Lesson 1: Hobbies, Free Time & Occupations

Hello again! When you meet someone new, two of the most common topics of conversation are work and free time.

In this lesson, you will learn the essential vocabulary to describe common occupations (jobs) and hobbies. We will also master a very tricky grammar rule in English: knowing when to use the verbs play, go, and do when talking about sports and activities.

school

Hello again! I am Teacher Sopheak. When I am not teaching, my favorite hobby is reading near the river. What do you do in your free time?

Today, we will learn the vocabulary to talk about the activities we love doing on the weekend, and the jobs people do every day.

menu_book

Core Words & Phrases

Hobby

Reading /ˈriːdɪŋ/

Definition: The activity of looking at and understanding written words in a book or on a screen.

Example: Reading is a great way to relax after work.

Hobby

Playing football /ˈpleɪɪŋ ˈfʊtbɔːl/

Definition: A sport played by two teams trying to kick a ball into a goal.

Example: Many students enjoy playing football at the stadium on weekends.

Hobby

Gardening /ˈɡɑːrdənɪŋ/

Definition: The activity of tending and cultivating plants and flowers in a garden.

Example: My mother loves gardening and grows beautiful flowers.

Occupation

Teacher /ˈtiːtʃər/

Definition: A person whose job is to help students learn and acquire knowledge.

Example: Teacher Sopheak works at the university. He enjoys helping students.

Occupation

Tour Guide /tʊr ɡaɪd/

Definition: A person who shows tourists around places of interest and explains the history.

Example: The tour guide explained the history of the temple to the visitors.

Occupation

Chef /ʃef/

Definition: A professional cook, typically the head cook in a restaurant kitchen.

Example: The chef at the restaurant makes the most delicious food.

record_voice_over In Action: Meeting a New Friend

A

What do you do for work?

B

I am a tour guide. And you?

A

I am a teacher. What do you do in your free time?

B

I love playing football.

warning Watch Out: Play, Do, or Go?

In English, we use different verbs for different hobbies and sports.

sports_soccer Use PLAY for:

Team sports and ball sports.

Play football Play volleyball

pool Use GO for:

Activities that end in "-ing".

Go swimming Go running

sports_martial_arts Use DO for:

Martial arts and individual exercises.

Do yoga Do Karate

sports_esports

Real-World Check

coffee At the Cafe

Someone asks you, "What do you do?" What are they asking about?

(Hint: They want to know how you earn money.)

calendar_month Weekend Plans

Your friend wants to invite you to a sport with a ball. How do you say it correctly?

(Hint: Remember the rule for ball sports!)

restaurant At the Restaurant

Who is the person cooking the food in a professional kitchen?

workspace_premium

Lesson Complete!

0%

cloud_download

Study Resources

Lesson Summary & Review

Let's review the key concepts covered in the interactive module above.

Occupations (Jobs)

• Teacher: A person whose job is to help students learn and acquire knowledge.
• Tour Guide: A person who shows tourists around places of interest and explains the history.
• Chef: A professional cook, typically the head cook in a restaurant kitchen.

To ask someone about their job, the most natural question is, "What do you do?" or "What do you do for work?"

Hobbies and Free Time

To ask someone about their hobbies, you can ask, "What do you do in your free time?"

• Reading: The activity of looking at and understanding written words in a book or on a screen.
• Playing football: A sport played by two teams trying to kick a ball into a goal.
• Gardening: The activity of tending and cultivating plants and flowers in a garden.

Grammar: Play vs. Go vs. Do

In English, we use different verbs to talk about different types of hobbies and exercises:

• Use PLAY for team sports and sports that use a ball. (e.g., play football, play volleyball, play tennis).
• Use GO for activities that end in "-ing". (e.g., go swimming, go running, go fishing).
• Use DO for martial arts and individual exercises. (e.g., do yoga, do karate, do aerobics).