for one’s progress or development.
   Example: The supportive environment at the studio fuels my artistic journey.

Remember to describe a person who has a deep knowledge of a subject you are interested in when talking about your instructors or fellow learners at your hobby spot. This can demonstrate your ability to connect ideas and expand on the topic.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, focus on the following:

1. Fluency and coherence: Practice speaking continuously without long pauses. Use linking words to connect your ideas smoothly.

2. Lexical resource: Incorporate a wide range of vocabulary, including idiomatic expressions and collocations. Avoid repetition by using synonyms.

3. Grammatical range and accuracy: Use a variety of complex sentence structures accurately. Pay attention to verb tenses and subject-verb agreement.

4. Pronunciation: Work on clear articulation and natural intonation. Pay attention to word stress and sentence stress.

5. Relevance and development: Always address the question directly and provide detailed responses with relevant examples.

Remember, the key to success is consistent practice. Try to describe a place where you go to escape from technology as a contrasting exercise to discussing your hobby spot. This will help you develop versatility in your speaking skills.

By following these guidelines and incorporating the sample answers and vocabulary provided, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss your hobby learning spot in the IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your preparation!