Speaking about solitary activities is a common topic in IELTS examinations, particularly when discussing personal preferences and lifestyle choices. Similar to describe an outdoor activity you enjoy doing alone, this topic requires candidates to demonstrate their ability to express personal experiences fluently.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions examiners may ask:
- Do you prefer doing activities alone or with others?
- What kind of activities do you usually do by yourself?
- Why do some people prefer spending time alone?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I actually find great satisfaction in doing certain activities alone, particularly reading and painting. It allows me to fully immerse myself in the experience without any distractions. For instance, when I’m reading, I can delve deep into the story and interpret it in my own way.”
Part 2: Cue Card
Talk about an activity you enjoy doing alone
You should say:
- What the activity is
- When you started doing it
- Why you prefer doing it alone
- And explain how it makes you feel
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about photography, specifically street photography, which I thoroughly enjoy doing by myself. I began exploring this hobby about five years ago when I received my first DSLR camera as a graduation gift.
What particularly draws me to doing this activity alone is the freedom it provides. When I’m by myself, I can completely lose track of time while waiting for the perfect shot, and I don’t have to worry about boring anyone else. I can wander aimlessly through city streets, observing life unfold around me.
This solitary pursuit gives me an incredible sense of peace and creative fulfillment. I find it tremendously therapeutic as it allows me to focus solely on capturing moments and expressing my artistic vision. It’s also become my way of documenting life’s fleeting moments and practicing mindfulness.”
Photographer capturing urban moments alone
For those interested in describe an expensive activity that you enjoy occasionally, photography can indeed be quite costly but rewarding.
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q: Why do you think some people prefer solitary activities?
A (Band 8-9): “I believe people gravitate towards solitary activities for various reasons. First and foremost, it offers an opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth. Moreover, solitary activities can be incredibly therapeutic, allowing individuals to decompress from social pressures and recharge their emotional batteries.”
Q: Do you think technology has changed how people spend their alone time?
A (Band 8-9): “Technology has fundamentally transformed the nature of solitary activities. While it has opened up new avenues for personal entertainment and learning, it has also created what I would call pseudo-social experiences. People might be physically alone but constantly connected through social media, which can diminish the quality of true solitary time.”
Similar to describe a time when you felt motivated to change something, solitary activities often inspire personal transformation.
Key Vocabulary and Expressions
- Immerse oneself in: To become completely involved in something
- Therapeutic: Having a beneficial effect on the body or mind
- Decompress: To relax and release pressure
- Soul-searching: Deep examination of one’s feelings and motives
- Mindfulness: The practice of maintaining awareness of thoughts and surroundings
- Self-reflection: Serious thought about one’s character and actions
Person practicing mindfulness during solitary activity
Remember to practice these expressions in context to use them naturally during your speaking test. Focus on maintaining a steady pace and clear pronunciation while incorporating these advanced vocabulary items into your responses.
