English vocabulary by topic
Hobbies & Leisure Vocabulary
Explain what you enjoy doing outside work or study, how you started and why you keep doing it. This guide focuses on creative interests, collections, social activities and relaxation. The separate sports page covers athletes, equipment and competition in more detail.
20 words and phrases · A2–C1 teaching levels · 5 quiz questions
How to use this vocabulary naturally
Use take up a hobby for starting, keep up a hobby for continuing and unwind for relaxing after effort. Follow enjoy with an -ing form: I enjoy sketching. Distinguish a pastime from a profession even when the same activity can be both.
Vocabulary by level
Levels are approximate teaching guides for the meanings shown, not official CEFR word classifications. Start where you feel comfortable and practise each word in your own sentence.
A2 — Everyday essentials
hobby
A2noun
an activity you regularly do for enjoyment in your free time
Example: My newest hobby is growing herbs on the balcony.
free time
A2noun phrase
time when you do not have to work or study
Example: I read short stories in my free time.
collect
A2verb
to gather and keep objects that interest you
Example: My brother collects postcards from places he visits.
gardening
A2uncountable noun
growing and caring for plants as an activity
Example: Gardening gives me a reason to spend time outside.
drawing
A2noun
the activity of making pictures with a pen or pencil
Example: Drawing helps her notice small details in buildings.
B1 — Build your range
photography
B1uncountable noun
the activity or skill of taking photographs
Example: I became interested in photography during a school trip.
craft
B1noun
an activity involving skill in making things by hand
Example: Paper folding is a craft I can practise almost anywhere.
board game
B1noun phrase
a game played using a board and usually pieces or cards
Example: We play a board game when friends visit on Fridays.
take up
B1phrasal verb
to start doing an activity regularly
Example: She took up knitting during the winter.
join
B1verb
to become a member of a group
Example: I joined a choir to meet people in my neighbourhood.
practise
B1verb
to repeat an activity to improve your skill
Example: I practise the guitar for fifteen minutes each evening.
creative
B1adjective
involving imagination or original ideas
Example: Making birthday cards is a creative way to relax.
B2 — More precise language
leisure
B2uncountable noun
time available for enjoyment rather than duties
Example: The town has several spaces for leisure and community events.
pastime
B2noun
an enjoyable activity used to occupy free time
Example: Birdwatching became our favourite weekend pastime.
unwind
B2verb
to relax after work, stress or effort
Example: I unwind by listening to music while preparing dinner.
sketch
B2verb
to make a quick drawing without every detail
Example: We sketched the old bridge before the light changed.
amateur
B2noun or adjective
a person who does an activity for enjoyment rather than as a profession
Example: An amateur theatre group performs in the village hall.
keep up
B2phrasal verb
to continue an activity or habit
Example: It is easier to keep up a hobby when a friend joins you.
C1 — Extend your expression
absorbing
C1adjective
so interesting that it holds your attention completely
Example: Restoring the old model boat was an absorbing project.
pursuit
C1noun
an activity you spend time doing, often regularly
Example: She prefers creative pursuits to watching television.
Common mistakes and better choices
Check: I enjoy to paint.
Use: I enjoy painting.
Enjoy is followed by an -ing form, not to plus a verb.
Check: I do photos at weekends.
Use: I take photos at weekends.
The usual collocation is take photos or take photographs.
Check: I am interesting in photography.
Use: I am interested in photography.
Interested describes your response. Interesting describes an activity that attracts your attention.
IELTS speaking examples
These original practice prompts are not official test questions or scored answers. Adapt the language to your own experience. The Part 2 extract is an opening to expand into a longer response.
Part 1
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I enjoy photography, particularly taking pictures of ordinary streets. It helps me unwind after studying, and I do not need to travel far to find something interesting.
Practise: Name the hobby and explain its personal value.
Part 2 — sample opening
Describe a hobby you would like to try.
I would like to take up pottery. A friend joined a local workshop and showed me a bowl she had made. I think shaping something by hand would be absorbing, and it would give me a creative activity away from screens.
Practise: Continue with where you would learn, what you would need and why it appeals to you.
Part 3
Why is leisure time important?
Leisure gives people a chance to choose activities for enjoyment rather than obligation. A shared pastime can also create friendships outside work. However, people need affordable spaces and enough free time to keep up those interests.
Practise: Develop both the individual and social benefits of a hobby.
Check your understanding
Five-question vocabulary quiz
Choose one answer for each question. Your first choice is scored; read the explanation before moving on.
0 of 5 answered · 0 correct