Leisure Time ☀️(6)
How to study for IELTS
⭐️ Hello, dear reader! The following dialogue is designed to help you improve your IELTS skills and overall English proficiency. Throughout the conversation, you’ll learn advanced vocabulary and phrases that will be useful both in everyday life and on the exam.
🎧 You can also listen to the content using Medium’s listening feature to enhance your listening skills.
The vocabulary of this writing
- Cozy up: To get comfortable, usually in a warm place.
- Indulge: To allow oneself to enjoy something.
- Appealing: Attractive or interesting.
- Bond: To form a close relationship with someone.
- Unwind: To relax after a period of stress or tension.
- Mindful: Being aware and careful about something.
- Therapeutic: Having a healing or calming effect.
- Crucial: Extremely important or necessary.
- Well-being: The state of being healthy, happy, or successful.
- Downtime: Time when you are not working and can relax.
- Burnout: A state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive stress.
- Advent: The arrival of a significant event, invention, or change.
- Boundaries: Limits that define the extent of something.
- Double-edged sword: Something that has both positive and negative aspects.
- Restorative: Something that makes you feel better or stronger.
- Obligations: Duties or responsibilities.
- Extravagant: Spending too much or doing something in an excessive way.
- Fulfilling: Making you feel happy and satisfied because you are doing something important or worthwhile.
- Grounded: Being emotionally stable and realistic.
“Leisure Time” Dialogue: Questions and Answers for IELTS Preparation
Jessica: How do you usually spend your leisure time?
Ethan: I have quite a variety of hobbies. I’m quite fond of reading — especially historical novels and non-fiction — and I also enjoy taking long walks, sometimes in parks or along the riverside. On days when I’m feeling more sociable, I might meet up with friends for dinner or a casual hangout. But when I’m in need of some quiet time, I often find myself binge-watching a new TV series or immersing myself in a podcast.
Jessica: It sounds like you’ve struck a good balance between solitary and social activities. Do you prefer spending your free time indoors, or do you often venture outdoors?
Ethan: It really depends on the weather and my mood. If the weather is nice, I love spending time outdoors — whether it’s hiking, cycling, or even just sitting in a park with a good book. Nature has this calming effect on me. But on rainy or colder days, I find the comfort of home quite appealing. I’ll often cozy up with a blanket, make myself a cup of tea, and indulge in a book or some Netflix.
Jessica: That sounds lovely. Do you participate in any sports regularly?
Ethan: Yes, I play football with a group of friends every weekend. It’s not just about the physical exercise, although that’s a big part of it. It’s also a great way to stay connected with my friends, some of whom I’ve known since childhood. We compete, we laugh, we bond — it’s more than just a game.
Jessica: Football is such a great way to stay active and social! What about your evenings? Do you tend to unwind by spending time on social media, or do you have other ways to relax?
Ethan: I do check social media from time to time, but I try to be mindful of how much time I spend on it. It’s so easy to lose hours just scrolling mindlessly through Instagram or TikTok. So instead, I prefer listening to music — often something calming like jazz or lo-fi beats — or I’ll cook something. Cooking is a huge stress reliever for me. Trying out new recipes or perfecting old ones feels both creative and therapeutic.
Jessica: That’s such a healthy way to unwind! Speaking of balance, do you think it’s crucial to strike a balance between work and leisure? A lot of people seem to struggle with that these days.
Ethan: Oh, absolutely. I believe leisure time is vital for our mental health and well-being. Without proper downtime, we run the risk of burning out. I see so many people who are constantly on the go, always working, and they forget how important it is to recharge. I think maintaining a balance between work and relaxation is the key to staying productive and, more importantly, happy.
Jessica: I completely agree. But do you think people today have less leisure time compared to previous generations? It feels like everyone is always busy these days.
Ethan: It does seem that way, doesn’t it? I think with the advent of technology, particularly smartphones and social media, people are always “on.” We’re constantly connected to our work emails, social networks, and other digital platforms, so it feels like there’s little distinction between work and personal time. While technology has certainly made some aspects of life more convenient, it’s also blurred the boundaries between when we should be working and when we should be relaxing.
Jessica: That’s so true. Technology has changed the way we spend our leisure time as well, hasn’t it? Do you think that’s a positive or a negative development?
Ethan: It’s a double-edged sword. On the one hand, technology has given us access to endless forms of entertainment — movies, games, books, podcasts, you name it. It’s also made it easier to stay connected with friends and family, even if they live far away. However, on the flip side, it can be addictive. People often spend their leisure time glued to their phones, mindlessly scrolling through social media or playing games, without really engaging in activities that are truly restorative. I think it’s all about moderation. Technology is a tool, and like any tool, it depends on how you use it.
Jessica: That’s a really balanced perspective. If you had a whole day completely free, with no responsibilities, how would you choose to spend it?
Ethan: That’s a tough one, but if I had an entire day to myself with no obligations, I’d probably start the day slowly, with a leisurely breakfast. Something like pancakes or an omelette, and of course, a good cup of coffee. Then, I’d head out for a hike or a walk in nature — it’s the best way for me to clear my mind. Afterward, I’d likely stop at a café to relax with a book or write in my journal. In the evening, I’d have dinner with friends, maybe at a nice restaurant, followed by a long, relaxing night at home watching a film. Nothing too extravagant, but it’s those simple pleasures that make for the most fulfilling days.
Jessica: That sounds like an idyllic day! It’s refreshing to hear that you prioritize both solitude and social interaction in your leisure activities. Many people tend to focus on one or the other, but you seem to value both equally.
Ethan: Yes, I think it’s important to have a mix. Too much time alone can make you feel isolated, but constantly being around people can be exhausting as well. Finding that balance between personal time and socializing is key to feeling grounded and happy.
