Hobbies and Interests

The list of discussion questions on this page is part of a publication called Number One ESL Discussion Book & Reference Guide.

1. What are some of your favorite hobbies or recreational activities? Which hobbies or activities do you enjoy doing with friends or family? Is there a hobby or interest that you enjoy doing alone?

2. Which board games do you like to play? Which card games do you like to play? How often do you play board games or card games at home? How many people usually play with you? Do you think board games or card games are good leisure activities? Please explain your answer.

3. Which of the following do you read more often – website articles, magazines, newspapers, or books? Is there a good library near your home? How often do you go to bookstores? What kinds of books or magazines do you buy? What do you do with books and magazines after you have read them? Do you ever borrow books or magazines from friends or family?

4. What keeps you engaged in a hobby you have been passionate about for many years?

5. How do you think hobbies contribute to happiness and mental health? How do hobbies contribute to personal growth and self-discovery?

6. Can you describe a hobby or interest you’ve recently picked up? What motivated you to try it?

7. How do you balance your hobbies with other responsibilities in your life? How do you prioritize your hobbies and interests in your daily or weekly schedule?

8. Can you share a memorable experience related to one of your hobbies?

9. How do you think technology has changed hobbies and leisure activities?

10. What are some benefits of having many different hobbies and interests?

11. Have you ever turned a hobby into a side hustle or business venture? How did it go? If you haven’t, which of your hobbies could you turn into a small business?

12. If you don’t currently have a hobby, or if you’re looking for a new hobby or interest, how would you discover new hobbies or interests?

13. How do you handle feelings of burnout or boredom with your hobbies?

14. Can you share a story about a hobby or interest that has helped you through a challenging time in your life? (What was the hobby or interest? Was anybody else involved? How did the hobby or interest help you?)

15. How do you think cultural backgrounds influence the types of hobbies people pursue? Think of four young men or women as examples: One living on an island in the Pacific; one living in a suburb of Sydney, Australia; one living in a small apartment in Hong Kong; and one living in a rural town of the United States.

16. What are some hobbies or interests you’ve always wanted to try but haven’t had the chance to try?

17. Have you ever joined a club or group related to one of your hobbies? What was the experience like?

18. How have your hobbies and interests evolved over time as you have grown and changed?

19. Have you ever participated in a hobby or interest that challenged you to step out of your comfort zone? What was it?

20. Is it possible for you to just stay home and do nothing? For how long can you do nothing before you get bored?

Number One ESL Discussion Book & Reference Guide: CONTENTS