You should answer the following main questions:
- What is the hobby or activity you enjoy?
- How did you become interested in this hobby or activity?
- Why do you like and enjoy this hobby or activity?
- Can you describe any memorable experiences or achievements related to this hobby or activity?
Describe a Hobby or Activity You Enjoy- Photography
Introduction:
One of my favorite hobbies is photography. Capturing moments and scenes through the lens of a camera brings me immense joy and allows me to express my creativity in a unique way.
Passion for Photography:
Photography, an art form that I have fervently embraced, has become an integral part of my daily existence. The way it allows me to encapsulate fleeting moments and crystallise emotions is truly captivating.
Origins of Interest:
My fascination with photography germinated during my adolescent years when I received an old film camera as a gift. Capturing the world around me through its lens opened up a new realm of creativity and introspection, igniting a lifelong passion.
Intricacies of Enjoyment:
The profound sense of joy and contentment I derive from photography is unparalleled. The act of framing a scene, adjusting aperture and shutter speed, and ultimately immortalising that instance in a photograph is a deeply satisfying endeavour that transcends mere hobby.
Aesthetic and Emotional Appeal:
What particularly enthrals me is photography’s ability to blend aesthetics with emotions. Each photograph becomes a visual narrative, a timeless portal that transports me back to the very instant it was taken, evoking feelings that words often fail to express.
Evolution and Achievement:
Over the years, my proficiency in photography has evolved from novice to adept. I’ve had the privilege of having my work exhibited in local galleries, which has not only boosted my self-assurance but also fostered a deep-seated commitment to refining my craft.
Photography as a Medium of Connection:
Photography, for me, transcends personal enjoyment; it’s a bridge that connects me with people, cultures, and experiences. I’ve been fortunate enough to capture diverse moments – from candid street scenes to breathtaking landscapes – each frame a testament to the universal language of imagery.
Culmination of Efforts:
One of the most gratifying experiences was capturing a bustling street market during a trip abroad. The vibrant colours, animated expressions, and interplay of light and shadow culminated in an image that not only encapsulated the essence of that locale but also garnered recognition in a renowned photography competition.
Imparting Wisdom:
Through my journey in photography, I’ve learned that patience is paramount – waiting for the perfect lighting, the decisive moment, or the optimal composition. This lesson extends beyond photography, reminding me to approach life with a patient and discerning eye.
Conclusion:
In summation, photography is my sanctuary of creativity and contemplation. It’s more than an avocation; it’s a ceaseless journey of self-expression, discovery, and connection. As I traverse life’s intricate tapestry, photography remains my steadfast companion, capturing the beauty and intricacies that might otherwise elude the hurried eye.
Follow-Up Questions
What advice would you give to someone interested in pursuing photography?
I would encourage aspiring photographers to immerse themselves in the art form, learn from various sources, experiment with different techniques, and allow their unique perspective to shine through their work.
How do you handle challenging lighting conditions in photography?
Dealing with challenging lighting involves understanding your camera’s settings, using appropriate accessories like reflectors or diffusers, and experimenting with post-processing techniques to enhance or manipulate the lighting.
What impact has photography had on your perception of the world?
Photography has heightened my awareness of the world’s intricate details and subtleties. It has taught me to pause, observe, and appreciate the beauty that often goes unnoticed in our fast-paced lives.
Can you elaborate on the role of post-processing in photography?
Post-processing is akin to fine-tuning a musical composition. It allows photographers to enhance colors, adjust exposure, and refine details, while also enabling artistic interpretations that mirror the photographer’s vision.
How has your passion for photography influenced your choice of travel destinations?
Photography has greatly influenced my travel choices. I’m drawn to places with diverse cultures, vibrant landscapes, and unique architectural styles – all of which offer ample opportunities for capturing compelling images.
20 important vocabulary words
| Fervently | With intense passion or enthusiasm |
| Embrace | To accept or adopt something eagerly or willingly |
| Captivate | To attract and hold the interest or attention of someone |
| Transcend | To go beyond the limits or boundaries of something |
| Introspection | The examination or observation of one’s own thoughts and feelings |
| Unparalleled | Unmatched, having no equal or rival |
| Aesthetic | Relating to the appreciation of beauty or artistic qualities |
| Evolve | To develop gradually over time; to change or progress |
| Proficiency | Skillfulness or expertise in a particular activity or field |
| Culmination | The highest point or climax of something, often after a series of events |
| Decisive | Settling an issue or producing a definite result |
| Exhibit | To display or present something for public viewing |
| Recognition | Acknowledgment or identification of something or someone |
| Paradigm | A typical example or pattern of something |
| Vibrant | Full of energy, enthusiasm, or vividness |
| Intricate | Complex, with many interrelated parts or details |
| Subtleties | Delicate or nuanced aspects or distinctions |
| Contemplation | Deep and thoughtful consideration or reflection |
| Immerse | To involve deeply or completely in an activity or experience |
| Discerning | Showing good judgement, insight, or perceptiveness |
Describe a Hobby or Activity You Enjoy – Travelling
Introduction:
Certainly, I’d be delighted to describe a hobby that brings immense joy and fulfilment to my life – travelling. Exploring new destinations, cultures, and experiences has become an integral part of who I am.
Becoming Interested in Travelling:
My interest in travelling was sparked during my childhood when my family embarked on a cross-country road trip. Witnessing the diverse landscapes, meeting people from different backgrounds, and immersing myself in unfamiliar surroundings ignited a curiosity to explore the world beyond my comfort zone.
Reasons for Enjoying Travelling:
The allure of travelling lies in its ability to broaden horizons and foster personal growth. With every journey, I not only discover the world’s marvels but also gain insights into various cultures and perspectives. The thrill of embarking on an adventure, the anticipation of exploring hidden gems, and the serendipitous encounters with fellow travellers all contribute to the enchantment of this hobby.
Memorable Experiences and Achievements:
One of the most memorable experiences was my solo trip to Kyoto, Japan. Walking through tranquil Zen gardens, admiring ancient temples, and partaking in traditional tea ceremonies left an indelible impression. Another remarkable achievement was conquering a challenging hiking trail in the Swiss Alps, where panoramic vistas awaited at the summit.
Moreover, during a volunteering expedition in a remote village in Nepal, I had the privilege of contributing to a community development project. The heartfelt gratitude of the villagers and the bonds forged with fellow volunteers added a profound sense of purpose to my travels.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, travelling isn’t merely a pastime; it’s a transformative journey that enriches my life with experiences, memories, and a deeper understanding of the world. Through every voyage, I not only quench my thirst for exploration but also cultivate a sense of empathy, resilience, and a genuine appreciation for the tapestry of humanity.
Follow-Up Questions
How do you plan your travel itineraries?
Planning involves thorough research on destinations, local customs, and attractions. I also seek recommendations from fellow travellers and create a flexible itinerary to accommodate spontaneity.
What challenges have you faced while travelling?
Language barriers, navigating unfamiliar transportation systems, and adjusting to different cuisines have posed challenges. However, these experiences have enriched my journey by teaching adaptability and problem-solving.
How has travelling influenced your perspective on life?
Travelling has fostered an open-minded and empathetic outlook. Experiencing diverse cultures and witnessing different ways of life has made me appreciate the richness of human diversity.
Is there a destination you dream of visiting in the future?
I’ve always been fascinated by the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru. The thought of exploring its historical significance and breathtaking landscapes captivates my imagination.
What advice would you give to novice travellers?
Embrace the unknown with an open heart and an adventurous spirit. Be respectful of local customs, engage with the locals, and savour each moment, for travelling is not just about the destination but the journey itself
15 important vocabulary words
| Fulfilment | A sense of satisfaction and achievement derived from an activity or experience |
| Integral | Essential or fundamental, forming an important part of something |
| Curiosity | A strong desire to know, learn, or explore new things. |
| Immerse | To deeply involve oneself in an activity or environment, often related to travel experiences |
| Allure | The power to attract, entice, or captivate |
| Perspectives | Different ways of viewing or understanding situations, often influenced by personal experiences |
| Enchantment | A feeling of delight, often accompanied by a sense of wonder and fascination |
| Anticipation | The act of looking forward to or expecting something with excitement |
| Serendipitous | Occurring by chance in a positive and unexpected way |
| Indelible | Impossible to forget or remove, leaving a lasting impression |
| Tranquil | Calm, peaceful, and free from disturbance |
| Admire | To regard with respect, appreciation, or approval |
| Contribute | To give or provide something, often in a positive or meaningful manner |
| Resilience | The ability to adapt and recover from challenges or setbacks, often gained through experiences like travel |
| Empathy | The capacity to understand and share the feelings and perspectives of others |
Describe an interest or hobby that you enjoy- Volunteering
Introduction:
I’m excited to discuss a hobby that brings immense fulfilment and purpose to my life – volunteering. Engaging in meaningful volunteer work has become an integral part of who I am and how I contribute to my community.
Passion for Volunteering:
My passion for volunteering ignited during my college years when I joined a local non-profit organisation dedicated to environmental conservation. The idea of giving back to the environment and making a positive impact on the planet resonated deeply with me.
Nature of Volunteer Work:
My volunteer activities primarily involve participating in tree planting drives, beach cleanups, and educational workshops on sustainability. These efforts aim to raise awareness about environmental issues and encourage others to adopt eco-friendly practices.
Reasons for Enjoying Volunteering:
The joy I experience while volunteering stems from the knowledge that my actions contribute to a cleaner and greener world. Seeing the tangible results of our collective efforts, whether it’s a new sapling taking root or a pristine shoreline after a cleanup, fills me with a sense of accomplishment.
Personal Growth and Learning:
Volunteering has been an incredible journey of personal growth. It has honed my leadership skills as I organise and coordinate events, improved my communication abilities while engaging with diverse groups, and deepened my understanding of environmental challenges.
Impact and Empathy:
One of the most impactful moments was witnessing young children enthusiastically participating in a recycling workshop. Their curiosity and eagerness to learn reinforced the idea that small actions can inspire significant change, even among the youngest members of our community.
Community Bonding:
Volunteering has also fostered a strong sense of camaraderie among like-minded individuals. Working together towards a common goal, sharing stories of our experiences, and celebrating our accomplishments create a sense of belonging that enriches my life.
Future Endeavours:
My passion for volunteering has motivated me to explore broader avenues of social impact. I aspire to contribute to initiatives beyond environmental conservation, such as supporting education and healthcare initiatives for underserved communities.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, volunteering isn’t just a hobby; it’s a purpose-driven journey that allows me to contribute positively to society while experiencing personal growth. Each volunteer endeavour reaffirms my commitment to creating a better world and empowers me to inspire others to join the collective effort.
Follow-Up Questions
How did you initially become interested in volunteering?
My interest was sparked by a desire to give back to the environment and make a meaningful impact on pressing global issues like climate change.
What challenges have you encountered while volunteering?
Adverse weather conditions during outdoor activities and engaging people with varying levels of awareness about environmental issues were some challenges. However, these obstacles strengthened my determination.
How has your volunteering experience influenced your lifestyle outside of volunteer work?
Volunteering has made me more conscious of my daily choices and their impact on the environment. I’ve adopted sustainable practices in my personal life, such as reducing single-use plastic and conserving energy.
What advice would you give to someone considering volunteering for the first time?
Start by identifying a cause that resonates with you and seek out local organizations or events. Approach volunteering with an open heart, a willingness to learn, and the understanding that every contribution matters.
How can people get involved in environmental volunteering in their community?
Research local environmental organizations, join social media groups dedicated to environmental conservation, and participate in community events focused on sustainability.
20 important vocabulary words
| Sustainable practices | Actions and behaviours that contribute to the long-term well-being of the environment and society, without depleting resources |
| Adverse weather conditions | Unfavourable or challenging weather situations, often difficult to work in |
| Pressing global issues | Urgent and important problems that impact the entire world on a large scale |
| Underserved communities | Groups of people who lack access to essential resources or services due to various factors |
| Avenues | Different paths or opportunities for pursuing a particular goal or purpose |
| Fulfilment | A feeling of satisfaction and happiness from achieving a meaningful goal or purpose |
| Integral | Essential and necessary for completeness or wholeness |
| Passion | A strong and enthusiastic interest or emotion towards a particular activity or cause |
| Ignited | Sparked or triggered, usually in reference to starting something with enthusiasm |
| Non-profit | An organisation that operates for a purpose other than making a profit, often focused on social or charitable goals |
| Environmental conservation | Efforts and actions taken to protect and preserve the natural environment and its resources |
| Resonated | Evoked a strong emotional response or connection; struck a chord with |
| Primarily | Mainly or chiefly; mostly focused on a particular aspect |
| Sustainability | The ability to maintain or support something over the long term, especially concerning environmental practices |
| Accomplishment | A sense of achievement or completion resulting from successful efforts |
| Personal growth | Development and improvement of one’s abilities, knowledge, and character |
| Leadership skills | Abilities to guide and direct a group, along with decision-making and organisational capabilities |
| Communication abilities | Skills related to expressing ideas, thoughts, and information effectively to others |
| Empathy | The capacity to understand and share the feelings and perspectives of others |
| Camaraderie | A strong sense of friendship, trust, and mutual support among a group of people |
Tips and tricks to help you deliver an impressive response for the cue card topic “Describe a Hobby or Activity You Enjoy”
Achieving a 9 Band score in IELTS requires demonstrating a high level of proficiency in your speaking. Here are some tips and tricks to help you deliver an impressive response for the cue card topic “Describe a Hobby or Activity You Enjoy”
1. Clear Introduction:
Begin with a clear and concise introduction. State the hobby or activity you enjoy and briefly mention why you find it interesting.
2. Elaborate on Why You Enjoy It:
Provide detailed reasons for your interest in the hobby or activity. Explain what aspects of it appeal to you and how it brings you joy or satisfaction.
3. Use Specific Examples:
Support your points with specific examples of anecdotes. Share memorable experiences, achievements, or moments related to your hobby. This adds depth and authenticity to your response.
4. Rich Vocabulary:
Incorporate a wide range of vocabulary. Use synonyms and advanced words to describe your hobby in a more nuanced manner.
5. Complex Sentence Structures:
Employ a variety of sentence structures, including complex and compound sentences, to showcase your language skills.
6. Fluent Speaking:
Speak fluently and confidently. Avoid long pauses or hesitations. Maintain a steady pace and rhythm while speaking.
7. Pronunciation and Intonation:
Focus on clear pronunciation and appropriate intonation. Practice correct stress on words to enhance the overall clarity of your speech.
8. Avoid Repetition:
Avoid repeating the same words or phrases. Use synonyms or different expressions to convey your points effectively.
9. Stay on Topic:
While elaborating, ensure your response remains relevant to the topic. Avoid going off-topic or providing excessive background information.
10. Concluding Thought:
Conclude your response by summarising your main points and reiterating your enjoyment of the hobby. A concise concluding thought adds a polished touch to your answer.
11. Avoid Memorization:
While practising is important, avoid memorising entire answers. Instead, focus on key points and ideas that you want to convey naturally during your response.
12. Be Yourself:
Let your personality shine through. Speak authentically and genuinely about your hobby, showing your passion and enthusiasm.
13. Time Management:
Ensure that your response is within the time limit. Practice delivering your answer within 2 minutes to maintain a well-structured and focused response.
14. Prepare for Follow-up Questions:
Anticipate possible follow-up questions related to your hobby and be prepared to answer them confidently.
15. Record and Review:
Record your responses during practice sessions and review them for areas of improvement. Analyse your pronunciation, fluency, and vocabulary usage.
Remember, achieving a Band 9 score requires consistent practice, dedication, and a strong command of the English language. Focus on these tips, and with time and effort, you’ll be well on your way to delivering a stellar response on the IELTS cue card.
Here are some examples of other hobbies
Reading: Engaging with books, magazines, or online articles for pleasure and knowledge.
Cooking: Preparing and experimenting with different recipes and culinary techniques.
Painting or Drawing: Creating visual art using various mediums, such as acrylics, watercolours, or pencils.
Playing a Musical Instrument: Learning and playing instruments like the guitar, piano, violin, or drums.
Gardening: Cultivating plants, flowers, or vegetables in a garden or indoor space.
Writing: Crafting stories, poems, or journal entries as a form of self-expression.
Dancing: Expressing oneself through movement and choreography in various dance styles.
Sports: Participating in activities like soccer, basketball, tennis, swimming, or running.
Hiking: Exploring nature and trails on foot, often in scenic or remote areas.
Yoga: Practising physical and mental exercises to achieve balance, flexibility, and relaxation.
Crafting: Creating handmade items such as jewellery, pottery, knitting, or scrapbooking.
Model Building: Assembling and painting models of vehicles, structures, or characters.
Collecting: Gathering and preserving items like stamps, coins, vintage toys, or memorabilia.
Film or Movie Watching: Viewing films, documentaries, or TV series for entertainment and learning.
Sculpting: Shaping materials like clay, wood, or metal into three-dimensional artworks.
Cooking: Experimenting with ingredients and recipes to create delicious meals and dishes.
Fishing: Engaging in the activity of catching fish for sport, leisure, or sustenance.
Birdwatching: Observing and identifying birds in their natural habitats.
These are just a few examples of hobbies that people enjoy. Hobbies can vary widely and cater to different interests and passions.
IELTS Speaking Test Preparation Resources
- Click here for more Vocabulary
- Click here for cue card “Describe a Memorable Event in Your Life”
- Click here for cue card “Describe a Memorable Trip You Took”
- Click here for cue card “Describe a Person Who Has Influenced You Significantly“
- Click here for cue card “How has technology influenced your daily life“
- Click here for the IELTS speaking test tips “Conquer IELTS Speaking Practice Like a Pro”