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Hobbies and Leisure

More Than Just Free Time: Helping Students Talk About What They Love to Do

What do your students love to do when they’re not studying? Whether it’s photography, hiking, drawing, or simply relaxing with a book, everyone has something they enjoy—and that’s exactly why hobbies and leisure vocabulary is a perfect fit for the classroom.

Talking about pastimes and interests helps learners connect with each other, share experiences, and build confidence using English in a personal way. Words like leisure, recreation, enjoyment, and relaxation give students a way to describe how they spend their time outside of work or school. This vocabulary also helps them express their personality and passions—two things that are often hard to convey when limited by language skills.

Beyond basic conversation, this set opens the door to more advanced, expressive terms like endeavor, pursuit, and passion. These words are great for lessons that stretch students’ descriptive abilities and spark meaningful discussions. Whether they’re writing about their favorite pastime or discussing how hobbies support mental health, students benefit from the range of expression this topic offers.

Including specific examples—like hiking, fishing, photography, cooking, or pastry making—gives students practical vocabulary they can use in real life. Whether they’re signing up for a local class, chatting with new friends, or reading about someone else’s hobby online, these are the words they’ll need. Activities like tenting, horticulture, or brushwork may even introduce new interests!

This topic also naturally encourages speaking practice. Students love talking about what they enjoy. By tapping into that enthusiasm, you can create engaging lessons that feel less like work and more like fun.

Now is the time to add the ‘Hobbies and Leisure’ pack. It’s a topic that inspires creativity, sparks connection, and reminds students that learning English can be part of their favorite way to spend the day.

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PackVocabTypeDefinitionUsage
21InactivityNounThe state of being inactive; idleness.Prolonged inactivity can lead to health problems. The company faced losses due to market inactivity.
21LeisureNounFree time when one is not working or occupied; time for ease and relaxation.She spends her leisure time reading and gardening. Everyone needs leisure to unwind and recharge.
21EndeavorNounAn attempt to achieve a goal, often requiring significant effort or determination.Outdoor endeavors like hiking and cycling are popular among adventurers. It's important to include physical activity in your daily routine.
21PastimeNounAn activity that someone does regularly for enjoyment rather than work; a hobby.Playing board games is a popular pastime among friends. A good pastime can make the time fly by.
21InterestNounThe feeling of wanting to know or learn about something or someone.She has a strong interest in photography. Cultivating new interests can lead to personal growth.
21PassionNounA strong and barely controllable emotion, often referring to a strong enthusiasm for an activity or hobby.His passion for cooking led him to become a chef. Pursuing your passion can be incredibly rewarding.
21PursuitNounAn activity that one engages in as a hobby or profession.The pursuit of happiness is a fundamental human goal. Engaging in creative pursuits can enhance your quality of life.
21RecreationNounActivity done for enjoyment when one is not working.They offer many recreation facilities at the resort. Recreation is essential for keeping one's mind and body healthy.
21EntertainmentNounThe action of providing or being provided with amusement or enjoyment.The festival provided a wide range of entertainment for all ages. Movies and music are popular forms of entertainment.
21RelaxationNounThe state of being free from tension and anxiety.Meditation is a great tool for relaxation. Taking time for relaxation is crucial for mental health.
21EnjoymentNounThe state or process of taking pleasure in something.She finds enjoyment in simple things like a walk in the park. Enjoyment in your activities can greatly improve your quality of life.
21HikingNounThe activity of going for long walks, especially across country or in the woods.They planned a hiking trip in the mountains. Hiking is a great way to explore nature and get exercise.
21TentingNounThe activity of staying in a tent, usually for recreation or as part of an outdoor experience.They enjoy tenting in the mountains every summer. Tenting is a great way to connect with nature and unwind.
21FishingNounThe activity of catching fish, either for food or as a sport.He goes fishing every weekend as a way to relax. Fishing requires patience and skill, and can be very rewarding.
21HorticultureNounThe art or practice of garden cultivation and management.Gardening is a therapeutic hobby for many people. Horticulture involves the cultivation of plants for food, comfort, and beautification.
21CookingNounThe practice or skill of preparing food by combining, mixing, and heating ingredients.Cooking can be a fun way to explore new cultures. He took up cooking as a hobby during the lockdown.
21PastryNounSweet foods such as cakes, tarts, and pies, often involving baking.Making pastry requires precision and creativity. Pastry is delicate and difficult to make.
21BrushworkNounThe technique or skill of applying paint with a brush.Brushwork allows you to express emotions and ideas visually. Good brushwork can make a simple painting look great.
21DrawingNounThe art or skill of making pictures or diagrams with a pencil, pen, or similar implement.He carries a drawing pad to sketch interesting scenes he comes across. Drawing can be a very satisfying creative outlet.
21PhotographyNounThe art or practice of taking and processing photographs.She pursues photography as a hobby and a side business. Photography helps capture memories and moments in time.

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