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.

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

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Hi Lena,

These are both fixed expressions and you can use either form with no difference in meaning. It's purely a question of personal preference.

 

Peter

The LearnEnglish Team

Submitted by Ugulhan on Tue, 22/09/2020 - 09:03

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I've recently started learning English hard. I hope I do that. I practice it more than twice a week.
Profile picture for user shelly

Submitted by shelly on Thu, 17/09/2020 - 10:33

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When I am not working, usually I study English for at least half an hour and do some exercise especially Yoga, because I like English and Yoga so much. Then sometimes I pay with my daughter or go outside for a short walk. At weekends I do some shopping in the mall or in the supermarket or go out for a short trip with my family.

Submitted by fariba on Wed, 16/09/2020 - 10:50

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i watch TV , read books ,see movies and call my family.

Submitted by Sahayb on Tue, 25/08/2020 - 18:25

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Hi I have question why Ana say word often with t ? I hope you’re understanding me and thank you

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

Submitted by Saish on Mon, 24/08/2020 - 09:53

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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.

Submitted by Rinaa on Thu, 20/08/2020 - 22:54

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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.

Submitted by Cyrus Kiran on Tue, 11/08/2020 - 11:53

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