2026.08.18_Hobbies through the years

Hobbies Through the Years

REVIEW

1. I'd love to ______ a new skill this year.
   a) pick up b) stick

2. You should ______ if you're interested.
   a) give it a try b) improve it

3. Learning takes time, so ______.
   a) stick with it b) switch off

4. Everyone starts as a ______.
   a) beginner b) expert

5. I'm trying to ______ before my holiday.
   a) improve my skills b) unwind

GRAMMAR – Talking About Frequency Naturally

Instead of only saying always, usually or sometimes, try these expressions.

Examples

• I go hiking every now and then.

• I play tennis from time to time.

• I hardly ever play computer games.

• I read whenever I have time.

Practice

Complete the sentences.

1. I go to the gym ________________________.

2. ________________________, I like baking.

3. I ________________________ watch TV these days.

4. I go cycling ________________________.

5. I read ________________________.

VOCABULARY

USEFUL PHRASES

I hardly ever... → talk about something you rarely do.
I hardly ever watch television.

Whenever I have time... → talk about your free time.
Whenever I have time, I go for a walk.

I don't do it as often as I used to. → compare the past with now.
I don't play football as often as I used to.

CONVERSATION QUESTIONS

1. How have your hobbies changed over the years?
Example: I spend more time outdoors than I used to.

2. Which hobby do you do on a regular basis?
Example: I go to the gym three times a week.

3. Is there a hobby you hardly ever do anymore?
Example: I hardly ever play computer games now.

4. What do you usually do whenever you have some free time?
Example: I usually read or go for a walk.

5. What's your favourite way to spend a rainy afternoon?
Example: I enjoy reading or watching a good film.

6. Is there a hobby you lost interest in? Why?
Example: I lost interest in collecting stamps because I found other hobbies.

7. Do you think it's important to make time for hobbies?
Example: Yes, they help us relax and reduce stress.

8. Which hobby helps you forget about work?
Example: Walking in nature helps me switch off.

9. What's a hobby you'd like to do more often?
Example: I'd like to go cycling more often.

10. What hobby do you think you'll still enjoy in ten years?
Example: I think I'll still enjoy travelling and reading.