Hobby
Band 5-7 Vocab
Pastime (noun): An activity that someone does regularly for enjoyment in their free time.
Example Sentence: Reading mystery novels is my favorite pastime.
Recreation (noun): Activity done for enjoyment when one is not working.
Example Sentence: Many people engage in recreational activities like hiking on weekends.
Craft (noun): An activity involving skill in making things by hand.
Example Sentence: Knitting is a popular craft for those who enjoy creating handmade items.
Leisure (noun): Free time, time when one is not working.
Example Sentence: During my leisure time, I like to explore different art forms.
Pursuit (noun): The act of following or carrying out a particular activity, often as a hobby.
Example Sentence: Her pursuit of photography began during her college years.
Enthusiast (noun): A person who is highly interested in and passionate about a particular activity.
Example Sentence: He's a photography enthusiast and spends hours capturing beautiful moments.
Dabble (verb): To take part in an activity in a casual or superficial way.
Example Sentence: I like to dabble in gardening during the weekends.
Interest (noun): A feeling of wanting to know or learn about something.
Example Sentence: Her interests include painting and learning new languages.
IELTS Sample Answer
Question: Discuss your favorite hobby and how it brings you joy.
Response: My favorite hobby is painting. I find it to be a relaxing pastime that allows me to express my creativity. During my leisure time, I often pick up a paintbrush and dabble in creating colorful artworks. It's not a serious pursuit, just something I do for fun. I'm not a professional artist, but being a painting enthusiast brings me immense joy. The process of mixing colors and seeing a blank canvas turn into something beautiful is truly satisfying. I've even attended some recreational art classes to improve my skills. Overall, painting is a pursuit that adds a splash of color to my life and makes my leisure time more enjoyable.
Band 7-9 Vocab
Avocation (noun): a hobby or minor occupation pursued for enjoyment.
Example Sentence: Despite his demanding job, painting remained his avocation and source of joy.
Pastime (noun): an activity that someone does regularly for enjoyment rather than work; a hobby.
Example Sentence: Fishing has been a favorite pastime of his since childhood.
Recreational (adjective): relating to or denoting activity done for enjoyment when one is not working.
Example Sentence: The hiking trail is a popular recreational activity for nature enthusiasts.
Craft (noun/verb): an activity involving skill in making things by hand; to make skillfully by hand.
Example Sentence: Pottery is not just a craft; it's a form of artistic expression.
Collect (verb): to bring or gather together a specified group of things.
Example Sentence: She likes to collect rare stamps as a hobby.
Leisure (noun): time when one is not working or occupied; free time.
Example Sentence: During leisure hours, he enjoys playing chess with friends.
Pursuit (noun): the action of following or pursuing something.
Example Sentence: Photography became her lifelong pursuit and passion.
Artisan (noun): a worker in a skilled trade, especially one that involves making things by hand.
Example Sentence: The artisan crafted intricate wooden sculptures as a hobby.
IELTS Sample Answer
Question: Examine the role of hobbies in fostering a sense of purpose and personal development. How can pursuing diverse interests contribute to an individual's growth, both personally and professionally?
Hobbies play a crucial role in fostering a sense of purpose and contributing to personal development. Firstly, pursuing diverse interests allows individuals to explore their passions and discover new talents. Engaging in activities beyond professional obligations provides a holistic view of one's abilities and interests.
Secondly, hobbies contribute to personal growth by fostering continuous learning. Whether it's learning a musical instrument, mastering a craft, or delving into a new field, hobbies encourage intellectual curiosity and skill development. This, in turn, enhances an individual's overall competence and adaptability.
Moreover, hobbies can serve as a source of motivation and fulfillment. The sense of purpose derived from pursuing meaningful activities outside of work positively impacts mental well-being and resilience.
In conclusion, the multifaceted benefits of hobbies extend beyond leisure. They contribute significantly to personal development, offering avenues for self-discovery, continuous learning, and a sense of purpose that enhances both personal and professional growth.