English Podcast - What Is Your Hobby? | 🎧 English on the Go! | Beginner

 



TRANSCRIPT

1. INTRODUCTION TO THE EPISODE

Host Brian: Host Brian: Hi, everyone! Welcome back to another episode of "English on the Go." I’m your host, Brian, and I’m excited to help you practice your English while learning something new today. Let’s get started!

Host Brian: Today, we’re going to talk about hobbies. Hobbies are things you enjoy doing in your free time. Everyone has different hobbies, and they are a great way to relax, have fun, and even learn new skills. 

Host Brian: In this episode, we’ll hear a conversation between two friends as they talk about what they love doing in their spare time. Listen closely and see if you can relate to any of their hobbies!

2. PRE-LISTENING QUESTIONS

Host Brian: Before we jump into today’s conversation, let’s take a moment to think about your own experiences. These questions will help you focus on the topic and get ready for what’s coming:

 Host Brian: What is your favorite hobby? 

Host Brian: How often do you do it? 

Host Brian: Do you think hobbies are important for a healthy life? 

Host Brian: Keep these questions in mind as you listen to the conversation.

3. MAIN CONVERSATION

Emma: Hey, Tom! I haven’t seen you in a while. What have you been up to?

Tom: Hi, Emma! I’ve been really busy, but I’ve also been spending a lot of time on my hobbies.

Emma: That’s great! What’s your hobby?

Tom: I love painting. It helps me relax after a long day at work. I usually paint landscapes and sometimes portraits. What about you?

Emma: Painting sounds amazing! I’ve always wanted to try it. My hobby is a little different. I like playing the guitar.

Tom: Wow, playing the guitar sounds fun! How long have you been doing that?

Emma: I’ve been playing for about three years now. It’s something I do whenever I need a break from studying.

Tom: That’s awesome. Music is such a good way to take your mind off things. Do you ever perform in front of people?

Emma: Not really. I mostly just play for myself or a few close friends. But one day, I’d love to play at an open mic night.

Tom: That would be so cool! You should totally go for it. I think hobbies are really important. They give us something to look forward to after work or school.

Emma: I agree. Hobbies help us relax and also make us feel proud of what we can do.

Tom: Exactly. It’s nice to have something that’s just for fun and not for work or school.

Emma: Yeah, and who knows? Maybe one day, our hobbies could turn into something more, like a side job or even a career!

Tom: That’s true. If you’re passionate about something, anything is possible.


4. VOCABULARY ANALYSIS

Host Brian: Now, let’s take a look at some of the key vocabulary from the conversation.

First, hobby. It means an activity that you do for fun in your free time. For example, "Tom’s hobby is painting."

Next, landscapes. This refers to paintings of outdoor scenes like mountains, trees, and rivers. For example, "Tom likes to paint landscapes."

Another word is passionate. It means having strong feelings or enthusiasm for something. For example, "If you’re passionate about something, anything is possible."

Host Brian: Listen to the conversation again, and this time, try to identify these words as you listen.


5. COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

Host Brian: Let’s take a moment to check your understanding of today’s conversation. I’ll ask a few questions to help you reflect on what was discussed. Try to answer them based on what you heard.

1. What is Tom’s hobby?

2. How long has Emma been playing the guitar?

3. Why do Tom and Emma think hobbies are important?


6. POST-LISTENING QUESTIONS

Host Brian: Now that you've heard the conversation, let’s think a bit deeper. These questions are designed to help you reflect on what you’ve learned and connect it to your own life:

Host Brian: What’s your favorite hobby? 

Host Brian: How does it help you relax or take a break from your daily life? 

Host Brian: Maybe it’s time to try a new hobby!

7. CONCLUSION

Host Brian: That brings us to the end of today’s episode. Remember, hobbies aren’t just for fun—they can also help you stay happy and healthy. 

Host Brian We’ve prepared a special free PDF for this episode, full of useful tips and vocabulary to help you learn more. Host Brian Make sure to check it out! Thanks for listening, and see you next time on "English on the Go."

 8. VOCABULARY SUMMARY TABLE

Word/Phrase Part of Speech Definition Example Sentence Synonyms
Hobby Noun An activity you do for fun in your free time Tom’s hobby is painting. Pastime, Interest, Pursuit, Leisure activity, Recreation, Avocation
Landscapes Noun Paintings or drawings of outdoor scenes like nature Tom likes to paint landscapes. Scenery, Countryside, View, Panorama, Vista, Natural scenes
Passionate Adjective Having strong feelings or enthusiasm for something If you’re passionate about something, anything is possible. Enthusiastic, Zealous, Devoted, Fervent, Ardent, Committed
What have you been up to? Phrase A casual way to ask what someone has been doing recently. Hi, Emma! I’ve been really busy, but I’ve also been spending a lot of time on my hobbies. What’s new with you?, How’s it going?
Take your mind off things Idiom To do something that helps you stop thinking about worries or stress. Music is such a good way to take your mind off things. Distract yourself, Unwind
Need a break Phrase To require rest or relaxation after hard work or stress. It’s something I do whenever I need a break from studying. Take time off, Recharge
Look forward to Idiom To anticipate something with excitement or pleasure. They give us something to look forward to after work or school. Be excited about, Eagerly await
Turn into something more Idiom To develop into something greater or more significant. Maybe one day, our hobbies could turn into something more, like a side job or even a career! Transform, Evolve into
Go for it Idiom To take action to achieve something, often with enthusiasm. You should totally go for it. Take the plunge, Give it a try
Take a break Idiom To rest or pause from work or an activity. It’s something I do whenever I need a break from studying. Pause, Relax
Passionate about something Phrase Having strong feelings or enthusiasm about an activity or subject. If you’re passionate about something, anything is possible. Dedicated to, Enthusiastic about




EXERCISE

EXERCISE 1: Fill in the Blanks

Instruction: Listen to the conversation and fill in the blanks with the appropriate words 

 Emma:   Hey, Tom! I haven’t seen you in a while. What have you been (1) ______? 
 Tom:   Hi, Emma! I’ve been really busy, but I’ve also been spending a lot of time on my (2) ______. 
 Emma:   That’s great! What’s your (3) ______? 
 Tom:   I love painting. It helps me (4) ______ after a long day at work. I usually paint landscapes and sometimes portraits. What about you? 
 Emma:   Painting sounds amazing! I’ve always wanted to try it. My hobby is a little (5) ______. I like playing the guitar. 
 Tom:   Wow, playing the guitar sounds fun! How (6) ______ have you been doing that? 
 Emma:   I’ve been playing for about three (7) ______ now. It’s something I do whenever I need a break from studying. 
 Tom:   That’s awesome. Music is such a good way to take your (8) ______ off things. Do you ever perform in front of people? 
 Emma:   Not really. I mostly just play for myself or a few close (9) ______. But one day, I’d love to play at an open mic night. 
 Tom:   That would be so cool! You should totally go for it. I think hobbies are really (10) ______. They give us something to look forward to after work or school. 
 Emma:   I agree. Hobbies help us relax and also make us feel (11) ______ of what we can do. 
 Tom:   Exactly. It’s nice to have something that’s just for (12) ______ and not for work or school. 
 Emma:   Yeah, and who knows? Maybe one day, our hobbies could turn into something more, like a (13) ______ job or even a career! 
 Tom:   That’s true. If you’re (14) ______ about something, anything is possible.

________________________________________

EXERCISE 2: True, False

Instructions: Determine whether the following statements are true or false based on the conversation.
1. Emma has been playing the guitar for about one year.
o __True
o __False
2. Tom likes to paint landscapes and portraits.
o __True
o __False
3. Emma plays the guitar mainly for public performances.
o __True
o __False
4. Tom thinks hobbies are unimportant and a waste of time.
o __True
o __False
5. Emma and Tom agree that hobbies can potentially turn into a career.
o __True
o __False
________________________________________

EXERCISE 3: Multiple Choice Questions

Instruction: Choose the correct answer for each question based on the conversation.

1. What type of painting does Tom mainly enjoy?
o a) Abstract
o b) Landscapes
o c) Still life
o d) Modern art
2. How long has Emma been playing the guitar?
o a) Three months
o b) Three years
o c) One year
o d) Five years
3. Why does Emma play the guitar?
o a) As a break from studying
o b) To perform at open mic nights
o c) To record music professionally
o d) To play in a band
________________________________________

EXERCISE 4: Matching Information

Instruction: Match each phrase to the correct speaker (Emma or Tom).
1. Enjoys painting landscapes and portraits
2. Wants to try playing guitar at an open mic
3. Believes hobbies could turn into a career
4. Has been playing guitar for three years
5. Thinks hobbies help people relax
________________________________________

EXERCISE 5: Sentence Rearrangement

Instruction: Rearrange the jumbled sentences to form coherent statements related to the conversation.
1. Emma has wanted to try painting, but she plays the guitar.
2. Tom enjoys painting because it helps him relax.
3. Emma and Tom think hobbies give them something to look forward to.
4. Hobbies are a good way for Emma to take a break from studying.
5. Tom suggests that passions can turn into careers.
________________________________________

EXERCISE 6: Choose the Correct Word

Instruction: Fill in the blanks with the correct word from the options provided.
1. Tom says he spends time on his ______.
o a) job
o b) hobby
o c) study
o d) friends
2. Emma has been playing guitar for ______ years.
o a) three
o b) two
o c) one
o d) five
3. Tom and Emma both agree that ______ can help people relax.
o a) hobbies
o b) work
o c) family
o d) school
________________________________________

EXERCISE 7: Sentence Reordering

Instruction: Put the sentences in the correct order to recreate a summary of the conversation.
1. Tom says he’s been spending a lot of time on his hobbies.
2. Emma mentions that she plays the guitar to relax from studying.
3. Tom tells Emma that he enjoys painting landscapes and portraits.
4. They both agree that hobbies can be enjoyable and give people a break from work or school.
5. Emma expresses an interest in one day playing at an open mic night.
________________________________________

EXERCISE 8: Paraphrasing Practice

Instruction: Rewrite each of the following statements from the conversation in your own words. Try to capture the same meaning but use different phrasing.
1. "I love painting. It helps me relax after a long day at work."
2. "I’ve been playing the guitar for about three years now."
3. "Hobbies help us relax and also make us feel proud of what we can do."
4. "Maybe one day, our hobbies could turn into something more, like a side job or even a career."
5. "If you’re passionate about something, anything is possible."
________________________________________

EXERCISE 9: Opinion Writing

Instruction: Based on the conversation, write a brief paragraph (3-5 sentences) sharing your own opinion on the importance of hobbies. Explain why you think hobbies are valuable or how they benefit people. 


ANSWER KEY 

EXERCISE 1: Fill in the Blanks

1. up to
2. hobbies
3. hobby
4. relax
5. different
6. long
7. years
8. mind
9. friends
10. important
11. proud
12. fun
13. side
14. passionat

EXERCISE 2: True, False

1. False
2. True
3. False
4. False
5. True

Exercise 3: Multiple Choice Questions

  1. b) Landscapes
  2. b) Three years
  3. a) As a break from studying

Exercise 4: Matching Information

1. Tom - Enjoys painting landscapes and portraits
2. Emma - Wants to try playing guitar at an open mic
3. Tom - Believes hobbies could turn into a career
4. Emma - Has been playing guitar for three years
5. Both - Thinks hobbies help people relax

Exercise 5: Sentence Rearrangement

1. Emma has wanted to try painting, but she plays the guitar.
2. Tom enjoys painting because it helps him relax.
3. Emma and Tom think hobbies give them something to look forward to.
4. Hobbies are a good way for Emma to take a break from studying.
5. Tom suggests that passions can turn into careers.

Exercise 6: Choose the Correct Word

1. b) hobby
2. a) three
3. a) hobbies

Exercise 7: Sentence Reordering

1. Tom says he’s been spending a lot of time on his hobbies.
2. Emma mentions that she plays the guitar to relax from studying.
3. Tom tells Emma that he enjoys painting landscapes and portraits.
4. They both agree that hobbies can be enjoyable and give people a break from work or school.
5. Emma expresses an interest in one day playing at an open mic night.

Exercise 8: Paraphrasing Practice (Sample Answers)

1. I enjoy painting because it helps me unwind after a busy day at work.

2. I’ve been practicing guitar for around three years.

3. Hobbies allow us to relax and give us a sense of accomplishment.

4. One day, our hobbies could potentially become a side job or even a full-time career.

5. When you have a strong passion, you can achieve almost anything.


Exercise 9: Opinion Writing (Sample Answer)

Hobbies are essential for a balanced life because they provide a way to relax and focus on something enjoyable outside of work or school. Engaging in hobbies can reduce stress and bring a sense of accomplishment. Additionally, they allow us to develop new skills and even explore different career paths if the passion is strong enough.

Previous Post Next Post