The topic "Talk about your hobby" is not only common in daily English conversations but also appears frequently in the IELTS Speaking test. So how can you make your answer stand out and score well? Let’s explore high-scoring ideas, phrases, and expressions with IDP.
1. Common IELTS Speaking Questions on the Topic “Talk About Your Hobby”
Hobbies cover a wide range of subtopics, such as reading, traveling, watching films, music, and sports. To respond effectively, you need to prepare ideas and vocabulary related to different interests.
Typical questions on hobbies:
Do you like [playing sports, reading books, listening to music]?
What kind of [sports, books, music] do you like?
How often do you [play sports, read books, listen to music]?
Why do you like [your hobby]?
Do you prefer [this] or [that]? (team sports or individual sports, etc.)
2. IELTS Speaking Part 2 – Sample Cue Card: Talk About Your Hobby
In IELTS Speaking Part 2, you will receive a cue card and have 1 minute to prepare your answer. Then, you need to speak for up to 2 minutes. The examiner may also ask 1–2 follow-up questions.
Sample topic: Talk about your hobby
You should say:
How long have you been doing it?
How often do you do it?
What benefits do you get from it?
And explain why you enjoy it
3. Suggested Outline for “Talk About Your Hobby”
For any IELTS Speaking topic, present based on your own experiences. You will easily score full marks when developing your speech based on genuine information and real life experiences. You can refer to the following ideas and vocabulary to help you score:
Introduction - How long have you been doing it: Traveling, When I have free time, When I have enough money.
How often do you do it:
Everytime summer holiday comes
Always choose a brand-new coastal city
What benefits do you get from it? And explain why you enjoy it?
Escape from stress and deadlines
Sense of comfort and refreshment
Different culture and costumes = valuable experience
Time for self-reflection = understand myself better, appreciate what I am having at the moment
Một dàn ý mẫu bạn có thể tham khảo đối với chủ đề Hobbies
4. IELTS Speaking Part 2 – Sample Answer: Talk About Your Hobby
Topic: Talk about your hobby
Sample answer:
One hobby that I’m really into is listening to music. It’s a popular activity that people enjoy worldwide. I’ve been listening to music for more than 20 years, since I was in kindergarten. I still remember vividly when my junior teacher played a song by Kaithy, a well-known Vietnamese singer admired by many children over the past three decades.
I enjoy various music genres depending on the occasion. I usually listen to jazz or instrumental soul music when I’m working or trying to fall asleep. Fortunately, my workplace often plays jazz music to boost focus and productivity, which makes it feel more like a cozy coffee shop than a corporate office. This type of music helps people who practice meditation or want to improve their concentration thanks to its pleasant melodies.
When I feel heartbroken or stressed, I tend to listen to emotional ballads. They have a psychological healing effect and help me cope with anxiety or mild depression. Some of my friends enjoy rock music with strong beats, often played at bars or concerts, but I honestly cannot stand it.
I believe music offers endless benefits, especially for mental health, and everyone has a preferred genre that suits their personality.
Band-boosting vocabulary:
interested in
music genres
boost focus and productivity
do meditation
improve concentration
find inner peace
overcome mental disorders
sleep deprivation
stressed out
recover from anxiety and depression
could not stand it
go-to (favorite)
5. IELTS Speaking Part 3 – Sample Answers for “Talk About Your Hobby”
Question: Do you think it’s important for people to have hobbies?
Answer: Absolutely. I believe hobbies are an indispensable part of our lives. Imagine being surrounded only by work or study – you would eventually feel burned out. Hobbies help you achieve a better work-life balance and allow you to connect with others who share similar interests.
Key phrases:
indispensable part
burned out
work-life balance
Question: Can hobbies have any negative effects?
Answer: Well, it depends on the type of hobby. Healthy hobbies like reading or playing sports are obviously beneficial, helping people expand their knowledge and stay in shape. But unhealthy hobbies, such as doom scrolling or binge-eating fast food, waste time and lead to health issues like obesity, mental fatigue, and procrastination.
Key phrases:
broaden horizons
doom scrolling
obesity
procrastination
Question: Do men and women usually have different hobbies?
Answer: Yes, there are some subtle differences. Men often prefer physical activities like going to the gym or playing sports, which help improve their physical appearance. Women, on the other hand, may enjoy creative or practical hobbies like cooking, painting, or crafting.
Key phrases:
hit the gym
culinary skills
6. Vocabulary for the Topic “Talk About Your Hobby”
Whether you are preparing for the IELTS Academic or General Training test, having a rich vocabulary on various topics can help you achieve a high score.
Common hobby vocabulary:
Word / Phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
Baking | making cakes and pastries | I am baking a birthday cake for Alex |
Carpentry | wood crafting | I can do basic carpentry and repairs |
Collect | collecting items | Stamp collecting was his childhood passion |
Gardening | planting and maintaining a garden | Gardening helps me relax after work |
Photography | taking pictures | Photography is a great creative outlet |
Knitting | making fabric with yarn | Knitting helps me stay calm during winter |
Playing musical instruments | playing music | He plays several musical instruments fluently |
Travelling | exploring places | Travelling helps me learn about new cultures |
Playing sports | participating in sports | I have been playing sports since childhood |
Pottery | making ceramic items | I have recently started taking pottery classes |
Vocabulary for benefits of hobbies:
Word / Phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
Amusement | entertainment | Her eyes sparkled with amusement |
Clear head | mental clarity | A walk helps me keep a clear head |
Creativity | imagination and innovation | Art encourages creativity in children |
Explore talents | discover abilities | Volunteering helps explore your talents |
Relieve stress | reduce pressure | Music is a good way to relieve stress |
Self-expression | expressing personality | Fashion is a form of self-expression |
Learn new skills | acquire abilities | Hobbies allow you to learn new skills |
Improved mood | better emotional state | Hobbies often lead to improved mood |
7. Grammar Structures for Talking About Hobbies
My favorite hobby is [hobby] Example: My favorite hobby is coin collection.
I’m really into [hobby] Example: I’m really into painting.
I’ve been interested in [hobby] since [time] Example: I’ve been interested in photography since high school.
[Hobby] has become a big part of my life Example: Writing has become a big part of my life.
In my free time, I love [activity related to hobby] Example: In my free time, I love baking.
Master the Topic “Talk About Your Hobby” with IDP
With ideas, vocabulary, and grammar structures specific to the topic “Talk about your hobby”, you can confidently deliver a high-scoring response in the IELTS Speaking test. Explore IDP’s free IELTS preparation materials, tailored to your level and learning goals.
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