As an IELTS examiner, I’ve observed that describing a person who excels in their hobby is a common topic in the Speaking test. This article will provide you with valuable insights and strategies to excel in this task, helping you achieve a high band score.
Understanding the Task
When asked to describe someone who is very good at their hobby, examiners are looking for your ability to:
- Use descriptive language
- Organize your thoughts coherently
- Employ a range of vocabulary and grammatical structures
- Speak fluently and coherently
Let’s break down each part of the IELTS Speaking test and explore how to tackle this topic effectively.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, you might be asked general questions about hobbies. Here are some possible questions and sample answers:
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“Do you have any hobbies?”
Sample answer: “Absolutely. I’m quite passionate about photography. I find it incredibly rewarding to capture special moments and create visual stories through my lens.”
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“How important are hobbies in people’s lives?”
Sample answer: “I believe hobbies play a crucial role in people’s lives. They provide a much-needed outlet for creativity and self-expression, and can be a great way to alleviate stress and achieve work-life balance.”
IELTS Speaking Hobby
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Here’s a sample cue card related to describing a person who is very good at their hobby:
Describe a person who is very good at their hobby.
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What their hobby is
- How you know about their hobby
- And explain why you think they are good at it
Sample answer:
“I’d like to talk about my friend Sarah, who is exceptionally skilled at playing the piano. Sarah and I have been friends since high school, and I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing her musical journey over the years.
Sarah’s hobby, or rather her passion, is playing the piano. She started learning when she was just five years old and has been honing her skills ever since. I first discovered her talent during a school talent show where she delivered a mesmerizing performance that left the entire audience in awe.
What makes Sarah stand out in her hobby is her unwavering dedication and the sheer amount of time she invests in practicing. She spends at least two hours every day at the piano, perfecting her technique and learning new pieces. Her commitment is truly admirable.
Moreover, Sarah has an innate ability to connect with the music emotionally. When she plays, you can feel the passion radiating from her. Her interpretations are nuanced and heartfelt, bringing even the most complex compositions to life.
I believe Sarah excels at playing the piano because she combines natural talent with relentless hard work. She’s not content with just being good; she constantly pushes herself to improve. She attends masterclasses, participates in competitions, and even teaches younger students, which I think further enhances her own skills.
In conclusion, Sarah’s exceptional piano skills are a testament to her passion, dedication, and innate musical ability. Her hobby has become an integral part of her identity, and it’s truly inspiring to see someone so devoted to their craft.”
Possible follow-up questions:
- “How has Sarah’s hobby influenced her life?”
- “Do you think hobbies can turn into careers?”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to hobbies. Here are some examples with sample answers:
Q: “Do you think people’s hobbies reflect their personalities?”
A: “Absolutely. I believe hobbies can be a window into someone’s character. For instance, people who enjoy high-adrenaline sports like skydiving or rock climbing often have adventurous and risk-taking personalities. On the other hand, those who prefer introspective hobbies like reading or painting might be more contemplative and creative. However, it’s important not to overgeneralize, as people are complex and multifaceted. Hobbies can also be a way for individuals to express different aspects of their personalities that might not be apparent in their daily lives.”
Q: “How do hobbies contribute to personal development?”
A: “Hobbies play a crucial role in personal development. Firstly, they provide opportunities for continuous learning and skill acquisition. Whether it’s learning a new language or mastering a musical instrument, hobbies keep our minds active and foster cognitive growth. Secondly, hobbies can boost self-esteem and confidence as we see ourselves improving and achieving goals. They also offer a sense of purpose and fulfillment outside of work or academic life. Moreover, many hobbies involve social interaction, helping to develop interpersonal skills and build relationships. Lastly, hobbies can be excellent stress-relievers, contributing to better mental health and overall well-being.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
To achieve a high band score, use a range of advanced vocabulary and phrases. Here are some examples:
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Passionate about (adjective): Having strong feelings or enthusiasm for something
Example: He’s passionate about classical music. -
Hone one’s skills (phrase): To improve or perfect a skill
Example: She spends hours every day honing her painting skills. -
Innate ability (noun phrase): A natural talent or skill
Example: He has an innate ability for mathematics. -
Mesmerizing performance (noun phrase): A captivating or spellbinding show
Example: The dancer gave a mesmerizing performance that left the audience speechless. -
Unwavering dedication (noun phrase): Constant and steady commitment
Example: Her unwavering dedication to her craft is truly admirable.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a person who is very good at their hobby:
- Use a variety of descriptive adjectives and adverbs to make your description vivid and engaging.
- Incorporate personal anecdotes or examples to support your points.
- Practice speaking about different hobbies to expand your vocabulary in this area.
- Focus on fluency and coherence by organizing your thoughts logically.
- Use a range of grammatical structures to demonstrate your language proficiency.
Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is practice. The more you familiarize yourself with different topics and practice expressing your thoughts clearly and coherently, the better you’ll perform on test day.
For more IELTS Speaking tips, check out our guides on how to describe a time you learned something new and describing a situation when you felt proud of yourself.
