English Learning for Beginners: Hobbies

Dialogue

Current Situation

Hobbies are activities we enjoy doing in our free time for pleasure and relaxation. They are not part of our work or daily chores. Having hobbies is very important for our well-being because they help us relax, learn new things, develop skills, and meet new people. Common hobbies include reading, playing sports, painting, cooking, playing musical instruments, gardening, or collecting things. Hobbies can be very common, like watching movies, or very unique, like competitive napping or collecting miniature rubber ducks! What matters is that you enjoy them and they bring you joy.

Key Phrases

• You look like…: Used to describe someone’s appearance or state.

  You look like you need a coffee.

• What happened?: A common question to ask when something seems wrong or unusual.

  He fell off his bike. What happened?

• Secret hobby: A hobby that not many people know about.

  My secret hobby is baking elaborate cakes.

• Tell me, tell me!: An eager way to ask someone to share information.

  You got a new pet? Tell me, tell me!

• Even better!: Used to say that something is superior or more exciting than previously thought.

  He’s not just a singer, he’s a dancer too! Even better!

• A lot of practice: Means something requires much repetition or training.

  Playing the piano well takes a lot of practice.

• You’re hilarious!: Used to tell someone they are very funny.

  That joke was great! You’re hilarious!

• How do you even compete?: A question asking about the rules or methods of a competition, often when it seems unusual.

  He’s competing in a silent movie festival. How do you even compete?

• That’s unique!: Used to describe something that is very special or different from others.

  She has a pet chameleon. That’s unique!

• A bit more traditional: Used to describe something that is more common or conventional.

  My hobby is a bit more traditional; I like knitting.

• That’s adorable!: Used to express that something is very cute or charming.

  Look at that tiny puppy! That’s adorable!

• Quite the pair: Used to describe two people or things that are distinctive or unusual together.

  One loves silence, the other loves loud music. They’re quite the pair.

• Something fun to do: An activity that brings enjoyment.

  Gardening is something fun to do on weekends.

• A vicious cycle: A difficult problem where the attempt to solve one part of the problem makes the other parts worse.

  Being stressed makes me eat more, which makes me feel bad, which makes me stressed. It’s a vicious cycle.

• Good luck with…: A phrase used to wish someone success in an activity.

  Good luck with your exam tomorrow!

Grammar Points

1. The verb “To Be” (am, is, are)

The verb “to be” is one of the most common and important verbs in English. We use it to describe people, things, and situations. In the present simple tense, it changes form depending on the subject:

• I am (e.g., I am a competitive napper.)
• You are (e.g., You are hilarious!)
• He/She/It is (e.g., My hobby is collecting ducks. It is unique.)
• We are (e.g., We are quite the pair.)
• They are (e.g., They are very serious.)

2. Present Simple Tense for Habits and Routines

We use the present simple tense to talk about actions that happen regularly, habits, or facts. This is perfect for describing hobbies!

• Subject + Verb (base form or -s/-es for he/she/it)
• Examples from the dialogue:
  • I love collecting miniature rubber ducks. (A regular activity/habit)
  • My hobby is a bit more traditional. (A fact/description)
  • I nap on unicycles. (A regular action/habit)
• Remember: For “he,” “she,” and “it,” add “-s” or “-es” to the verb (e.g., he plays, she reads, it rains).

3. Question Words (What, How)

These words help us ask for specific information.

• What: Used to ask about things, actions, or ideas.
  • What happened? (Asking about an event)
  • What is your hobby? (Asking about a thing/activity)
• How: Used to ask about the manner, way, or condition of something.
  • How do you even compete? (Asking about the method)
  • How are you? (Asking about condition)

Practice Exercises

Let’s practice what you’ve learned!

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with the correct form of “to be” (am, is, are).

1. My hobby ____ reading books.
2. They ____ very serious about their roles.
3. I ____ a competitive napper.
4. You ____ hilarious!
5. We ____ good friends.

Exercise 2: Match the hobby with its description.

1. Collecting miniature rubber ducks
2. Competitive napping
3. Playing guitar
4. Gardening

a. Making music.

b. Sleeping quickly and in unusual places.

c. Growing plants and flowers.

d. Gathering small, cute bath toys.

Exercise 3: Answer the questions about yourself.

1. What is your favorite hobby?
2. Is your hobby active or relaxing?
3. Do you have a unique hobby? If yes, what is it?

Answers

Exercise 1:

1. is
2. are
3. am
4. are
5. are

Exercise 2:

1. d
2. b
3. a
4. c

Exercise 3: (Example Answers – Your answers will vary!)

1. My favorite hobby is painting.
2. My hobby is relaxing.
3. Yes, I collect old postcards. / No, I don’t have a unique hobby.