Free time and hobbies come up in some form in almost every test. What matters here is expressing feelings and reasons and talking about habits.
What the examiner asks on this topic
What do you like to do in your free time?
Have you picked up any new hobbies recently?
Did you have the same hobbies when you were a child?
Do you prefer spending your free time alone or with others?
Is there a hobby you would like to try in the future?
Do you think hobbies are important?
Model answers (aimed at band 7+)
What do you like to do in your free time?
I'm really into football, so most weekends I play with friends at a local pitch. When the weather's bad I tend to stay in and watch documentaries, mainly about history.
Have you picked up any new hobbies recently?
Yes, I've started cooking a bit more seriously. It began during exam season as a way to take a break from studying, and now I try a new recipe almost every week.
Did you have the same hobbies when you were a child?
Partly. I've always loved football, but as a kid I also spent hours drawing, which I hardly ever do now. I suppose I just ran out of time for it once school got busier.
Is there a hobby you would like to try in the future?
I'd like to try rock climbing. A friend of mine goes to an indoor climbing centre in Tashkent, and it looks like a great way to stay fit and challenge yourself at the same time.
Useful words and phrases
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| I'm really into... | I'm really into... |
| tend to | tend to |
| pick up a hobby | pick up a hobby |
| take a break from | take a break from |
| hardly ever | hardly ever |
| run out of time | run out of time |
| stay fit | stay fit |
| challenge yourself | challenge yourself |
How to answer
- Vary "I like": "I'm into", "I'm keen on", "I enjoy", "I'm a big fan of".
- For habits, use frequency phrases: "most weekends", "every now and then", "whenever I can".
- For childhood hobbies, "used to" works well: "I used to draw a lot".
- Add a reason: what the hobby gives you (rest, friends, health).
Practise this topic now
The AI examiner asks you these questions, listens to your answers and shows your mistakes.
Everything about Part 1: the Part 1 guide. More topics: all articles.
Practise this topic now
The AI examiner asks you these questions, listens to your answers and shows your mistakes.
