Describe an interest or hobby that you enjoy

IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card 431 with Model Answer:

Describe an interest or hobby that you enjoy.

You should say:

• how you became interested in it
  
• how long you have been doing it
  
• why you enjoy it
  

and explain what benefits you get from this interest or hobby.

[You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]

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Model Answer 1:

I had “zillions” of hobbies and interests up until I started to attend university. Now, of course, I have only a couple of them that I tend to enjoy, and today, I would like to talk about one of them here.

Anyway, one of those interests, that I tend to enjoy, is to get involved with fish farming. This fish farming thing has interested me since my early childhood when I used to see my uncles fishing with fishing nets and rods. But back then, I couldn’t really do much about going after my interest since the senior members of my family didn’t think that I was old enough to do such a thing.

By the way, when I was a child, I did try to convince my parents that I wanted to use one of our ponds (we had 5 of them) to raise fish on my own. In response, they told me that I could pursue my hobby only after I had grown up and finished my studies. Therefore, I had no other option but to wait for at least another 10 years before I could actually go after my fish farming hobby in full swing and all on my own. Now, I have been doing this fish farming thing for the last 5 years and enjoying every minute of it, with at least 5 different types of fish in my pond, in which they grow like my own children. I feed them, pat on them, and sometimes I even talk to them in order to make sure that they are enjoying their stay at my natural and protected pond.

Well, I enjoy this fish farming hobby because it offers me at least two benefits: the first one is that I can always enjoy eating fresh fish instead of relying on some questionable fish from the market. Secondly, it helps me pass my time in a very productive way when I feel bored and have nothing else to do.


Sample Answer 2:
My fascination with travelling burgeoned during my formative years when my family took a trip to a picturesque hill station. The allure of exploring new places, understanding diverse cultures, and witnessing breathtaking landscapes captivated me profoundly and I love travelling and exploring this beautiful world.

I have been nurturing this passion for travelling for over a decade now. I relish the thrill of planning itineraries, discovering offbeat locations, and immersing myself in different environments. The ability to embrace the unknown and experience the world's diversity excites me each time I embark on a new adventure.

The sheer joy of exploration, meeting new people, and tasting various cuisines is incredibly fulfilling. It enriches my perspectives, broadens my horizons, and allows me to appreciate the beauty of diversity in cultures and traditions.

Moreover, travelling has myriad benefits beyond the thrill of discovering new places. It fosters adaptability, patience, and open-mindedness, traits that are invaluable in today's interconnected world. It teaches me resilience and problem-solving skills, especially when faced with unforeseen circumstances during trips.

Additionally, travelling has a profound impact on personal growth. It encourages self-discovery, boosts confidence, and helps me step out of my comfort zone. The memories I gather from each trip serve as a repository of cherished experiences, contributing significantly to my life's narrative.

Overall, my passion for travelling transcends mere sightseeing; it is a source of personal enrichment, fostering learning, growth, and appreciation for the world's diversity. The invaluable experiences and life lessons acquired through travel continue to shape me into a more empathetic, adaptable, and knowledgeable individual.