Hobbies Game! This or That?

REVIEW

1. After a stressful day, reading helps me ______. a) switch off     b) lose interest

2. I’d love to ______ a new skill this year. a) pick up     b) keep busy

3. I started learning the guitar last year and I’m trying to ______. a) stick with it     b) give it up

4. I don’t paint anymore. I ______ it a few years ago. a) lost interest in     b) made time for

5. Even when I’m busy, I try to ______ my hobbies. a) make time for     b) take up

USEFUL CONVERSATION PHRASES

Use these phrases to react to other people and keep the conversation going.

THIS OR THAT? – QUICK WARM-UP

Choose one. Don’t think too long!

1. Reading OR watching TV?

2. Walking OR cycling?

3. Cooking OR eating out?

4. Indoor hobbies OR outdoor hobbies?

5. Hobbies you can do alone OR with other people?

6. One favourite hobby OR lots of different hobbies?

THIS OR THAT? – LET’S TALK!

Choose one option and explain why. Ask each other follow-up questions and react to what the others say.

1. Would you rather take up a completely new hobby OR improve your skills in something you already do?

2. Would you rather have a hobby that helps you keep fit OR have one that helps you switch off?

3. Would you rather spend your spare time alone OR spend it with other people?

4. Would you rather have one hobby and stick with it for years OR try different hobbies from time to time?

5. Would you rather make time for your hobby every day OR have one whole day at the weekend for it?

6. Would you rather do something you’re naturally good at OR do something that challenges you?

7. Would you rather go back to a hobby you lost interest in OR pick up a completely new skill?

8. Would you rather spend quite a lot of money on a hobby you love OR have a hobby that costs almost nothing?

9. Would you rather have the same hobby as your partner or best friend OR have completely different interests?

10. Would you rather be a beginner at something exciting OR be really good at something you’ve been doing for years?

CONVERSATION QUESTIONS

1. Who is the most talented person you know when it comes to a hobby or skill? What are they good at?

Example: My sister is really good at baking. She makes amazing cakes for birthdays and family celebrations.

2. Do you know anyone who has an unusual or surprising hobby? Tell your group about it.

Example: A friend of mine collects old cameras. I didn’t even know he was interested in photography until recently.

3. Which hobbies are popular among your friends or family at the moment?

Example: A lot of my friends are into hiking at the moment. They often go to the mountains at the weekend.

4. Have you ever made a new friend through a hobby or activity?

Example: Yes. I met one of my good friends at a yoga class. We started talking after class and kept in touch.

5. What hobby do you think requires a lot more skill than people realise?

Example: I think gardening does. You need to know a lot about plants and understand what they need.

6. Which hobby would you definitely NOT enjoy? Why not?

Example: I don’t think I’d enjoy fishing because I’m not patient enough to sit and wait for a long time.

7. Have you ever bought something for a hobby and hardly ever used it?

Example: Yes. I bought some exercise equipment for home, but after a few weeks I stopped using it.

8. Which hobbies do you think are much more enjoyable with other people? Which are better alone?

Example: I think team sports are obviously better with other people, but I prefer reading and walking alone.

9. Do you know someone who spends a surprising amount of time or money on their hobby? What do they do?

Example: My colleague is really into cycling. He spends a lot of money on bikes and equipment, but he uses them all the time.

10. If a friend wanted to spend more time with you, which of your hobbies or activities would you invite them to join?

Example: I’d invite them to go hiking with me because we could talk while doing something active outdoors.