As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how a candidate’s ability to discuss their hobbies can significantly impact their Speaking score. While you won’t find “hobbies” explicitly listed on the IELTS rubric, this topic frequently arises in Part 1 and, more importantly, dominates Part 2 with the infamous “Describe your hobby” cue card.
Why Talking About Hobbies Matters in the IELTS Speaking Test
The IELTS Speaking test assesses your fluency, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. Discussing hobbies allows you to showcase these skills in a natural, engaging way. Here’s why:
- Fluency and Coherence: Talking about something you enjoy helps you relax and speak more fluently. You’re likely to be more articulate and use a wider range of cohesive devices (linking words and phrases) naturally.
- Lexical Resource: Hobbies often come with their own set of specialized vocabulary. Discussing your interests allows you to demonstrate a broader range of words and phrases related to your hobbies.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Describing the steps involved in your hobby, explaining its history, or sharing anecdotes requires a variety of grammatical structures.
- Pronunciation: Enthusiasm shines through in your pronunciation! Talking about something you’re passionate about will likely make your intonation more engaging and natural.
Mastering the “Hobby Talk”: Tips for Success
1. Choose a Variety of Hobbies:
Don’t limit yourself to just one. Prepare to discuss 2-3 different hobbies, ensuring you have enough to say about each.
2. Go Beyond Basic Descriptions:
Instead of simply stating your hobby, delve deeper. Explain:
- Why you enjoy it: What makes it interesting or fulfilling for you?
- How you got started: Was it a childhood passion or something you discovered recently?
- Any challenges you’ve overcome: Did you have to learn a new skill or overcome an obstacle?
- Future goals related to your hobby: Do you aspire to take it to a higher level or use it to help others?
3. Use Vivid Language:
Instead of saying, “I like playing the guitar,” say, “I find playing the guitar incredibly therapeutic; it allows me to unwind and express myself creatively.”
4. Practice Makes Perfect:
Record yourself talking about your hobbies. This will help you identify areas for improvement in your fluency, vocabulary, and pronunciation.
Example: From Simple to Impressive
Simple: “My hobby is photography. I like taking pictures of nature.”
Nature Photography
Impressive: “I’m an avid amateur photographer with a particular passion for capturing the beauty of the natural world. I find the challenge of finding the perfect light and composition incredibly rewarding. My dream is to one day have my landscape photography featured in a National Geographic magazine.”
Hobbies are Your Secret Weapon
Don’t underestimate the power of hobbies in the IELTS Speaking test. By preparing and practicing how to talk about your interests effectively, you can significantly boost your score and impress the examiner with your fluency, vocabulary, and overall communication skills.