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Conversation Intermediate · Module 3 · Unit 11

Hobbies and Pastimes

Pre B1 Intermediate

Learning Objectives

In today s lesson, you will talk about hobbies and pastimes and learn useful vocabulary that you can use in everyday life.

Discussion

Direction: Answer these questions.
  1. Do you usually have a lot of free time on the weekends?
  2. What is something you really enjoy doing to relax?
  3. Do you prefer active hobbies or relaxing ones?

New Words & Expressions

Direction: Listen and repeat these words with your teacher.

  • Pastime

    noun

    /ˈpæstaɪm/

    Meaning:An activity that you enjoy doing in your free time.

    Reading is my favorite pastime when I want to unwind.

    Real Life Tip:

    Often used interchangeably with hobby, but feels a bit more leisurely.

  • Leisure

    noun

    /ˈleʒər/

    Meaning:Time when you are not working and can relax.

    I do not have much leisure time during the work week.

    Real Life Tip:

    Americans often use this to describe the work-life balance they strive for.

  • Take up

    phrasal verb

    /teɪk ʌp/

    Meaning:To start a new hobby or activity.

    I think I will take up photography this summer.

    Real Life Tip:

    A very common way to announce starting a new lifestyle interest.

  • It is not my cup of tea

    idiom

    /ɪt ɪz nɒt maɪ kʌp əv tiː/

    Meaning:Something you do not enjoy or are not interested in.

    Painting is fun, but it is not my cup of tea.

    Real Life Tip:

    A gentle and polite way to express disinterest in a topic.

  • Chill

    slang

    /tʃɪl/

    Meaning:To relax or hang out.

    We are just going to chill at home tonight.

    Real Life Tip:

    Extremely common in US English to describe low-energy relaxation.

Conversation

Direction:

  • Listen carefully as your teacher reads the conversation aloud.
  • Role-play the conversation with your teacher
Marcus and Sophia are at a park, discussing how they spend their free time.
  • Marcus
    I feel like I have been working too much. I need a new pastime.
  • Sophia
    You should! Have you thought about what you want to take up?
  • Marcus
    Maybe hiking? But honestly, sitting on the couch to chill is tempting.

Q&A

Direction: Answer the questions based on the conversation.
  1. Why does Marcus want a new pastime?
  2. Does Sophia like pottery classes?
  3. What does Marcus decide to do instead of pottery?

Exercise

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

  1. If you take up a hobby, you ____.

  2. If something is not your cup of tea, it means you ____.

  3. I just want to ____ at home this weekend.

  4. Do you have any ____ time?

  5. hobby / a / like / what / you / would / to / take / up

  6. my / is / not / cup / of / tea / it

Ask Your Teacher

Direction: Ask your teacher these questions.
  1. What is a pastime you have enjoyed for a long time?
  2. Do you think it is easy to take up new hobbies as an adult?
  3. What is one activity that is definitely not your cup of tea?

Your Time To Speak

Direction: Answer using the language you have learned in this lesson. Talk about yourself!
  1. What do you do in your leisure time?
  2. Have you taken up any new hobbies recently?
  3. Do you prefer to chill or be active?
  4. Is there a hobby you would like to take up?
  5. Why is it important to have a pastime?
  6. Do you find it hard to balance work and hobbies?
  7. What is something you consider a waste of time?
  8. Do you prefer outdoor or indoor pastimes?
  9. What is a hobby you tried but did not like?
  10. How do you feel when you have a day off?
Sophia
That is fair. We all need leisure time, but hiking is great for the soul.
  • Marcus
    What about pottery classes? Everyone seems to be doing that lately.
  • Sophia
    I tried it once, but it is not really my cup of tea.
  • Marcus
    Good to know! Maybe I will just stick to reading for now.
  • Sophia
    Reading is a classic for a reason. Lets go grab a coffee.