IELTS Speaking Lesson about Leisure Activities
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Table of Contents
Popular Leisure Activities
Here are some popular leisure activities you can talk about in IELTS Speaking.
- Going for a picnic
- Going to the park
- Going camping
- Going shopping (retail therapy)
- Going out to the restaurant
- Going out and have a coffee
- Going out for a coffee
- Eating out
- Doing sports
- Doing yoga / pilates / karate / aikido
- Playing golf / football / ping pong
- Watching football with friends
- Watching movies
- Hiking
- Hanging out
- Surfing
- Fishing
- Having a chinwag (a chat) with friends
IELTS Speaking Questions and Answers
Listen to the following people talk about their leisure activities.
Which is your favourite leisure activity?
1. Alice (Yoga)
I usually do this activity on the weekend. If it’s sunny, I like doing it in the park, around dawn time when there is no one around, as I can get a bit self-conscious. But sometimes I just do it at home. It helps me stretch, breathe, and feel more relaxed. It’s quiet, and I do it alone although I know some people prefer to do it with a group. I enjoy it both indoors and outdoors.
- Dawn /dɔːn/
Definition: The time in the early morning when the sun starts to rise.
Example: I woke up at dawn to go for a walk.
- Self-conscious /ˌselfˈkɒn.ʃəs/
Definition: Worried or embarrassed about what people think of you.
Example: She felt self-conscious about her new haircut.
2. Archie (Karaoke)
I really enjoy this activity, it’s really just about getting together with a friend. We sometimes meet up at someone’s house or at a café, talk for hours, maybe tell a joke or two. Inevitably, someone will have a funny anecdote to share. But my favourite moment is when we get the microphone out and start to blast out our favourite tunes. It’s my favourite way to disconnect and I really feel it does me the world of good.
- Anecdote /ˈæn.ɪk.dəʊt/
Definition: A short, interesting or funny story about something that happened.
Example: He told a funny anecdote about his first day at work.
- To blast out (music or a song) /blɑːst aʊt/
Definition: To play music very loudly.
Example: My neighbour was blasting out music all night.
- Tune /tjuːn/
Definition: A song or a nice melody.
Example: That’s a great tune! Let’s play it again.
- To disconnect /ˌdɪs.kəˈnekt/
Definition: To stop being connected to something, like the internet or your phone.
Example: I like to disconnect from my phone when I’m on holiday.
- It does me the world of good /ɪt dʌz mi ðə wɜːld əv ɡʊd/
Definition: It makes me feel much better.
Example: A short walk in the park does me the world of good.
3. Brian
When I feel stressed or tired from work, I do this to clear my head. I just put on my trainers and start. I don’t go too far, just once or twice around the block usually. The fresh air really helps, and I always feel more peaceful afterwards, on top of that it’s a low-budget activity, as all you need is a pair of shoes.
- Trainers (shoes) /ˈtreɪ.nəz/
Definition: Comfortable shoes for running or exercise.
Example: I wear my trainers when I go to the gym.
- Around the block /əˈraʊnd ðə blɒk/
Definition: In the local area; nearby streets.
Example: I went for a walk around the block to get some fresh air.
4. Glenda
This is something I picked up from my grandmother. It’s a quiet activity, and I usually do it in the evening while listening to music or watching TV. Some days, I can just while away the hours doing it, as it’s a very time-consuming activity, but one I love. Sure, you need focus and patience, but it helps me concentrate. I make scarves and sometimes give them to friends.
- While away the hours /waɪl əˈweɪ ði ˈaʊəz/
Definition: To spend time in a relaxed way, doing something pleasant.
Example: We whiled away the hours by playing cards.
5. Paddy
After dinner, I often sit down in front of the screen and turn it on. I choose a new episode and keep watching until I feel sleepy. Sometimes I lose track of time! I know it’s not the healthiest habit, but it helps me switch off and unwind after a long day.
- Lose track of time /luːz træk əv taɪm/
Definition: To not notice how much time has passed.
Example: I lost track of time while watching that film.
- Unwind /ʌnˈwaɪnd/
Definition: To relax after being busy or stressed.
Example: I like to unwind with a cup of tea after work.
IELTS Speaking Vocabulary: Leisure Activities
1. Expressing Likes
- I like doing yoga OR I like to do yoga???
Actually, both are correct!
But there is a slight difference or nuance in meaning:
- I like doing yoga (focus on action or experience)
- I like to do yoga (focus on a preference or habit)
I like doing yoga after work
I like to do yoga once a week
I like doing it in the park, around dawn time when there is no one around
2. To stretch (v.) /stretʃ/
= to extend your body
She yawned and stretched her arms.
It helps me stretch, breathe, and feel more relaxed.
I’m going to stretch my legs
= (idiomatic) to have a break (from a long activity)
Similar words
- Straighten
- Straighten out
Collocation
- To do some stretching = warming up for an activity
3. To disconnect /ˌdɪs.kəˈnekt/
= to relax (idiomatic)
It’s my favourite way to disconnect
Similar words (idiomatically)
- To switch off
- To unwind
- To wind down
- To take it easy
- To chill
4. Low-budget (adj.). /ləʊˈbʌdʒ.ɪt/
= involves small amount of money, cheap, not expensive
It’s a low-budget activity, as all you need is a pair of shoes.
Similar words
- Affordable
- Inexpensive
Antonyms
- Pricey
- Costly
Collocations
- ____ activity
- _____ holiday
5. Time-consuming (adj.) /ˈtaɪm.kənˌsjuː.mɪŋ/
= something that takes up a lot of time
It’s a very time-consuming activity, but one I love.
Collocations
- _________ job
- _________ process
- _________task
IELTS Speaking Idioms: Leisure Activities
1. To be in your element = to feel very comfortable and happy doing something you enjoy
I’m in my element when I’m painting; it’s so relaxing.
2. Down time = Time when you are not working and can relax
I use my down time to catch up on reading or watch a series.
I have some down time at the weekend and I usually spend it with my family.
3. A change of scene = Going somewhere different to refresh your mind or break routine
We went to the countryside for a change of scene and it really helped me relax.
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