Hobbies and Interests Prep
Activity 1 7 Activities
For questions 1-8, read the text below and decide which answer (A, B, C or D) best fits each gap. There is an
example at the beginning (0).
Example: A role B position C figure D place
The Importance of Hobbies
Hobbies have always played an essential 0 role in people’s lives, but nowadays, more
individuals have come to appreciate their importance. Years ago, many people 1 hobbies as
simple pastimes, meant to fill spare hours. Today, however, it is widely understood that engaging in a
hobby can 2 to numerous benefits for both mental and physical health. For instance, those who
3 regularly in outdoor activities often find their energy and mood improve significantly. Moreover,
creative hobbies like painting or writing 4 people to develop better focus and problem-solving
skills.
People often take 5 in different hobbies at various stages of their lives. While some 6 to
one activity over time, others enjoy exploring new pastimes as their interests evolve. In the past, only a
few individuals became 7 in technology-based hobbies, but today, many people of all ages take
up online courses or use digital tools to learn new skills. Even those who had previously seen hobbies as
unnecessary now recognise their 8 for personal well-being.
Disclaimer: This resource has been made for the purpose of teaching English language learners. We know that students can be learning English in many different places, in many different ways and at any age,
so we try to keep these resources as general as possible. There are many acronyms associated with English language teaching. These include (but are not limited to) ELT, TEFL, EFL, ELL, EAL and ESOL. While
the term ESL may not fully represent the linguistic backgrounds of all students, it is the most widely recognised term for English language teaching globally. Therefore, we use the term ‘ESL’ in the names of our
resources to make them easy to find but they are suitable for any student learning to speak English.
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Hobbies and Interests Prep FCE
A thought A lead A practise A assist
1 2 3 4
B imagined B cause B associate B offer
C regarded C have C attempt C produce
D found D relate D participate D enable
A over A connect A interested A value
5 6 7 8
B part B relate B fond B profit
C back C stick C keen C gain
D after D settle D fascinated D price
Activity 2
Complete the sentences using the correct form of used to, be used to and get used to.
1 It took a few months, but eventually, he (drive) on the left side of the road.
2 They (go) to the beach every summer when they were young.
3 If you want to buy a house, you will have to (save) more money.
4 My brother found it difficult at first, but now he (hike) and goes every weekend.
5 When he started university, he (live) with others, so it was a bit challenging at first.
6 He (eat) meat, but he hasn’t been a vegetarian for years.
7 Jane is an only child so she (share) her things.
8 My grandparents (write) letters to keep in touch because there wasn’t any email back then.
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Hobbies and Interests Prep FCE
Activity 3
For questions 1-8, read the text below and think of the word that best fits each gap. Use only one word in each
gap. There is an example at the beginning (0).
Extreme Ironing
When people think 0 about hobbies, they often imagine popular activities like football, reading,
or painting. But for some, the idea of a hobby means doing something truly unique. Many people are
keen 1 finding activities that are different from the usual, as they enjoy the excitement
of exploring something out of the ordinary. Take the sport of extreme ironing, for example. This unusual
activity, which involves ironing clothes in extreme environments - like on mountain tops or while skydiving
- 2 gained followers who are passionate 3 the mix of adventure and
household chores!
Many extreme ironing enthusiasts 4 to do regular sports but eventually 5
up this new activity for the thrill. At first, newcomers to extreme ironing can find it hard to
6 used to balancing an ironing board in odd spots, but with time, they become quite
used to it. 7 it may seem bizarre to others, extreme ironing fans enjoy being part of
a community that shares their adventurous spirit and willingness to try 8 something
completely different.
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Hobbies and Interests Prep FCE
Activity 4
Read the sentences. Decide if the phrasal verbs are correct or incorrect. Correct the wrong ones.
1 After a long day at work, I usually try to wind up by reading a book before bed.
2 She decided to take down painting a few months ago and has really enjoyed it ever since.
3 When I found it too difficult to learn French, I decided to keep up with and try something easier.
4 He took to cycling immediately, and now he rides every weekend.
5 I’m trying to stick up my new gym class, but it’s hard to stay motivated.
6 Jane has always been into knitting and has made many scarves and hats over the years.
7 They were excited to take to rock climbing for the first time and found it thrilling.
8 At first, I wasn’t sure about hiking, but I was into it after a few trips and now I love it.
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Hobbies and Interests Prep FCE
Activity 5
For questions 1-6, complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence, using
the word given. Do not change the word. You must use between two and five words. Here is an example (0).
Example: 0 Anna regrets not going to Japan when she had the chance.
HAD
Anna wishes she had gone to Japan when she had the chance
1 In the past, people travelled a lot less than they do now.
USE
In the past, people as much as they do now.
2 Maggie has become familiar with living in the city now.
GOT
Maggie has in the city now.
3 When my mum was a nurse, she often used to work nights.
WOULD
When my mum was a nurse, nights.
4 This school has a lot more students than it did in the past.
TO
This school so many students.
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Hobbies and Interests Prep FCE
5 Jackie said she is familiar with her new job now.
IS
Jackie said her new job now.
6 They are slowly becoming accustomed to the transport system in their new town.
USED
They are transport system in their new town.
Activity 6
Choose an adjective from the box to complete the sentences. You also need to add the preposition that goes
with each adjective.
passionate brilliant proud fond
fed up involved pleased fascinated
1 He felt his achievements after completing the marathon for the first time.
2 She’s working long hours without enough rest, so she’s thinking about taking a break.
3 He has been community service for several years and really enjoys helping others.
4 The speaker was giving the presentation, the audience was so impressed!
5 I was the results of my project after working on it for months.
6 They are helping the environment and dedicate their weekends to tree planting activities.
7 She’s very her grandmother and visits her every weekend.
8 I’m ancient history and often read books about ancient civilisations in my free time.
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Hobbies and Interests Prep FCE
Activity 7
You see this announcement on an English-language website.
New message
Articles wanted
How to Make the Most of Your Free Time
What do you think is the best way to spend your free time?
Why is it important to make time for hobbies?
What activities do you recommend, and how do they benefit you?
Write us an article with your ideas.
We will publish the best articles on our website.
Write your article in 140 – 190 words.
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Hobbies and Interests Prep FCE
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Hobbies and Interests Prep FCE
Answer Sheet
Activity 1
1 C
2 A
3 D
4 D
5 B
6 C
7 A
8 A
Activity 2
1 got used to driving 6 didn’t use to eat
2 used to go 7 isn’t used to sharing
3 get used to saving 8 used to write
4 is used to hiking
5 wasn’t used to living
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Hobbies and Interests Prep FCE
Activity 3
1 on
2 has
3 about
4 used
5 took
6 get
7 although
8 out
Activity 4 Activity 5
1 wind down 1 DIDN’T USE TO TRAVEL
2 take up 2 GOT USED TO LIVING
3 give up 3 SHE WOULD OFTEN WORK
4 correct 4 DIDN’T USE TO HAVE
5 stick with 5 SHE IS USED TO
6 correct 6 SLOWLY GETTING USED TO THE
7 try out
8 got into
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Hobbies and Interests Prep FCE
Activity 6
1 proud of
2 fed up with
3 involved in
4 brilliant at
5 pleased with
6 passionate about
7 fond of
8 fascinated by
Activity 7
Students’ own answers.
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