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Conversational / EVERYDAY ENGLISH
Lesson 11
Hobbies and Pastimes
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
1. Talk about your hobbies and pastimes using everyday vocabulary.
2. Ask and answer questions about leisure activities in daily conversations.
3. Use phrasal verbs and simple present/past tense correctly when discussing hobbies.
Exercise 1
Vocabulary
Direction: Listen and repeat after your teacher
noun
Leisure
Similar:
similarvocab1.1
similarvocab1.2
similarvocab1.3
similarvocab1.4
/ˈliːʒər/
Meaning:
Free time when you can relax or enjoy activities
- I like reading books during my leisure time.
Real Life Tip:
Americans often prioritize leisure activities to reduce stress.
adjective
Outdoor
Similar:
similarvocab2.1
similarvocab2.2
similarvocab2.3
similarvocab2.4
/ˈaʊtdɔːr/
Meaning:
Activities done outside
- We went on an outdoor picnic last weekend.
Real Life Tip:
Outdoor hobbies like hiking, camping, or biking are very popular in the U.S.
Hang out
phrasal verb
Similar:
similarvocab3.1
similarvocab3.2
similarvocab3.3
similarvocab3.4
/hæŋ aʊt/
Meaning:
Spend time relaxing or socializing
- Do you want to hang out at the park this afternoon?
Real Life Tip:
Very common in informal conversation among friends or family.
Take up
phrasal verb
Similar:
similarvocab4.1
similarvocab4.2
similarvocab4.3
similarvocab4.4
/teɪk ʌp/
Meaning:
Start a new hobby or activity
- I’m thinking of taking up yoga this month.
Real Life Tip:
Often used when talking about learning new skills or hobbies.
Exercise 2
Conversation
Direction: First, read the conversation aloud. Then, practice by role-playing it with your tutor.
Situation: Two friends talking in a coffee shop about hobbies.
Hey, Sam! What do you usually do in your leisure time?
Alex
Hi Alex! I like to hang out with friends or go hiking. How about you?
Sam
I’ve recently taken up painting. It’s really relaxing.
Alex
That sounds cool! I’ve never tried painting. Do you do it outdoors?
Sam
Sometimes, yes. I love painting landscapes in the park.
Alex
Nice! I should try that. I mostly play basketball when I can.
Sam
That’s a great way to stay active. We should hang out and do something together this weekend.
Alex
Definitely! Maybe a mix of basketball and painting outdoors?
Sam
Exercise 2.1
Questions.
1. What new hobby did Alex recently start?
2. What outdoor activity does Sam usually do?
3. What do they plan to do together this weekend?
Exercise 3
Practice Time
Direction: Complete the exercise by choosing the correct answer.
1. I _______ (take up / hang out / go) painting last month.
a) hang out
b) take up
c) go
2. Sam usually _______ (play / takes / hangs) basketball on weekends.
a) play
b) hangs
c) plays
3. Alex sometimes paints outdoors because it _______ (relax / relaxing / relaxes) him.
a) relax
b) relaxing
c) relaxes
4. They _______ (plan / plans / planning) to hang out this weekend.
a) plan
b) plans
c) planning
5. Leisure time _______ (is / are / be) important for everyone.
a) is
b) are
c) be
Exercise 4
Ask Your Tutor
Direction: Ask your tutor these questions. Listen carefully and learn
1. What hobbies or pastimes do you think are most popular in your country, and why?
2. How do you usually spend your free time after work or school?
3. Have you ever tried a hobby that you didn’t enjoy? Why or why not?
Exercise 5
Discussion
Direction: Use the new words and expression you learnt in this lesson to have a conversation with your tutor.
1. What’s your favorite hobby, and how long have you done it?
2. Do you prefer indoor or outdoor hobbies? Why?
3. If you could take up any hobby for free, what would it be?
4. How often do you hang out with friends during your leisure time?
5. What hobby would you recommend to a beginner?
6. Do you prefer hobbies you do alone or with others?
7. How do hobbies help you relax or reduce stress?
8. Have you ever learned a hobby from a family member or friend?
9. Which American hobbies or pastimes have you tried or want to try?
10. If you could combine two hobbies, which ones would they be and why?
