As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I often get asked about the “hobbies” question in the IELTS Speaking test. Many students wonder why it’s important and how to answer it effectively. Let’s break down why “your hobbies” matter in IELTS Speaking and how you can discuss them to achieve a higher band score.
Why Does the Examiner Ask About Your Hobbies?
It might seem surprising that the examiner wants to know about your free-time activities. After all, you’re here to prove your English skills, not your knitting prowess! However, this question serves several purposes:
- Fluency and Coherence: Talking about something familiar like hobbies allows you to speak more naturally and fluently. The examiner can assess your ability to connect ideas and form coherent sentences.
- Vocabulary Range: Discussing your hobbies enables you to showcase vocabulary related to your interests. This demonstrates your ability to use a wider range of words beyond general English.
- Grammar and Accuracy: Similar to vocabulary, using a variety of grammatical structures while discussing a familiar topic helps you demonstrate your control of English grammar.
- Personality and Communication: Talking about your passions gives the examiner a glimpse into your personality and what interests you. It allows for more engaging and natural communication.
How to Talk About Your Hobbies in the IELTS Speaking Test
Here are some tips to effectively discuss your hobbies:
- Be Specific: Avoid generic answers like “I like music.” Instead, be specific. Do you play an instrument? What genre do you enjoy? Where do you listen to music?
- Explain Why: Don’t just state your hobbies; explain why you enjoy them. What is it about these activities that interests you? This adds depth to your answer and showcases your ability to articulate your thoughts.
- Use Examples: Support your points with examples. If you enjoy reading, mention a favorite author or genre. If you love cooking, share a dish you like to make.
- Connect to Other Topics: The examiner might ask follow-up questions related to your hobbies, potentially linking them to other topics. Be prepared to draw connections and elaborate.
ielts-speaking-test-example|ielts speaking test example|An image of a person taking the IELTS speaking test. They are sitting in a chair in front of an examiner and speaking into a microphone.
Example from an IELTS Speaking Test:
Examiner: “What do you like to do in your free time?”
Candidate: “Well, I’m quite passionate about photography. I find it to be a wonderful way to express my creativity. I especially enjoy landscape photography, capturing the beauty of nature. In fact, just last month, I went hiking in the mountains and took some stunning photos of the sunrise over the peaks.”
In this example, the candidate:
- Provides a specific hobby: Photography
- Explains their interest: Creative expression, enjoying nature
- Gives an example: Hiking and photographing the sunrise
Tips for Success:
- Practice Talking About Your Hobbies: Rehearse answering questions about your interests using the tips mentioned above.
- Use Varied Vocabulary and Grammar: Challenge yourself to incorporate new words and grammatical structures related to your hobbies.
- Be Enthusiastic: Let your passion shine through! Speaking about something you genuinely enjoy will make your responses sound more natural and engaging.
Remember, the IELTS Speaking test is about demonstrating your communication skills in English. Talking about your hobbies provides a valuable opportunity to do just that. By being prepared, specific, and engaging, you can turn this seemingly simple question into an opportunity to showcase your English proficiency and achieve your desired band score.