Module 05 —Free Time and Entertainment
Verb + -ing/infinitive · adverbs of frequency · Speaking about hobbies
A2 Key parts in this lesson
Why this lesson now? Second pass at Reading 2 from Lesson 05.
Your level · You are here
Get ready · 01
5 minGet talking
Ask your partner: 'What do you usually do in your free time?' Note down two activities.
Tell your partner one thing you love doing and one thing you hate doing in your free time.
Think of three free time activities. How often do you do each one — always, often, sometimes, rarely, never?
Grammar for the Exam · 02
8–10 minVerb + -ing / infinitive, and adverbs of frequency
- like/love/enjoy/hate + -ing
- want/need/would like/decide + to + infinitive. Adverbs of frequency go before the main verb but after be: always, usually, often, sometimes, rarely, never.
- 1Some verbs are followed by the -ing form when we talk about activities we enjoy or dislike in general: I enjoy watching films, She hates waiting in queues.
- 2Other verbs are followed by the infinitive with to, especially verbs about wanting, deciding, and planning: I want to learn the guitar, We decided to go to a concert.
- 3Adverbs of frequency (always, usually, often, sometimes, rarely, never) tell us how often something happens.
- 4They usually go before the main verb (I often watch series in the evening) but after the verb to be (I am usually free on Sundays).
I love reading in bed before I go to sleep.
She wants to try a new hobby this year.
We usually go to the cinema on Fridays.
He rarely plays video games, but he often watches sport.
They decided to join a local drama group.
Question 1.Complete: 'I really enjoy ____ music.'
Question 2.Complete: 'We decided ____ tickets for the concert.'
Question 3.Where does 'usually' go in this sentence: 'I ___ watch ___ TV ___ in the evening'?
Question 4.Complete: 'She hates ____ early on weekends.'
Question 5.Where does 'always' go with 'to be'?
Quick check 1.Which verb is usually followed by 'to' + infinitive?
Exam Vocabulary · 03
5–7 minWords & phrases to own
to leave your home for entertainment, e.g. to a restaurant or cinema
How often do you go out in the evening?
a game played on a board, e.g. chess or Monopoly
Do you enjoy playing board games with friends?
to spend relaxed time with friends
Who do you usually hang out with at weekends?
to like or be interested in something
What are you really into at the moment?
free time when you are not working or studying
What do you usually do with your leisure time?
What to do
Match each free time word with its meaning.
Tap an item on the left, then tap its match on the right.
Activation · Personalise · Recycle
Use the free time vocabulary with adverbs of frequency and verb + -ing/infinitive patterns.
Ask your partner
- How often do you hang out with friends?
- What are you really into right now?
- Do you usually go out or stay in at weekends?
"I usually spend my leisure time..."leisure time
Which is more fun: playing board games or watching a series together? Give a reason.
Give your answer + one reason.
Write 30 words about how you usually spend your free time.
Pronunciation for Speaking · 04
3–4 minStress on adverbs of frequency in a sentence
Adverbs of frequency (usually, often, sometimes) are usually unstressed in fast speech, but they still need to be heard clearly.
- • I usually watch a film at the weekend.
- • She often goes to the gym after work.
- • We sometimes play board games with friends.
- • He rarely stays in on Saturdays.
Reading Skills · 05
8–10 minReading — how people spend their free time now
Read along — listen to the text
Tap play to listen. Replay as many times as you need.
A recent study looked at how people's free time habits have changed over the last ten years. One of the biggest changes is that people now enjoy streaming series and films much more than going to the cinema. Many people say they prefer to watch things at home because it's cheaper and more comfortable.
However, live entertainment hasn't disappeared. In fact, more young adults want to attend concerts and gigs than before, even though tickets are often expensive. Many say they love the experience of hearing music live, which streaming can't really copy.
Board games have also become popular again. Many people who grew up playing video games now enjoy hanging out with friends over a board game instead, because it feels more social. Cafés in some cities have even started to offer board games for customers to play while they have a coffee.
Finally, the study found that people's free time is often shaped by who they spend it with. Most people said they usually choose an activity based on what their friends or family want to do, rather than always picking their own favourite hobby.
Question 1.What has changed about how people watch films and series?
Question 2.What do many young adults want to do more of, according to the text?
Question 3.Why have board games become popular again?
Question 4.What have some cafés started to offer?
Question 5.What often shapes people's choice of free time activity?
Listening Skills · 06
8–10 minListening — planning a free evening together
Listening audio
Tap play to listen. Replay as many times as you need.
Show transcript
Jamie:What do you fancy doing tonight?
Alex:I don't know. I usually just watch a series, but I fancy going out for once.
Jamie:There's a gig at the music café. I've wanted to go for weeks.
Alex:That sounds good, but I'm not really into loud music these days.
Jamie:Fair enough. What about a board game night at Sara's place instead?
Alex:I love board games! I rarely get the chance to play anymore.
Jamie:Great, I'll message her now and ask if we can come round.
Alex:Perfect. Should we bring anything, do you think?
Jamie:Maybe some snacks — she always provides the drinks.
Alex:Sounds good. I'm actually excited now!
Question 1.What does Alex usually do in the evening?
Question 2.Why doesn't Alex want to go to the gig?
Question 3.What do they decide to do instead?
Question 4.How does Alex feel about board games?
Question 5.What should they bring to Sara's?
Exam Strategy · 07
5 minSpeaking — talking about yourself and your free time
Answer + extra detail + reason.
Task
Answer short, personal questions about your free time and hobbies, then give a longer answer about a favourite activity, giving reasons and examples.
Example
Q: What do you usually do in your free time? A: I usually go to the gym after work, because it helps me relax after a busy day.
Writing Task · 08
5 minPut it in writing
Q1.Complete: 'I love ____ (read) before bed.'
Q2.Complete: 'They want ____ (join) a drama group.'
Write a short message to a friend (25–35 words) inviting them to do a free time activity with you. Say what it is, when, and why you'd enjoy it.
Your writing draft
0 words SavedShow model answer & examiner comment
Hi! Do you fancy coming to a board game night on Friday? I love playing games with friends, and I rarely get the chance these days. It'll be really fun — let me know if you're free!
Examiner comment
| 5 | All content points covered; consistent style; range of structures; minor errors only. |
| 3 | Content mostly covered; mostly suitable style; some range; errors don't stop the reader understanding. |
| 1 | Limited content; intrusive errors; very basic structures; under-length. |
Speaking Task · 09
10–15 minMake it a real conversation
Talk with a partner about free time and entertainment. Ask and answer using adverbs of frequency and verb + -ing/infinitive patterns.
Useful phrases
What to do
Answer these personal questions about your free time, then give a fuller answer to the final question.
Phase 1 — short factual questions
1.Examiner: "What do you usually do at the weekend?"
Tip: Give a direct answer with a frequency adverb.
2.Examiner: "Do you prefer going out or staying in?"
Tip: Give a preference and a short reason.
3.Examiner: "How often do you watch series or films?"
Tip: Use a frequency adverb: always, often, sometimes, rarely, never.
Phase 2 — extended question (aim for 3–5 sentences)
Examiner: "Tell me about a free time activity you really enjoy. Why do you like it?"
Tip: Say what it is, how often you do it, and give at least one reason.
Show model extended answer
I really enjoy playing football with my friends. We usually play every Sunday morning in the local park. I like it because it helps me stay fit, and it's a great way to relax after a busy week at work. I've been playing since I was a child, so it's also a nice way to remember my hometown.
Optional · Teacher-led
Teacher Activities
Use if the class finishes early. ~14 min total
Homework · 10
Take-homeTake it home
Self-study — everything you need is included below. All four skills are covered so you keep the spiral going between lessons; pick the order that suits you.
Write five sentences about your free time using verb + -ing or verb + infinitive correctly.
Your response
0 words SavedMaterials included
Words to use
Attempt the task first, then check your answers.
Reread the free time survey text and write one sentence summarising each paragraph.
Your response
0 words SavedAttempt the task first, then check your answers.
Listen to (or reread) the Jamie and Alex dialogue and answer the quiz questions again from memory.
Your response
0 words SavedAttempt the task first, then check your answers.
Recap · 11
2–3 minWhat you've learned
- enjoy/love/hate + -ing; want/decide/would like + to + infinitive.
- Adverbs of frequency go before the main verb, but after 'be'.
- In speaking, answer + extra detail + reason gives a fuller, more natural response.
- Useful free time vocabulary: hang out, be into, series, leisure time.
Need more practice?
Optional · your lesson progress stays the sameMatching people to texts
Practise this exam skill
Fix the common mistake
Practise this exam skill
Word partners
Practise this exam skill