As an IELTS examiner with over 20 years of experience, I’ve listened to countless responses to the seemingly simple question, “What do you like to do in your free time?” This question is a staple in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly in Part 1, and it offers a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate your vocabulary and fluency in English. However, many candidates stumble on this question, often resorting to generic answers that fail to capture their personality and interests.
This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to effectively answer “What do you like to do in your free time?” and similar variations, empowering you to impress your examiner and boost your IELTS Speaking score.
Understanding the Question’s Purpose
While the question appears straightforward, it’s crucial to understand its underlying purpose. The examiner isn’t simply seeking a list of your hobbies. Instead, they are evaluating your ability to:
- Communicate clearly and fluently in English.
- Use a wide range of vocabulary related to hobbies and interests.
- Provide detailed and engaging responses.
- Demonstrate your personality and what makes you unique.
Crafting Your Ideal Response
1. Brainstorm Your Interests
Start by brainstorming a list of activities you genuinely enjoy in your free time. Don’t limit yourself to typical hobbies; think about anything that brings you joy or helps you unwind. Here are some categories to consider:
- Creative pursuits: Painting, writing, photography, playing a musical instrument, crafting, cooking, gardening.
- Physical activities: Sports, hiking, dancing, yoga, swimming.
- Intellectual pursuits: Reading, learning new languages, attending workshops, solving puzzles.
- Social activities: Spending time with friends and family, volunteering, joining clubs.
- Relaxing activities: Listening to music, watching movies, meditating, traveling.
2. Select and Expand
From your list, choose 2-3 activities that you feel comfortable discussing in English. Then, elaborate on each activity by:
- Explaining why you enjoy it: What is it about this activity that appeals to you?
- Example: “I find painting incredibly therapeutic. It allows me to escape from the pressures of daily life and fully immerse myself in the creative process.”
- Describing how often you do it: Do you engage in this activity daily, weekly, or occasionally?
- Example: “I try to go hiking at least twice a month, especially during the warmer months when the trails are at their most beautiful.”
- Sharing any specific details or anecdotes: Have you had any memorable experiences related to this activity?
- Example: “Last year, I joined a local photography club, and it’s been fantastic! We go on monthly excursions to different locations, and I’ve learned so much from the other members.”
3. Use Vivid Language
Avoid generic terms like “interesting” or “fun.” Instead, opt for more descriptive vocabulary that accurately reflects your enthusiasm and paints a picture in the examiner’s mind. For instance, instead of saying:
- “I like to read books.”
Say:
- “I’m an avid reader, and I particularly enjoy getting lost in historical fiction novels.”
IELTS Speaking Test Preparation
4. Practice and Personalize
Practice talking about your chosen activities using the expanded vocabulary and details. The more you practice, the more natural and confident you’ll sound during your speaking test. Remember, your response should reflect your genuine interests. Authenticity is key to a compelling answer.
Sample Responses and Analysis
Let’s examine some sample responses to “What do you like to do in your free time?”
Sample 1: “In my free time, I like to listen to music and watch movies.”
Analysis: This response is too brief and lacks detail. It doesn’t provide the examiner with any insight into your personality or interests.
Sample 2: “I’m really passionate about cooking. I find it incredibly rewarding to experiment with different flavors and create delicious meals from scratch. I try to cook at home at least three times a week, and I often invite friends over to enjoy the fruits of my labor.”
Analysis: This response is much stronger. It highlights a specific interest, uses vivid language (“passionate,” “rewarding,” “experiment”), and provides details about the frequency and social aspect of the activity.
Handling Variations and Follow-Up Questions
The examiner may phrase the question differently or ask follow-up questions to delve deeper into your interests. Be prepared for variations such as:
- “What do you do for fun?”
- “How do you usually spend your weekends?”
- “Do you have any hobbies you’re particularly passionate about?”
Anticipate these questions and prepare brief but engaging answers that demonstrate your ability to elaborate and maintain a conversation.
Key Takeaways
Answering “What do you like to do in your free time?” effectively is crucial for achieving a high score in the IELTS Speaking test. By understanding the question’s purpose, crafting detailed responses, and practicing regularly, you can confidently showcase your language skills and impress your examiner. Remember, your personality and enthusiasm are your greatest assets in the IELTS Speaking test. Embrace them!
