Free Time, Hobbies, Culture and Sport

Maturita topic 8, general part, at Cambridge B2 First level. The specific part of this topic is Famous Czech People.

What to talk about

• how much free time you have and how you spend it
• your hobbies – active and passive, alone or with others
• culture – books, films, music, theatre, galleries
• sport – doing sport vs. watching it, popular sports in the Czech Republic and in English-speaking countries
• how free-time activities have changed (technology, gaming, social media)

Model answer

In my final year at school I don’t have as much free time as I’d like, but I try to make the most of what I have. My biggest hobby is computers – I like programming small games and I’m into video games, especially strategy games, which I play online with my friends. I know that sitting at a screen all day isn’t healthy, so I also do sport. I go cycling and in winter I go skiing with my family in the Krkonoše mountains. Twice a week I play floorball for a local team, which is a very popular sport among young Czechs.

Sport is a big part of Czech life. The most popular spectator sports are ice hockey and football – when the national team plays at the Ice Hockey World Championship, the whole country watches. Many people also go hiking, running or swimming, and the Czech Republic has a dense network of marked hiking trails. In Britain, the typical sports are football, rugby, cricket and tennis – Wimbledon is the oldest tennis tournament in the world – while Americans love American football, baseball and basketball.

As for culture, I enjoy going to the cinema and to concerts. I like reading too, mostly fantasy and science fiction, although I read more on my e-reader than in paper books. I don’t go to the theatre very often, but last year our class saw a play at the National Theatre in Prague and I was surprised how much I enjoyed it. I also listen to music all the time – on the bus, while studying and when I’m running.

I think free time has changed a lot because of technology. Many young people spend hours scrolling through social media or streaming series instead of meeting their friends. Technology isn’t bad in itself, but it’s important to find a balance between online and offline activities. In my opinion, the best way to unwind is to do something active with people you like.

Vocabulary

Grammar worth showing

• go / play / do with sports: go swimming, play tennis, do karate.
• love / enjoy / can’t stand + -ing: I can’t stand watching sport on TV.
• present perfect for experience: I’ve never been to a rugby match.

Useful phrases

• In my spare time I’m really into…
• I’ve been doing… for… years.
• What I like about it is that…
• It helps me to switch off / clear my head.
• If I had more free time, I would…

Speaking practice

Part 1 – about you

Part 3 / 4 – discussion