Tool or game
Lesson
Speaking Part 1: Free time and hobbies
Talk about what you do in your free time naturally: how often, why you like it, and how it has changed. Includes the grammar after "enjoy" and "be into".
Say more than "My hobby is…"
Examiners hear "My hobby is reading" hundreds of times. Try more natural ways to talk about what you like:
- I'm really into photography at the moment.
- I'm quite keen on cooking.
- I enjoy playing badminton. (enjoy + -ing)
- In my free time I tend to…
How often?
every day · once a week · twice a month · now and then · hardly ever · never
I play cricket once a week, usually on Friday afternoons, but I hardly ever watch it on TV because I find it a bit slow.
Past and present
Part 1 often asks how things have changed: "Did you have the same hobbies as a child?" Use used to for past habits:
I used to collect stamps when I was small, but now I spend more time on football.
Practise freely
Questions 1–4
Choose the correct or best answer.
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I really enjoy ___ football with my cousins.
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I'm really ___ photography at the moment.
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When I was a child, I ___ climb trees every afternoon.
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"Do you have more free time now than when you were a child?" Which answer is best?
Questions 5–8
Complete each answer with a phrase from the box.
once a weekhardly everevery daynow and then
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I go swimming , every Saturday morning.
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I watch TV. I prefer reading.
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I check my phone , probably too often!
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I play the guitar , but not regularly.
Your turn: Part 1 questions
Answer each question in 2–3 sentences.
- What do you like to do in your free time?
- How often do you do it?
- Did you have the same hobbies when you were a child?
- Is there a new hobby you'd like to try?
Speaking
2:00
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Check your answer
Model answer
1. I'm really into cooking at the moment. I started during the holidays, and now I try a new recipe almost every weekend.
2. Usually once a week, on Friday evenings, because that's when the whole family is at home and they can try what I make.
3. Not really. When I was small I used to play cricket in the street with my neighbours every afternoon, but I hardly ever play now because I don't have much time.
4. I'd love to try photography. My uncle has an old camera, and I think it would be a great way to notice small things around my town.
