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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Average: 4 (77 votes)

Submitted by soeminthan on Tue, 07/07/2026 - 19:31

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Thank all  you so much  for letting us learn English.

In my Myanmar,it is very difficult for people living in rural areas.

Please guide us forwards.

Submitted by Nga. on Mon, 29/06/2026 - 13:18

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I usually go jogging for 30 minutes every morning. I never have enough time to do more than that.

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Submitted by Paulo51 on Sat, 20/06/2026 - 19:06

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I costume to play a acoutic guitar , and read a Bible.

Hello sidddy67,

It depends. If you are talking about the religious or literary text then you use the definite article:

My uncle reads a chapter of the Bible every morning.

If you are talking about a physical book then you use the indefinite article:

In the drawer there were only two things: a small notepad and a bible.

Note that we capitalise 'Bible' in the first case.


Peter

The LearnEnglish Team

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Submitted by Gisella italian on Wed, 10/06/2026 - 14:45

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Same people of test I go to swim, once or twice a week because it's hard to find time. I like also go shopping once or twice a month because when I take English exam and I done it well, I like to spent little money as a gift to myself.

Submitted by mai123 on Wed, 29/04/2026 - 12:41

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I normally sit on the sofa and learn English on the app or talk with my family on wats up or watch reels on TikTok, Instagram and when my husband back to home we watch movies together  . 

Submitted by RFFA on Fri, 24/04/2026 - 02:05

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I usually go for a walk in the park in the evening because it helps me relax.

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Submitted by Huda 2026 on Thu, 16/04/2026 - 10:45

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What do you do when you're not working? I do exercise and read Manga and watch anima