IELTS Speaking Part 2: A Favorite Hobby — Band 6/7/8/9 Sample Answers (2026)

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The Prompt

Describe a hobby you enjoy. You should say:

• What it is
• How you got into it
• Why you enjoy it

You will have 1-2 minutes to speak. You may make some notes to help you if you wish.

Band 6.0 Answer

Sample Answer:

"I like to play video games. I started playing when I was a kid, maybe around 10 years old. My brother had a Nintendo, and we would play together. I like it because it's fun and relaxing. Sometimes I play with friends online, and sometimes I play alone. I like different kinds of games, like action games and sports games. It's a good way to pass the time."

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 5.0
• Presents a relevant answer but with limited detail.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 6.0
• Ideas are logically organized but with some repetition.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 6.0
• Uses some less common vocabulary but with some errors.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 6.0
• Makes frequent grammatical errors but can form simple sentences.

Band 7.0 Answer

Sample Answer:

"One of my favorite hobbies is photography. I got into it about five years ago when I bought my first DSLR camera. I was always interested in taking pictures, but I didn't have a good camera. Now, I take photos of landscapes, people, and even food. I enjoy it because it helps me see the world differently. I like capturing moments and emotions. Sometimes I edit my photos, and sometimes I just leave them as they are. It's a creative outlet for me."

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 7.0
• Presents a relevant answer with some detail and extension.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 7.0
• Ideas are logically organized with some use of cohesive devices.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 7.0
• Uses a mix of common and less common vocabulary with some errors.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 7.0
• Makes some grammatical errors but can form complex sentences.

Band 8.0 Answer

Sample Answer:

"I'm passionate about hiking. I started hiking when I was in college, and it has been a significant part of my life ever since. I love the feeling of being in nature, exploring new trails, and challenging myself physically. Hiking allows me to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life and connect with the natural world. I've hiked in various places, from local parks to national forests. Each hike is a unique experience, and I always come back feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. I also enjoy the sense of accomplishment I get from completing a challenging trail."

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 8.0
• Presents a relevant answer with detailed and extended responses.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 8.0
• Ideas are logically organized with effective use of cohesive devices.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 8.0
• Uses a range of vocabulary with some less common items and few errors.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 8.0
• Makes occasional grammatical errors but can form complex sentences.

Band 9.0 Answer

Sample Answer:

"One of my most cherished hobbies is playing the piano. I began my musical journey at the tender age of seven, when my parents enrolled me in piano lessons. Initially, it was a bit challenging, but as I progressed, I developed a deep appreciation for the art of music. The piano has become my sanctuary, a place where I can express my emotions and unwind after a long day. I find immense joy in mastering complex pieces and performing them for an audience. Whether it's classical compositions by Beethoven or contemporary pieces by modern composers, each note I play brings me a sense of fulfillment and tranquility. Playing the piano has not only enriched my life but also allowed me to connect with others through the universal language of music."

Scoring Breakdown:

• Task Response (TR): 9.0
• Presents a relevant answer with detailed and extended responses, fully addressing all parts of the prompt.
• Coherence and Cohesion (CC): 9.0
• Ideas are logically organized with effective use of cohesive devices and clear progression.
• Lexical Resource (LR): 9.0
• Uses a wide range of vocabulary with precise and sophisticated items and rare errors.
• Grammatical Range and Accuracy (GRA): 9.0
• Uses a wide range of complex sentence structures with rare errors.

Vocabulary Highlights

1. Cherished: Adored, treasured

• Example: "One of my most cherished hobbies is playing the piano."

1. Sanctuary: A place of refuge or safety

• Example: "The piano has become my sanctuary."

1. Express: To show or display emotions

• Example: "I can express my emotions and unwind after a long day."

1. Mastering: Becoming highly skilled in something

• Example: "I find immense joy in mastering complex pieces."

1. Compositions: Musical works

• Example: "Classical compositions by Beethoven."

1. Contemporary: Belonging to the same period of time

• Example: "Contemporary pieces by modern composers."

1. Fulfillment: A sense of satisfaction

• Example: "Each note I play brings me a sense of fulfillment."

1. Tranquility: A state of peace and calm

• Example: "A sense of fulfillment and tranquility."

1. Enriched: Made richer or more meaningful

• Example: "Playing the piano has enriched my life."

1. Universal: Common to all

• Example: "The universal language of music."

1. Hustle and bustle: The busy, noisy activity of a place

• Example: "Disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life."

1. Rejuvenated: Made to appear or feel fresh, strong, and healthy again

• Example: "I always come back feeling refreshed and rejuvenated."

1. Passionate: Having, showing, or caused by strong feelings or beliefs

• Example: "I'm passionate about hiking."

1. Exploring: Traveling through an area to learn about it

• Example: "Exploring new trails."

1. Disconnect: To separate or remove from a source of power or communication

• Example: "Disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life."

1. Challenging: Testing one's abilities or patience

• Example: "Challenging myself physically."

1. Accomplishment: Something that has been achieved through effort

• Example: "Sense of accomplishment I get from completing a challenging trail."

1. Cherished: Adored, treasured

• Example: "One of my most cherished hobbies is playing the piano."

1. Sanctuary: A place of refuge or safety

• Example: "The piano has become my sanctuary."

1. Express: To show or display emotions

• Example: "I can express my emotions and unwind after a long day."

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Lack of Detail: Providing only basic information without elaborating on the hobby.
2. Repetition: Repeating the same points or using the same vocabulary excessively.
3. Poor Grammar: Making frequent grammatical errors that hinder understanding.
4. Incoherence: Jumping between ideas without clear transitions or logical flow.
5. Limited Vocabulary: Using only basic vocabulary without incorporating more sophisticated or less common words.

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