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Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Talk about your hobbies and sports interests naturally and ask colleagues about theirs.
Exercise 1
Situation
Direction: Read the situation for today's lesson
It’s Friday afternoon, and Alex wants to get to know his coworkers better. During a coffee break, he chats with Sarah and Omar about what they do outside work. Mr. Miller passes by, focused on his tasks, but Alex wants to create a friendly atmosphere while respecting everyone’s time. Alex learns how to talk about hobbies and sports politely, ask questions, and respond to colleagues’ interests without dominating the conversation.
Exercise 2
Vocabulary
Direction: Listen and repeat after your tutor
Enthusiast
noun
/ɪnˈθjuːziæst/
Meaning:
Someone who is very interested in a particular activity.
- Sarah is a yoga enthusiast and goes to classes every morning.
Hit it off
idiom
/hɪt ɪt ɒf/
Meaning:
To quickly become friendly with someone.
- Alex and Omar really hit it off when they discovered they both love basketball.
Take up
phrasal verb
/teɪk ʌp/
Meaning:
To start a new hobby or activity.
- Alex decided to take up photography last year.
In your free time
phrase
IPA
Meaning:
During the time when you are not working.
- What do you usually do in your free time?
Exercise 3
Office Conversation
Direction: Read the conversation aloud with your teacher.
Situation:
Anna introduces herself to a new colleague at work.
Hey Sarah, what do you usually do in your free time?
Alex
I love painting. I’m a bit of an art enthusiast. How about you?
Sarah
I recently took up running. It helps me relax after work.
Alex
That’s great! I’m into basketball. Maybe we could play sometime.
Omar
Sounds fun! We’d probably hit it off on the court.
Alex
I enjoy hiking on weekends too.
Sarah
That’s interesting! We all have different hobbies.
Alex
Yeah, it’s nice to know what everyone likes outside work.
Omar
Check Understanding
Direction: Answer the questions about the conversation.
1. What hobby does Alex take up recently?
2. Who is described as an enthusiast?
3. What does “hit it off” mean in the conversation?
Exercise 4
Study Guide
Direction: Read the study manual aloud.
Talking about hobbies and sports is a great way to connect with colleagues and build rapport. Start by asking simple questions like, “What do you usually do in your free time?” or “Do you play any sports?” Be polite, show interest, and share your own hobbies briefly. Avoid dominating the conversation; instead, encourage others to share. Using phrases like “I recently took up…” or “I’m a bit of an enthusiast” can make your speech natural and friendly.
You can also find common interests, which helps you hit it off with coworkers and strengthen team relationships. Discussing hobbies or sports helps you learn more about colleagues’ personalities, improves office atmosphere, and creates opportunities for friendly activities outside work. Remember to keep it light, positive, and professional, avoiding controversial or overly personal topics.
Exercise 5
Choose the Correct Answer
Direction: Direction: Select the correct answer from the options A, B, or C.
- 1. Alex decided to ___ running recently.
A. take up
B. hit it off
C. enthusiast
2. Sarah is a yoga ___ and goes to classes every morning.
A. enthusiast
B. take up
C. free time
3. Alex and Omar ___ when they discovered they both like basketball.
A. hit it off
B. take up
C. enthusiast
4. What do you usually do ___ your free time?
A. in
B. at
C. on
5. He ___ photography last year to explore a new hobby.
A. took up
B. hits off
C. enjoys
6. Sarah enjoys hiking ___ weekends.
A. on
B. in
C. at
7. “In your free time” is ___ you are not working.
A. when
B. what
C. how
8. Talking about hobbies at work can help you ___ with colleagues.
A. connect
B. forecast
C. avoid
Exercise 6
Discussion
Direction: Discuss these questions to practice speaking and share experiences.
- 1. How do you usually spend your free time?
2. What hobbies are popular among your colleagues?
3. When is it appropriate to talk about hobbies at work?
4. How can sharing hobbies improve team relationships?
5. What hobbies would you like to take up this year?
6. Where do you usually practice your favorite sport?
7. How do you politely ask colleagues about their hobbies?
8. What hobbies or sports help you relax after work?
