Leisure time

1. Let’s talk about your hobbies. What do you like doing in your free time? It is known, that people can do all kinds of things in their spare time. They go shopping, play football, and collect records or stamps. Of course, some of the time activities, like visiting relatives or taking driving lessons, may not be fun; nevertheless this is the way to spend your free time.

In big cities people spend their free time by going to the theatre, cinema, museums, art galleries, concert hall, fitness or disco clubs. When I have some free time I can choose any of them. But when the weather is fine, I like to go for a walk along the boulevards and streets of the city with my friends, enjoying its architecture.

As for me, I prefer to spend my free time doing three things: doing swimming, pursuing my hobby which is collecting rare books, or listening to music in which I prefer jazz and classical music. Doing sports (I have been doing swimming since I was 7) helps me keep fit and be always in high spirits, as well as build up stamina and get tempered. The first reason why I collect books is that I am really keen on reading: Books open to me a whole world of events and people. The second one is that collecting rare books is getting to know history better. Reading a book is getting information about the period it describes, feeling its atmosphere and getting to know historical figures of the period.

I enjoy listening to music, as music helps me relax and relieve stress. When I listen to music, classical, jazz, rap or any other type of music I enjoy, I forget about the troubles of everyday life. Secondly, music affects my emotions. Each type of music sets distinct mood and changes mine. The choice of music I listen to depends on my state of mind and mood.

2. Do you find useful to go to the theatre or cinema? Why (not)? As for me, I'm fond of going to the cinema. It's a pity, I don't always have time for it. It's an open secret that we live in a very difficult time now. But people do need something amusing and pleasant, something to laugh at. That's why I give my preference to comedies.

3. What questions can you ask a British friend about his/her free time? Have you got a lot of free time? Do you often go to the theatre or to the cinema? Do you go in for sports?

4. Give me some advice on what to do in my free time? There are a lot of things to do in your free time. Your plans may depend on several factors: time, your mood, money and may be weather or some other details. To my mind the best way to relax at the weekend in summer is to go somewhere to the country and enjoy nature and quietness. Sometimes it is very pleasant to go for a walk to the park, to eat out, to go to the cinema or to the museum.

5. Many parents think that children should spend less time playing computer games, that they should play outside or do some sport instead. What do you think about this? Unfortunately, today’s children are spending a lot of time in front of the TV, playing on consoles and staring at computer screens. In my view, playing outdoors is so important for children – not only to help them stay active and healthy, but also to socialize with friends.