Hobbies: more than just free time

Title separator

Speaking
class

ESL lesson on hobbies

LESSON OVERVIEW

The main objectives of this ESL lesson on hobbies are to:

  • discuss experiences and opinions on hobbies;
  • practise vocabulary related to pastimes;
  • watch two short videos on hobbies.

This ESL lesson on hobbies allows students to talk about categories of pastimes (e.g. creative hobbies, active hobbies, etc.). Students also explore phrases related to hobbies (e.g. make friends, solve problems, etc.) with an extra vocabulary activity. They watch two short videos and discuss their thoughts and experiences. In addition, students debate which pastime is the best option in different cases, play a guessing game and talk about opinions that they agree or disagree with.

A2 / Pre‐Intermediate45 min
60 min
Speaking ClassUnlimited Plan

This is a Speaking Class worksheet. It includes a variety of tasks that let your students practise their speaking skills. This lesson format does not focus on grammar or vocabulary. Learn more about it here.

WARM-UP AND VIDEOS

This ESL lesson on hobbies starts with a warm-up where students explain how they think things in pictures are connected with hobbies (e.g. a happy face, two people together, money, etc.). At this point in the lesson, you can ask students to do an extra vocabulary task. They match halves to create sentences and complete the phrases related to hobbies (e.g. work with my hands, make something myself, spend time outdoors, etc.). After that, students look at different hobbies (e.g. baking, coding, creating videos, etc.) and put them into categories (creative hobbies, active hobbies, intellectual hobbies and social hobbies). If more than one category is possible, they talk about the hobby and agree on one category. Then, students discuss questions on personal hobbies and experiences. Afterwards, they watch two videos related to hobbies (metal detecting and amigurumi-making). Students explain what they think the activities in the videos are and share their perspectives on them. 

DISCUSSION

At this point in this ESL lesson on hobbies, students look at photos showing pastimes (scrapbooking, urbex and cosplay) and describe how the activities work. If they don’t know, they guess. Then, students discuss questions about their personal experiences and preferences related to hobbies. After that, in pairs, they read questions (e.g. Which hobby is more expensive?) and debate which hobby is the best option (e.g. coin collecting OR playing board games). Students also talk about arguments for both hobbies. Next, they work in pairs. In the task, Student A chooses a card with a hobby and Student B asks ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ questions to guess what the hobby is. Then, they swap roles. Finally, students read different opinions on hobbies (e.g. Hobbies are for kids. Adults have responsibilities.). They choose one statement they agree with and one that they disagree with and explain their thoughts.

WORKSHEETS

Comments

Title separator

Leave a Reply

  1. [email protected]

    This one worked very well! The tasks were easy to use with fluid transition from one to the next and produced a lot of learner-centered speaking. They were also easy to scaffold up or down. Thanks a lot.

    1. Ewa

      That’s great to hear! Thank you for sharing.

  2. AgnesIpse

    These lessons are great but my students don’t really like shortfilms. Normal videos or litenings are better.

    1. Ewa

      Hi, thanks! Most of our lessons are with regular videos, we use shorts sometimes to add some variety 🙂

  3. Mary Joy Planas Pandac

    Thank you for sharing. Very great

    1. Ewa

      It’s our pleasure 🙂

Browse other materials recommended for you

Title separator
speaking lesson on tattoos
A2 / Pre‐Intermediate | B1 / Intermediate
Speaking Class 45 min / 60 min
Loading

How about a tattoo?

Lifestyle

With this lesson, students talk about tattoos! They watch a video about tattoo tourism, share opinions and revise collocations with the word ‘tattoo’. They also discuss workplace discrimination against people with tattoos.

discuss modern dating
A2 / Pre‐Intermediate | B1 / Intermediate
Standard Lesson 60 min
Loading

Let’s go on a date!

General Lifestyle

Students discuss different types of dating, how it has changed over the years, and brainstorm hypothetical dating scenarios. They explore opinions, learn vocabulary, and watch and discuss a video about speed dating.

sharing experiences using Present Perfect and Past Simple
A2 / Pre‐Intermediate | B1 / Intermediate
Standard Lesson 60 min
Loading

Sharing experiences (Present Perfect and Past Simple)

Grammar Lifestyle

With this lesson, students discuss the topics people talk about when they first meet. They also practise Present Perfect and Past Simple, watch a video about people who have just met and do a role play activity.

practise advice structures
A2 / Pre‐Intermediate
Standard Lesson 60 min
Loading

What to do when you’re stressed

Grammar Lifestyle

Talk about how to stop worrying about a problem with this lesson! Students discuss stress issues, watch a short video on tips about how to take your mind off problems and practise advice structures.

structures with so and such
A2 / Pre‐Intermediate | B1 / Intermediate
Flipped Lesson 60 min
Loading

It’s such a lovely place! (so and such)

Grammar Lifestyle

With this lesson, students talk about travel experiences, watch a short video about the capital city of Ghana and practise ‘so’ and ‘such’ structures. They also share their personal experiences and discuss the advantages of different travel options.

Past Simple and Continuous practice
A2 / Pre‐Intermediate
Standard Lesson 60 min
Loading

Posh and fancy (Past Simple and Continuous practice)

Grammar Lifestyle

Engage in revising Past Simple and Continuous and discussing fancy experiences with this lesson! Students explore vocabulary to talk about the topic, watch a humorous ad for a ketchup brand and create interesting stories.

ESL lesson on birthdays
A2 / Pre‐Intermediate | B1 / Intermediate
Standard Lesson 60 min
Loading

It’s your special day!

Lifestyle

With this fun lesson, students talk about celebrations and their personal experiences. They watch and discuss a video about celebrating someone’s birthday on a budget and discuss birthday celebration ideas. Students also practise phrases related to birthdays.

speaking lesson about shopping
A2 / Pre‐Intermediate
Speaking Class 45 min / 60 min
Loading

Shopping experience

Lifestyle

In this speaking lesson, students talk about their shopping preferences and experiences. They also practise vocabulary related to the topic, assess situations related to shopping and watch a video about a second-hand department store.

make + object + adjective (exercises)
A2 / Pre‐Intermediate
Flipped Lesson 60 min
Loading

My pet makes me happy

Grammar Lifestyle

Engage students in fascinating discussions as they explore how pets influence our lives, master the structure ‘make + object + adjective’ and dive into a news story video on pets in the workplace in this flipped classroom lesson!

Show more lessons

Questions

Title separator

Is there a minimum subscription period if I choose a monthly subscription?

No, there's no minimum required number of subscription months. You can cancel any time you want. Basically, you can sign up and then cancel your subscription the next day, which will mean you have access for 1 month and won't be charged again.

What currencies can I pay in for my subscription?

Our default currency is USD (American dollar), but you can also pay in EUR (euro), GBP (British pound sterling) or PLN (Polish zloty). You can change the currency you want to pay in at the Pricing page before selecting a subscription plan.

How can I edit an e-lesson plan?

You can get your own editable copy of an e-lesson plan and make changes to it. To do so, either (1) make a copy of it on your Google Drive (preferable method) or (2) download it in a Powerpoint format (but formatting might be a bit off so we can’t guarantee that it will work well).
Read more FAQ
Title separator

ESL Brains

Forgot password?
or continue with