Hobbies
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Vocabulary for IELTS: Hobbies
"Hobbies" is a frequently discussed topic in the IELTS exam, particularly in the speaking section. Candidates may be asked to talk about their favourite pastimes, describe the benefits of hobbies, or even discuss how hobbies reflect personality. Having a strong set of vocabulary on this topic can help you speak fluently and write confidently with sophistication.
In this "vocabulary" lesson, we will examine some useful words and phrases related to hobbies. These vocabulary items range from simple to highly advanced, and the example sentences show how they can be effectively used in context during IELTS speaking or writing tasks.
1. Leisure activity: [Meaning: An activity done for enjoyment in free time]
Example 1: Painting has always been my favourite leisure activity because it helps me relax and express myself.
Example 2: Engaging in a leisure activity regularly is crucial for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
2. Pastime: [Meaning: An activity that someone does regularly for enjoyment]
Example 1: Reading historical fiction is not just a pastime for me but also a way to deepen my knowledge.
Example 2: Playing chess has been a popular pastime in many cultures for centuries.
3. Recreational pursuit: [Meaning: An activity undertaken for pleasure and relaxation]
Example 1: Gardening has become a widespread recreational pursuit among retirees.
Example 2: Many people adopt recreational pursuits to alleviate stress and enhance well-being.
4. Free time activity: [Meaning: Something done when not working or studying]
Example 1: My favourite free time activity is hiking, especially in the early hours of the morning.
Example 2: It's essential to have at least one free time activity that brings you joy and mental relief.
5. Cognitive engagement: [Meaning: Mental involvement in challenging tasks that stimulate thinking]
Example 1: Solving puzzles and playing strategy games are hobbies that promote cognitive engagement and mental agility.
Example 2: Any hobby that fosters cognitive engagement can delay age-related cognitive decline.
6. Therapeutic outlet: [Meaning: An activity that helps release emotional tension or stress]
Example 1: For many people, music serves as a therapeutic outlet during emotionally difficult times.
Example 2: Engaging in a therapeutic outlet such as pottery or journaling can lead to improved mental health.
7. Intrinsic motivation: [Meaning: The internal drive to do something for its own sake]
Example 1: People who pursue hobbies out of intrinsic motivation often find greater fulfilment than those doing it for external rewards.
Example 2: Intrinsically motivated hobbies, such as writing poetry or playing an instrument, can be deeply satisfying.
8. Creative escapism: [Meaning: The use of creative activities to mentally disconnect from stress]
Example 1: Painting offers me a form of creative escapism when daily life feels overwhelming.
Example 2: Many turn to creative hobbies as a form of creative escapism from monotonous routines.
9. Self-actualisation: [Meaning: The realisation of one’s full potential, often through personal growth]
Example 1: For some, engaging in meaningful hobbies like volunteering leads to self-actualisation and inner peace.
Example 2: Hobbies that challenge you to grow can become tools for self-actualisation.
10. Neurological stimulation: [Meaning: Activation of the brain through complex tasks or hobbies]
Example 1: Learning to play a musical instrument provides significant neurological stimulation and improves memory.
Example 2: Engaging in new and complex activities is essential for neurological stimulation and cognitive development.
11. Habitual enrichment: [Meaning: The regular improvement of life through meaningful habits or routines]
Example 1: Incorporating a daily walk into your routine can serve as a form of habitual enrichment and relaxation.
Example 2: Habitual enrichment through hobbies like journaling or photography enhances emotional resilience.
12. Avocational interest: [Meaning: A hobby or interest pursued outside one’s primary occupation]
Example 1: His avocational interest in calligraphy has now become a secondary income stream.
Example 2: An avocational interest in astronomy allows her to escape the pressures of her corporate job.
13. Self-directed leisure: [Meaning: Free-time activities chosen and managed by oneself]
Example 1: Self-directed leisure activities, like independent film-making, cultivate creativity and initiative.
Example 2: Students benefit greatly from self-directed leisure as it builds autonomy and time-management skills.
14. Experiential learning: [Meaning: Learning through experience rather than formal instruction]
Example 1: Hobbies such as travel blogging or cooking provide rich opportunities for experiential learning.
Example 2: Experiential learning is often more impactful than textbook-based knowledge, especially in creative domains.
15. Leisure-induced well-being: [Meaning: Improved mental or physical health resulting from enjoyable activities]
Example 1: Regular engagement in leisure activities contributes to leisure-induced well-being and lower stress levels.
Example 2: Research links leisure-induced well-being with improved sleep quality and emotional balance.
16. Non-utilitarian fulfilment: [Meaning: Satisfaction derived from activities that serve no practical or material purpose]
Example 1: Collecting stamps is a form of non-utilitarian fulfilment that brings deep personal satisfaction.
Example 2: Some hobbies provide non-utilitarian fulfilment that goes beyond productivity or economic value.
17. Psycho-emotional balance: [Meaning: A stable emotional and psychological state, often supported by leisure activities]
Example 1: Hobbies like meditation and yoga help maintain psycho-emotional balance in high-pressure environments.
Example 2: For those with demanding jobs, creative hobbies can serve as a pillar of psycho-emotional balance.
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