PRE-LISTENING VOCABULARY

add to (añadir a / aumentar) = to increase or improve something

get something across (transmitir / comunicar una idea) = to successfully communicate an idea or message

give something away (regalar) = to give something to someone for free

give something up (dejar / abandonar) = to stop doing something

miss out on something (perderse algo) = to fail to experience or benefit from something

put somebody off something (quitarle las ganas a alguien de algo) = to make someone lose interest in something

take off (tener éxito rápidamente / despegar) = to become popular or successful very quickly

try something out (probar algo) = to test or experiment with something

LISTENING TASK

FIRST LISTENING

Listen and answer the question:

What new hobby did Jake decide to try?

COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

SECOND LISTENING

Choose the correct answer.

1. Why did Jake want a new hobby?
   a) He was bored with his routine
   b) He wanted a new job
   c) He needed more money

2. What hobby did he decide to try out?
   a) Photography
   b) Painting
   c) Gardening

3. What almost put Jake off the hobby?
   a) The cost of the equipment
   b) The weather
   c) His friends' opinions

4. What did the photography club give away?
   a) Cameras
   b) Free lessons
   c) Travel tickets

5. What happened to Jake's social media account?
   a) It was deleted
   b) It took off quickly
   c) It became private

6. What did Jake say at the end?
   a) He wanted to give photography up
   b) He regretted joining the club
   c) He was glad he did not miss out on the opportunity

LANGUAGE FOCUS

try something out → test a new activity or idea

put somebody off something → discourage someone from doing something

take off → become successful quickly

miss out on something → lose the chance to experience something

give something up → stop doing something

SPEAKING QUESTIONS

1. Have you ever tried out a new hobby recently?

2. Has anyone ever put you off doing something?

3. What activities are becoming popular and taking off in your country?

4. Have you ever missed out on a good opportunity?

5. Is there anything you would like to give up or start doing this year?

ANSWER SECTION

First Listening

Jake decided to try photography.

Second Listening

1. a) He was bored with his routine

2. a) Photography

3. a) The cost of the equipment

4. b) Free lessons

5. b) It took off quickly

6. c) He was glad he did not miss out on the opportunity

AUDIO SCRIPT

Jake had been feeling bored with his daily routine and wanted to find an activity that would add to his skills and make his weekends more interesting. After reading about different hobbies online, he decided to try out photography.

At first, the price of cameras almost put him off the idea. He worried that the hobby would be too expensive. However, a local photography club was offering free beginner lessons and even planned to give away some basic equipment to new members.

Jake joined the club and quickly learned how to get his ideas across through photographs. He enjoyed capturing interesting moments and telling stories with images. After a few months, he created a social media page to share his work, and it suddenly took off. Hundreds of people began following him.

Although there were times when Jake thought about giving up because learning new techniques was difficult, he continued practising. Looking back, he is happy that he did not miss out on the opportunity to discover a hobby he truly enjoys.