IELTS Speaking Topic: Hobbies - Part 1, 2, 3 Vocabulary and Sample Answers

In the IELTS Speaking test, the questions often revolve around familiar topics in life such as Family, Work, Study, Hobbies... Surely, you have all encountered the topic Hobbies at least once in sample exercises, even in the test. Although Hobbies is a fairly simple topic, you still need to be well prepared, apply diverse vocabulary and grammar to impress the examiners.

This article will help you supplement your vocabulary and sentence structures to score points in the Hobbies topic of the IELTS Speaking test. At the same time, you can refer to more available questions and sample answers to organize your ideas when doing the test.

Hobbies is a common topic in the IELTS Speaking test, often appearing in various parts of the exam. It may involve sub-topics like traveling, sports, cooking, music, or films. To perform well, you should prepare vocabulary for different types of hobbies that can be applied to any question.

Common questions:

• What hobbies do you enjoy?

• What do you like to do in your free time?

• Has your favorite hobby changed since childhood?

• Why do you enjoy these activities?

• Do you prefer team sports or individual sports?

Question: Do you have any hobbies?

Yes, I do. Watching movies has always been one of my favorite pastimes. Right now, I’m binge-watching a Netflix show called Bojack Horseman. It’s entertaining, and I plan to finish the last season this weekend.

High-scoring Vocabulary: Recreational activity, Pastimes, Binge-watching

Question: Is it important to have a hobby?

Yes, especially in today’s hectic lifestyle. People often struggle financially and emotionally, so having a hobby can help relieve stress and bring joy.

Vocabulary: Hectic lifestyle, Struggling financially, Lead a standard life

Question: What kind of hobbies are harmful?

Unhealthy hobbies like doom scrolling or overeating fast food. Constant exposure to idealized images on social media can cause envy and distorted self-image.

Vocabulary: Consuming, Exposed to, Distorted images

Cue Card: Describe a hobby you enjoy

Example: Listening to music

I listen to different genres depending on the mood. Jazz and soul without lyrics help me concentrate at work. My company even plays jazz to boost productivity. I also enjoy sad songs when I’m stressed. Music has psychological healing powers and helps me find inner peace.

Vocabulary: Music genres, Boost productivity, Improve concentration, Inner peace, Mental disorders, Sleep deprivation, Recover from anxiety

Example: Traveling

Traveling is a passion I inherited from my mom. I love both family and solo trips. Da Lat is our favorite place for family vacations. I also enjoy off-the-beaten-track adventures with friends. Traveling helps me unwind, relieve stress, and expand my social circle.

Vocabulary: Pops up in my mind, Inherited, Tourist attractions, Mild weather, Hectic schedule, Unwind, Life maxim, Broaden my horizons

Question: Do men and women have different hobbies?

Generally, yes. Men prefer extreme sports while women enjoy less intense activities. Physical condition plays a role, but there are exceptions.

Vocabulary: Preferences, Extreme sports, Sedentary, Handicrafts, Physical condition

Question: Can hobbies have negative effects?

Yes. Healthy hobbies are beneficial, but harmful ones like doom scrolling or fast food addiction can cause physical and mental issues.

Vocabulary: Broaden horizons, Doom scrolling, Obesity, Procrastination

Question: Why do some people become obsessed with hobbies?

People show ambition and determination in their hobbies. Hobbies also become competitive, giving people a sense of achievement.

Vocabulary: Effort, Indulge, Intriguing, Satisfaction, Overcome limits

• Birdwatching

• Learn foreign languages

• Play video games

• Explore new cultures

• Enjoy local specialties

• Walk the dog

• Collect stamps

• Photography

Intro phrases:

• In my free time, I...

• I relax by + V-ing

• I’m keen on/fond of/love + V-ing

• I spend most of my time...

• When I get the time, I...

Positive phrases:

• Be keen on

• Be crazy about

• Have a passion for

• Be a big fan of

• Be an avid + noun

Negative phrases:

• Not my kind of thing

• Can’t stand + V-ing

• A waste of time

Frequency phrases:

• On a daily basis

• Nine times out of ten

• Once in a while

• Rarely

• Never

Other related expressions:

• Keep fit / Be in shape

• Relax after work

• Have a balanced life

• Learn life lessons

• Develop a sense of competition

• Explore new culture

• Spend quality time with family

• Reach full potential

• Heal my soul

• Be attached to something

• Engage in something

• Be addicted to something

• Get on one’s hobby horse

• Paint the town red

• Have a whale of a time

• The time of your life

• Let your hair down

Ready to Ace the Hobbies Topic in IELTS

Hopefully, this guide has helped you boost your vocabulary and confidence for the Hobbies topic in IELTS Speaking. Continue practicing with sample questions and use IDP’s IELTS Prepare resources to reach your target score.

When you're ready, register for your IELTS test with IDP and take the next step in your journey!