IELTS Cue Cards

Hobbies/Interests

IELTS Cue Cards on Hobbies/Interests

What is the Hobbies/Interests Category?

The IELTS cue card on the hobbies speaking topic asks you to talk about something you enjoy doing in your free time. This could be anything from a particular activity you love to a broader interest, like a sport or a creative hobby.

24 Topics

Describe your favourite way to relax.

Describe your ideal home or place to live.

Describe a sport you would watch.

Describe something that you can't live without (not a computer/phone)

Describe a gift you would like to buy for your friend

Describe an interesting song.

Describe A Special Cake You Received From Others

Describe an area of science (biology, robotics, etc.) that you are interested in and would like to learn more about

Describe an expensive hobby you can't pursue daily.

Describe a performance that you liked.

Talk about something you find interesting.

Describe an online video in which you learned something new

Describe your favorite singer.

Describe a sport that you only have watched before but have not played yourself

Describe a sportsperson/athlete that you admire

Describe something you would like to learn in the future

Describe a picture/photograph of you that you like

Describe an ideal and perfect place where you would like to stay (e.g. a house, an apartment)

Describe An Invention That Is Useful In Daily Life

Describe Your Favorite Sport

Describe Your Favourite Book

Describe Your Dream House

Describe A Competition You Would Like To Take Part In

More About IELTS Cue Cards on Hobbies/Interests

To answer an IELTS Cue Card on hobbies/interests speaking topics, it’s important to follow a structured approach, focusing on detail, clarity, and personal engagement with the topic.

1. Structure Your Answer Using the STAR Technique

A simple way to organise your response is by following the STAR method:

S – Situation (Introduce your hobby or interest)
T – Task (Explain what it involves)
A – Action (Describe how you engage in it)
R – Result (Mention the benefits and your feelings about it)

2. Utilise Descriptive Language to Engage the Listener

Incorporate vivid descriptions to make your narrative compelling. Use specific adjectives and verbs for hobbies speaking topics.

Aspect	Example Words/Phrases
Challenge	pushes my limits, requires patience, keeps me on my toes
Creativity	sparks my imagination, expressive, out-of-the-box
Passion	deeply fascinated, completely hooked, can’t get enough of
Relaxation	unwind, calming, stress-buster

3. Infuse Emotion to Bring your Story to Life

Your emotions bring depth to your story. Use words that reflect how the experience made you feel, whether it’s joy, satisfaction, or even frustration.

Pride – I felt immensely proud of my progress.
Excitement – It was incredibly exciting to see my skills improve.
Frustration – At times, I felt frustrated when things didn’t go as planned.

4. Stay Focused and Concise

Avoid overwhelming your listener with too many details. Stick to the key moments that shaped your experience, ensuring your narrative remains clear and impactful.

Read more:

IELTS Speaking Part 1

Hobbies IELTS Speaking Part 1

FAQs

Q. How do you describe hobbies/interests in a cue card?

Ans. In an IELTS Speaking Part 2 cue card, describe your hobby by explaining what it is, how you engage in it, how often you do it, and why you enjoy it. For example, you might discuss a hobby like painting, detailing when you started, how you practice it, and the satisfaction it brings.

Q. Does the IELTS cue card repeat?

Ans. IELTS Cue Cards don’t repeat in the exact same form, but similar topics or themes might appear with slight variations. It's important to be prepared for a wide range of topics and practice speaking about them in a structured way to handle any changes.

Q. Can I take IELTS twice?

Ans. Yes, you can take the IELTS exam as many times as you want. There is no restriction on the number of attempts, but you should aim to prepare well before re-taking it to improve your band score.

Q. Can I ask to change the cue card in IELTS?

Ans. In the IELTS Speaking test, you cannot request a change of cue card. You are expected to speak on the given topic for the duration of the task.

Q. What are some common hobbies vocabulary IELTS?

Ans. Common vocabulary for hobbies speaking topics includes terms like "leisure activities," "pastimes," "interests," "pursuits," and "enthusiasms," and specific activity names such as "painting," "gardening," "photography," "knitting," "cycling," and "travelling."

Word	Meaning	Example
Captivating	Extremely interesting or attractive, holding one's attention completely.	Reading mystery novels is a captivating hobby that keeps me engaged for hours.
Engaging	Charming or attractive in a way that holds one’s interest.	Playing chess is an engaging hobby that sharpens my mind and improves my focus.
Relaxing	Calming and soothing, helping to reduce stress or tension.	Painting landscapes is a relaxing activity that helps me unwind after work.
Rewarding	Providing satisfaction or a sense of achievement; worthwhile.	Volunteering at the animal shelter is a rewarding way to spend my weekends.
Thrilling	Exciting, causing a feeling of great excitement or adventure.	Skydiving is a thrilling experience that pushes my limits.