The topic of trying a new hobby is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2. It allows examiners to assess candidates’ ability to describe personal experiences, express opinions, and use a range of vocabulary related to leisure activities. This topic has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests due to its universal nature and potential for diverse responses.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask some general questions about hobbies and leisure activities. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:
- Do you have any hobbies?
- How do you spend your free time?
- Have you tried any new hobbies recently?
Let’s focus on the third question:
Examiner: Have you tried any new hobbies recently?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I have. Recently, I’ve started learning how to play the guitar. It’s been quite challenging but also enjoyable. I’ve always loved music, so I thought it would be interesting to try playing an instrument myself.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“As a matter of fact, I have. I’ve recently taken up photography, which has been an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s not only allowed me to explore my creative side but has also given me a new perspective on the world around me. I find myself constantly looking for unique angles and interesting compositions in everyday scenes, which has been both challenging and exhilarating.”
Describe a famous author from your country whose work you enjoy is another topic that could come up in the IELTS Speaking test, requiring similar skills in describing personal experiences and opinions.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe a time when you tried a new hobby
You should say:
- What the hobby was
- When and where you tried it
- Why you decided to try it
- And explain how you felt about this new hobby
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I’d like to talk about the time I tried rock climbing as a new hobby. I first gave it a go about six months ago at an indoor climbing gym in my city. I decided to try it because a friend of mine had been doing it for a while and kept telling me how exciting and challenging it was.
When I first arrived at the gym, I felt a mix of nervousness and excitement. The instructor gave us a safety briefing and taught us the basic techniques. At first, I found it quite difficult to get off the ground, but as I practiced more, I started to improve.
What I really enjoyed about rock climbing was the physical challenge it provided. It’s not just about strength, but also balance, flexibility, and problem-solving. Each route is like a puzzle you have to figure out with your body.
Overall, I felt very positive about this new hobby. It was more fun than I expected, and I felt a real sense of achievement when I reached the top of a wall. Since then, I’ve continued to go climbing regularly, and I’ve noticed improvements in my fitness and confidence.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’d be delighted to share my experience of embarking on a new hobby – astrophotography. This captivating pursuit began for me approximately 18 months ago when I attended a stargazing event at a local observatory.
The decision to delve into astrophotography stemmed from a lifelong fascination with the cosmos, coupled with a desire to merge my existing interest in photography with something more specialized and challenging. The event at the observatory served as a catalyst, igniting my curiosity and providing me with the impetus to explore this field further.
Initially, the learning curve was incredibly steep. Astrophotography requires a meticulous understanding of camera settings, celestial movements, and often specialized equipment. I found myself grappling with concepts like long exposure techniques, star tracking, and image stacking. However, the complexity of the hobby only served to fuel my enthusiasm.
The first time I successfully captured the Milky Way in all its ethereal beauty, I was utterly mesmerized. The feeling of awe and accomplishment was indescribable. It’s one thing to observe the night sky with the naked eye, but to preserve that moment in a photograph, to capture the intricate details of nebulae and galaxies, was truly transformative.
This hobby has not only enhanced my technical skills but has also profoundly impacted my perspective on life. It serves as a constant reminder of our place in the universe and the sheer magnitude of what lies beyond our planet. Astrophotography has become more than just a hobby; it’s a journey of continuous learning and discovery that never fails to inspire and humble me.”
Follow-up questions:
- Did you face any challenges when learning this new hobby?
- Have you continued with this hobby? Why or why not?
Band 6-7 Answer for question 1:
“Yes, I did face some challenges. The main difficulty was getting used to the technical aspects of astrophotography. Learning how to use the equipment properly and understanding the best camera settings took a lot of practice and patience. I also had to deal with unpredictable weather conditions, which sometimes interfered with my plans.”
Band 8-9 Answer for question 1:
“Indeed, I encountered numerous challenges along the way. The most formidable obstacle was mastering the intricate technicalities of astrophotography. This involved not only familiarizing myself with specialized equipment like star trackers and auto-guiding systems but also developing a profound understanding of astronomical phenomena. I had to grapple with concepts such as polar alignment, dark frame subtraction, and post-processing techniques specific to astrophotography. Moreover, the unpredictable nature of weather and light pollution in urban areas often posed significant hurdles, requiring me to adapt my plans and sometimes travel considerable distances to find suitable shooting locations. However, each challenge served as a stepping stone, pushing me to expand my knowledge and refine my skills.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: Do you think it’s important for people to have hobbies? Why or why not?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I think hobbies are very important. They give people a chance to relax and do something they enjoy outside of work or study. Hobbies can also help people develop new skills and meet new people with similar interests. In my opinion, having a hobby can make life more interesting and balanced.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I firmly believe that hobbies play a crucial role in maintaining a well-rounded and fulfilling life. Firstly, hobbies serve as an essential outlet for creativity and self-expression, allowing individuals to explore facets of their personality that may not be apparent in their professional lives. Moreover, engaging in hobbies can be incredibly beneficial for mental health, providing a much-needed respite from the stresses of daily life and promoting mindfulness and presence.
Furthermore, hobbies often foster personal growth by challenging individuals to acquire new skills and knowledge. This continuous learning process can enhance cognitive functions and boost self-esteem. Additionally, many hobbies provide opportunities for social interaction and community building, which are vital for emotional well-being and can lead to the formation of meaningful relationships.
In our increasingly fast-paced and work-oriented society, hobbies offer a counterbalance, reminding us of the importance of leisure and personal fulfillment. They can also spark innovation and creativity that may indirectly benefit other areas of life, including one’s career. Thus, I would argue that hobbies are not just important, but essential for leading a rich, balanced, and satisfying life.”
Describe a public figure you respect and admire is another topic that could be explored in the IELTS Speaking test, requiring similar skills in expressing opinions and describing personal preferences.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
-
Embark on (phrasal verb) /ɪmˈbɑːrk ɒn/: To start or begin a new project or activity.
Example: “I decided to embark on learning a new language this year.” -
Delve into (phrasal verb) /delv ˈɪntuː/: To research or investigate something thoroughly.
Example: “As I delved into the history of photography, I became more fascinated by it.” -
Catalyst (noun) /ˈkætəlɪst/: Something that causes an important event to happen.
Example: “The workshop was a catalyst for my interest in painting.” -
Grapple with (phrasal verb) /ˈɡræpəl wɪð/: To struggle or contend with a difficult problem or challenge.
Example: “I had to grapple with complex techniques when I first started rock climbing.” -
Transformative (adjective) /trænsˈfɔːmətɪv/: Causing a major change to something or someone.
Example: “Learning to play an instrument can be a transformative experience.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a new hobby:
-
Use a wide range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases related to hobbies and personal experiences.
-
Provide detailed responses: Offer specific examples and elaborate on your points to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively.
-
Show enthusiasm: Express genuine interest in the topic through your tone and choice of words.
-
Use appropriate tenses: Ensure you use the correct tenses when describing past experiences and current feelings.
-
Practice fluency: Work on speaking smoothly and confidently, minimizing hesitations and filler words.
-
Develop your ideas: Don’t just list facts; explain your thoughts and feelings about the hobby in depth.
-
Use idiomatic expressions: Incorporate natural-sounding phrases to enhance your language use.
-
Be prepared to discuss related topics: Be ready to talk about broader themes related to hobbies, such as work-life balance or personal development.
Remember, consistent practice and exposure to English are key to improving your speaking skills. Consider finding a language exchange partner or joining English conversation groups to gain more confidence in expressing yourself fluently.
Describe a famous public figure in your country is another topic that could be explored in the IELTS Speaking test, requiring similar skills in describing and expressing opinions about individuals.