Talking about personal interests

In this video, Emir asks Paul about his hobbies. Listen to the language they use for talking about personal interests and practise saying the useful phrases.

Do the preparation exercise first. Then watch the video and do the exercises to check your understanding and practise the language.

Preparation

Speaking A2: Talking about personal interests – preparation

Transcript

Ana: Hi! I'm Ana. Welcome to What to Say!

Do you know what to say when you talk about your personal interests? Listen out for useful language for talking about personal interests. Then, we'll practise saying the new phrases – after this.

Emir: Hi, Paul. I made you a cup of tea. Just how you like it, milk and two sugars.

Paul: Oh, thanks, Emir.

Emir: You're welcome. So what do you do when you're not working?

Paul: Oh, umm, not much. I'm always really tired in the evenings and at weekends.

Emir: Haven't you got any hobbies?

Paul: Well, I've recently started doing meditation.

Emir: I didn't know you did meditation. I do too!

Paul: Oh, right. So, um, how often do you practise?

Emir: Most mornings usually, but if it's really busy, then sometimes it's hard to find time.

Paul: Yeah, I know what you mean. I normally meditate once or twice a week. I never have enough time to do it more than that.

Emir: What are you doing now?

Paul: Nothing much, just drinking my tea …

Ana: Hello again! Now that's something you don't see in the office every day! So, did you notice the useful phrases used for talking about your personal interests? Listen to me and then repeat.

What do you do when you're not working?

I didn't know you did meditation.

I do too!

How often do you practise?

Most mornings, usually.

Sometimes it's hard to find time.

I normally meditate once or twice a week.

I never have enough time.

Ana: Try and use some of these phrases the next time you talk about your personal interests in English. Bye for now!

Discussion

What do you do when you're not working?

Download

Worksheet114.65 KB

Language level

A2 Pre-intermediate

Hello Sahayb,

When the word 'to' is not stressed in natural connected speech it is often pronounced in this way. In fact, Ana's speech is a good model for this and if you listen carefully and try to speak in a similar way it will help you develop a natural English rhythm in your speech.

Peter

The LearnEnglish Team

I have started recently learning German language in my free time. Since i have clients who are mostly speaking German language, I thought I should learn the language for better communication. I often spend an hour or so daily for learning the language. I am really enjoying the learning process, the language is beautiful and learning it with having known English helps me a lot.

When I'm not working usually I go for swimming. I started to swim recently, and I found it so helpful for everyday stress and back pain. I have loved swimming since I was child, but unfortunately, I live in country without sea, so having swimming as hobby cost a lot. But now that I work, I set aside some money every month to pay my swimming fee. Also, I love to watch American series, but I can hardly find time to watch them especially during weekdays. The work is consuming me and taking all my time. And novels are my addiction, i try to read at least one per week.

I usually play with my dog. And, I also like watching movies.

When I not working, I play with my kid. sometimes I use this app and play sudoku. It’s very interesting you know.

When I am not working, I usually give my time to my child. I love to play with him. We do some exercises together in the evening. Sometimes, we go outside for walking. At weekends, my family go outside for shopping or outdoor activities.

I recently started to learn sew from youtube. So I sew three dresses for my daughters and skirt .It was so intersting and I learned from that the patience and happiness . I mean promotes mental health, desire to creativity and feeling proud . I hope to be professional to make my daughters clothes special.

Usually, I have to check mails and chat on Facebook. I do this mostly in the evenings after work because there is less interruption and more free time than in the morning. Otherwise, I make sure to spend wisely every opportunity that I find when out of work and do a lot more than just being online. Most of that time I use it on my favourite things like reading, watching TV shows, going for walks, doing shopping and sometimes eating out alone or with friends. Other than that, I always make sure to get enough rest by sleeping or just relaxing at home.

I recently started practising my speaking skills in English. Also, I like making handmade skincare products in m y spare time.

Honestly, I don't have enough time to do a lot but I try to find a little for reading most evenings. I can't imagine my life without books. For me, it's like an addiction. So books in free time for sure. If there are any interesting sport events, I like to watch some on TV. I prefer football, tennis, formula-1 and biathlon. I used to watch sports a lot when I didn't have kids but now they take all my time. And films! I try to watch at least one new film a week. Not bad, actually, for a small quantity of spare time that I have.

Talking about personal interests

Preparation

Transcript

Task 1

Task 2

Task 3

Discussion

Language level

Online courses