Common Hobbies
Hobbies are not just a form of entertainment; they are also great for igniting our creativity and discovering some of our hidden talents.
Choosing a hobby for yourself can be a challenging task. Although you want a hobby that is interesting to you, you may also want one that can be enjoyed with friends.
Some people enjoy spending their free time outdoors fishing, camping, hunting, and hiking, while others prefer to be indoors reading a good book or browsing online courses to hone their skills.
The popularity of these hobbies differs around the world based on individual preferences and cultural influences. For example, while fishing is the most prevalent hobby in England, hiking is the most in-demand hobby in China.
The following are the most common hobbies practised around the world. The best aspect of these hobbies is that you can do most of them without spending a lot of money. Furthermore, those that require learning are easy to master.
Reading
Reading is one of the most popular hobbies across many cultures. It is not only a fun activity, but a way of improving yourself.
Whether you read to get information or be entertained, there is undoubtedly a book for you as you have got a variety of genres to choose from.
Another thing that makes reading a book an exciting hobby is that you don't require any special gear compared to most other hobbies. Simply head to your local library or download some PDFs.
If you are looking to connect with new people or share your reviews, you can join a book club. The best part about making reading your hobby is that you can have fun anywhere!
Dancing
Almost everyone loves dancing even when some of us are terrible dancers. Just put some music on and let your body feel and move to the beat. No wonder, dancing is one of the most popular hobbies today.
Dancing can help you improve your flexibility and mobility. As a physical activity, it is also an excellent way to let off excess energy and steam. Plus, it is an enjoyable form of exercise.
You can simply have fun dancing around your living room or take it up a notch by joining a dance studio. Or, you can take some online dancing courses.
Collecting Antiques
Collecting antiques has become a passionate hobby for lots of people. As a result, more people around the world are starting to appreciate old and quality items.
If you have an eye for tasteful decor, collecting antiques may be for you. The older, the better. Plus, you never know what treasure and years of stories you may find, right? You can also make a hobby out of refurbishing and renewing old furniture.
Painting
Painting allows you to be creative, relaxed, and expressive. Simply walk down to any art supply store, buy some paints and brushes and you're good to go.
You don't have to be a great painter- start simple and paint whatever comes to your mind. What could be more therapeutic? You can decide to paint on an easel or go fun wild with murals- your choice.
Photography
When you get a break, take your phone or camera, walk to a park, and take pictures. You don not have to be a pro photographer or have the best gear in the market to pick up this rewarding hobby.
All you need is a good eye, a camera or a smartphone, and a good understanding of basic photography skills like lighting, depth, and exposure. The best part of the photography hobby is that you can preserve memories and have beautiful pic- tures on your walls.
Writing
Writing is one of the most popular hobbies that people enjoy because of the freedom. People write everything and anything; from how they spent their day to new recipes.
Writing journals to keep track of your daily activities is also a great way to handle stress, relax, and boost productivity.
Studies show that the world's most successful people keep journals. Also, if you feel the need to share your knowledge on a particular topic or niche, feel free to write a blog. It's always a great way to express yourself and connect with people of like-minds.
And you could also try writing a book or poem. It doesn't have to feel major before you write it down.
Knitting
Knitting is also one of the reward- ing common hobbies. Knitting gives you the chance to make good use of your free time while improving your winter wardrobe and making gifts for your family and friends.
You can knit mittens, hats, scarves, and blankets to keep yourself warm when it is cold. It also gives you the opportunity to exercise your hands and improve your coordination.
The best part is that you can knit on the bus, while watching your favorite shows, listening to music, or even hanging out with friends.
A. Write synonyms and antonyms for the following words from the text.
a. unrevealed (synonym) | Hidden |
b. sharpen (synonym) | hone |
c. boring (antonym) | Enjoyable |
d. unexcited (antonym) | exciting |
e. healing (synonym) | Therapeutic |
f. frame (synonym) | easel |
B. Find the meanings of the following words/phrases from a dictionary and use them in sentences of your own.
a. ignite: (verb) to cause to catch fire or begin burning; to arouse or inflame emotions or actions. |
Sentence: The magician used a match to ignite the pile of paper and create a dazzling fire display. |
b. in-demand: (adjective) highly sought after or desired by many people. |
Sentence: The new video game console was in-demand, and people lined up outside the store to get their hands on it. |
c. let off: (phrasal verb) to release or discharge, often referring to gases, steam, or pressure; to allow someone to avoid punishment or reprimand. |
Sentence: The pressure cooker let off a loud hiss as the steam escaped through the valve. |
d. a notch: (noun) a small indentation, cut, or step-like shape; to raise or lower something by a small degree or amount. |
Sentence: She turned the volume up a notch on her music player to enjoy the song more loudly. |
e. passionate: (adjective) having or showing intense and strong emotions or enthusiasm for something. |
Sentence: Sarah is a passionate dancer and spends hours practicing her moves every day. |
f. a blog: (noun) a regularly updated website or online platform where an individual or a group of individuals share their thoughts, opinions, or experiences on various topics. |
Sentence: My friend started a blog where she writes about her travel adventures and shares tips for fellow travelers. |
g. refurbishing: (noun) the act of renovating or improving the condition or appearance of something, typically furniture or a building. |
Sentence: The carpenter spent days refurbishing the old wooden chair, sanding it down and applying a fresh coat of paint. |
h. hanging out: (phrase) spending time together in a casual and relaxed manner, often with friends. |
Sentence: After school, we enjoy hanging out at the park, playing basketball and chatting with each other. |
C. Write True if the information is true, False if it is false and NG, if the information is not given in the text.
a. Outdoor hobbies are more popular than indoor hobbies. False |
b. You need more effort for reading than for other hobbies. False |
c. Only good dancers choose dancing as their hobby. False |
d. Antiques are also used for interior decoration in a house. True |
e. Paintings can be used to express your feelings. True |
f. People who choose photography as their hobbies are pro photographers. False |
g. Keeping journals helps people become successful. True |
h. Flexibility in time and place is the best part of knitting. True |
D. Answer these questions.
a. What aspects of our life influence the hobbies we choose? |
Answer: The preferences and cultural influences in our life influence the hobbies we choose. |
b. What makes reading the most popular hobby? |
Answer: Reading is the most popular hobby because it is fun, helps us learn new things, and we can enjoy it anywhere. |
c. How can people practise dancing? |
Answer: People can practice dancing by dancing around their living room, joining a dance studio, or taking online dancing courses. |
d. What things are necessary for one to go with painting? |
Answer: To go with painting, you need paints, brushes, and your imagination to create beautiful artwork. |
e. Write the benefits of doing photography. |
Answer: Doing photography allows us to capture memories, preserve them, and have beautiful pictures to decorate our walls. |
f. Why has writing become a popular hobby? |
Answer: Writing has become a popular hobby because it allows people to express themselves, relax, and connect with others who have similar interests. |
g. How can knitting be rewarding to a person? |
Answer: Knitting can be rewarding because it helps us pass the time, improve our coordination, and we can make warm clothes and gifts for our family and friends. |
Word Meaning
entertainment (ˌɛntərˈteɪnmənt) |
amusement, enjoyment |
Activities that provide amusement or enjoyment |
igniting (ɪɡˈnaɪtɪŋ) |
sparking, kindling |
Starting or stimulating |
discovering (dɪˈskʌvərɪŋ) |
finding, uncovering |
Finding or learning about something |
browsing (ˈbraʊzɪŋ) |
surfing, exploring |
Searching or navigating through content |
hone (hoʊn) |
improve, sharpen |
Refine or improve |
preferences (ˈprɛfərənsɪz) |
choices, inclinations |
Personal choices or inclinations |
prevalent (ˈprɛvələnt) |
common, widespread |
Commonly occurring or widespread |
undoubtedly (ʌnˈdaʊtɪdli) |
certainly, definitely |
Without a doubt or unquestionably |
genres (ˈʒɑːnrəz) |
categories, types |
Categories or types of artistic works |
gear (ɡɪr) |
equipment, supplies |
Tools or equipment |
terrible (ˈtɛrəbl) |
awful, dreadful |
Very bad or of poor quality |
flexibility (ˌflɛksəˈbɪləti) |
adaptability, suppleness |
Ability to bend or change easily |
mobility (moʊˈbɪləti) |
movement, agility |
Ability to move or be moved easily |
let-off (lɛt ɔːf) |
release, discharge |
To release or relieve |
excess (ˈɛksɛs) |
surplus, extra |
More than what is needed or required |
steam (stim) |
tension, stress |
Built-up energy or tension |
notch (nɑtʃ) |
level, degree |
A level or degree of intensity or quality |
passionate (ˈpæʃənət) |
enthusiastic, devoted |
Having or showing strong emotions or interests |
decor (dɪˈkɔːr) |
decoration, ornamentation |
Objects used to beautify a space |
refurbishing (ˌrɪˈfɜːrbɪʃɪŋ) |
renovating, restoring |
Improving or restoring the condition of something |
expressive (ɪkˈsprɛsɪv) |
communicative, demonstrative |
Showing or conveying thoughts or feelings |
therapeutic (ˌθɛrəˈpjutɪk) |
healing, soothing |
Providing a sense of healing or relaxation |
easel (ˈiːzəl) |
stand, support |
A frame or stand for holding artwork or a canvas |
murals (ˈmjʊrəlz) |
paintings, artworks |
Large-scale paintings or artworks |
gear (ɡɪr) |
equipment, supplies |
Tools or equipment |
rewarding (rɪˈwɔːrdɪŋ) |
satisfying, fulfilling |
Providing satisfaction or fulfillment |
preserve (prɪˈzɜːrv) |
protect, maintain |
To protect or maintain something |
niche (nɪtʃ) |
specialty, focus |
A specialized segment or area of interest |
coordination (koʊˌɔrdəˈneɪʃən) |
harmony, synchronization |
The ability to combine and control movements |
wardrobe (ˈwɔːrˌdroʊb) |
closet, attire |
Collection of clothing or garments |
hanging out (ˈhæŋɪŋ aʊt) |
socializing, spending time |
Spending casual and relaxed time with friends or acquaintances |
Extra Questions to Practice
Expandable FAQ Section
Why are hobbies important?
▼
Hobbies are important because they help ignite our creativity and discover hidden talents.
What makes choosing a hobby challenging?
▼
Choosing a hobby can be challenging because we want one that is interesting to us and can be enjoyed with friends.
What are some examples of outdoor hobbies?
▼
Outdoor hobbies include fishing, camping, hunting, and hiking.
What are some examples of indoor hobbies?
▼
Indoor hobbies include reading books and browsing online courses.
Why do the popularity of hobbies differ around the world?
▼
The popularity of hobbies differs around the world based on individual preferences and cultural influences.
Which hobby is the most prevalent in England?
▼
Fishing is the most prevalent hobby in England.
Which hobby is in-demand in China?
▼
Hiking is the most in-demand hobby in China.
What is a great aspect of these hobbies?
▼
A great aspect of these hobbies is that you can do most of them without spending a lot of money.
Why is reading a popular hobby?
▼
Reading is a popular hobby because it is fun and helps us improve ourselves.
What are the benefits of reading books?
▼
Reading books helps us gain information, be entertained, and choose from various genres.
What is special about reading as a hobby?
▼
Unlike many other hobbies, reading does not require any special gear, and you can enjoy it anywhere.
Why is dancing a popular hobby?
▼
Dancing is a popular hobby because it is enjoyable, helps improve flexibility and mobility, and is a fun form of exercise.
How can you practice dancing?
▼
You can practice dancing by simply putting on some music and letting your body feel and move to the beat.
What can collecting antiques be a hobby?
▼
Collecting antiques can be a hobby for those who have an eye for tasteful decor and appreciate old and quality items.
Why is painting a rewarding hobby?
▼
Painting allows you to be creative, relaxed, and expressive, and you can start simple and paint whatever comes to your mind.
How can you start with photography as a hobby?
▼
To start with photography as a hobby, you need a camera or a smartphone, a good eye, and basic photography skills like lighting and exposure.
Why is writing a popular hobby?
▼
Writing is a popular hobby because it gives people the freedom to express themselves, handle stress, and connect with others.
How can knitting be rewarding?
▼
Knitting can be rewarding because it allows you to make use of your free time, improve your winter wardrobe, and create gifts for your loved ones.
What can you knit when it is cold?
▼
You can knit mittens, hats, scarves, and blankets to keep yourself warm when it is cold.
When can you knit?
▼
You can knit during your free time, such as on the bus, while watching shows, listening to music, or even hanging out with friends.