Skateboarder in mid-air performing trick at a skate park near the beach, with other skateboarders and spectators in the background.

APPLY YOUR LEARNING TO YOUR LIFE

HOBBIES & INTERESTS

English Skills Applied to Your Hobbies

This is relevant for English Language GCSE, English Functional Skills and English for Speakers of Other Languages.

A young woman with long brown hair, wearing a dark camouflage jacket, takes a photograph with a Canon camera on a raised outdoor area at dusk, with city buildings and blurred city lights in the background.

Apply your English skills to the popular hobby of photography

Photography

Learn English Through Your Favourite Hobbies

Practising GCSE English Language or improving English as a foreign language (EFL) doesn’t have to feel like homework. By linking lessons to hobbies you enjoy, you can develop reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension skills in a fun and relevant way. Here are some popular hobbies with simple activities to practise English.

1. Music and Singing

  • Write a song review – pick a song you like and write a short review, describing lyrics, mood, and instruments.

  • Analyse a music video – note the story, language used, and imagery.

  • Create your own lyrics – try writing a verse using similes or metaphors.

  • Discuss your favourite band online or with a friend – practise speaking and expressing opinions.

2. Gaming

  • Game review blog – write a review of a favourite game, explaining the story, gameplay, and characters.

  • Describe a game level – practise narrative writing by explaining what happens step by step.

  • Character debate – argue which character is the best and why; practise persuasive language.

  • Fan fiction challenge – write a short story based on a game world.

3. Reading and Comics

  • Book or comic review – describe the plot, main characters, and give your opinion.

  • Summarise a chapter – practise writing concise summaries using your own words.

  • Character diary entry – imagine you are a character and write a diary page in English.

  • Discussion group – talk with others about your favourite book or comic, using evidence from the text.

4. Sports

  • Match report – write a short report on a game you played or watched.

  • Reflective journal – describe how training made you feel and what you learned.

  • Describe a technique – explain how to perform a move step by step.

  • Commentary practice – record yourself describing a sports clip to improve fluency and vocabulary.

5. Photography and Social Media

  • Caption writing – practise concise, engaging language for Instagram or social media posts.

  • Photo story – select three images and write a short story linking them.

  • Describe a favourite photo – focus on adjectives, mood, and detail.

  • Analyse a post – explain why a post is effective or appealing in English.

6. Cooking and Baking

  • Write a recipe – practise clear sequencing and imperative verbs.

  • Food review – describe a meal you cooked or ate using sensory language.

  • Cooking blog entry – write a short post about your experience, including tips.

  • Explain a recipe verbally – practise speaking and giving instructions clearly.

7. Film and TV

  • Film review – write about plot, characters, and your opinion.

  • Analyse a scene – focus on language, emotion, and themes.

  • Script writing – create a short dialogue or scene in English.

  • Group discussion – debate the ending or favourite character with others.

8. Art and Drawing

  • Describe your artwork – focus on colours, shapes, and feelings it conveys.

  • Art review – write about an artwork you like and explain why.

  • Creative journal – write reflections on your drawings and progress.

  • Presentation practice – explain your artwork to classmates or friends to practise spoken English.