6. Hobbies

Hobbies

List of most common hobbies: 

  1. Reading
  2. Watching TV
  3. Going to Movies
  4. Fishing
  5. Computer games
  6. Gardening
  7. Renting Movies
  8. Walking
  9. Gym
  10. Listening to Music
  11. Hunting
  12. Team Sports
  13. Shopping
  14. Traveling
  15. Sewing
  16. Golf
  17. Playing Music
  18. Crafts
  19. Watching Sports
  20. Bicycling
  21. Playing Cards
  22. Hiking
  23. Cooking
  24. Eating Out
  25. Swimming
  26. Camping
  27. Skiing
  28. Working on Cars
  29. Writing
  30. Boating
  31. Motorcycling
  32. Animal Care
  33. Bowling
  34. Painting
  35. Running
  36. Dancing
  37. Theater
  38. Beach
  39. Volunteer Work


Questions you can ask

What do you like doing?
What sort of hobbies do you have?

How to reply

In my free time I…
When I have some spare time I…
When I get the time, I…
I relax by watching TV / listening to music, etc.
My hobbies are bird-watching / playing sport, etc.

I’m interested in 
I’m keen on 
I’m into
I enjoy 

You can add “really” or “quite” after “I’m…” for emphasis.
“I’m really keen on football.”
“I’m really into geneaology.”

Talking about hobbies in more detail

You can give more information about your hobbies and interests:

“I like arts and crafts. I’m a creative / practical person, and like doing things with my hands.”

“I’m an outgoing person, and like socialising / hanging out with friends.”

“I enjoy being physically active, and spend a lot of time playing sports and team games.”

Saying why you like your hobby

You can also explain why you spend time on your hobby to make the conversation longer and more interesting.

“I really enjoy going to the gym because…”

…it keeps me fit.
…it gets me out of the house.
…it’s sociable. I’ve met lots of new people.
…it gives me something interesting to do with my time.
…it’s not very expensive, and anyone can do it!

“My hobbies are all creative…”

… I’ve always enjoyed painting and drawing.
… Because my job is technical, it’s good to spend time doing something completely different.
… I enjoy spending time making things like clothes.

More words that you can use to describe your hobbies:

creative
fascinating
practical
cheap
enjoyable
relaxing
different
unusual

 

Exercise

- Write about your hobby
- Answer at least these questions

1. What is your hobby?

My hobby is / I like to / When I have spare time, I


2. How often do you do your hobby?

I play computer every day / I go to gym four times a week

3. Why do you like your hobby?

Use some of the words:

creative
fascinating
practical
cheap
enjoyable
relaxing
different
unusual

I love to read because it is very relaxing / I like to run because it is very cheap hobby / I find computer games very fascinating.

Conversation

  • Which hobbies are the most expensive?
  • Which hobbies are the cheapest?
  • Which hobbies cost nothing at all?
  • Which hobbies are the most popular with women in your country? With men?
  • Did you have any hobbies when you were a child?
  • Are there any hobbies you would like to try?

Listening

1. Gym A

has lots of

a) activities in the evenings

b) a few different activities at different times

c) lots of activities at different times of day .

2. Gym A

a) moved into a new building

b) built a sauna

c) opened ten years ago.

3. In gym A, you can have a massage at a

a) reasonable price 

b) free if you are a member

c) if you book in advance


4. You can borrow

a) towels and yoga mats from the gym.

b) towels from the gym.

c) yoga mats from the gym.


5. Gym B can give you advice about

a) training, lifestyle and diet 

b) sports injuries and diet 

c) how to become a professional athlete .


6. In the main gym, you must

a) use a towel

b) wear trainers 

c) take a bottle of water .


7. The lifeguard can also give you some tips to

a) improve your swimming

b) demonstrate the best way to swim

c) give you swimming lessons .

8. The timetable for the classes is available
a) online 

b) in a brochure

c) on the noticeboard .