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IELTS Speaking Part 1

Hobbies: Part 1 questions and answers

Real Part 1 questions about hobbies, as candidates reported them. Play each one, answer it out loud, then open a short Band 7 reply to compare.

Today's topicHobbies

  • 4–5 minthe whole part
  • ~12questions
  • ~20 seach answer

Answer, add a reason or an example, then stop. The examiner moves on fast, so short and real wins.

Reported in August 2026

Question 1: Do you have any hobbies?

Yes/no questionDon't stop at yes or no. Say why.

Think of yours first, then see a Band 7 replyHide the reply

AnswerYes, I do, mainly drawing and photography. WhyI like taking photos because it gives me a nice break from spreadsheets, and walking around the old streets near the centre takes my mind off work. ExampleLet me think, I usually go out in Sunday evenings, when the light is nicer.

Why it's a Band 7

  1. a nice break Nice is a general word; a quiet break would be more precise.
  2. takes my mind off work A natural phrase for something that stops you thinking about a worry.
  3. in Sunday evenings A preposition slip: on Sunday evenings is correct.
  4. the light is nicer A plain choice; softer would be more precise.
  5. Let me think, I usually A filler that makes the answer sound unplanned.

About 20 seconds to say. Part 1 answers sit around 10 to 25.

Question 2: Do you have a hobby that you've had since childhood?

About the pastUse the past: I used to, I remember…

Think of yours first, then see a Band 7 replyHide the reply

AnswerYes, drawing. ExampleI started it when I was eight, after my aunt gave me sketchbook. WhyBecause I still enjoy noticing small things, I keep at it even during busy weeks, although my drawings are still a bit rough.

Why it's a Band 7

  1. gave me sketchbook A common spoken slip; the correct form is gave me a sketchbook.
  2. noticing small things Small things is a slightly vague choice; small details is more precise.
  3. keep at it This phrase shows natural vocabulary for continuing a hobby.

About 15 seconds to say. Part 1 answers sit around 10 to 25.

Question 3: Do you have the same hobbies as your family members?

Yes/no questionDon't stop at yes or no. Say why.

Think of yours first, then see a Band 7 replyHide the reply

AnswerNot really. WhyI mean, my parents prefer gardening, while I’m more interested in drawing, so we don’t have much in common. ExampleI did join my father for chess sometimes, especially during winter evening, but I usually lost quite quickly.

Why it's a Band 7

  1. I mean, my parents prefer gardening This filler gives the answer a realistic spoken hesitation.
  2. during winter evening A small grammar slip; the correct form is during winter evenings.
  3. have much in common This collocation expresses shared interests naturally.

About 16 seconds to say. Part 1 answers sit around 10 to 25.

Question 4: How much time do you spend on your hobbies?

How often, how muchGive a real number, then a reason.

Think of yours first, then see a Band 7 replyHide the reply

AnswerAbout five hour a week, usually. WhyI work full-time, so I have to fit drawing in after dinner. ExampleLast month I checked my diary, and it was closer to four hours.

Why it's a Band 7

  1. five hour a week A small grammar slip; the correct form is five hours a week.
  2. I work full-time, so I have to The simple so linker keeps this answer natural but less polished.
  3. fit drawing in This phrasal verb shows natural vocabulary for finding time.

About 12 seconds to say. Part 1 answers sit around 10 to 25.

Take it further: How do you actually fit your hobbies into a busy week? What's your trick?

Phrases to borrow

take someone's mind off something

/teɪk ˈsʌmwʌnz maɪnd ɒf ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

help someone stop thinking about something unpleasant

A short walk takes my mind off deadlines.

keep at something

/kiːp ət ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

continue doing something despite difficulty

She kept at the piano until the piece sounded smoother.

have something in common

/həv ˈsʌmθɪŋ ɪn ˈkɒmən/

share similar interests or qualities

My sister and I have a lot in common.

fit something in

/fɪt ˈsʌmθɪŋ ɪn/

find time for an activity

I fit a quick swim in before work.

Fill the gap

Which phrase fits?

Phrases from the answers above. Pick the one that belongs in the gap.

Your turn: answer the examiner

Do you have any hobbies?

Answer, add a reason or an example, then stop: about 20 seconds. Nothing is uploaded.

Want a band score?Sign in free, answer the examiner's Part 1 questions out loud and get one thing to fix.

Practise Part 1

More Part 1 topics

Each question with a short Band 7 reply.

How the IELTS Speaking test works