Part 1 Topic: Hobbies & Free Time

1. What do you usually do in your free time?
2. Do you have any hobbies?
3. How often do you exercise?
4. What kind of music do you enjoy?
5. Do you prefer spending free time alone or with others?
6. Did you have the same hobbies when you were younger?

Question: "What do you do in your free time?"

Band 7: > I usually spend my evenings reading — I'm a big fan of science fiction. At the weekend, I try to go hiking if the weather is nice. I also play guitar, but not as seriously as I used to.

Band 8: > My free time really breaks into two parts. On weekdays, I tend to unwind with a book — lately a lot of science fiction — and on weekends I try to get out of the city and go hiking. I also play guitar on and off, though I've been less disciplined about it than I was a few years ago.

Question: "Did you have the same hobbies as a child?"

This question tests whether you can shift into past tenses and make comparisons.

Band 7: > Not really. When I was younger, I spent most of my time playing cricket with friends from my neighbourhood. I don't play anymore — I don't have the time or anyone to play with. My hobbies have become more solitary, I suppose.

Band 8: > My interests have shifted quite a bit. As a child I was obsessed with cricket — I used to play every afternoon with the neighbourhood kids, and I followed the international matches closely. These days, I barely watch it, let alone play. My hobbies have drifted towards more solitary things, which I think is partly age and partly just how my life has changed.

• Avoid "I like to swim, to read, and to travel" — three infinitive phrases in a list feels listed, not spoken. Use "I enjoy swimming, I read quite a lot, and I travel when I can."
• Don't invent hobbies. Examiners ask follow-ups; a made-up hobby will fall apart.
• Have a favourite book / band / activity ready. Being vague sounds evasive.

Prepare a 20-second answer to each of:

• What do you do in your free time?
• What's a hobby you'd like to take up?
• How did you get into [your hobby]?

Record and review. Aim for natural pauses and at least one collocation per answer.