This IELTS Speaking Practice Test has 3 Sections. In Part 1, you will be asked questions by your examiner for 4-5 minutes about the topic of Unusual Hobbies. In Part 2, you will be given a 2-minute cue card for a monologue on the topic "Describe An Unusual Hobby You Would Like To Try," followed by more in-depth questions for another 4-5 minutes based on the cue card in Part 3. Overall, the speaking test takes 15 minutes.
IELTS Speaking Part 1
Unusual Hobbies
Q1. Do you have any unusual hobbies?
A. Yes, I do. One of my unusual hobbies is collecting old coins from different periods and countries. I started doing it a few years ago after receiving a few vintage coins from my grandfather. Many people find it unusual because it requires a lot of patience and attention to detail. However, I enjoy learning about the history behind each coin. Every coin tells a story about a particular place and time, which makes the hobby even more interesting for me.
Q2. Why do you think some people choose unusual hobbies?
A. I think people choose unusual hobbies because they want to do something different from the activities that most people enjoy. Unique hobbies allow individuals to express their personalities and explore their interests in a deeper way. They can also make life more interesting and help people develop specialised knowledge or skills. In addition, unusual hobbies often give people a sense of individuality and help them stand out from the crowd.
Q3. Would you like to try an unusual hobby in the future?
A. Yes, definitely. I would love to try stargazing as a serious hobby. The idea of observing planets, stars, and distant galaxies seems fascinating to me. I think it would be both educational and relaxing. It would also give me an opportunity to learn more about astronomy and the universe. Spending time under a clear night sky would be a refreshing escape from my daily routine.
Q4. Do your friends have any unusual hobbies?
A. Yes, one of my friends, Arjun, enjoys solving complex puzzle cubes and collecting different versions of them. Most people only know the traditional Rubik’s Cube, but he owns dozens of unique designs. I find his hobby quite unusual because it requires a great deal of patience, concentration, and problem-solving ability. He can spend hours working on a single puzzle without getting bored, which I find quite impressive.
Q5. Are unusual hobbies becoming more popular?
A. Yes, I think they are. The internet allows people to discover hobbies that they may never have heard about before. Through social media and online communities, individuals can share their interests and connect with others who have similar passions. As a result, many uncommon hobbies are gaining popularity. People are now more willing to explore unique activities rather than simply following popular trends.
Q6. Can unusual hobbies be beneficial?
A. Absolutely. Unusual hobbies can help people develop creativity, patience, and specialised skills. They also provide a break from daily routines and can reduce stress. In some cases, a hobby may even turn into a career or business opportunity. Therefore, I think unusual hobbies can be both enjoyable and rewarding. They can also help people build confidence and meet others who share similar interests.
Vocabulary
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Vintage: Old and valuable because of its age
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Attention to Detail: Careful focus on small details
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Specialised: Relating to a particular area of knowledge
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Stargazing: Observing stars and planets in the sky
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Concentration: The ability to focus
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Individuality: The qualities that make a person different from others
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Rewarding: Giving satisfaction or benefits
IELTS Speaking Part 2
Cue Card
Describe An Unusual Hobby You Would Like To Try
You should say:
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What the hobby is
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How did you learn about it
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Why do you want to try it
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And explain why you think it is unusual
Sample Answer
One unusual hobby that I would like to try is urban exploration, which involves visiting abandoned buildings, old factories, and forgotten places to learn about their history.
I first learned about this hobby through a documentary and later watched several videos online. I was amazed by how explorers discovered hidden places that most people never notice. Some of these locations had been abandoned for decades and still contained old furniture, photographs, and machinery.
I would like to try this hobby because I am interested in history and photography. Exploring abandoned places would allow me to learn about the past while taking unique photographs. I think every building has a story, and it would be exciting to uncover some of those stories.
I consider this hobby unusual because most people spend their free time playing sports, watching movies, or travelling to popular tourist attractions. In contrast, urban explorers visit places that are often overlooked or forgotten. It requires curiosity, patience, and a sense of adventure.
Another reason I find it appealing is that every exploration is different. You never know what you might discover inside an old building. It could be a forgotten library, an abandoned railway station, or a factory that has remained untouched for years.
Overall, I would love to try urban exploration because it combines adventure, history, and photography. I think it would be a memorable experience and a great way to see a side of the world that most people never get to see.
Vocabulary
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Urban Exploration: Exploring abandoned or hidden man-made places
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Documentary: A factual film or television programme
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Abandoned: Left empty and no longer used
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Overlooked: Not noticed or not given attention
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Curiosity: A strong desire to know or learn something
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Adventure: An exciting and unusual experience
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Untouched: Not changed or disturbed for a long time
IELTS Speaking Part 3
Q1. Why do some people prefer unusual hobbies?
A. I think some people prefer unusual hobbies because they enjoy doing something different from the majority. Unique hobbies allow individuals to express their personality and explore their interests in a more meaningful way. They can also make life more exciting and help people stand out from others. In addition, unusual hobbies often provide a sense of achievement because they require specialised skills or knowledge.
Q2. Are unusual hobbies more popular now than in the past?
A. Yes, I believe they are. The internet has made it much easier for people to discover new hobbies and connect with others who share similar interests. Through social media and online communities, people can learn about activities that were previously unknown to them. As a result, many uncommon hobbies have gained popularity in recent years.
Q3. What benefits can hobbies bring to people's lives?
A. Hobbies offer many benefits. They help people relax, reduce stress, and take a break from their daily responsibilities. Hobbies can also improve creativity, concentration, and problem-solving skills. Furthermore, they provide opportunities to meet new people and build friendships. Some hobbies may even develop into careers or business opportunities in the future.
Q4. Do young people and older people usually have different hobbies?
A. Yes, they often do. Young people are generally attracted to hobbies involving technology, sports, or social interaction, while older people may prefer activities such as gardening, reading, or collecting items. However, this is not always the case because personal interests vary from person to person. Nowadays, many hobbies are enjoyed by people of all ages.
Q5. Should parents encourage their children to have hobbies?
A. Absolutely. Hobbies can play an important role in a child's development. They help children learn new skills, improve their confidence, and discover their talents. In addition, hobbies provide a healthy way to spend free time and can prevent excessive dependence on digital devices. Parents should encourage children to explore different activities and find something they genuinely enjoy.
Q6. Can hobbies become a source of income?
A. Yes, definitely. Many people have successfully turned their hobbies into careers or small businesses. For example, someone who enjoys photography may become a professional photographer, while a person who likes painting might sell their artwork. Thanks to online platforms, it has become easier than ever for people to earn money from their interests. However, turning a hobby into a profession often requires dedication, patience, and consistent effort.
Vocabulary
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Meaningful: Important and valuable
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Specialised: Relating to a particular skill or area of knowledge
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Communities: Groups of people with shared interests
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Creativity: The ability to produce original ideas
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Development: Growth and improvement
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Dependence: Relying too much on something
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Dedication: Strong commitment to an activity or goal