Questions - Hobbies
Answer the questions:
- In your opinion, what is a hobby?
- Do you think a hobby is different from a sport?
- Do you have a hobby? How long have you had this hobby?
- Why did you start your hobby?
- How many hours a week do you spend on your hobby?
- Does your hobby interfere with your work/study/personal life?
- Do you spend money on your hobby? Is it too much?
- Can you make money from doing your hobby? Does your hobby produce anything useful, usable, or beneficial?
- Do you do any hobbies with your family members?
- Have you ever tried to collect anything? What kinds of things do people usually collect?
- Are your hobbies different compared to 5 years ago? In what way?
- Have you ever tried a hobby but stopped doing it because it was boring?
- Are there any hobbies you would like to take up in the future?
- What hobbies do you think you will be doing in 10 years?
- Are there any hobbies you can do in other countries, but not your own?
- How would your hobbies be different if you were rich?
- Do you know anyone who has a strange hobby? What is it?
- Why do people have hobbies?
- Can the hobbies we have be influenced by our friends?
- Do children need hobbies?
- Can a hobby save a child from bad peer influence?
- Which hobbies do you think are the most difficult?
- Can you think of any hobbies which are popular with children and adults?
- Are there any hobbies that you feel are a waste of time?
- What kinds of hobbies would you like your child to do?
Example answers (Ielts vocab):
1. In your opinion, what is a hobby?
A hobby is an activity people engage in during their free time to relax or develop new skills. It’s a way to take a break from the daily grind and do something enjoyable.
Phrasal verbs/idioms:
- engage in – to participate in or become involved in something.
- take a break – to pause from work or a routine activity.
- daily grind – repetitive, monotonous daily work or tasks.
Advanced words:
- activity, develop, enjoyable.
2. Do you think a hobby is different from a sport?
Yes, I think hobbies are more about personal enjoyment and relaxation, while sports are often competitive and require physical effort. That being said, some activities like yoga can be both a hobby and a form of exercise.
Phrasal verbs/idioms:
- that being said – used to introduce a contrasting idea.
- require physical effort – need energy to do something.
Advanced words:
- personal enjoyment, competitive, relaxation.
3. Do you have a hobby? How long have you had this hobby?
Yes, I’ve been into painting for about three years. It’s a calming activity that lets me express my creativity and unwind after a stressful day.
Phrasal verbs/idioms:
- be into – to be interested in or passionate about something.
- unwind – to relax after stress or tension.
Advanced words:
- express creativity, calming, stressful.
4. Why did you start your hobby?
I started painting because I wanted to explore my artistic side. It gave me a sense of accomplishment whenever I finished a piece, and it helped me discover a talent I didn’t know I had.
Phrasal verbs/idioms:
- explore my artistic side – to discover or develop one’s creative abilities.
- a sense of accomplishment – a feeling of pride after achieving something.
- finish a piece – complete a work of art.
- artistic, accomplishment, discover.
5. How many hours a week do you spend on your hobby?
I usually spend about five hours a week on painting, but it varies depending on how busy I am. When I have more free time, I can easily lose track of time and paint for hours.
Phrasal verbs/idioms:
- lose track of time – to become so absorbed in something that you forget the time.
- depending on – influenced by certain factors.
Advanced words:
- varies, absorbed, free time.
6. Does your hobby interfere with your work/study/personal life?
Not at all. My hobby is more like an escape from daily stress. It helps me recharge and stay focused when I go back to work.
Phrasal verbs/idioms:
- interfere with – to disrupt or prevent something from working properly.
- escape from stress – a way to avoid or relieve tension.
- recharge – to regain energy or motivation.
Advanced words:
- focused, disrupt, motivation.
7. Do you spend money on your hobby? Is it too much?
Yes, I do spend money on paints and canvases, but I wouldn’t say it’s too much. I see it as an investment in my personal growth and happiness.
Phrasal verbs/idioms:
- spend money on – to use money to buy something.
- an investment in – putting resources into something for future benefits.
Advanced words:
- canvases, personal growth, happiness.
8. Can you make money from doing your hobby? Does your hobby produce anything useful, usable, or beneficial?
Yes, it’s possible to sell paintings or even teach art classes. My hobby produces beautiful artwork that can brighten someone’s home, which is both useful and satisfying.
Phrasal verbs/idioms:
- make money from – to earn income through something.
- brighten someone’s home – to make a place more attractive or lively.
Advanced words:
- beneficial, satisfying, artwork.
9. Do you do any hobbies with your family members?
Yes, my sister and I sometimes bake together. It’s a fun way to bond and create delicious treats for everyone to enjoy.
Phrasal verbs/idioms:
- bond – to develop a close relationship.
- create delicious treats – make tasty desserts or snacks.
Advanced words:
- family members, enjoy, delicious.
10. Have you ever tried to collect anything? What kinds of things do people usually collect?
I used to collect coins as a child. People often collect stamps, postcards, or even rare books because it gives them a sense of nostalgia and achievement.
Phrasal verbs/idioms:
- used to – indicates a past habit or activity.
- gives them a sense of – provides a feeling or experience of something.
Advanced words:
- nostalgia, achievement, rare.
11. Are your hobbies different compared to 5 years ago? In what way?
Yes, my hobbies have changed significantly. Five years ago, I was really into video games, but now I prefer outdoor activities like hiking and photography. I feel these hobbies are more fulfilling and help me stay active.
Phrasal verbs/idioms:
- be into – to be interested in something.
- stay active – to keep yourself physically engaged.
- fulfilling – bringing satisfaction or happiness.
Advanced words:
- significantly, prefer, photography.
12. Have you ever tried a hobby but stopped doing it because it was boring?
Yes, I once tried knitting, but I gave it up after a few weeks. I found it too repetitive and not exciting enough to keep my interest.
Phrasal verbs/idioms:
- give up – to stop doing something.
- keep my interest – maintain engagement in something.
Advanced words:
- repetitive, exciting, interest.
13. Are there any hobbies you would like to take up in the future?
I’d like to take up learning a musical instrument, like the guitar. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do because it seems both challenging and rewarding.
Phrasal verbs/idioms:
- take up – to start a new activity.
- rewarding – providing satisfaction or a sense of accomplishment.
Advanced words:
- challenging, musical instrument, accomplishment.
14. What hobbies do you think you will be doing in 10 years?
In 10 years, I hope to continue photography and perhaps start gardening. These hobbies will allow me to stay creative and connected to nature.
Phrasal verbs/idioms:
- stay creative – maintain a sense of creativity.
- connected to nature – feel a bond with the natural environment.
Advanced words:
- photography, gardening, creative.
15. Are there any hobbies you can do in other countries, but not your own?
Yes, some hobbies like surfing or skiing depend on the geography and climate of the country. For example, surfing is more common in coastal regions, while skiing requires snowy mountains.
Phrasal verbs/idioms:
- depend on – be influenced or determined by something.
- coastal regions – areas near the sea.
Advanced words:
- geography, climate, require.
16. How would your hobbies be different if you were rich?
If I were rich, I’d probably take up more expensive hobbies like traveling the world, collecting art, or learning to pilot a plane. Financial freedom would let me explore interests that are currently out of reach.
Phrasal verbs/idioms:
- take up – to start a new activity.
- out of reach – something not possible to achieve at the moment.
- financial freedom – having enough money to do what you want without worry.
Advanced words:
- expensive, explore, currently.
17. Do you know anyone who has a strange hobby? What is it?
Yes, a friend of mine collects vintage typewriters. I think it’s unusual but fascinating because each typewriter has a unique history and design.
Phrasal verbs/idioms:
- collects – to gather or keep items.
- fascinating – extremely interesting or captivating.
Advanced words:
- vintage, unique, history.
18. Why do people have hobbies?
People have hobbies to relax, express themselves, or even challenge their abilities. Hobbies provide a sense of purpose and make life more enjoyable.
Phrasal verbs/idioms:
- express themselves – to show their feelings, thoughts, or personality.
- sense of purpose – feeling that something is meaningful.
Advanced words:
- challenge, abilities, enjoyable.
19. Can the hobbies we have be influenced by our friends?
Absolutely. Friends often introduce us to new activities, and their enthusiasm can inspire us to try them out. Peer influence plays a significant role in shaping our interests.
Phrasal verbs/idioms:
- try out – to test or attempt something.
- peer influence – the effect that people of the same age or group have on someone.
Advanced words:
- enthusiasm, inspire, shaping.
20. Do children need hobbies?
Yes, hobbies are essential for children because they help them develop skills, stay productive, and build confidence. They also offer a constructive way to spend their free time.
Phrasal verbs/idioms:
- stay productive – remain actively engaged in useful activities.
- build confidence – increase self-esteem or belief in one’s abilities.
- constructive – having a positive effect.
Advanced words:
- essential, confidence, productive.
21. Can a hobby save a child from bad peer influence?
Yes, a good hobby can keep a child focused and away from negative influences. It gives them a positive outlet for their energy and helps them build a supportive social circle.
Phrasal verbs/idioms:
- keep someone focused – help someone concentrate on something.
- positive outlet – a way to release energy in a healthy manner.
- social circle – a group of friends or acquaintances.
Advanced words:
- influences, supportive, energy.
22. Which hobbies do you think are the most difficult?
I think hobbies like learning a musical instrument or mastering a foreign language are the most challenging because they require dedication, patience, and consistent practice.
Phrasal verbs/idioms:
- mastering – becoming highly skilled at something.
- require dedication – need strong commitment.
- consistent practice – regular effort over time.
Advanced words:
- challenging, dedication, patience.
23. Can you think of any hobbies which are popular with children and adults?
Drawing, playing board games, and cycling are hobbies that appeal to both children and adults. They’re enjoyable for all ages and can even bring families closer together.
Phrasal verbs/idioms:
- appeal to – attract or interest.
- bring families closer together – improve family relationships.
Advanced words:
- popular, enjoyable, relationships.
24. Are there any hobbies that you feel are a waste of time?
Some people might think gaming is a waste of time, but I believe it depends on how it’s done. If it’s excessive and unproductive, it might be, but it can also improve skills like problem-solving and teamwork.
Phrasal verbs/idioms:
- a waste of time – not a good use of time.
- improve skills – make abilities better.
- problem-solving – finding solutions to challenges.
Advanced words:
- excessive, unproductive, teamwork.
25. What kinds of hobbies would you like your child to do?
I’d encourage my child to pick up hobbies that are both fun and educational, like playing chess, learning to code, or joining a sports team. These activities promote critical thinking, discipline, and teamwork.
Phrasal verbs/idioms:
- pick up – start or learn something new.
- promote critical thinking – encourage analytical skills.
Advanced words:
- educational, discipline, analytical.
