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: 4.3 (50 votes)
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Submitted by M19 on Sat, 01/08/2020 - 08:04

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Usually, I have to check mails and chat on Facebook. I do this mostly in the evenings after work because there is less interruption and more free time than in the morning. Otherwise, I make sure to spend wisely every opportunity that I find when out of work and do a lot more than just being online. Most of that time I use it on my favourite things like reading, watching TV shows, going for walks, doing shopping and sometimes eating out alone or with friends. Other than that, I always make sure to get enough rest by sleeping or just relaxing at home.

Submitted by Kinki on Fri, 31/07/2020 - 08:05

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I recently started practising my speaking skills in English. Also, I like making handmade skincare products in m y spare time.
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Submitted by Hennadii on Mon, 27/07/2020 - 17:02

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Honestly, I don't have enough time to do a lot but I try to find a little for reading most evenings. I can't imagine my life without books. For me, it's like an addiction. So books in free time for sure. If there are any interesting sport events, I like to watch some on TV. I prefer football, tennis, formula-1 and biathlon. I used to watch sports a lot when I didn't have kids but now they take all my time. And films! I try to watch at least one new film a week. Not bad, actually, for a small quantity of spare time that I have.

Submitted by Phan Bao Dung on Tue, 21/07/2020 - 18:55

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When I have spare time, I usually read my favorite books, listen to music, and study English. It's so relaxing.

Submitted by Asni on Sat, 18/07/2020 - 12:48

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I'm currently not working. With the baby, I'm busy most of the time, though. When I find some spare time, either I go to the fitness gym or I study English.
Me too. And when my baby goes to bed, I usually read my favorite books, listen to music and study English. It's relaxing.

Submitted by thihazaw on Sat, 18/07/2020 - 10:27

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When I'm not working I've recently started talking with my family

Submitted by Suellen Esteves on Tue, 07/07/2020 - 21:35

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When I'm not working, I like to read, watch a movie and learn English

Submitted by abudo93 on Sat, 04/07/2020 - 19:05

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When I'm not working I talk to my best friends, Mustafa, Hussein,Tawfiq, Tariq and Mohammad or research to something to do as writing an article and browse facebook app.

Submitted by Mohamed Fawzy on Mon, 29/06/2020 - 00:54

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Love it, and I started to feel like it's a series!! Great job, Thank you guys!! :)