IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topic Leisure time
Questions and Answers
1. When do you have free time?
Well, in actual fact, I suppose I would have to say that it really depends. Like for instance, if I’m not up to my ears in homework, then it’s quite possible that I will have time to indulge my own interests at weekends. Whereas in contrast, when the final test comes, I would hardly find a moment to relax.
2. Do you think it’s important to have leisure time?
As a matter of fact, I would say yes.Having quality leisure time means we can enhance our communication skills and self-esteem by engaging in group activities based on shared interests we can explore in book clubs, or exercise groups.Therefore, it helps relieve boredom and improves our physical and emotional health, giving us the balance needed to focus on our other, more stressful, daily activities.
3. How does that (the way Vietnamese people like to relax) compare with western countries?
In my point of view, the way in which Westerners and Vietnamese people entertain themselves has many aspects in common. Like for instance, women of both cultures often consider shopping as an effective aid to de-stress and cheer themselves up. Mean while, men are pretty into having a cup of coffee with a small group of friends in their leisure time.
4. Do your friends ever come to your home in their free time?
Definitely yes. As my house is within walking distance of my school, some of my friends often come over to my home for lunch and a nap whenever we have classes in the afternoon. Sometimes, at weekends we have a sleepover party as my parents are pretty comfortable with me inviting friends to our home.
5. Compare the way people in Vietnam relax today and the way they used to relax years ago ?
As the quality of life has improved substantially in recent years, there have been considerable changes to the way Vietnamese people indulge themselves. It is common knowledge that people nowadays have a tendency to consider high-tech devices as a means of entertainment in their leisure time. Whereas in the past, people seemed to be more active as they spent their free time doing outdoor activities such as playing sports or hanging out with friends.
Vocabulary
1. Be up to one’s ears in something: [idiom] to be very busy, or to have more of something than you can manage
Example: She is up to her ears in debt.
2. Indulge: [verb] allow oneself to enjoy the pleasure of
Example: You will be able to indulge your liking for cinema and music.
3. Enhance: [verb] intensify, increase or further improve the quality of
Example: The development of advanced technology enhances our quality of life.
4. Self-esteem: [noun] confidence in one’s own worth or abilities; self -respect
Example: We hope to build people’s confidence and self-esteem with these projects.
5. Shared interests: [noun phrase] hobbies that a group of people have in common
Example: People often choose their friends based on shared interests.
6. Balance: [verb] keep something in a steady position so that it does not fall
Example: A working woman needs to organise her life to balance her professional and family life.
7. Have something in common: [expression] of joint interests
Example: My best friends and I have many things in common.
8. De-stress: [verb] to get rid of nervous tension or anxiety
Example: He watches classic movie comedies as a way to de-stress.
9. Cheer somebody up: [phrasal verb] to make someone feel happier
Example: He tried to tell funny stories in order to cheer her up.
10. Be into something/doing something: [phrasal verb] like something
Example: I am fairly into playing basketball.
11. Be within walking distance: [expression] not very far, close enough to reach by walking
Example: My house is within walking distance of the city center.
12. Come over (to): [phrasal verb] to visit a place
Example: Why don’t you come over to my house for dinner?
13. Sleepover party: [noun phrase] a type of party when a group of young people stay for the night at the house of a friend
Example: This Saturday we have a sleepover party to celebrate my birthday.
14. Have a tendency to: [expression] to be likely to do something, tend to
Example: He has a tendency to make decisions quickly.
15. High-tech devices: [noun phrase] advanced gadgets such as computers, smart phones
Example: The advent of high-tech devices dissuades young people from participating in outdoor activities.
16. A means of entertainment: [noun phrase] a way, a tool to relax and enjoy ourselves
Example: Computer games are a popular means of entertainment among youngsters.
17. Hang out with : [verb phrase] spending time with someone
Example: At weekends, I often hang out with my friends.