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Lesson 03

Hobbies and Interests

Small Talk

Learning Objectives

 By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:​

​​

  • Identify the main point in a message.

  • Organize ideas in a logical order (main idea → supporting points → example).

  • Communicate clearly using structured examples.

Exercise 1
Useful Expressions

Direction: Read the useful expressions with your tutor. 

Exercise 2

Vocabulary

Direction:  Listen and repeat after your teacher

Blow off steam

/bloʊ ɔf stiːm/
Meaning:

Release stress or energy

    After work, I go for a run to blow off steam.

Kick back

/kɪk bæk/
Meaning:

Relax and take it easy

    I like to kick back and watch TV on weekends.

In the groove

/ɪn ðə gruːv/
Meaning:

Feeling focused and performing well

    When I’m painting, I really get in the groove.

A breath of fresh air

/ə brɛθ ʌv frɛʃ ɛər/
Meaning:

Something refreshing and new

    Hiking in the mountains is a breath of fresh air for me.
Exercise 3
Practice

Exercise 4

Business Dialogue

Direction:  Read the conversation aloud with your teacher and fill in the blanks. 

Word Bank:

A breath of fresh air

Kick back

In the groove

Blow off steam

Situation: Two coworkers talk about how they relax after work.

Student 1

Anna

What do you ________ do to relax after work?

Hello! (2)_edited.png

Ben

I usually go running to ________ and clear my mind.

Student 1

Anna

That sounds great! I like to ________ and watch movies.

Student 2

Ben

Nice! Sometimes I get in the ________ when I’m playing guitar.

Student 1

Anna

For me, hiking is a ________—it helps me feel refreshed.

Student 2

Ben

Do you have other ________ you enjoy?

Student 1

Anna

Yes, I also like painting and reading.

Student 2

Ben

Sounds like a perfect way to relax!

Exercise 5

Study Guide

Direction:  Read the study manual aloud 

How to Talk About Hobbies and Relaxation

1. Ask Open Questions

Start conversations with friendly questions like, “What do you usually do to relax after work?” or “How do you like to unwind on weekends?” to encourage others to share.

2. Describe Your Interests

Make your answers more natural and interesting by using idioms, for example, “I like to kick back by watching TV” or “I often blow off steam by going for a run.”

3. Practice Speaking Aloud

Repeat idioms and sentences out loud regularly to build confidence and speak more fluently in casual conversations.

4. Listen to Real Conversations

Watch interviews, podcasts, or casual talks where people discuss their hobbies and ways they relax to hear idioms used naturally.

Listening Practice 
00:00 / 01:04
Exercise 6
Discussion

Discuss these questions to practice speaking and share experiences.

    <p class="font_8"><br></p>
    <p class="font_8">1. What do you usually do to relax after work?</p>
    <p class="font_8"><br></p>
    <p class="font_8">2. Do you have any hobbies that help you blow off steam?</p>
    <p class="font_8"><br></p>
    <p class="font_8">3. When was the last time you kicked back and relaxed?</p>
    <p class="font_8"><br></p>
    <p class="font_8">4. What hobby makes you feel in the groove?</p>
    <p class="font_8"><br></p>
    <p class="font_8">5. Can you describe a time when you experienced a breath of fresh air?</p>
    <p class="font_8"><br></p>
    <p class="font_8">6. How important is relaxation in your daily routine?</p>
    <p class="font_8"><br></p>
    <p class="font_8">7. Do you prefer indoor or outdoor hobbies? Why?</p>
    <p class="font_8"><br></p>
    <p class="font_8">8. How do you invite someone to join your hobby or activity?</p>
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