Hobbies & Free Time Topic
Part 1 Questions
Short, personal questions. Answer directly, then add one extra sentence to extend your answer naturally.
1. What do you like to do in your free time?
"I really enjoy reading and going for long walks, and I have recently gotten into photography as well."
2. Have your hobbies changed since you were a child?
"Definitely. As a child, I mostly played sports, whereas now I prefer calmer, more solitary activities like reading or painting."
3. Do you prefer indoor or outdoor hobbies?
"I would say a mix of both, though I probably lean slightly towards outdoor activities, especially when the weather is nice."
4. Do you have enough free time?
"Not always, to be honest. Work keeps me fairly busy, so I really have to make an effort to set time aside for hobbies."
5. Is it important to have a hobby?
"I think so, yes. It gives you something to look forward to outside of work, and it is a great way to relax and recharge."
6. Do you do any hobbies with other people, or alone?
"A bit of both - reading and photography I usually do alone, but I play badminton with friends once a week."
Part 2 Cue Card
You get 1 minute to prepare, then speak for up to 2 minutes.
Describe a hobby you enjoy
You should say:
- What the hobby is
- How you started doing it
- How often you do it
- And explain why you enjoy it
Full model answer
I'd like to talk about photography, which has become one of my favourite hobbies over the past couple of years.
It's fairly simple to explain - I take photos, mostly of landscapes and street scenes, using a camera my brother gave me as a gift. I actually started almost by accident. I borrowed his old camera for a weekend trip because my phone storage was full, and I ended up completely hooked after seeing how different the photos looked compared to what I usually captured on my phone.
At the moment, I try to go out shooting at least once a week, usually early in the morning or just before sunset, since the lighting tends to be much better at those times. On busier weeks, I might only manage to pick up the camera once, but I always try to make time for it, even if it's just a short walk around my neighbourhood.
The reason I enjoy it so much is partly the creative side of it - deciding on composition, lighting, and angles feels genuinely satisfying, almost like solving a small puzzle each time. But it's also become a good excuse to slow down. When I'm out taking photos, I'm not checking my phone or thinking about work, I'm just paying attention to what's around me, which I've found surprisingly relaxing. It has honestly changed the way I notice things, even on an ordinary walk, I now pay attention to little details I would have completely ignored before.
Part 3 Discussion
Deeper, more abstract questions. Give your opinion and explain your reasoning with an example.
1. Why do you think people's hobbies change as they get older?
I think it largely comes down to changing priorities and energy levels. Children and teenagers often gravitate towards more physical or social activities, whereas adults, who typically have less free time and more responsibilities, tend to prefer hobbies that are relaxing or that fit more easily into a busy schedule.
2. Are hobbies more important for children or adults?
I would say they are important for both, but for slightly different reasons. For children, hobbies help develop skills, creativity, and social interaction. For adults, they are often more about stress relief and maintaining a sense of identity outside of work, which is just as valuable in its own way.
3. How has technology changed the way people spend their free time?
Quite dramatically, really. A lot of leisure time now revolves around screens - streaming, gaming, and social media - which has, in some ways, reduced the amount of time people spend on more traditional, hands-on hobbies. At the same time, technology has also made it easier to learn new skills or connect with communities who share similar interests.
4. Do you think it is important to try new hobbies throughout life?
Yes, I genuinely think so. Trying new things keeps life interesting and can introduce people to skills or communities they would never have discovered otherwise. It also helps prevent people from getting stuck in a routine, which I think is especially important as people get older.
5. Should schools encourage students to have hobbies outside of academic subjects?
Definitely. Hobbies help develop creativity, discipline, and social skills that pure academic study often does not, and they give students a healthy outlet for stress. A good education really should be about more than exam results alone.
6. What are the benefits of having a hobby that is different from your job?
It gives your brain a genuine break from work-related thinking, which helps prevent burnout. It can also make you a more well-rounded person, and honestly, having something you are good at outside of your career can be really good for your confidence and overall wellbeing.
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