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Discussion Questions about Hobbies

Hobbies are activities that people enjoy doing in their spare time and can help them relax from the stress of everyday life.

With so many hobbies to choose from, everyone should be able to find one they like!

In this blog post, you will find the most interesting questions about hobbies for you to have an interesting conversation in the ESL classroom

Hobbies are activities that people engage in for pleasure and relaxation. Here are some examples of hobbies:

  • Reading: Exploring books and literature.
  • Writing: Creating stories, blog posts or poems
  • Painting or Drawing: Expressing creativity through visual arts.
  • Cooking or Baking: Trying out new recipes and cooking techniques.
  • Gardening: Cultivating plants and maintaining a garden.
  • Photography: Capturing moments and scenes through a camera.
  • Playing a Musical Instrument: Learning and playing instruments like the guitar, piano, or violin.
  • Sports: Engaging in activities like soccer, basketball, or swimming.
  • Hiking or Camping: Exploring nature and the outdoors.
  • Collecting: Gathering items like stamps, coins, or memorabilia.
  • Crafting: Making handmade items such as jewelry, pottery, or knitting.
  • Gaming: Playing video games or board games.
  • Fitness: Participating in activities like yoga, running, or weightlifting.
  • Traveling: Exploring new places and experiencing different cultures.
  • DIY Projects: Building or creating things on your own.

Table of Contents

Questions about Hobbies

Questions about hobbies: entertainment, questions about hobbies: music, questions about hobbies: sports, more esl conversation questions.

These are some general questions about hobbies

  • What are your hobbies?
  • What’s your favorite hobby?
  • How long have you had a hobby?
  • Can you make money from a hobby?
  • How do you spend your free time?
  • Do you have any expensive hobbies?
  • Do you have any dangerous hobby?
  • What are some inexpensive hobbies?
  • Do you have any strange hobbies?
  • What are some of the most popular hobbies where you live?
  • How much time do you dedicate to your hobbies?
  • What do you do outside work?
  • Do the hobbies you have were influenced by friends?
  • Did you have any hobbies when you were a child?
  • What hobbies do you not recommend?
  • What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
  • Does your hobby cost a lot of money?
  • What hobbies do you think would be boring?
  • Do you collect anything as a hobby?
  • What hobbies would you like to try?
  • What hobbies are popular with children?

I am a huge fan of movies, shows, and anime. I spend part of my time off enjoying a good independent film or a psychological anime.

These are some common questions about hobbies and entertainment

  • Do you watch anime?
  • Do you go to concerts?
  • Do you read comic books or manga?
  • Do you watch movies?
  • Are you a fan of independent films?
  • Do you watch sports?
  • Do you create content for social media?
  • Do you watch Netflix shows?

Music is something that most people enjoy and it’s a hobby that many people have. It can be used as a stress reliever, an outlet for creativity, or even to make new friends.

These are some questions related to music as a hobby

  • Do you like to listen to music?
  • What music do you like?
  • How often do you listen to music?
  • Do you know how to play a musical instrument?
  • What musical instrument would you like to learn to play?
  • Do you ever go to concerts or music festivals?
  • What are your favorite singers?
  • What are some of your favorite bands?

Do you enjoy playing sports? As a student, it’s important to stay active to maintain good health as well as to have fun!

Playing sports can help with both of these things. Sports are also great because they promote teamwork and cooperation between teammates while still providing an individual challenge.

These are some questions about hobbies and sports

  • Do you play any sports?
  • Do you practice any extreme sports?
  • Do you watch soccer games?
  • Do you watch basketball games?
  • Do you watch baseball games?
  • What sport did you use to play when you were a kid?
  • Are you competitive when you play sports?
  • Who do you usually play sports with?

What are your favorite hobbies? Do you enjoy sports, reading books, knitting, or cooking?

These best hobbies can be considered to have a positive outcome on mental health.

The more active we are and the more time we spend doing things that make us happy, the better our quality of life is likely to be. Is there any hobby you’ve been thinking about picking up lately?

These are some ESL conversation questions that you should definitely check out:

  • 50 Questions about Animals
  • ESL Conversations: 50 How Often Questions
  • Future Plans Questions and Examples
  • Frequency Adverbs Questions for the ESL Classroom
  • 50 Personal Information Questions for the ESL Classroom
  • 70 Conversation Questions about Family
  • 70 Food Conversation Questions

Manuel Campos, English Professor

I am Jose Manuel, English professor and creator of EnglishPost.org, a blog whose mission is to share lessons for those who want to learn and improve their English

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hobbies topic questions

25 interesting hobbies questions

Hobbies questions.

Here is a printable worksheet of hobbies questions for ESL classes and general English speaking activities. It is quite an easy topic and is suitable for most learners.

You can use this worksheet for pair work or just general class discussions. Before starting the activity it is a good idea to get the class to brainstorm a list of hobbies that you can write on the board.

Once you have a list you can ask your students questions about each hobby, such as – What equipment is needed? Where is it done? What actions (verbs) are done in this hobby? What adjectives best describe it? What kind of people enjoy this hobby? And so on.

The most difficult terms in the worksheet above include – main, compared, take up, make a living, collect, collection, strange, and creative.

The hobbies questions are –

What is your main hobby? How often do you get to do this hobby?

Are your hobbies now different compared to 5 years ago? In what ways?

What is something you would like to buy for a hobby? How much would it cost?

What hobbies do you think are expensive? Why are they expensive?

What is a hobby that you would like to take up in the future ?

Do you prefer doing exciting hobbies or relaxing hobbies?

Have you ever tried a new hobby but stopped doing it because it was boring?

What kinds of hobbies do your parents have? Do you do any hobbies with them?

How would your hobbies be different if you were rich?

What would you say is your healthiest hobby? How is it good for you?

What equipment do you need for your hobbies?

Do you spend most of your free time indoors or outdoors?

Have you made any new friends while doing one of your hobbies?

What hobbies do you think you will be doing 20 years from now?

What would you need to do to make a living from one of your hobbies?

How are hobbies different between men and women in your country?

What are the most popular hobbies for children where you live?

Do you collect anything? If so, how many do you have in your collection?

Do your friends have any strange hobbies? What are they?

What is a hobby that you would be scared to try? Why does it scare you?

What are some dangerous hobbies? What makes them dangerous?

Are there any hobbies that you feel are a waste of time? What are they?

What is a good hobby for people who are creative and like making things?

What kinds of hobbies would you like your children to do?

If you enjoyed the hobbies conversation questions, check out the sports conversation questions for a good related speaking activity.

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Deeper Conversations

29 hobbies conversation starters to spark meaningful conversations

Did you know that Jack Ma loves singing in public? Even the most boring/quiet guy has a hobby he’s obsessed about.  That’s why I enjoy learning about other people’s hobbies: they reveal a personal and …

Ian Chew, MHFA

Written by: Ian Chew, MHFA

Published on: 09/21/2022

hobbies topic questions

Did you know that Jack Ma loves singing in public ?

Even the most boring/quiet guy has a hobby he’s obsessed about. 

That’s why I enjoy learning about other people’s hobbies: they reveal a personal and often surprising side of the other person, making the conversation a lot more meaningful and interesting.  

So how can you talk with someone about their hobbies or interests? 

Here’s a list of hobbies conversation starters and questions to consider:

What makes me uniquely qualified to write about this? 

Over the last ten years — across three continents — I’ve started conversations with thousands of strangers. I’ve also interviewed well over 700 people for my projects (namely a street journalism project and a book ). 

hobbies topic questions

In other words, I’ve asked more questions to spark meaningful conversations than most people. 

I can’t guarantee that my conversation starters will work every single time, but I’d like to think that I have a better gut sense of great vs. blah questions. 

When and how to use these questions 

No hard rules per se, but here are a few suggestions:

With that said, let’s jump in! 

Small talk 

  • What do you do to relax after work? 
  • What do you do for fun? // How do you enjoy spending your free time?
  • Any weekend hobbies?
  • What’s your favorite hobby? // What’s your favorite way to spend your free time?
  • Do you enjoy <a popular hobby, or one that you enjoy>?
  • Have you heard of any hobby groups in town? // Have you heard of any interesting hobby groups?
  • What hobbies did you have growing up? 
  • What hobbies do you do with your family/friends?

Fun questions 

  • What hobby have you been meaning to try? 
  • What’s the craziest/strangest/weirdest hobby that you’ve come across?
  • Fill in the blanks: “Before I die, I would like to try <specific hobby>” 
  • If you’re a dictator, what hobby would you order everyone to take up? // What hobby should everyone take up and why? 
  • Based on your first impression of me, what hobbies do you think I have?
  • Would you rather take up <weird hobby #1> or <weird hobby #2>? (My version: Would you rather collect in-flight sick bags or navel fluff? Yes, both are real – see here and here )
  • If you had all the money in the world, what would you collect and why? 
  • Would you rather do dangerous-but-fun hobbies or boring-but-safe hobbies? 
  • What are you secretly obsessed about in your free time? 

Deeper questions 

  • What was the last thing you enjoyed doing? 
  • Is it ever OK to do your hobby at work? 
  • Would you ever turn your hobby into a career or business? Why or why not? 
  • How much time would you like to spend on work vs. hobbies? Why?
  • Would you rather have more money but less time for hobbies, or have less money but more time for hobbies?  
  • What would you enjoy doing anyway, even if you aren’t paid?
  • Is there a hobby that you’re embarrassed about? What is it (if you don’t mind sharing)?
  • How have your hobbies changed over time? (What does it say about you as a person?)
  • What childhood hobby do you miss having? 
  • How have your hobbies made you a better person/leader/father etc.? 
  • What hobby has changed your life and why? 
  • If a hobby starts getting boring, how do you keep yourself interested? // If a hobby starts getting boring, when do you decide to stop doing it?

Related articles

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  • Conversation starters on other topics
  • How to start a conversation with anyone

About Ian Chew, MHFA

74 habits conversation starters and questions to spark meaningful conversations

89 sports conversation starters and questions to talk with anyone.

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questions about hobbies

  • Posted in in ESL Conversation Questions

20 ESL Conversation Questions About Hobbies

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  • Posted by by Learn English Every Day
  • June 6, 2023

Learn new vocabulary and practice speaking English with these conversation questions about hobbies. Hobbies play a big role in our lives, providing a means of relaxation, self-expression, and personal growth.

Discussions about hobbies can help you share your experience, express your interests, and explore how other people engage with hobbies in your country and around the world.

List of Questions About Hobbies

  • What is your favorite hobby? Why?
  • How did you discover your interest in your current hobby?
  • Can hobbies have a positive impact on our well-being? How?
  • Are there any hobbies you have always wanted to try? What are they?
  • How do hobbies contribute to personal growth and development?
  • Do you prefer solitary hobbies or those that involve interacting with others? Why?
  • What are some popular hobbies in your country or culture?
  • How can hobbies provide a sense of fulfillment and purpose in life?
  • Have you ever turned your hobby into a profession or a side business? Share your experience.
  • How can hobbies foster creativity and innovation?
  • What are some affordable hobbies that people can pursue without breaking the bank?
  • Can hobbies help us connect with others and build social relationships? How?
  • Are there any traditional or cultural hobbies that you find interesting? Describe them.
  • How do hobbies provide an escape from daily stresses and pressures?
  • What are some ways to find like-minded individuals who share similar hobbies?
  • Can hobbies be a form of self-care? How?
  • How do hobbies contribute to maintaining a healthy work-life balance?
  • Have you ever faced any challenges or obstacles in pursuing your hobby? How did you overcome them?
  • Can hobbies help us develop new skills and broaden our knowledge?
  • What advice would you give to someone looking to discover a new hobby?

Congrats on making it to the end of this list! If you want to keep the conversation going, check out the other resources in our ESL Conversation Questions and ESL Discussion Topics series.

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70 Hobby Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Need to write a hobby essay? Looking for a catchy topic? Hobby essay titles of all kinds are collected in this article!

✍️ Thesis Statement about Hobbies

🏆 best hobby topic ideas & essay examples, 📌 most interesting hobby essay topics, 👍 hobby topic ideas for research papers, ❓ hobby related questions.

In this article, we’ve collected 45 hobby topic ideas for essays and research papers. They are suitable for college as well as high school students. You will also find here plenty of samples to help kickstart your writing.

When writing a hobby essay, you need to pay particular attention to your thesis statement. A good thesis should include all the main points of your essay. To make this task easier for you, we’ve prepared some examples of thesis statements about hobbies. Have a look:

  • Dancing is an excellent hobby for college students because it helps to relieve stress and has numerous health benefits.
  • Drawing is beneficial for children because it helps them develop their creativity and fine motor skills.
  • Traveling as a hobby allows people to broaden their horizons and learn about other cultures.
  • Power of Hobby vs. Necessity of Commitment in Nick Hornby’s High Fidelity The ideas of “top ten” and the “top five” are not usual for describing the relations between a man and a woman, still, they prove that the character has not traditional approaches, and his standpoints […]
  • Writings About Hobby – Home Brewing Beer Commercially available beer is expensive to purchase as a result of various taxes and the need of profits by the beer makers.
  • Skateboarding Not Just A Hobby A Lifestyle
  • Young Lady Battle Of Boxing As An Awesome American Hobby
  • Is Your Hobby Helping Or Hindering Your Family Life
  • Video Games : A Becoming A Lifelong Hobby
  • An Analysis of Sports Memorabilia as a True Hobby
  • Turning Your Hobby Into An eBay Business
  • Woodworking For Fun And Profit Is A Great Hobby
  • How Selecting a Best Hobby For You Is Going To Change Your Life
  • Travelling Is a Good Hobby That Everyone Should Cultivate
  • Exploring The Hobby Of Photography
  • Violent Video Games: Children’s Dangerous Hobby
  • The Importance Of The Collectible Hobby Industry
  • Hobby Farms and British Columbia’s Agricultural Land Reserve
  • An Analysis of the Baseball Sport as a Hobby
  • Is Your eBay Activity A Business Or A Hobby
  • William Golding ‘s Thinking As A Hobby
  • Is Your Online Business A Hobby Or A Real Business
  • Walking Sticks A Money Making Hobby
  • The Political Background Of Hobby
  • My Hobby of Volunteering at Care Centers
  • Making Candles A Fun Hobby Or Craft
  • Radio Controlled Cars A Fun Hobby For All Ages
  • Hobby: Nutrition and Black Bean Curd
  • The Importance Of Dancing As A Hobby
  • Turn Your Scrapbooking Hobby Into A Profitable Business
  • Benefits of Pursuing a Hobby
  • An Analysis of the Words Knowledge and Intelligence in William Golding’s Article Thinking as a Hobby
  • An Analysis of Important Steps in Order to Be Successful in the World of RCA Hobby
  • Why You Should Take Up A Physical Hobby
  • Thinking as a Hobby Written by William Golding
  • The Coin Collecting Hobby Industry
  • Coin Collecting When Hobby Turns Business
  • Photography Is Just A Hobby Or A Business
  • Distinguishing a Business from a Hobby
  • Starting A Hobby In Art Collectibles
  • World Building: A Fun and Creative Hobby
  • Squash From Hobby To Performance
  • Identifying Talented People – Mental and Physical Proof of Talent, Predisposition to a Hobby
  • The Reimbursement Limitation Of Hobby Lobby
  • Travelling As A Common Hobby
  • The Importance of Pursuing a Hobby in Your Life
  • The Hobby Of Stamp Collecting
  • An Analysis of the Hobby of Fish Keeping and the Methods for the Fish Preservation
  • How Does Hobby Help Kids Avoid Dangerous Situations?
  • What Is the Oldest Hobby in the World?
  • Do Hobbies Change With Age?
  • What Hobbies Do Royalty Have?
  • What Are the Best Hobbies for Cognitive Function and Stress Release?
  • Is Coin Collecting a Profitable Hobby?
  • What Hobbies Are Good for Depression?
  • Do Hobbies Help You Live Longer?
  • What Is the Hardest Hobby in the World?
  • Is Watching TV a Hobby?
  • What Is the Most Valuable Hobby?
  • Why Is Coin Collecting a Good Hobby?
  • How Can Hobbies Change Your Life?
  • Why Are Hobbies and Interests Important for Development?
  • What Is the Best Hobby to Develop?
  • How Do Hobbies Benefit Family?
  • What Hobbies Do People Spend the Most On?
  • How Can Hobbies Improve Self-Confidence?
  • Is Coin Collecting a Dying Hobby?
  • What Hobby Is Good for Mental Health?
  • How Can Hobbies Reduce Stress?
  • What Was the Hobby of the First King?
  • What Hobbies Are Good for Socializing?
  • Can Hobbies Improve Your Personal Skills?
  • What Is the Importance of Hobbies in Education?
  • Chicago (A-D)
  • Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2023, October 26). 70 Hobby Essay Topic Ideas & Examples. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/hobby-essay-examples/

"70 Hobby Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." IvyPanda , 26 Oct. 2023, ivypanda.com/essays/topic/hobby-essay-examples/.

IvyPanda . (2023) '70 Hobby Essay Topic Ideas & Examples'. 26 October.

IvyPanda . 2023. "70 Hobby Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." October 26, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/hobby-essay-examples/.

1. IvyPanda . "70 Hobby Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." October 26, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/hobby-essay-examples/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "70 Hobby Essay Topic Ideas & Examples." October 26, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/hobby-essay-examples/.

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Dan's Real English

English for Conversations about HOBBIES – Questions, Answers, Vocabulary

Do you have a satisfying, exciting or time-consuming hobby? In this post, we will look at common questions, answers and vocabulary you will need to practise speaking English in conversations about hobbies and interests.

Preparing to talk about hobbies

Common questions about hobbies.

Here are some typical hobby question examples. Use these to help you practise talking about hobbies for social situations or for speaking tests such as IELTS:

  • Do you have any interests or hobbies?
  • Why do you do your hobby?
  • Is your hobby difficult?
  • What skills does your hobby require?
  • How did you get into your hobby?
  • What’s the point of having a hobby?
  • Why do people often give up their hobbies?

Reasons why people do hobbies

  • To kill time
  • To unwind / relax
  • To keep fit
  • To master a new skill / get good at something
  • To sharpen the mind
  • Improve confidence / self esteem

Examples of hobby categories

  • Arts and crafts – (do + ) knitting, sewing, modelling, drawing and painting, sculpture, baking, photography, creative writing
  • Outdoor pursuits – (go +) climbing, caving, canoeing, skydiving, biking, hiking, orienteering
  • Sports – (play + ) football, cricket, rugby, golf
  • Martial arts – (do +) judo, karate, kung fu, taekwondo, kickboxing
  • Games and puzzles – (do +) online gaming, (play +) chess, board games, sudoku, crosswords
  • Home improvement – (do +) interior design, carpentry, furniture restoring, DIY

Talking about your favourite hobby

Introduce your hobby.

First of all, say what your hobby or interest is:

  • My favourite hobby has got to be gaming
  • I’m really into board games.
  • Yoga is my thing.
  • Judo is the hobby that I spend most of my time doing.
  • Chess is my main hobby.
  • Skydiving is one of my biggest hobbies.
  • I’m a huge fan of model making.

Explain how (or when) you started doing your hobby:

  • I first got into …….. when I was a teenager.
  • I first discovered ………… after I saw someone doing it on TV.
  • I first fell in love with ……… when my best friend sent me a link to a tutorial.

Say how long

Use present perfect simple or continuous forms to say how long you’ve been doing your hobby:

  • I’ve been doing / going / playing …………….. for about ……. years / months, now.
  • Ever since then, I’ve been hooked! (hooked = addicted / can’t stop)

Why you enjoy it

Explain the benefits of doing your hobby

  • ..it takes my mind off things.
  • ..it’s a distraction.
  • ..it boosts my creativity.
  • ..it helps me explore my creative side.
  • ..it helps me unwind. (= relax)
  • ..it improves my focus / concentration.
  • ..it helps me think more clearly.
  • ..it’s something to do after work.
  • ..it breaks up my daily routine.
  • ..adds variety to my daily routine.
  • ..it gives me a challenge.
  • ..it gets me out of the house.
  • ..it helps me connect with others.
  • ..it’s a great way to meet new people.
  • ..it keeps me fit and healthy.
  • ..it makes me stronger / more flexible.
  • ..it’s an opportunity to develop new skills.

Explain challenges

Now say why your hobby can be difficult

  • ..Photography can sometimes be very tricky (difficult).
  • ..It has a very steep learning curve. (hard to learn how to do it)
  • ..Modelling can often get a bit fiddly, sometimes (e.g. difficult to manage small parts).
  • ..Knitting can sometimes be very repetitive.
  • ..It can sometimes be exhausting. (makes you tired)
  • ..It’s not always easy to find the time to do it.
  • ..It can be very competitive.
  • ..It can be frustrating at times.

Skills required

Say which skills you need for your hobby

  • You need to have a lot of patience.
  • It’s useful to have nimble fingers.
  • Having good flexibility is a bonus.
  • You need good concentration skills.
  • It helps if you’re good at judging distances.
  • You need to be able to focus for a long time.
  • You need to be quite strong.
  • Being able to think creatively is a definite plus. (a plus = an advantage)
  • I’d say that having good eyesight is an absolute must. (a must = something you really need)

Bring it together

My favourite hobby has got to be gaming. I first got into video games when I was a teenager, when my best friend sent me a link to an online strategy game. Ever since then I’ve been hooked! I think for me, gaming’s a distraction. You know, like a break from real life. It helps me unwind, but at the same time, I find it improves my concentration, and helps me think more clearly. And of course, when I play online, I’m playing with other gamers, so I think it’s also a great way to meet new people. Gaming isn’t easy though – I sometimes get really tired playing – you know, it can be really exhausting sometimes when you’re playing for hours on end. I think if you want to get into gaming properly, you have to have really good concentration, and I’d say you need a lot of patience, too.

Hobbies and interests: Key speaking topic vocabulary

Hobby synonyms.

  • an interest – stamp collecting is one of my oldest interests / i’ve had an interest in stamp collecting for ages.
  • a pursuit – climbing is an example of an outdoor pursuit (formal)
  • a leisure activity – people pursue leisure activities to relax and keep fit (formal)
  • a pastime – drawing is a very relaxing pastime (formal)

Hobby action collocations

  • take up a (new) hobby / interest (take up = start doing)
  • get into a hobby become more interested in…
  • stick at a hobby – keep doing it
  • make progress with a hobby
  • develop a hobby
  • do / have / have got a hobby – I’ve got so many hobbies, i’ve lost count!
  • give up (or drop) a hobby – I gave up collecting stamps because i got bored of it. (give up = stop doing)

Hobby adjective collocations

  • an interesting hobby
  • an absorbing hobby
  • a satisfying hobby
  • a rewarding hobby
  • an expensive hobby
  • a time-consuming hobby

More real English study topics...

english-conversation topics-with-answers

english-at-home.com

Talking About Your Hobbies In English

When you want to get to know someone, ask about their hobbies and interests. Talking about hobbies means you can share details about yourself – and discover shared interests and free-time activities.

Here are some phrases you can use.

Questions you can ask

What do you like doing? What sort of hobbies do you have? What do you get up to in your free time?

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 (+ noun / gerund) I’m keen on (+ noun / gerund) I’m into (+ noun / gerund) I enjoy (+ noun / gerund)

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, you know! …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

Like doing vs like to do

We use like + gerund (ing form) to talk about general likes: I like fishing .

We use like + infinitive to talk about more specific likes: I like to go fishing at the weekend.

If you want more information for talking about what you like or dislike, check out this page .

Talking About Hobbies

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How to speak about your hobbies in IELTS speaking part 1

Home  »  IELTS Speaking  »  How to speak about your hobbies in IELTS speaking part 1

IELTS speaking part 1: Topics

The IELTS speaking test is divided into 3 parts. In part 1, you will be asked about whether you work or study or, alternatively, about where you currently live. Then, the examiner will ask you about two different topics to talk about. There are four questions to answer on each topic.

As speaking part 1 lasts for 5 minutes, you have about 1:30 to talk about each of these two topics. You need to show the examiner how good your English is right from the start.

When you have to answer a lot of questions in a short time, you do not have time to “think” of what you are going to say. You have to be spontaneous and, of course, sound confident.

Keeping these points in mind, let’s go on to look at a particular possible part 1 topic: Hobbies.

Hobbies as a topic

Part 1 topics are personal. The basic idea is for the candidate to talk about his or her personal experiences and feelings.

Imagine the examiner begins by saying something like: “Let’s talk about your hobbies” and immediately follow up with the first direct question. Remember here in Part 1, the examiner is just reading from a script and can only follow up any question with a “Why?” if he or she wants you to give more information, so it’s you, the candidate, who will be speaking more.

There will be four questions, excluding any possible “Why?” follow ups. With the hobbies topic, these could be what you hear.

What hobbies or interests do you have?

Do you need to use any special equipment to do this hobby?

Do you prefer to do your hobby with other people or do you prefer to be alone?

Why do you think so many people have hobbies?

Questions are speaking opportunities

The total amount of time you have to answer these questions will be around one and a half minutes, just 90 seconds.

How much can you say in 90 seconds?

We are probably talking about an average of 3 or 4 “sentences” for each question. I know, “sentences” is not the right word. But it will give you an idea. Let’s take an example.

Hobbies? Yes, I do. I love taking photos and I have this really expensive camera. It’s a Nikon and I’ve had it for about 5 years. In fact, my grandfather gave it to me. He was the one who got me interested in photography. What I like most is taking photos of landscapes. It’s risky walking around with a camera these days so I only take it with me at the weekends when I go out with family or friends.

I timed myself saying that. It took me 17 seconds. Of course, in a real interview that would be longer. We have to add some natural pauses and the occasional “er..” or “umm”. Let’s give it 22 seconds maximum. That would be reasonable. It may be a little too long in fact if we assume that we will answer each question in the same time. But, of course, some answers might be shorter. Perhaps, question 2, for example:

No, not really. I mean, I’m not a professional so I don’t have a tripod or anything like that. Everything these days is digital so I don’t have to worry about developing the film. All I need is the camera and then save and store them on my laptop.

That took me 12 seconds. If we call it 16 seconds, we are up to 38 seconds of candidate speaking time after 2 questions. Add the time it takes for the examiner to ask the questions.

Timing yourself

Practising in class, with other students or just by yourself, getting a feel for the timing is important. It’s so easy to time yourself. You don’t want to say too much and you don’t want to say too little.

If you go on talking for too long, the examiner will interrupt you anyway.

That is nothing to worry about …the examiner is working to a strict time schedule and wants to keep things moving. At the same time, prepare to say something like a minimum of 3, a maximum of 5 “sentences” with each question.

Level of detail 

If we look again at the answer to the first question, there are 5 elements.

Yes, I do. I love taking photos and I have this really expensive camera. (What the hobby is.)

 It’s a Nikon and I’ve had it for about 5 years. (How long I have had this hobby)

In fact, my grandfather gave it to me. He was the one who got me interested in photography. (How I became interested in this)

What I like most is taking photos of landscapes. (What I especially like about it)

It’s risky walking around with a camera these days so I only take it with me at the weekends when I go out with family or friends. (Any additional comment)

The sequence is quite simple and puts the hobby into a context, the classic “what”, “when/how long”, “how”, “who” and also “why” (..dangerous to walk around with an expensive camera so …).

An interesting personal context, perhaps a “story” to tell, a reason for doing something, all add up to a good Part 1 answer. Remember that the examiner is looking for those candidates who have an interesting story to tell, who sound confident and therefore fluent.

Fluency, our ability to speak coherently without unnatural pauses and hesitations, to a large extent comes from the vocabulary we know and use.

Talking about a hobby therefore should give us an opportunity to show the vocabulary we know to good effect. In my example, I illustrated this with a few simple examples: photography, photos, landscapes, tripod, digital. Nothing too technical.

Notice also the common combinations of words –collocations—that are typical in any language: take photos (of) …., (got me) interested in (taking photos), develop(ing) a film, save and store (photos) on (my laptop).

You should note down common vocabulary items associated with your hobby and work on using these items in context.

Sometimes it’s hard to say where vocabulary ends and grammar begins. Take the idea of collocations for example. We can see clear grammatical patterns that are worth noticing.

One important one is the use of the gerund . Gerunds are used as a verbal form after certain verbal structures. Verbs which express emotions, likes and dislikes can be followed by a gerund. I love taking photos. Grammatically, we can use a noun instead of the gerund, as in I love photography. Or, change the noun for a gerund. So, I can say: interested in taking good photos instead of interested in photography.

So, if, as in this case, we can see a clear grammatical structure to use effectively, study it and use it. Here are a few more examples with some possible verbs expressing feelings and opinions with different possible hobbies.

Also, notice the gerund in:

What I like most is taking photos of landscapes.

Here is a list of other useful ways to introduce our likes that way using a variety of hobbies as examples:

The main/one thing I like is hanging out with my teammates after the game.

The best thing (about it) is visiting all those places I only saw before in films.

One of the things I like about it is trying out new recipes.

  • Take a look at our tutorial about advanced grammar in IELTS speaking.

Verb tenses and modals

Other important aspects of grammar are verb tenses , modals ( can, could, may, must etc. ) and conditional sentences . The examiner is paying attention to how accurate your grammar is and so you must take every opportunity to show how well you handle the following:

Verb tenses: Returning briefly to the example about photography, notice how I used 3 different tenses in a space of a few seconds.

Yes, I do. I love taking photos and I have this really expensive camera. It’s a Nikon and I’ve had it for about 5 years. In fact, my grandfather gave it to me. He was the one who got me interested in photography.

Present, present perfect, simple past and each example in a context, a time frame. When you talk about your hobby, do the same. Mention the “how long” (present perfect with for/since ), the “when” (past simple with a specific time reference).

And the “future”? Well, a typical part 1 question, not included above, often refers to future plans. Something like:

Do you think you will still have/enjoy this hobby in the future?

Look at these possible answers:

(playing tennis)

Yes, I think I will. I’m still young but I’m sure that I will still be playing when I’m 40. Maybe I won’t be so agile but that won’t be an issue.

(rock climbing)

I don’t think so. I’m not going to be climbing when I’m 40! I’ll be too old.

Modals and conditionals

Using these forms correctly can really impress the examiner. Think yourself of possible examples related to your hobby. Here are a few examples on a variety of topics:

This year I might visit the Pyramids. If I go, I’m sure it’ll be an unforgettable experience.

I think everyone should learn how to cook.

If I had the money, I would buy a better camera.

Organise your topic knowledge. Make sure you know all the relevant terminology associated with it.

Note down what you would say in answer to all the questions use here. Think of other possible questions. Think of what to say at any moment if the examiner asks you for an explanation.

Think and read about hobbies in general. If you asked about the importance of hobbies for example, what would you say? Possible aspects to mention might include: the need we all have to relax, to reduce stress levels; how it can help someone to make new friends; how it can be fulfilling personally; it can helps people when they retire.

For more help to prepare for your IELTS speaking exam, take a look at these tutorials:

  • IELTS Speaking Idioms
  • How to give your opinion in the speaking exam
  • Making notes for speaking part 2
  • How to get band 9 in your IELTS Speaking
  • Tips for IELTS Speaking Part
  • IELTS Speaking vocabulary to help you prepare
  • Advanced grammar for IELTS speaking

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Hobbies Conversation Questions

Warm-up Task: What are the most common hobbies? Make a list.

Discussion Questions:

  • What is a hobby?
  • Do you have any hobbies? What are they?
  • How much free time do you usually have? What do you like to do with your free time? Do you prefer to relax or to be active?
  • Do you collect anything? If so, when did you start collecting? How large is your collection?
  • What kinds of things do people usually collect?
  • Sometimes, the things that people collect become valuable. Can you think of any examples? What kinds of things gain the most value over time?
  • Do you like to learn new skills? Can you give an example of something that you have learned to do that is not related to your work?
  • Have you attended any classes to help you learn a new hobby? If not, would you like to?
  • Is there a hobby you are thinking about starting these days? What is it?

Knitting needles crossing at their tips and green wool.

  • Do you like solo hobbies, or do you prefer to do group activities? Why?
  • Some people turn their hobbies into a career or a way of making money. Can you think of any examples?
  • Some people plan on taking up new hobbies when they retire. Are there some hobbies you would like to start later in life?
  • What hobbies are popular with children, but not with adults?
  • What hobbies do men prefer? Which hobbies do women especially like?
  • What hobbies used to be popular, but aren't common now? Why have they gone out of fashion?
  • Are there any hobbies that only require people? Can they be done without equipment or special items?
  • How much money do you usually spend on your hobby? Is it too much?
  • How much time do you spend on your hobbies? How much time would be too much?
  • Is it important to have a hobby? If someone only works and sleeps, what is the problem?
  • Does your hobby produce anything useful, usable, or beneficial?

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ESL Conversation Topics

  • Intermediate

hobby example of painting

  • 1.0 Overview
  • 3.0 Vocabulary
  • 4.0 Conversation Questions

The topic of hobbies holds great value for English learners as it offers a gateway to language improvement and cultural exploration. This introduction delves into the significance of hobbies in people’s lives, showcasing diverse interests and pastimes.

By delving into hobby-related vocabulary and expressions, learners can develop a broader range of conversational skills.

Hobbies Review

A hobby is something you like to do for yourself in your free time.

Hobbies can be anything from playing video games to collecting stamps.

People love having hobbies because they can help them relax and destress.

Hobbies also help people connect with others and make new friends.

Useful Vocabulary

Try and use the following vocabulary when answering the question. Click to look up the definition in the dictionary

  • hobby (noun)
  • enjoy (verb)
  • enjoyable (noun)
  • take up (phrasal verb)
  • interesting (adjective)
  • free time (noun)
  • benefit (noun)
  • personally (adverb)
  • generally (adverb)

Conversation Questions

My Image

  • Do you have any hobbies?
  • What hobbies did you used to have when you were younger?
  • Do you prefer indoor or outdoor hobbies?
  • Why do you think people like having hobbies?
  • What hobby would you like to start?
  • Do you think having lots of different hobbies is bad?
  • What are the benefits of having a hobby?
  • What hobbies do your friends or family have?
  • Can you think of a really boring hobby?
  • Can you think of a really dangerous hobby?

Keep The Conversation Going!

Gregory

Gregory is a qualified TEFL teacher who has been teaching English as a Foreign Language (ESL) for over a decade. He has taught in-person classes in Spain and to English learners around the world online.

How to Talk About Hobbies in English

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Let’s talk about hobbies!

What do you like to do for fun? What do you do on the weekends? What do you do in your free time?  Talking about your hobbies may be a great place to start building your confidence when practicing your English. When we talk about things we are interested in, we are more likely to make a bigger effort to speak English fluently. 

Today I’m going to share with you some common hobbies and how to talk about them to improve your English conversation skills. Before you keep reading, start thinking about what kind of hobbies you like and apply these conversation skills when you want to talk about your hobbies in English.

Hobbies in English 

In English, you wouldn’t ask someone what their hobbies are, for the most part, we ask, “what do you like to do for fun?” “what do you do in your free time?” “What do you like to do on the weekends?”

We ask these questions when we are getting to know someone new to find out common interests.  In this exercise, we will start with a simple sentence, then we will build upon those and add more details to the hobbies we talk about. 

When you want to describe what you like to do for fun, you’ll start by saying, “I like to… I love to… On the weekends, I like to…”

Some common hobbies 

  • Working out 
  • Photography 
  • Chilling with friends 
  • Eating out 
  • Playing an instrument 

Let’s start with simple sentences

  • I like to watch 
  • I love to go hiking 
  • I like to relax at home 
  • When I have free time, I love to travel 
  • In my free time, I like to study English 
  • I like to paint when I have time 

Let’s add more details (when we do these activities)

  • I go to the gym 3 times a week when I’m not to busy at work 
  • I go hiking maybe twice a month to relax and not spend too much money 
  • Most weekends, I like to relax at home and spend time with my family 
  • I like to travel to new places maybe once a month 
  • I go to soccer practice twice a week, maybe three times if we have a game 

Let’s add more details (where we do these activities) 

  • I go to the gym down the street from my house after or before work if I’m not too busy 
  • I like to go hiking at Percy Warner once or twice a month and try new trails 
  • I like to go to the park to do my paintings and drawings because it’s more relaxing 
  • I usually go to the beach in Florida about once a month to get away from work 

Let’s add more details (why we do these activities) 

  • I started going to the gym this year to improve my health 
  • My best friend loves to hike so started going with her and I absolutely loved it 
  • I’ve always loved traveling since I was very young, so I try to travel somewhere at least once a month 
  • I used to play soccer in middle school and I haven’t stopped since then 

How to talk about the hobbies we don’t like 

  • I don’t like going to the beach because the sand gets everywhere in my clothes 
  • I hate going to the gym because it’s too crowded but I like to workout outside or at home 
  • I don’t like hiking because I always get lost, I’d rather go to the gym 
  • I don’t like traveling too much because it’s expensive and stressful

Let’s combine all into a small story about yourself

For fun, I like to paint or draw cartoons. I’ve always liked to draw since I took an art class in school. I like to draw and paint cartoon characters. Sometimes I sell my art if it’s good enough. I don’t like to be outdoors too much because it’s too much work. I like to stay indoors. 

 Talking about hobbies is the easiest way to get to know someone and to practice your English. Remember, native English speakers don’t use the word hobby, it’s always talked about in terms of what you like doing. 

To keep a conversation going and to find out more about the other person, you may ask:  

  • Why do you like that hobby? 
  • When did you start doing that hobby? 
  • How long have you been doing that hobby?

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95 Creative Toastmasters Table Topics Questions

hobbies topic questions

As a Topicsmaster, it is essential to have creative and engaging table topics questions that will spark interesting responses. Use these 95 topics to make your next topics session an exciting one!

  • If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
  • What’s the best way to describe an awkward silence?
  • What would you do if you won the lottery?
  • Describe your dream vacation.
  • Do you think music is getting worse?
  • How many uses can you think of for a rock?
  • Sell me this pen!
  • If you were to write a book, what would be its title and why?
  • Do you think instagram/facebook/tiktok is good for society?
  • What gets you most excited about life?
  • If you owned a time machine, what year would you travel to?
  • When was the last time you tried to learn something new?
  • How do you think artificial intelligence will affect our lives in the next 10 years?
  • What would you do if the world was going to end in 24 hours?
  • Do you think we’re alone in the universe?
  • If you were given the opportunity to launch into space, would you take it?
  • What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
  • Do you think mantras and positive quotes are useful?
  • Do you think driverless cars will be a good thing?
  • What would you do if you were stranded on a deserted island?
  • If you could choose to live in any time period, which would it be?
  • What would you do if you found a briefcase full of cash?
  • What is one thing that makes you unique from everyone else?
  • If you could meet any person in history, who would it be?
  • How would you survive an alien invasion?
  • Do you think coding should be taught in school?
  • What is the most daring thing you’ve ever done?
  • Who has had the biggest positive influence on your life?
  • If money were no object, what would be your dream job? 
  • If you could eat only one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
  • If you could master any skill overnight, what would it be?
  • What is your spirit animal and why?
  • What would you do if aliens landed on Earth?
  • If you could speak any language fluently, which would it be?
  • What is the book you have most frequently talked about or gifted in your life?
  • What would you do if you woke up one day with superpowers?
  • If you could play any musical instrument, what would it be?
  • How would you survive a zombie apocalypse?
  • If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
  • Describe the pros and cons of owning a pet rock
  • Do you think there would be any benefits to living in a tiny house?
  • What’s the most exciting place you have traveled to?
  • Describe the pros and cons of working from home
  • How important is the role of art in society?
  • What role does music play in your life?
  • What would you change about our school system?
  • What’s your opinion of Tiktok and Instagram?
  • Who has been the best mentor in your life to date and have you let them know about how they have positively affected your life?
  • If you could travel anywhere, where would it be?
  • Do you prefer to read fiction or non-fiction books?
  • Do you hold any unpopular beliefs?
  • What’s your definition of happiness?
  • If you had to be a teacher, what would you teach?
  • What is your most cherished childhood memory?
  • How do you define success in life?
  • Name something that has changed drastically since your parents’ generation
  • If given the chance, what kind of changes would you make in this world today
  • Who do you admire most and why?
  • What was the last book you read and what did you think of it?
  • What is something you wish you knew when you were younger?
  • What do you think are the most important qualities for success?
  • How has technology changed our lives over the last decade?
  • Do you believe that everyone has a soul mate? 
  • What is the most meaningful gift that someone has ever given to you and why was it so special? 
  • What’s the best way to spend a rainy day?
  • What would be the title of your autobiography? 
  • What was your favorite childhood toy? 
  • What do you think will be the greatest challenge facing future generations? 
  • What are three things that make you happy no matter what?
  • If money were not an issue, what job would you choose and why?
  • If animals could talk, which animal would be the funniest?
  • Describe a moment that changed your life forever. 
  • Are there any superstitions that you believe in?
  • If technology suddenly disappeared from our lives, how would our world change for better or worse? 
  • If could relive one moment from the past, which one would it be?
  • Do think people can truly change or are we stuck with who we are?
  • If you could be any animal, which would you choose?
  • What are the three most important things in life?
  • Do you believe in fate or destiny? 
  • Would you rather have a job that pays well but makes you unhappy or a job that makes you happy but pays poorly?  
  • When was the last time something really surprised you and why did it surprise you so much? 
  • What does true friendship mean to you? 
  • Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
  • What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
  • What are some of your favorite hobbies or activities and why do you enjoy them so much? 
  • If money were no object, what would you do with your life?
  • Would you rather live in a big city or a small town? 
  • If you could master any skill instantly, what would it be and why?
  • What was your favorite subject in school and why?
  • If you could pick one person to be a mentor to you, who would it be and why? 
  • What has been your proudest moment so far in life?
  • If you had three wishes, what would they be and why? 
  • What does courage mean to you? 
  • How can we create more meaningful connections with people around us?
  • How important is creativity in your personal and professional life?

Table topics are an important part of any meeting as they provide the opportunity for members to practice their impromptu speaking skills in a safe environment. Not only do these questions help build confidence among members, but they also make meetings more enjoyable and lively! With the right type of question, you can prompt meaningful responses that will keep everyone engaged until the end.

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ESL Speaking

Games + Activities to Try Out Today!

in Activities for Adults · Activities for Kids

ESL Hobbies Games, Activities & Lesson Plans | Free Time Activities

If you’re looking for some of the best ESL hobbies games or free time activities, then you’re in the right place. Keep on reading for everything you need for ESL hobbies, including worksheets and lesson plans.

ESL hobbies games

TEFL hobby games and activity ideas

ESL Hobbies Games & Free Time Activities

Let’s get into the best TEFL free time activities and games.

#1: Picture Prompt ESL Hobby Activity

This is a nice warm-up activity if you’re teaching about free time or hobbies. Put up a picture with people doing various hobbies, such as in a park.

Then, there are an array of options, depending on the level of the students. Have a look here for all the ideas:

TEFL Picture Prompt Activity.

#2: The Expert Speaking Activity

Try out this fun, interactive speaking activity with higher-level learners. The way it works is that students have to pick 3 things that they’re an expert in to have short conversations with other students about. It’s possible to restrict the options to hobbies or things that students do in their free time. Check it out:

The Expert ESL Speaking Activity .

#3: Flyswatter Game

Try out this flyswatter activity to help students review new vocabulary words.

#4: Just One Question ESL Hobby Activity

I love this survey-style activity! Students have to come up with an interesting question related to hobbies, survey a number of their classmates and then compile the results. After that, they can report back to the class about what they learned. Try it out:

Just One Question Activity .

#5: The Name Game

This is a nice way to review names and also find out the hobby of each of the students. It’s simple and works very well for beginners. Have a look:

TEFL Name Game .

#6: Running Dictation ESL Hobbies Game

Try out this fun activity that gets students out of their seats and moving around the classroom. Make (or find) a conversation between two people talking about their hobbies and you’ll be good to go. Find out the rest here:

TEFL Running Dictation Activity .

#7: Word Association

It’s likely that students already know a good number of hobbies and free time activities. If this is the case, try out Word Association for a quick warmer activity. It’ll help make new vocabulary words far more memorable.

#8: Sports Games and Activities

Sports are a very common hobby in any country! Here are some of the top ideas for this unit:

TEFL Sports Games and Activities .

#9: Hobbies Charades Game

A nice way to review hobbies is to have students play charades. They have to act out various hobbies and their teammates have to guess what it is. Check it out:

TEFL Charades Activity .

#10: Short Stories and Reading

Short Stories in English for Intermediate Level ESL/EFL Learners: Improve Reading Comprehension with...

  • Amazon Kindle Edition
  • Bolen, Jackie (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 112 Pages - 11/01/2021 (Publication Date)

Here’s one for your students who love to read as their hobby! Pick up a copy of this book about life in Canada. It’s written for English learners at an intermediate level. Check it out:

ESL Short Stories .

#11: Speaking Fluency Activity

I love to push my students to someone speak more quickly! It’s easy to focus on only accuracy but fluency is important too. That’s why I love to use this speaking fluency activity with my students.

#12: Conversation Starters

If you tell your students to talk with a partner about hobbies for 10 minutes, you may be met with silence! It’s better to give a bit more structure with some conversation starters.

That way, if students get stuck, they can refer to a starter and keep the conversation going. Find out more about this here:

TEFL Conversation Starters .

#13: TV and Movie Activities

A common hobby is watching TV or movies. There are lots of fun activities you can do in class related to this. Have a look at some of my favourites here:

ESL TV and Movie Activities.

#14: I’m an Alien

This is a nice way to elicit a bunch of hobby-related vocabulary from your students. Check it out here:

#15: Dictogloss ESL Hobbies Activity

Dicto Gloss is a challenging listening activity for more advanced students. Write (or find) a passage where someone is talking about what they like to do in their free time.

Then, put students into pairs and read it out at a faster than usual pace. Students take notes and try to recreate what they just heard with their partners. Repeat the process. Then, the students compare what they have with the original.

#16: A-Z Alphabet Game

It’s likely the case that your students already know lots of hobbies before you explicitly teach them. That’s what makes this A-Z warm-up game the perfect fit for this unit.

#17: Small Talk Activities

Small talk is often about hobbies and what people do in their free time. I love to give my students some practice with this in my classes. Have a look at some of the best ideas for that here:

ESL Small Talk Activities .

#18: Restaurant and Ordering Food Activities

One of my personal favourite hobbies is going out to try new restaurants. It’s likely the same with many of your students. Check out some of the best ideas for this:

ESL Restaurant and Food Activities.

#19: Dictation

#20: Would you Rather?

This is a quick warm-up activity that can be fun or serious. For the hobby/free-time unit, I’d make it a bit more serious and have questions like:

  • Would you rather read a book, or play a sport?
  • Would you rather go out to eat, or make a really nice meal at home?

#21: Use Real Objects

Why show pictures or flashcards if you can bring the real thing? For whatever hobbies you or your co-teacher have, bring in some of the gear or equipment. Use them to talk about your hobbies. This can be a nice lead-in to have students talk about theirs. Find out more: What are the differences between realia and specimens? 

#22: Just a Minute

Try out this fun speaking activity where students to have to talk for an entire minute about a hobby of theirs without stopping.

#23: TEFL Taboo Game

Try out this simple game where students have to describe a hobby to their classmates who have to guess what it is. Check it out:

TEFL Taboo Activity .

#24: Me Too!

This is a simple listening and speaking game for beginners. Students have to say a true statement about themselves related to hobbies. For example:

  • I love to play soccer.
  • I don’t like watching TV.
  • My family goes for a walk every night.

If it’s also true for other students in the class, they can stand up and say, “Me too!”

TEFL free time activities

#25: Hobby Names in English

If your students want to learn some of the most popular hobbies, in English, you’ll want to refer them to this resource:

Names of Hobbies in English .

Hobbies ESL Lesson Plans

If you’re a teacher, then I’m sure you’re short of time! In that case, it’s prudent to not reinvent the wheel. Instead, use some of these free time lesson plans:

One Stop English 

Lingua House

Hobbies and Free Time Worksheets

If you’re looking for some hobbies worksheets for ESL/EFL, here are some of my favourite resources:

ISL Collective

English Worksheets 

Did you Like these Hobbies Games?

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There are a number of common questions that teachers have about this topic. Here are the answers to some of the most popular ones.

Why is teaching hobbies important in ESL/EFL classes?

Teaching hobbies helps learners engage in conversational topics, build vocabulary, and express personal interests.

How can I introduce hobbies to ESL/EFL beginners?

Start with simple vocabulary related to hobbies, use pictures or props, and encourage short sentences about their interests.

What are effective ways to teach hobby-related vocabulary?

Use flashcards, visual aids, and context-rich sentences to help learners associate words with their meanings.

How can I make hobbies engaging for intermediate learners?

Incorporate discussions, role plays, and group activities that involve talking about hobbies and sharing opinions.

Can I use authentic materials to teach hobbies?

Yes, authentic materials like magazine articles, blogs, and videos about hobbies can provide real-world context for language learning.

 How can I encourage learners to speak about their hobbies?

Create interactive tasks such as presentations, interviews, or debates where learners discuss and describe their favorite hobbies.

Are there any writing activities related to hobbies?

Yes, learners can write essays, short paragraphs, or even blog posts discussing their hobbies and their significance.

What are some useful phrases for discussing hobbies?

“I enjoy…”, “I’m interested in…”, “In my free time, I like…”, “I’m a fan of…”, “I’m into…”

Join the Conversation about Free Time Activities

Do you have any games or activities that you like to use for the hobby or free time unit? If you are interested in teaching a different topic, consider the list of school subjects . Leave a comment below and let us know what you think. We’d love to hear from you.

Last update on 2024-02-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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About Jackie

Jackie Bolen has been teaching English for more than 15 years to students in South Korea and Canada. She's taught all ages, levels and kinds of TEFL classes. She holds an MA degree, along with the Celta and Delta English teaching certifications.

Jackie is the author of more than 100 books for English teachers and English learners, including 101 ESL Activities for Teenagers and Adults and 1001 English Expressions and Phrases . She loves to share her ESL games, activities, teaching tips, and more with other teachers throughout the world.

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27 ESL Conversation Questions about Hobbies

  • Do you have any hobbies? What are they?
  • What hobbies did you have when you were a child?
  • Did you start any new hobbies during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns?
  • Do you have any indoor hobbies? What are they?
  • Do you have any hobbies that require you to be outside? What hobbies are they?
  • Do you have a collection? What do you collect? How long have been collecting them?
  • What hobbies do your parents have? Are they good hobbies?
  • Can you find enough time for your hobbies?
  • Do you spend any money on your hobbies? 
  • Does it cost a lot to pursue your hobby?
  • How long have you had hobbies?
  • Give some examples of hobbies that one can enjoy doing. Do you enjoy any of them?
  • How much time can you spend on your hobbies?
  • Which hobbies are very expensive?
  • Are there any dangerous hobbies? What are they?
  • Are there any hobbies you would like to try before you get old?
  • What are some of the most popular hobbies in your country?
  • Would you like to try any hobbies that are popular in other countries?
  • What are some of the popular hobbies in different countries?
  • Why is it important to have a hobby?
  • Does everybody have to have a hobby? Why/Why not?
  • What happens if you can’t have enough time for your hobbies? How do you feel?
  • Do you think it is important to have a hobby for mental health? How? Please explain it in detail.
  • Can you make money from doing your hobby? Would you like to make it?
  • Which hobbies can make people happy and proud?
  • Would you support your friend if s/he quits her/his job and takes up a hobby that makes them earn less money?
  • What if everybody can earn money from their hobbies, how would life be?
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IELTS Speaking: Talk about your hobby

Talk about your hobby is a topic that appear on the IELTS test. The interviewer can also bring up this topic during a college entrance interview or job application.

We rarely talk about our hobbies with people, because we may share the same interests as the people we make friends with in everyday life. So, let Ieltspracticeonline learn about this interesting topic!

Adjectives to Describe Hobbies

These are some useful adjectives to describe your interest or hobby:

Questions to Ask Someone About Their Hobbies

The first thing you need to understand is the question someone could ask you about your hobbies or interests.

There are several ways someone could ask you this question so let’s take a look at them.

  • What do you like to do in your free time?
  • Do you have any hobbies?
  • What are your interests?
  • What do you like doing at the weekend?
  • What do you like to do?

First, I should tell you I am from England and English people rarely use the word ‘hobbies’. It sounds a little old-fashioned these days. People often use the word ‘interests’ to replace hobbies.

So it could be any of the above questions.

I think these are fairly simple to understand.

How to Reply

But there is a larger range of ways of replying to these questions.

People usually indulge in their interests in their free time or spare time. This is a time when we are not working or studying. Often it could be at the weekend and in the evenings.

So one by one we can use these phrases like this:

In my free time, I like to…

  • In my free time, I like to play football
  • In my free time, I go swimming
  • In my free time, I prefer to read

At the weekend I like….

  • At the weekend I like to go fishing
  • At the weekend I like cooking
  • At the weekend I like to do the gardening

I like to …

  • I like to go dancing
  • I like to make wine
  • I enjoy drawing
  • I enjoy hiking

I am into …

(This means that you like something very much)

  • I am into comics
  • I am into website design
  • I’m into gaming

When I have the time, I like to …

  • When I have the time, I like to go walking
  • When I have the time, I like to take photographs

I’m interested in…

  • I’m interested in tropical fish
  • I’m interested in local history

Examples of Hobbies

Each country has its own culture and therefore the people will have different interests and hobbies. Some of these interests are universal such as playing the piano, going to the gym or drawing. But many others are unique to the country itself.

Below is a selection of typical interests and hobbies in England.

Go through all of these hobbies and interests and look the words up in a dictionary.

Does your country share any of the same hobbies as above?

Make a list of interests that people in your country like to do in their free time. Write a few sentences about each one if you can.

Talking About Interests in Detail

When we talk about our interests, there are two things we can do.

hobbies topic questions

Describe what the hobby is

And then say why you like it

So, for example, someone who likes football might say something like this:

I like to play football at the weekend with my friends. We have a small club and we get together and play a game of football. Nothing serious just for fun, really.

But we like it because it is good fun and we can all have a laugh together plus it is good exercise and gets us out of the hous

In the first sentence, the speaker says what the interest is, when he does it and who with. He then goes on further to explain that he and his friends are members of a small local football club.

He says that is it  Nothing serious just for fun really  — this means that no one takes the football club very seriously. They are not trying to be professional football players. They just want to have some fun.

He then goes on to explain why they do it. He repeats that it is fun and they can  all have a laugh together  — this is another way to say that it is good fun. Then he mentions that playing football is good exercise — another reason why he plays football.

And lastly he says it  gets us out of the house  — this means that it is good to leave the house. Staying indoors all day is considered an unhealthy thing to do.

Let’s look at another example.

I am an avid reader and every weekend you can find me with my nose in a book. There is nothing I like better than curling up with a good book in my favourite armchair and losing myself in whatever world the book is set in.

I love reading because I can enter other worlds and meet all these amazing characters. I love seeing all of the scenes play out in my imagination.

This speaker talks about her deep interest in reading.

She says she is an  avid reader  — this means she loves reading and has a very strong desire for reading.

She goes on to say that  every weekend you can find me with my nose in a book —  this means that if we were to find her we could see her reading. She also uses the phrase  curling up with a good book in my favourite armchair , to describe in more detail her love for reading. She likes to sit in an armchair curled up in a ball so that she is comfortable.

The speaker mentions  the world the book is set in  because the setting in the book is not like the real world.

She then explains why she likes reading and talks about  other worlds ,  amazing characters  and  seeing all the scenes play out in her imagination .

This is what you need to do when talking about your hobby or interest.

You need to go into deeper detail of what the interest is and where and when you do this hobby. And are you alone or with friends?

Then talk about why you like it. Try to think of three reasons why you like this special hobby of yours.

Like Doing vs Like To Do

We often use these two phrases when talking about our interests and hobbies. Or to describe things we like to do or things we like doing.

Like + gerund – I like swimming

Like + infinitive – I like to swim

Loosely speaking, you can use either of these expressions. Each one has the same meaning.

How to Talk at Length About Your Hobbies

If you are asked about your hobbies in the IELTS test for Part Two, then you will have to talk about your hobby or interest at length. The same if you are asked this question in an interview for college or a job interview.

You need to think about how to talk about the things you like to do and how to speak for a long time. This is where all the English question words can help you.

Think about the question words  what ,  where ,  when ,  why ,  who  and  how .

What  – I like to paint

Where  – in my shed in the garden

When  – at the weekend and whenever I have spare time

Why  – I just lose myself in the moment, it is very relaxing and time just flies by

Who  – by myself it is a very solitary hobby

How often  – whenever I can!

And then you can put all of this together and it might look like this:

I like to paint in my free time. I can’t paint in the house because my parents say it is too messy, all the paint and oil, so I use the shed in our garden. I can sit in there and no one disturbs me.

I usually paint at the weekend and after school, I like to paint whenever I have some spare time.

I like painting because I can just lose myself in it, I just get lost in the moment and forget time completely. It is very relaxing and time just flies by very quickly.

I like to spend time on my own and paint. I like to be able to think and be quiet. I like to be on my own and think.

I try to paint whenever I can but I have exams coming up so I don’t have as much free time any more. But after my exams, I will probably get back into it.

Now you try.

Use all the question words and ask yourself questions about your hobby or interest. Interview yourself about your hobby and when you have all the answers put them together into one long talk.

Then recite it out to yourself.

Describe Feelings About the Hobby

First of all, let’s look at some words we can use to describe how we feel about something in English.

I think you probably know how to use these words to describe general emotional states you might have on different days, but you can also use them when talking about your interests.

hobbies topic questions

Let me show you how.

We played a game of cricket against another local team but we lost terribly. I was kind of angry even though it’s only a game. I just felt frustrated because we had practiced for so long.

Our band played live for the first time last week. We were all really nervous, but it went pretty well. I think we were all surprised by how much the crowd liked us.

 get frustrated with my efforts sometimes when I am doing pottery. I look at the results and think it looks terrible but then I remind myself that I am still learning.

If I spend too much time on my own, I get lonely so it’s nice to meet the others in our choir and practice two or three times a week.

You can use many of the words above to describe how you feel about your hobby and how it makes you feel when you are doing it.

Try to use all the words above and the examples and make your own sentences.

Describe your feelings about your hobby and how you feel when you are doing it.

Describe Opinions About the Hobby

Here are some useful phrases you can use to describe your opinion about your interest.

You can use these to express opinions about your interest.

Let’s look at some examples:

In my opinion, doing yoga is a very good thing to do. It can really help you relax and we all need to do that in modern society.

Personally speaking, I think that cooking is a very useful hobby. After all, everyone needs to eat and everyone likes to eat delicious food.

I really believe that going to the gym can help you live a long and healthy life. As we get older we need to have more strength to do daily things in our life.

As far as I’m concerned, doing carpentry is a very rewarding and satisfying hobby. I have made some really beautiful chairs and a bookcase for our home.

You could be asked to talk about your hobbies or interests in Part Two of the IELTS speaking test. Or in an interview for college or a job interview.

In this situation, you will need to talk at length about what you like to do in your free time.

The important points to remember are:

  • To talk about the hobby in detail
  • And say why you like it — you should try to give three reasons if you can

But also do the following:

  • Describe your feelings about the interest — how do you feel when you do it?
  • Describe your opinions about it — the more opinions you have the better
  • And to tell a story about it

If you can cover some of these points, then you should give a very solid answer when talking about your hobbies and interests.

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ESL Conversation Hobbies

Hobbies and interests esl speaking

Our ESL conversation hobbies resources are free for everyone. Talking about hobbies is a great topic for ESL learners for several reasons. First, it allows learners to expand their vocabulary and learn new words related to their interests. This can help learners communicate more effectively in both social and professional contexts. Additionally, discussing hobbies can be a fun and engaging way for learners to connect with one another, find common ground, and build relationships. Moreover, discussing hobbies can provide cultural insight, allowing learners to learn more about the traditions, customs, and values of different communities. Finally, talking about hobbies can be a confidence-building exercise, allowing learners to practice their language skills in a supportive and non-threatening environment. By discussing hobbies, ESL learners can improve their language abilities while also having fun and getting to know their peers. The handouts and activities are online-friendly and flexible to meet all of your needs.

ESL conversation hobbies

ESL Conversation – Hobbies discussion questions

Discussion questions about hobbies.

Time: 30 minutes

Level: Pre-intermediate/Intermediate

ESL conversation hobbies

ESL Conversation – Outdoor activities

Discussion questions about outdoor activities.

discussion question hobbies

Discussion Questions – Hobbies

Volunteer work handout

ESL Conversation – Volunteer Work

Vocabulary and discussion questions about volunteering.

Time: 30 – 45 minutes

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Discussion Questions – Free Time

Discussion questions about free time.

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Conversation Questions Free Time & Hobbies

hobbies topic questions

01 IELTS Speaking Part 1 Tips

  • Answer the question by paraphrasing.
  • Expand. (Why/when/how long)
  • Use different tenses/structures .
  • Include   fluency markers  
  • Use some less common vocabulary.
  • Include some  phrasal verbs.  
  • Include some  idioms  if possible. 

02 Useful Vocabulary

  • Spare time (n)  - free time.
  • To unwind (v)  - to relax.
  • To blow off steam (v)  - to release negative feelings/to relax after a stressful time.
  • To can't get enough of (v)  - to love something so much that you always want to it. Can be used for an activity (eg. playing football) or a thing (eg. pizza).
  • There's only twenty-four hours in a day (p)  - There isn't enough time to do everything you want to/need to do.
  • Leisure activities (n)  - things you do in your free time for enjoyment. eg. Playing football/reading.
  • Hectic(adj)  - busy and often stressful.
  • To take up (v)  - to begin doing a new hobby.

Now, take the quiz below. More than one answer may be possible. Choose the most appropriate answer.

03 Video Lesson

Listen to the model answers by playing the below video. If you prefer to read the answers, keep on scrolling!

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150 ESL Conversation Starters and Questions (The Essential List)

Do you want your students to be excited to speak with you in English?

Do you want to make sure you always know where the conversation is going and what to say next?

You need engaging content, interesting conversation starters, and questions that really reel them in.

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This list of 150 ESL conversation starters will give you everything you need to make sure you always have something interesting to talk about and never run out of things to say!

150 ESL conversation starters essential list for lessons

Why Every Teacher Needs a List of Starters

Conversation topics for adults and teens, conversation topics for kids, conversation topics for beginners, weird and funny conversation starters, controversial conversations topics, additional tips for your conversation lessons, final thoughts.

If you want to improve your student’s speaking ability you need to master the art of conversation. You need to know how to get your students speaking , move the conversation forward, provide feedback and make it all feel natural. You also need engaging topics and that is where this guide comes in.

One of the problems that can face a teacher is knowing what to talk about. What do you do when you’ve finished talking about work, the weather and then realise that only 5 minutes have passed!

This guide has everything you need to make sure you never run out of topics and most importantly you always have something interesting to say.

It is a good idea to pick a particular topic for a class (or even have your student pick if you want more engagement from them). Once you have that topic then move through the questions, trying to get as much from each one as possible. 

Browse our ESL teacher resources section for more tips and printable lesson materials.

Adults and teens usually know more about advanced topics than children (politics, religion, etc.) That being said, knowing more on these topics doesn’t necessarily translate to being able to speak about these things easily so don’t assume they can do everything. Be aware of your student’s level and be prepared to reframe a question if they are struggling to understand. 

  • Where do you work?
  • Do you enjoy your job?
  • Do you use English for your job?
  • Tell me about your last job.
  • What do you think is the most difficult job in the world?
  • What do you think is the easiest job in the world?
  • Where would you work if you could pick any job?
  • Would you still work if you won the lottery?
  • Do you think robots will replace all of the jobs in the future?
  • Which kind of job should have the highest salary?

In this post, you’ll get 20 topics and activities for Business English lessons.

  • Do you listen to music?
  • When did you start listening to music?
  • Do you play a musical instrument?
  • What do you think the future of music will be like?
  • If you could meet any musician, who would it be?
  • Why do people like music?
  • If you could erase a musical genre, which would it be?
  • Do you think musical success comes from working hard or luck?
  • What was the first album you bought?
  • Have you ever downloaded music illegally?
  • What is a holiday?
  • Do you often go on holiday?
  • Where did you last go on holiday?
  • Where would you like to go on holiday next?
  • Do you prefer relaxing or having an adventure on your holiday?
  • Is it weird to go on holiday by yourself?
  • What is the best food you’ve eaten while on holiday?
  • Can you imagine what holidays 500 years ago were like?
  • Would you like to go on holiday to space?
  • What do you think the future of the holidays will be like?
  • What is technology?
  • What do you think of when you hear the word ‘technology’?
  • How has technology changed in the past?
  • How has technology changed your life?
  • Could you live without technology?
  • Find the full list of technology questions here

In order to engage a child in conversation, you have to enter their world. What is fun for them? What do they like to do? Using words/phrases like “wow”, “That sounds tasty”, “Awesome” can show you are listening to them and make things more fun which will get them saying more!

  • Do you have a pet?
  • What do you think pets do in the day?
  • What do pets eat?
  • Are cats better or dogs?
  • What is the best name for a pet?
  • Would you like a pet spider?
  • Would you like to be an animal? Which one?
  • Why do we have pets?
  • Do you prefer cute or fun pets?
  • What is the best present for a pet?
  • Do you like school?
  • What is your favourite subject?
  • What is your least favourite subject?
  • Who is your favourite teacher?
  • Why do people have to go to school?
  • Do you like homework?
  • What would you do if you were the headteacher?
  • How could schools be more fun?
  • How long are the summer holidays?
  • Can you learn and have fun at the same time?
  • What is your favourite movie?
  • Who is your favourite character?
  • Who is your least favourite character?
  • Do you like disney movies?
  • What was the last movie you saw at the cinema?
  • How often do you watch movies?
  • Do you wish you could live in a movie?
  • Why do you watch movies?
  • Do you prefer reading books or movies?
  • Do you watch any movies in English?

Keeping the topics simple for beginners is a must at the start. Talking about their hobbies and family can help as these are areas they may have already experience in talking about. If a student is really struggling then giving them phrases to use such as “I like …” can help get the ball rolling.

  • What do you like to do?
  • Do you do any sports?
  • What types of movie do you like?
  • Do you play video games?
  • What do you usually do with friends?
  • Is learning English a hobby or work?
  • Do you have any unusual hobbies?
  • Do you have enough time for your hobbies?
  • What is a common hobby?
  • What do you think is a boring hobby?
  • Do you live with your family?
  • How many people are in your family?
  • Are you close with your family?
  • How often do you see your family?
  • What do you do with your family when you see them?
  • Is your family important to you?
  • Which is more important, friends or family?
  • Who is the weirdest person in your family?
  • Are families less important nowadays than in the past?
  • What would happen if we didn’t have families?
  • Where do you live?
  • What is there to do in your city?
  • What is your place like?
  • What is your neighbourhood like?
  • Are there any parks near where you live?
  • Have you ever lived elsewhere?
  • How many rooms does your place have?
  • If you moved, where would you like to live?
  • Would you prefer to live in the city or country?
  • Would you like to live abroad?

Use information gap activities to help your students practice speaking: read our guide.

Nobody wants to speak about the same mundane topics, especially if they’re an advanced student. Being able to mix it up is a great attribute to have as a teacher. Not only will you have memorable lessons with these conversation starters but it will really test the ability of the students to think about topics they aren’t used to (instead of rolling off easy answers about familiar topics.)

Zombie Apocalypse Plan

  • What is your zombie apocalypse plan?
  • Who would you take with you?
  • What would be your weapon of choice?
  • What would you do if a friend got bitten by a zombie?
  • What would you do if you got bitten by a zombie?
  • What food would you take with you?
  • Do you think governments should have a zombie apocalypse plan?
  • Do you think everyone should have a zombie apocalypse plan?
  • Is a zombie outbreak a likely scenario?
  • Why do you think there are so many movies and TV series based on zombies?

Superpowers

  • If you could have a superpower, what would it be?
  • What do you think is the weirdest superpower in comic books?
  • Are some superpowers too powerful?
  • Would you like a superpower where you could turn things into gold by touching them?
  • What is the weakest superpower in a comic book?
  • Have we already seen every kind of superpower possible in a comic book?
  • Are there some people in the real world that have superpowers? (doctors etc)
  • Would you like a superpower where you could turn things into chocolate?
  • Would it be better to be super strong or super smart?
  • Would you like the power to travel through time?
  • If you were granted 3 wishes what would they be?
  • Is wishing for more wishes cheating?
  • Should there be any other rules for people granted wishes?
  • Have you seen any movies with a magic lamp?
  • Do you think there is a better object that could house a genie?
  • Why are we interested in stories of people having wishes?
  • Have any of your wishes come true in real life?
  • Do you make a wish when you blow out the candles on a cake?
  • Is it bad luck to tell someone what your wish is when blowing out the candles?
  • What other ways do people make wishes?

These are topics that you need to be careful with and use your judgement based on the student’s background. You need to wait until you know a student to find out what material is appropriate for them. That being said, If used correctly, then these can be really interesting and get the student thinking about “real issues”. 

Death Penalty

  • What do you think about the death penalty?
  • Do you know which countries still use the death penalty?
  • Why do you think some countries use the death penalty?
  • Do you know of any famous executions?
  • Should the death penalty be outlawed?
  • If we removed the death penalty then what punishment should replace it?
  • What is the most humane form of execution?
  • What would your “last meal” be?
  • Does the fear of the death penalty reduce crime?
  • How has execution changed over the years?
  • What is abortion?
  • Should abortion be legal?
  • Why do you think some people are “pro choice”?
  • Why do you think some people are “pro life”?
  • What do you think of abortion in cases where the baby was conceived due to rape?
  • What do you think of abortion in cases where the Mother’s life is in danger (due to being pregnant)?
  • Should the father “get a say” in the matter of abortion?
  • What advice would you give to a family member who was thinking of getting an abortion?
  • Should people be allowed to protest against abortion?
  • What do you think the future laws on abortion will be?
  • What is corruption?
  • Is there corruption in your country?
  • Why does corruption exist?
  • Would you consider taking a bribe?
  • Would you consider offering a bribe?
  • Are some types of corruption better than others?
  • Which countries have the most corruption?
  • Which countries have the least corruption?
  • Are there any stories of corruption that you can remember?
  • Is it possible to get rid of corruption entirely?

Get a list of 110 “Would you rather” questions for your conversation lessons.

Here are some additional tips to make sure your students are getting the most out of their conversation lessons and will be excited about coming back for more. Some of these will take time to internalize and get right but be aware of them and experiment to get them just right.

Don’t feel like you have to stick rigidly to the list of conversation starters. If a question takes you down a different conversational thread then go with it. The important thing is that the student is talking, you can always return to “the script” later.

Correcting a student immediately can often be useful, but in conversation, it can really kill the flow as well as a student’s confidence if done too often. A good idea is to make notes of any major problems and then mention them after a particular section instead. On top of this, try not to interrupt a student once they are speaking. For each answer, try to milk everything out of them that you can before you have “your turn to speak”.

As well as the frequency of correction, consider the amount being corrected. Don’t feel like you have to correct EVERYTHING. Especially if a student is starting out and is a bit nervous. Pick a few problems areas and focus on that, if you mention too many things at once it can be overwhelming and can really lower a student’s confidence.

Be strict when a student gives you short answers. If a student gives you an answer like “yes” then force more out of them with “yes… because” or “no… but”. The idea is to get them using the language more.

Try to inject some personality when using these ESL conversation topics. It should feel more like a conversation rather than a robot giving an interview.

Some students will struggle with certain subjects as they just don’t know enough about the topic. If it’s a bit of a challenge then push through but if they can’t even talk about a topic in their native language then it may be an idea to move on to another subject.

Allowing a student to pick a topic can be a great way of engaging them more. This also has the added benefit of helping a younger student (such as a teenager) feel more empowered as they can make their own decisions.

Get 18 statesman tips on giving great conversation for teens and adults in this post.

There you have it!

All you need to make sure you never run out of things to say. Get these printed out as your go-to cheat sheets and bookmark this page so you can easily come back to them for future classes.

Hopefully, these ESL conversation starters and questions will spark your own ideas for topics you can use in class. If you are teaching one-to-one, you could even write niche topics especially for that student’s interests (e.g skateboarding, knitting or chess).

Remember, match the topics to the student’s level, keep it fun and once they start talking don’t get in the way!

3 thoughts on “150 ESL Conversation Starters and Questions (The Essential List)”

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Very interesting! Thank you.

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This is very useful for our speaking club. Thank you.

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Glad to hear, enjoy! :)

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High-altitude balloon intercepted by US fighters 'likely hobby balloon', NORAD says

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A balloon intercepted by fighter aircraft over Utah on Friday was a "likely hobby balloon" and has since left United States airspace, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) said Saturday.

The "small balloon" was allowed to continue to fly above the U.S. after being intercepted Friday morning at an altitude of 43,000 to 45,000 feet because it has been determined not to pose a national security threat, NORAD said.

"After yesterday's fighter intercepts, and in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration, the North American Aerospace Defense Command monitored the likely hobby balloon via ground radars until it left US airspace overnight," NORAD said in a statement on Saturday.

NORAD said it has no additional information on the balloon.

A U.S. official described the balloon as being 50 feet tall and carrying a payload that is the size of a two-foot cube. It is not known what the payload might be carrying, the official said.

"The balloon was intercepted by NORAD fighters over Utah, who determined it was not maneuverable and did not present a threat to national security," NORAD said in a statement on Friday.

The balloon also posed no hazard to flight safety, NORAD said.

The development comes slightly more than a year after a Chinese spy balloon was tracked across the United States before being shot down by U.S. fighters over U.S. territorial waters east of South Carolina.

That balloon measured nearly 200 feet in height, was equipped with a payload described as being the length of three school buses that carried intelligence sensors and was capable of being maneuvered remotely.

That incident created tensions between the United States and China that have only recently improved.

NORAD subsequently made adjustments to its sensors to increase the detection of high-altitude balloons flying across the U.S. and Canada that led to the shootdown of smaller balloons over Alaska, Canada's Yukon Territory, and Lake Huron.

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Hobby Lobby-funded Jesus Super Bowl ads can't hide the hate that fuels the Christian right

The "he gets us" ads are an expensive bait-and-switch trying to trick people into believing in maga jesus, by amanda marcotte.

Of the many weird, cringeworthy, or confusing ads to run in the Super Bowl on Sunday, one stood out as especially eyeroll-inducing: a footwashing ad from the "He Gets Us" campaign. The commercial flashed a series of images of people washing another person's feet, with most offering an attention-grabbing role reversal of oppressor and oppressed: A cop washing a young Black man's feet, a white woman serving a migrant, and, for the one that made me guffaw the loudest, an anti-abortion protester kneeling before a presumed patient of a family planning clinic. "Jesus didn't teach hate," reads the tagline as an INXS cover plays. "He washed feet." 

The funders of the ad were obscure to the audience, leaving open the question: Are the people behind this simply naive? Are they the last remaining liberal Christians, trying to convince Donald Trump-obsessed evangelicals to stop the tidal wave of hate? Or is this ad a bait-and-switch, trying to lure unchurched people in with a phony message of love and acceptance, only to push them into joining up with the MAGA movement?

There's no point in phony suspense here: It's option number three. Jesus may have been against lying, but his wealthiest self-appointed champions in American society do not hesitate to use deceit to build up their army of MAGA Christianity. 

Want more Amanda Marcotte on politics? Subscribe to her newsletter Standing Room Only .

As many journalists have carefully detailed, the "He Gets Us" campaign is funded in large part by the Green family , who owns Hobby Lobby. Their life mission, besides getting rich by selling cheap tchotchkes, is to push their brand of far-right Christianity on the country . The Green-funded group that ran the "He Gets Us" ads last year has funneled money into anti-LGBTQ hate groups and organizations opposing women's rights. The family has funded initiatives to put religious propaganda into public school classrooms, demanded the right to fire people for being gay, passed off forgeries as the "Dead Sea Scrolls," stole antiquities from Iraq, and, of course, refused to comply with COVID-19 pandemic restrictions for fear of losing profits. They also successfully sued to block their employees from using their own health insurance to cover contraception. 

Despite their opposition to birth control, however, Hobby Lobby isn't too keen on women who have babies, either.  When a Hobby Lobby employee fell pregnant in 2010 , she alleges she was fired for asking for time off to have the baby. Losing your job is the Christian "compassion" the people behind the Super Bowl ads have on offer. 

The Greens have been upfront about their donations to the "He Gets Us" campaign, but other donors remain anonymous. That's only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the layers of deceit the campaign is using in order to lure unsuspecting people with the appealing but false promise of love and acceptance offered in the ads. The group behind the ads, for instance, is the newly formed Come Near . The far-right Servant Foundation ran it last year. This shift in management not-so-coincidentally allows the campaign to further conceal its funding and leadership because its tax documents aren't yet publicly available. 

The sleaziness gets even worse if one goes to the "He Gets Us" website. On the FAQ sheet, they claim  "Jesus loves gay people and Jesus loves trans people." That could lead queer people to falsely believe that they will find affirmation from this group. In reality, as the anti-LGBTQ donation record suggests, this is that game right-wing Christians play where they say "loving" queer people means telling them they are sinners who need to give up their "lifestyle."

"This is that game right-wing Christians play where they say 'loving' queer people means telling them they are sinners who need to give up their 'lifestyle.'"

The site also offers a chance to be "connected with someone near you who can help you learn more about Jesus and his life or get plugged into a group where you can bring your questions about life and faith." But when I clicked the link, it did not draw up a searchable list of churches or Bible study groups a person could research on their own before reaching out. Instead, the user is asked to fill out a form and told someone will reach out to them. That is a giant red flag. There's no way for a user to know who this information is going to. Instead, they're going to be contacted by a person whose affiliations and agenda are hidden and who is likely to use high-pressure sales techniques to manipulate a person who was lonely enough to click these links in the first place. 

This has all the hallmarks of what psychology experts call "spiritual abuse," which is where a person's longing for faith or higher meaning is used as a weapon to control them . I've been interviewing experts on this topic for an upcoming investigative report, and repeatedly, they emphasize that high-control religions often use bait-and-switch techniques to bamboozle vulnerable people. First the person is subjected to "love bombing," where they are repeatedly told they are safe and cared for now that they've joined this community. Once they've become emotionally dependent on the church or group, however, they are bullied and degraded. If they're queer, they're told they're going to hell unless they try (and invariably fail) to change who they fundamentally are. If they're female, they're told that their duty is to give up on their ambitions and even self-esteem, in order to be a "helpmeet" for a man. 

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There can be little doubt that is exactly the switcheroo that is going on here, which is why there are so many layers of obfuscation around who is behind the "He Gets Us" campaign. For someone who sees the ads and isn't aware of the malicious politics of the people behind it, the packaging is quite appealing. It's easy to see how queer people, young women, or progressives could think this is the faith community for them, only to find out long after they've been recruited that, no, it's actually just the same right-wing Christianity they've been avoiding. The tactic is to get them in so deep that, by the time they figure that out, they're too afraid of losing community to leave. 

Evangelicals claim to believe in the "truth and the light," and yet here they are, using duplicitous techniques borrowed from the world of con artists. But this is sadly not surprising, in an era where white evangelicals have convinced themselves they're at war with the larger culture. The framework of "holy war" creates permission to violate all sorts of moral codes. Over 60% of white evangelicals back Trump's Big Lie about the 2020 election , and nearly one-third say they believe political violence is justified to get their way. (Odds are that the real number is much higher, but there's a reluctance to admit as much to a pollster.) White evangelicals feel entitled to use lies and violence in order to gain political power. So of course they are fine with using deception to trick more people into becoming warriors for MAGA Christ. 

about this topic

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Amanda Marcotte is a senior politics writer at Salon and the author of " Troll Nation: How The Right Became Trump-Worshipping Monsters Set On Rat-F*cking Liberals, America, and Truth Itself ." Follow her on Twitter  @AmandaMarcotte  and sign up for her biweekly politics newsletter, Standing Room Only .

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IMAGES

  1. English ESL Conversation Questions

    hobbies topic questions

  2. VOCABULARY: HOBBIES: English ESL worksheets pdf & doc

    hobbies topic questions

  3. Hobbies

    hobbies topic questions

  4. I prepared a new worksheet to make students talk about the topic of

    hobbies topic questions

  5. Conversation Questions

    hobbies topic questions

  6. the worksheet for children's hobbies

    hobbies topic questions

COMMENTS

  1. Discussion Questions about Hobbies

    Painting or Drawing: Expressing creativity through visual arts. Cooking or Baking: Trying out new recipes and cooking techniques. Gardening: Cultivating plants and maintaining a garden. Photography: Capturing moments and scenes through a camera. Playing a Musical Instrument: Learning and playing instruments like the guitar, piano, or violin.

  2. 25 interesting hobbies questions

    The hobbies questions are - What is your main hobby? How often do you get to do this hobby? Are your hobbies now different compared to 5 years ago? In what ways? What is something you would like to buy for a hobby? How much would it cost? What hobbies do you think are expensive? Why are they expensive?

  3. 29 hobbies conversation starters to spark meaningful conversations

    Here's a list of hobbies conversation starters and questions to consider: What makes me uniquely qualified to write about this? Over the last ten years — across three continents — I've started conversations with thousands of strangers. I've also interviewed well over 700 people for my projects (namely a street journalism project and a book).

  4. 20 ESL Conversation Questions About Hobbies

    List of Questions About Hobbies What is your favorite hobby? Why? How did you discover your interest in your current hobby? Can hobbies have a positive impact on our well-being? How? Are there any hobbies you have always wanted to try? What are they? How do hobbies contribute to personal growth and development?

  5. 70 Hobby Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

    as 1 hour Learn More Skateboarding Not Just A Hobby A Lifestyle Young Lady Battle Of Boxing As An Awesome American Hobby Is Your Hobby Helping Or Hindering Your Family Life Video Games : A Becoming A Lifelong Hobby An Analysis of Sports Memorabilia as a True Hobby Turning Your Hobby Into An eBay Business

  6. English for Conversations about HOBBIES

    Here are some typical hobby question examples. Use these to help you practise talking about hobbies for social situations or for speaking tests such as IELTS: Do you have any interests or hobbies? Why do you do your hobby? Is your hobby difficult? What skills does your hobby require? How did you get into your hobby?

  7. ESL Conversation Questions

    Hobbies A Part of Conversation Questions for the ESL Classroom . Related: Photography What is your hobby? How long have you had a hobby? Why do people have hobbies? Why did you start your hobby? Can you make money from doing your hobby? How many hours a week do you spend on your hobby? Is your hobby safe or dangerous? What is a hobby?

  8. Talking About Your Hobbies In English

    "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."

  9. How to speak about your hobbies in IELTS speaking part 1

    IELTS speaking part 1: Topics The IELTS speaking test is divided into 3 parts. In part 1, you will be asked about whether you work or study or, alternatively, about where you currently live. Then, the examiner will ask you about two different topics to talk about. There are four questions to answer on each topic.

  10. Hobbies Conversation Questions

    Make a list. Discussion Questions: What is a hobby? Do you have any hobbies? What are they? How much free time do you usually have? What do you like to do with your free time? Do you prefer to relax or to be active? Do you collect anything? If so, when did you start collecting? How large is your collection?

  11. ESL Conversation Questions About Hobbies

    4.0 Conversation Questions The topic of hobbies holds great value for English learners as it offers a gateway to language improvement and cultural exploration. This introduction delves into the significance of hobbies in people's lives, showcasing diverse interests and pastimes.

  12. How to Talk About Hobbies in English

    We ask these questions when we are getting to know someone new to find out common interests. In this exercise, we will start with a simple sentence, then we will build upon those and add more details to the hobbies we talk about. When you want to describe what you like to do for fun, you'll start by saying, "I like to….

  13. 95 Creative Toastmasters Table Topics Questions

    Table topics are an important part of any meeting as they provide the opportunity for members to practice their impromptu speaking skills in a safe environment. Not only do these questions help build confidence among members, but they also make meetings more enjoyable and lively!

  14. Names of Hobbies in English: List + How to Talk About Hobbies

    After all, hobbies are an important discussion topic in the English language, so you should know some related vocabulary and questions (especially if you're an ESL student). Let's go! Names of common hobbies First, let's share a full list of hobbies that are popular and common in English speaking countries: Reading books Blogging Dancing Singing

  15. Hobbies ESL Games, Activities & Lesson Plans

    Jackie is the author of more than 100 books for English teachers and English learners, including 101 ESL Activities for Teenagers and Adults and 1001 English Expressions and Phrases. She loves to share her ESL games, activities, teaching tips, and more with other teachers throughout the world. You can find her on social media at: YouTube.

  16. 379 Hobbies English ESL worksheets pdf & doc

    garfield's hobbies. write the present continous of the verbs in brackets and match with the pictures. 52951 uses. PhilipR. Let's talk about TELEVISION. This worksheet contains 18 conversation cards, a ranking and a matching exercise. The cards can be cut out if desired and be used as conversation questions.

  17. 27 ESL Conversation Questions about Hobbies

    Does everybody have to have a hobby? Why/Why not? What happens if you can't have enough time for your hobbies? How do you feel? Do you think it is important to have a hobby for mental health? How? Please explain it in detail. Can you make money from doing your hobby? Would you like to make it?

  18. IELTS Speaking: Talk about your hobby

    What do you like to do in your free time? Do you have any hobbies? What are your interests? What do you like doing at the weekend? What do you like to do? First, I should tell you I am from England and English people rarely use the word 'hobbies'. It sounds a little old-fashioned these days. People often use the word 'interests' to replace hobbies.

  19. ESL Conversation Hobbies

    SAVE TIME on prep. 100 Engaging lessons with audio files. 100 Vocabulary worksheets. 1000 Discussion questions. Interesting topics: Sports, Tech, Money, Hobbies, and more. GET FREE SAMPLES. ESL Conversation Hobbies- Free ESL resources for English speaking practice for everyone. Good for online and offline classes.

  20. ESL Conversation Questions

    Free Time & Hobbies A Part of Conversation Questions for the ESL Classroom.. Free Time. Do you have enough free time? Do you have free time on Sundays? Do you have much free time during the day?

  21. Ielts Speaking: Hobbies

    02 Useful Vocabulary Spare time (n) - free time. To unwind (v) - to relax. To blow off steam (v) - to release negative feelings/to relax after a stressful time. To can't get enough of (v) - to love something so much that you always want to it. Can be used for an activity (eg. playing football) or a thing (eg. pizza).

  22. 141 Fun Table Topics Questions For The Best Conversations

    This list of table topics questions is loaded with great questions to ask! What are table topics? Table topics are a series of subjects (topics) that can be chatted about with a group of people typically at a table. These table topics questions are the perfect way to start conversations and keep discussions fun and interesting. Included in this ...

  23. 150 ESL Conversation Starters and Questions (The Essential List)

    Hopefully, these ESL conversation starters and questions will spark your own ideas for topics you can use in class. If you are teaching one-to-one, you could even write niche topics especially for that student's interests (e.g skateboarding, knitting or chess). Remember, match the topics to the student's level, keep it fun and once they ...

  24. High-altitude balloon intercepted by US fighters 'likely hobby balloon

    A balloon intercepted by fighter aircraft over Utah on Friday was a "likely hobby balloon" and has since left United States airspace, the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) said ...

  25. Hobby Lobby-funded Jesus Super Bowl ads can't hide the hate that fuels

    Hobby Lobby-funded Jesus Super Bowl ads can't hide the hate that fuels the Christian right The "He Gets Us" ads are an expensive bait-and-switch trying to trick people into believing in MAGA Jesus