IELTS Speaking Part 1: Leisure Time 

Q1: Do you have any hobbies?
Well, everyone has their own leisure pursuits, and mine is reading. The book I’m reading at the moment is The Godfather by renowned author Mario Puzo. It’s a classic, really, and I’d really recommend it.

Leisure pursuit (noun) hobby

Q2: Is it important to have a hobby?
Definitely! I mean nowadays life is getting more and more hectic, so people are constantly under an enormous amount of stress. That’s why it’s necessary to get into some recreational activities to unwind and just forget about life for a minute. 

Q3: What hobbies/ free-time activities are popular in your country? 
Well, the answer actually varies in terms of age and gender, too. Young people tend to have a preference of exciting activities, playing basketball or football or computer games for boys while girls are certainly a lot more into fashion and Korean films. However, the middle age people are more likely to watch TV series or chit-chatting about social issues. And the elderly who usually get up early in the mornings would prefer to listen to the radios to keep themselves updated or some could spend time looking after their grandchildren.

Q5: Is it harmful to spend too much time on a hobby?
Yes, I believe spending excessive time on a hobby may have an adverse effect on people. You may end up having not enough time for your priorities like family or work. For example, it’s easy for me to lose myself in books and neglect the deadlines at work.

End up doing something (phrase) to be in a particular place or state after doing something or because of doing it

Q6: What free-time activities would you like to try in the future? 
I would love to have a crack at extreme sports in the future, maybe ski-diving. It looks like ablast and I think I will get a real kick out of free falling from enormous heights.

Have a crack at (phrase) to try to do something although you are not certain that you will succeed Blast (noun) a thrillGet a real kick out of (doing) something (phrase) it means to enjoy something very much

Speaking Part 2: Describe a moment in your life when you were very excited. You should say:

When this was

What you were excited about

What eventually happened

I can remember many happy events of my life and out of those, I would like to talk about the event that I can still remember vividly. It was indeed an exhilarating event and that was regarding my success in the History competition among high schools situated in HCMC. The moment I heard that I had been awarded a copper medal for my performance, I became the happiest girl in the world. This was truly a felicitous moment for me as it is something I was looking forward to very eagerly and the news made my parents quite happy and proud. I would like to thank you for letting me talk about this event.

I waited almost a weak with great anxiety for my result. I started speculating so many things and many of them were negative. I could hardly stop thinking about my upcoming result during this period. The result was highly important. I could not sleep well the night before the result publishing day. I think it is common for students to worry about their results, especially for important exams, and I was familiar with this type of concern. However, I have to admit that I had been more worried about it than other exam results I can remember.

The result was published at around 11.00 am and I found that I did exceptionally well. I was so relieved and happy that I was on cloud nine. Then I hurriedly returned home and gave the news to my parents. They were very happy. My father, who barely expresses his emotions was also very pleased, and my mother called a few of our relatives to share the good news. I felt excited, happy and relieved. At that time I was about 15 years old.  It was so pleasant an event that I still remember every bit of it.   

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Excitement in Life 

Q1: In general, what gets people excited in their daily lives?

In fact, I think excitement is relative to our individual personalities and life circumstances. You don't have to do or be something dramatic to have a more interesting and exciting life. Small and simple changes, shifts in thinking, and self-improvement stretches can shake up your world enough to make it more fun, fascinating and adventurous — on your own terms. You can get out of the rut of your everyday routine and put some sparkle into your lifestyle with just a little creative thinking and planning.

Q2: In what ways can sport create thrilling moments for us?

The brilliance of watching or playing a sport boils down to a thrilling moment that creates history. A movie has a scripted ending, a song has a predetermined tune and progression, but sport is truly unpredictable. It is this unpredictable element that brings back fans to the sport they love, time and time again, despite the failures of the team they favor. A true fan knows that a thrilling moment could be witnessed on any given day in any sport, and if that doesn’t have enough lure to make a spectacle worth observing, then nothing is. 

Q3: Some people are thrill seekers. What is it that makes them crave excitement?

Thrill-seekers, in my opinion, are those who crave variety, novelty, intensity, and risk. These are people who long for exciting, meaningful challenges. Some enjoy the physical sensations that come from being scared silly; others like the idea that they're pushing themselves to the extreme. Though researchers don't yet have all the answers, it's clear that biology plays a role. Neuro-chemicals like dopamine or a rush of adrenaline appear to affect how inclined someone is to play it safe or live on the wild side. Other factors are psychological and rooted in personality. Thrill-seekers tend to be creative folks who like to make up their own minds. They're energetic and self-confident. And they feel in control of their fate. 

Q4: How would you advise someone to get more excitement into their life?

Well, if I am asked to give a tip on how to make your life more exciting, I’d advise you to try something new, to initiate, and to take action. Stop playing it safe or looking for someone else to take the lead. Be a creative creator of your life. You can make it as exciting and thrilling as you wish.

Q5: Do we get less excited about things as we get older?

Social psychologists describe this change as a consequence of a gradual shifting from promotion motivation -- seeing our goals in terms of what we can gain, or how we can end up better off, to prevention motivation—seeing our goals in terms of avoiding loss and keeping things running smoothly. Everyone, of course, has both motivations. But the relative amounts of each differ from person to person, and can shift with experience as we age.

Q6: It’s often said that it’s better to travel than to arrive. What does this mean to you?

Life or any mission in life is a journey. The quote tells us to enjoy every stop and experience along the way for no one knows the destination’s true worth until reached. Moreover, evolution is a law while seeking higher stations. What seemed remarkable then, may not seem so much now because of what has been gained along the way!