Leisure time is for fun, entertainment, and hobbies. Hobbies are an essential part of our lives.

There are many reasons for pursuing hobbies:

• To gain fresh energy for other tasks.
• To relax and find satisfaction.
• To have fun, get exercise, and stay fit.
• To develop skills and talents.
• To make new friends and socialize.
• To spend time positively.
• To keep people away from negative habits (drugs, alcohol, bad company…).
• To find balance in life.

Collecting Objects

• Collecting is one of the oldest hobbies.
• It’s an individual, often lifelong, and generally passive hobby.

People collect:

• Stamps
• Coins
• Postcards
• Badges
• Model cars or ships
• Pens
• Dolls
• Teddy bears
• Army equipment
• Posters of idols
• Autographs
• Beer-bottle labels
• Napkins
• Flags, etc.

Collectors often meet to exchange items.

Keeping Pets

• Keeping pets is very popular these days. People enjoy having dogs, cats, canaries, parrots, guinea pigs, rabbits, or even exotic animals.
• Caring for a pet requires knowledge of their habits and behavior. We learn how to feed, clean, and look after them.
• It’s a big responsibility. People love their pets, which become part of the family.

QUESTION TIME
Part 1

1. Why do people do hobbies? (reasons)
2. Collecting objects is one of the oldest hobbies. What are some details about it?
3. What do you think of keeping pets as a hobby?
4. Do you have a pet? If so, how do you care for it?

Doing Sports

Nowadays, more and more people of all ages play (do) sports to stay fit and healthy.

• Many people enjoy activities like bodybuilding, cycling, playing football, tennis, basketball, table tennis, jogging, skiing, and snowboarding.
• Nordic walking, which involves using specially designed poles similar to ski poles, is a popular activity.
• Dancing is another common passion, with people joining various dance groups (hip-hop, country, folk, tap dance…) and participating in competitions.
• Swimming, roller skating, and home workouts are also very popular leisure activities.
• People worldwide enjoy hiking, walking, jogging, and cycling. There are  many beautiful bike trails available, and it’s common to see groups of hikers or cyclists spending their weekends outdoors.
• Sports are good for your mental and physical health.

Even though men and women enjoy many of the same sports these days, some are still more commonly associated with men, and others with women.

• Men often enjoy ice hockey, boxing, weightlifting, motorsports, rugby, and baseball.
• Women often enjoy volleyball, yoga, Pilates, dance, figure skating, and gymnastics.

Art Activities / Creative Hobbies

• Singing: Many choirs exist, including girls, boys, and mixed groups.
• Playing musical instruments: Piano, violin, guitar, drums, flute, etc. Many
  teenagers take music lessons to learn an instrument, practicing several times a week.
• Painting, drawing, pottery, acting, and photography are other creative hobbies.

QUESTION TIME
Part 2

1. Why do people play (do) sports as a hobby?
2. What sports are typically preferred by men?
3. What sports are typically preferred by women?
4. What sports are common among your friends?
5. What hobbies do people pursue to develop their artistic talents?