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Conversation Advance · Module 7 · Unit 32

Learning Experiences From Childhood

C1 Advanced

Learning Objectives

Today, you will explore childhood games and hobbies and discover useful words and expressions for everyday situations.

Discussion

Direction: Answer these questions.
  1. What did you do for fun as a child?
  2. Was there a specific game that taught you a lesson?
  3. Do you still have any hobbies that are a 'throwback' to your youth?

New Words & Expressions

Direction: Listen and repeat these words with your teacher.

  • Nostalgic

    adjective

    /nɒˈstældʒɪk/

    Meaning:Characterized by a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past.

    I feel so nostalgic when I see these old board games.

    Real Life Tip:

    A very common emotion in American media and marketing.

  • Recreational

    adjective

    /ˌrekriˈeɪʃənəl/

    Meaning:Relating to activity done for enjoyment when one is not working.

    We need to focus more on recreational activities to reduce stress.

    Real Life Tip:

    Used to describe hobbies or sports outside of professional life.

  • Take up

    phrasal verb

    /teɪk ʌp/

    Meaning:To start a new hobby or activity.

    I think I'll take up painting again.

    Real Life Tip:

    Standard phrase for beginning a new pastime.

  • Child's play

    idiom

    /tʃaɪldz pleɪ/

    Meaning:Something that is very easy to do.

    Now that I've practiced, this project is child's play.

    Real Life Tip:

    A common metaphor for ease.

  • Obsessed

    slang

    /əbˈsest/

    Meaning:Extremely interested in or enthusiastic about something.

    I was obsessed with video games when I was ten.

    Real Life Tip:

    Often used hyperbolically for enthusiasm.

Conversation

Direction:

  • Listen carefully as your teacher reads the conversation aloud.
  • Role-play the conversation with your teacher
Michael and Emma reminisce about their favorite childhood games and how they shape their current hobbies.
  • Michael
    I was obsessed with building model airplanes as a kid.
  • Emma
    That's cool! I was more into recreational sports like soccer.
  • Michael
    I feel so nostalgic just thinking about those afternoons.

Q&A

Direction: Answer the questions based on the conversation.
  1. What was Michael obsessed with as a child?
  2. What kind of activities was Emma into?
  3. Why does Emma want to take up soccer again?

Exercise

Direction: Choose the correct answer to complete each sentence, then read it aloud. Each question gives you 5 Points.

  1. What is a 'recreational' activity?

  2. What does 'child's play' mean?

  3. I want to ____ up a new hobby.

  4. Old photos always make me feel ____.

  5. was / I / with / obsessed / reading

  6. play / is / child's / it

Ask Your Teacher

Direction: Ask your teacher these questions.
  1. Do you think having hobbies is essential for a healthy work-life balance?
  2. What is the most 'child's play' task you have to do at work?
  3. Why do we become so nostalgic for our childhood hobbies?

Your Time To Speak

Direction: Answer using the language you have learned in this lesson. Talk about yourself!
  1. How can I find a hobby that I am actually obsessed with?
  2. Do you think adult hobbies should be similar to childhood ones?
  3. Is it important to have recreational activities that aren't screen-based?
  4. How do you make time for hobbies when you are busy?
  5. What is the best way to take up a new skill as an adult?
  6. Do you think some games are better than others?
  7. How do hobbies change as we get older?
  8. Is there a hobby you would love to try but haven't yet?
  9. Why do we stop doing some hobbies as we grow up?
  10. Can hobbies help with professional development?
Emma
Me too. Maybe I should take up soccer again for exercise.
  • Michael
    You should! It would be child's play for you by now.
  • Emma
    Haha, maybe! I'm not as fast as I used to be, though.
  • Michael
    Doesn't matter. It's just about having fun.
  • Emma
    You're right. I think I will!