2026.08.04_Intermediate_Hobbies and Free Time_Finding Common Interests

HOBBIES & FREE TIME – Finding Common Interests

REVIEW

Choose the correct word.

1. I'd definitely recommend that café. It's a real (hidden gem / overrated)

2. The locals were incredibly (memorable / welcoming)

3. Learning to scuba dive was difficult, but it was ( worthwhile / overrated)

4. Watching the Northern Lights was one of the most (memorable / hidden gem)

5. Many people think that restaurant is (welcoming / overrated)

GRAMMAR – Add More Details

WHO → people
I have a friend who loves hiking.

WHICH → things
Reading is a hobby which helps me relax.

WHERE → places
There's a park where I go cycling.

WHEN → time
I started painting when I was at university.

BECAUSE → reasons
I enjoy cooking because it's creative.

Practice
1. I have a friend. She loves horse riding.
2. Photography is a hobby. It helps me relax.
3. There's a sports centre. I play badminton there.
4. I started learning the guitar. I was fifteen.
5. I enjoy gardening. It helps me switch off.

VOCABULARY

USEFUL PHRASES

• I'm really into... – Use it to talk about something you enjoy.
Example: I'm really into gardening.

• I took it up... – Use it to say when you started a hobby.
Example: I took it up a few years ago.

• It helps me switch off. – Use it to explain why you enjoy a hobby.
Example: Reading helps me switch off after work.

BREAKOUT ROOMS

1. What hobby says the most about your personality? Why?

I think hiking says the most about my personality because I enjoy being active, exploring new places and spending time in nature.

2. What do you usually do when you need to relax?

I usually read or go for a walk because both activities help me switch off after a busy day.

3. Is there a hobby which has changed your life?

Yes, learning English has changed my life because it has helped me travel, meet new people and feel more confident.

4. Who introduced you to one of your hobbies?

My sister introduced me to yoga, and we sometimes still do it together.

5. What did you enjoy doing when you were younger?

When I was younger, I loved riding my bike, drawing and spending time outside with my friends.

6. Is there a hobby you stopped doing? Why?

I stopped playing the piano because I became too busy and slowly lost the habit of practising.

7. Where do you most enjoy spending your free time?

I most enjoy spending my free time outdoors, especially in places where it is quiet and peaceful.

8. What hobby would you take up if you had more time?

I would take up photography because I enjoy travelling and I would love to take better pictures.

9. Do you prefer relaxing hobbies or challenging ones? Why?

I prefer relaxing hobbies because I already have enough stress in my daily life.

10. What would someone learn about you by looking around your home?

They would probably learn that I love books, travelling and cooking because I have bookshelves, souvenirs and lots of kitchen equipment.

11. Which hobby would you like to become really good at?

I would like to become really good at cooking because I enjoy trying new recipes and preparing food for other people.

12. Do you prefer spending your free time alone or with other people?

It depends. I enjoy spending time with other people, but I also need some time alone to relax and recharge.

13. What's an unusual hobby you'd like to try?

I would like to try pottery because it looks creative, calming and completely different from what I usually do.