IELTS Speaking Part 1: Hobbies and Interests

Introduction to Speaking Part 1

The IELTS Speaking Part 1 often begins with simple questions about everyday topics such as hobbies, routines, or family life. One of the most common areas is hobbies and interests. Examiners want to check if you can speak fluently and naturally about familiar topics.

This article gives you 40 IELTS Speaking Part 1 hobbies and interests questions with model answers, plus tips, vocabulary, and practice tasks to help you boost your score.

40 IELTS Speaking Part 1 Questions and Model Answers

General Hobbies

Q1: What hobbies do you enjoy?
A: I enjoy reading novels and listening to music. Both help me to relax after work.

Q2: How often do you spend time on your hobbies?
A: Almost every evening, I dedicate at least an hour to reading.

Q3: Did you have any hobbies as a child?
A: Yes, I loved drawing and colouring. It was simple but very enjoyable.

Q4: Do you prefer indoor or outdoor hobbies?
A: I prefer indoor hobbies like cooking, but I also jog outdoors at weekends.

Q5: Do you think hobbies are important?
A: Absolutely. They reduce stress and make life more enjoyable.

Q6: What new hobby would you like to try?
A: I’d love to learn photography because it combines creativity and technology.

Q7: Have your hobbies changed over time?
A: Yes, I used to play video games a lot, but now I prefer more active hobbies.

Q8: Do you prefer hobbies you do alone or with others?
A: I like both. Reading is private, but football is social.

Q9: What hobbies are popular in your country?
A: Sports like basketball and activities like karaoke are very common.

Q10: Do you think people spend too much time on hobbies?
A: Sometimes, especially with video games. Balance is important.

‍

Technology and Hobbies

Q11: Do you think technology has changed hobbies?
A: Yes, people now enjoy online gaming, digital art, and streaming films.

Q12: Do you think online hobbies are good for young people?
A: They can be, but too much screen time is unhealthy.

Q13: What hobbies are expensive in your country?
A: Golf and horse riding are considered expensive.

Q14: Do you think social media can be a hobby?
A: For many people, yes. Posting and creating content takes time and effort.

Q15: Do you use apps or websites for your hobbies?
A: Yes, I use recipe apps for cooking and Spotify for music.

‍

Cultural and Social Hobbies

Q16: What hobbies bring people together?
A: Team sports and book clubs are great for socialising.

Q17: Do men and women prefer different hobbies?
A: Not necessarily, but social expectations sometimes influence choices.

Q18: Do you think hobbies should be part of school life?
A: Yes, schools should encourage art, music, and sport.

Q19: Do you think hobbies help people connect internationally?
A: Definitely. Online gaming or language exchange communities bring cultures together.

Q20: What unusual hobbies have you heard of?
A: I once met someone who collected sand from beaches around the world.

‍

Active Hobbies

Q21: Do you prefer active or relaxing hobbies?
A: I try to balance both. Jogging keeps me fit, while reading relaxes me.

Q22: What sports do you enjoy?
A: I like playing football with friends and watching tennis matches.

Q23: How do hobbies benefit health?
A: Active hobbies reduce stress and improve physical fitness.

Q24: Do you think young people should spend less time gaming?
A: Yes, excessive gaming can affect studies, though moderate play is fine.

Q25: Do you think outdoor hobbies are more popular in your country?
A: Yes, because the weather is often nice and people like cycling or hiking.

‍

Creative Hobbies

Q26: Do you like creative hobbies?
A: Yes, painting and cooking allow me to express myself.

Q27: Did you ever learn a musical instrument?
A: I played the guitar as a teenager, though I’m a bit rusty now.

Q28: Do you think art is a good hobby?
A: Definitely. It encourages creativity and patience.

Q29: What hobbies can children learn easily?
A: Drawing, singing, and dancing are easy for children to start.

Q30: Do you prefer learning hobbies alone or with a teacher?
A: For music or languages, I prefer a teacher. For cooking, I experiment alone.

‍

Travel and Lifestyle Hobbies

Q31: Do you enjoy travelling as a hobby?
A: Yes, I love exploring new places and trying local food.

Q32: Do you think travelling is an expensive hobby?
A: It can be costly, but budget travel makes it more affordable.

Q33: What hobbies do you usually do at weekends?
A: I often go hiking, meet friends, and cook new dishes.

Q34: Do you think shopping can be a hobby?
A: For some people, yes. They enjoy looking for bargains or new fashion.

Q35: What hobbies help people relax?
A: Yoga, meditation, and reading are excellent for relaxation.

‍

Work and Future Hobbies

Q36: Do you think hobbies can help careers?
A: Yes, teamwork hobbies like football improve communication skills.

Q37: Do you think hobbies should be listed on CVs?
A: If they’re relevant, yes. For example, volunteering shows responsibility.

Q38: Do you think busy people still need hobbies?
A: Yes, even busy people need time to recharge.

Q39: What hobbies do you plan to try in the future?
A: I’d like to take up photography and perhaps learn a new language.

Q40: How do you usually talk about your hobbies in English?
A: I use simple structures like “I enjoy…” or “I usually spend time…” and add details to make my answers interesting.

‍

Vocabulary for Talking About Hobbies

• Describing hobbies: enjoyable, relaxing, productive, social, creative
• Frequency words: daily, weekly, occasionally, once in a while
• Benefits: improve concentration, reduce stress, develop skills
• Linking words: because, since, for example, as a result

‍

Grammar to Use in Part 1

• Present simple: I usually spend time reading.
• Present perfect: I’ve tried yoga a few times.
• Past simple: When I was younger, I played football.
• Future: I’d like to learn photography next year.

‍

Conclusion

Talking about IELTS Speaking Part 1 hobbies and interests is a great opportunity to show fluency and vocabulary. By practising with these 40 model questions and answers, you’ll be ready to speak naturally and confidently.

👉 Explore more IELTS Speaking practice with cue card examples and Part 2 questions.

‍

Glossary

• Hobby (noun): an activity you enjoy in your free time.
• Interest (noun): something you like learning about or doing.
• Leisure (noun): time spent away from work or duty.
• Creative (adjective): using imagination or original ideas.
• Balance (noun): a situation where different things are equal or fair.

‍

Comprehension Practice

Questions

1. How long should a Part 1 answer be?
2. True/False: It’s okay to give one-word answers.
3. Fill in the blank: “I usually ______ time on my hobbies at the weekend.”
4. Give one hobby that is expensive.
5. Name one way hobbies can help careers.

‍

Answers

1. 2–4 sentences.
2. False.
3. spend.
4. Golf / horse riding / travelling.
5. Developing teamwork / communication / creativity.