Sample Questions and Answers for the IELTS Speaking Exam on the Hobbies and Leisure Activities topic

Updated November 2025

Talking about hobbies and leisure activities is one of the most common topics in IELTS Speaking Parts 1, 2, and 3. This guide provides updated sample questions, natural model answers, topic-specific vocabulary, and practical tips to help you speak confidently and naturally during the exam.

Hobbies and Leisure Topic: Sample Questions

Here are some sample questions related to the Hobbies and Leisure topic you may be asked on the exam.

Part 1 (Personal questions):

Do you have any hobbies or interests? What are they?
How do you usually spend your free time?
How do you usually spend your holidays?
What places would you like to visit? Why?
Do you spend a lot of time by yourself?
What do you usually do when you are alone?
Why do some people prefer to spend their free time alone?
Do you think it is important to have time for yourself?
What musical instrument do you like listening to the most? Why?
Have you ever learned to play a musical instrument? Which one?
How often do you do sport? Why?
Would you like to take up a new sport in the future? Why?
What type of photos do you like taking? Why/Why not?
When you visit other places, do you take photos or buy postcards? Why/Why not?
Do you enjoy spending your free time online? Why/Why not?
Do you ever use apps or AI tools for your hobbies?
Have your hobbies changed since childhood? In what way?

Part 2 (Cue Card)

Describe a hobby you started recently. You should say:

What it is
How often you do it
What equipment or skills are needed
And explain why you enjoy it.

Part 3 (Discussion)

18. How have leisure activities changed in recent years?
19. Do you think people in the future will spend more of their free time online?
20. Is it better to have hobbies that you do alone or with other people? Why?
21. Should schools encourage students to develop hobbies?
22. Has technology made hobbies more accessible?

Hobbies and Leisure Topic: Sample Answers

1. Do you have any hobbies or interests? What are they?

Most of all, I am fond of doing sports. I like going to the gym and jogging in the fresh air. That helps me keep fit and clear my thoughts. Scientists say that doing sport enriches the brain with oxygen and helps improve mental activity. Apart from sports, I enjoy going to the movies and watching bestsellers.

2. How do you usually spend your free time?

I am usually quite busy during the week. So as soon as I have free time, I try to devote it to my family and closest friends. I really enjoy throwing small parties where we can gather together. Besides this, I visit the gym every weekend for a workout or go to a swimming pool. And I enjoy playing video games with my console.

3. How do you usually spend your holidays?

Most often I try to go abroad to visit a new place I have never been before. I enjoy travelling a lot: I like going sightseeing, taking pictures and learning about famous landmarks. But at the same time I love to relax on the seaside, lie on the beach, enjoy the sound of the sea, sunbathe and do nothing.

4. What places would you like to visit? Why?

I am keen on exploring ancient temples and learning about other cultures and traditions, that is why going to some ancient places would be preferable. Unfortunately, I have never been to Greece so I would be really interested in visiting Athens with its monuments and rich history or Mykonos with its amazing architecture and breathtaking landscapes.

5. Do you spend a lot of time by yourself?

Each of us is unique and has his own personality. Someone is an extrovert and likes to communicate with others a lot. The other cares about privacy and prefers to spend time alone. As for me, it is really significant to spend time by myself. It helps to organize my thoughts, focus on the most important tasks and relax if I need that.

6. What do you usually do when you are alone?

First of all, I study online. I like learning new things. When I am tired of learning, I take a break. I can surf the internet and chat with my friends or even play some games on the console. I also like sitting on the balcony, enjoying the view from the bay window and reading a book.

7. Why do some people prefer to spend their free time alone?

It depends on their personality. For example, Introverts are not keen on socializing too much. Moreover, someone works with people and continuous communication is a part of their job. So being alone is crucial for them because they need to recharge their batteries. It also helps them relax and meditate. And then who knows, maybe a genius idea would come to you.

8. Do you think it is important to have time for yourself?

I suppose it is of great importance for a human to have time for themselves. Especially, if you live in a big city and meet thousands of strangers in transport, streets or shops on a daily basis. Or if your job responsibilities are connected with communication, then you have to have that “me”-time just to clear your thoughts.

9. What musical instrument do you like listening to the most? Why?

There are lots of instruments that I like listening to, but my favourite one is the guitar. It can be really versatile: from catchy tunes to a heart-breaking romantic melody. Moreover, this instrument is very often used all over the world. So that we can enjoy some beautiful national pieces of music, for example, Spanish guitar.

10. Have you ever learned to play a musical instrument? Which one?

I have tried to learn to play the piano and the guitar several times. But to tell the truth, it wasn’t really successful. I probably don’t have a knack for music. However, my parents wanted me to play musical instruments and go to art school. It was a complete disaster and torture for me.

11. How often do you do sport? Why

I try to go in for sport at least twice a week. If I had more free time I would do sports nearly everyday. But I am usually very busy during the week, so I go to the gym at the weekend, do some workouts there or just run on the treadmill for half an hour. After that I visit swimming pool with a sauna and spa zone. That helps me keep fit.

12. Would you like to take up a new sport in the future? Why?

As soon as I have more time to spare, I will definitely take up a new sport. That will probably be some kind of martial art, because it is beneficial not only for my health, but also for my mind. Martial arts usually teach you to control your emotions. Besides, I will feel safer, if I can use self-defence.

13. What type of photos do you like taking? Why/Why not?

I am keen on taking photos of picturesques landscapes. I am fascinated by the vibrant colours of nature or the hi-tech design of the urban jungle. We should keep in mind that I am an amateur photographer. It means that I usually take photos with my iphone, not a professional photo camera and expensive equipment.

14. When you visit other places, do you take photos or buy postcards? Why/Why not?

I suppose I am quite good at taking photos. So my digital storage is usually full after travelling. But some years ago when smartphones didn’t have high quality cameras I used to buy postcards and different souvenirs to keep those memorable moments.

15. Do you enjoy spending your free time online? Why/Why not?

Yes, definitely. The internet gives me access to endless opportunities—watching tutorials, joining online communities, or even learning new skills through apps. Of course, I try to balance it with offline activities, but spending time online is now a big part of my daily routine.

16. Do you think modern technology has changed people’s free-time activities? How?

Yes, absolutely. Nowadays in 2025, many hobbies are linked with digital platforms. People do online gaming, create content on TikTok or YouTube, or join virtual communities. At the same time, many people use apps for meditation or fitness. Technology has expanded the possibilities of leisure, but sometimes it also makes us more dependent on screens.

17. Do you think people today have less free time than in the past? Why?

Yes, I believe so. Modern life is quite fast-paced, and with the rise of remote work, people often struggle to separate their personal time from their working time. Also, commuting, social media, and constant notifications take up a lot of our day. Compared to the past, I think people nowadays feel busier, even when they technically have free time.

The following list of vocabulary and phrases can help you expand your lexicon on the Hobbies and Leisure Activities topic. This will enable you to express yourself more accurately during the IELTS Speaking test.

Part 2: Cue Card – Hobbies and Leisure

Describe a hobby you started recently. You should say:

what it is
how often you do it
what equipment or skills are needed
and explain why you enjoy it.

Sample Answer (Band 7–9)

Recently, I started practicing yoga at home. I usually do it three or four times a week using online videos. You don’t need much equipment—just a yoga mat and some comfortable clothes—but you do need patience and good balance.

I really enjoy it because it helps me relax after a stressful day, stay flexible, and feel more energized. It’s also something I can do anytime without going to a gym.

18. How have leisure activities changed in recent years?

Leisure activities have become much more digital. People spend more time gaming, scrolling through social media, or watching content online. At the same time, fitness and mindfulness apps have become very popular. Technology has created new hobbies but also replaced some traditional ones.

19. Do you think people in the future will spend more of their free time online?

Yes, I think so. With AI, virtual reality, and the metaverse developing quickly, online leisure will become even more immersive. People may attend virtual concerts, take online classes, or play VR games instead of going out.

20. Is it better to have hobbies you do alone or with other people?

Both are important. Solo hobbies help you relax and develop personally, while group hobbies build social skills and relationships. The best situation is to have a balance of both.

21. Should schools encourage students to develop hobbies?

Definitely. Hobbies help students reduce stress, discover their interests, and develop creativity. Encouraging hobbies can also prevent burnout, especially in academically demanding environments.

22. Has technology made hobbies more accessible?

Yes, for sure. Today you can learn almost anything online—from photography and music to foreign languages or coding. Apps, AI tools, and online communities make it easier to start new hobbies without needing expensive equipment or classes.

Hobbies and Leisure Activities Vocabulary

General vocabulary

spare time / free time
to hang out
to have fun
to throw a party
to overwork
to devote time to…
I’m a fan of… / I’m fond of…
I’m keen on… / I’m fascinated by…
to feel bored
to interact with…
to study online
to surf the net
to work out

Photography & art

vibrant colours
picturesque landscape
unique / memorable
black-and-white photo
still life / portrait / photo shoot
“The camera doesn’t lie.”

Music

violin / guitar / piano
emotional / relaxing / passionate
jazz / soul / country

Modern 2025 lifestyle vocabulary

digital detox
binge-watching
content creation (YouTube / TikTok)
VR gaming / virtual reality experiences
AI-powered learning apps
fitness trackers / smartwatch workouts
online communities
hybrid lifestyle (mix of online and offline activities)

Final Tips for IELTS Speaking (Hobbies & Leisure)

Use personal examples to sound natural
Show a range of vocabulary from everyday to topic-specific
Use linking words to organize ideas
Don’t memorize full answers—aim for natural fluency
Speak confidently, even if you make small grammar mistakes

Practice IELTS Speaking with AI

Furthermore, we introduced the IELTS Speaking simulator by SmallTalk2Me, which offers a convenient and efficient way to practice authentic IELTS speaking questions, receive personalized feedback and track your progress. With such regular practice you can approach the IELTS Speaking exam with confidence and achieve your desired results.