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30 Engaging Role-Play Scenarios About Hobbies for ESL Learners

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A H M Ohidujjaman

Role-play scenarios about hobbies are a fantastic way to make English practice fun and meaningful. Whether your students enjoy sports, arts, cooking, or outdoor activities, talking about hobbies helps them use everyday vocabulary naturally. These conversations build confidence while teaching essential skills—asking questions, sharing preferences, and describing activities with ease.

Hobbies-related conversations create lively classroom moments where students connect through shared interests. By acting out these scenarios, learners expand their hobby vocabulary while practicing real-world interactions. They’ll learn how to invite friends to join activities, give simple instructions, and express their enthusiasm—or politely decline when needed.

Each scenario includes two roles, encouraging pair work and active listening. Students can switch parts to practice both asking and answering questions. The dialogues focus on practical language, from planning (“What time should we meet?”) to problem-solving (“How does this chord work?”).

These 30 role-plays turn hobby discussions into dynamic lessons. Try them in class to spark laughter, creativity, and authentic English practice. Watch your students’ fluency grow as they chat about their favorite pastimes!

1. Asking About Hobbies

Focus: Asking and answering questions about hobbies (e.g., “What do you like to do?”).

Person A
You want to make a new friend. Start a conversation by asking about their hobbies. Ask what they like to do in their free time and if they enjoy any special activities. Respond with interest and share your own hobbies too.

Person B
You are meeting someone new. Answer their questions about your hobbies. Talk about what you like to do (e.g., reading, sports, music). Ask them about their hobbies and keep the conversation friendly.

2. Talking About Favorite Sports

Focus: Discussing preferences in sports (e.g., “Do you play or just watch?”).

Person A
You love playing and watching sports. Ask your friend about their favorite sport. Find out if they play or just watch, and share why you like your favorite sport.

Person B
Your friend is asking about sports. Tell them your favorite sport and if you play or watch it. Ask them about their favorite sport too and discuss why you like it.

3. Playing Soccer with a Friend

Focus: Making invitations and responding (e.g., “Do you want to play?”).

Person A
You want to invite your friend to play soccer. Ask if they like soccer and if they want to join you for a game. Suggest a time and place to play.

Person B
Your friend is inviting you to play soccer. Answer if you like soccer and if you can join. If you don’t play, explain why politely. Suggest another activity if you prefer.

4. Going to a Music Concert

Focus: Inviting someone and giving details (e.g., “Would you like to go?”).

Person A
You have an extra ticket to a concert. Invite your friend to go with you. Tell them about the singer/band and why you like their music.

Person B
Your friend invites you to a concert. Answer if you want to go or not. Ask about the music and the time/location. If you can’t go, explain politely.

5. Painting a Picture Together

Focus: Suggesting activities and agreeing/disagreeing (e.g., “Let’s paint this!”).

Person A
You enjoy painting and want to paint with a friend. Ask if they like painting and invite them to join you. Suggest what you can paint together.

Person B
Your friend invites you to paint. Answer if you like painting or not. If yes, discuss what to paint. If no, suggest another creative activity.

6. Cooking a Simple Meal

Focus: Giving instructions and making plans (e.g., “First, we need…”).

Person A
You want to cook a simple meal with a friend. Ask if they like cooking and suggest a dish (e.g., pasta, salad). Discuss ingredients and steps.

Person B
Your friend wants to cook together. Answer if you enjoy cooking. Suggest a dish if you like, or say if you prefer something easy. Plan the meal together.

7. Watching a Movie with Friends

Focus: Expressing preferences (e.g., “I like action movies.”).

Person A
You want to watch a movie with friends. Ask what kind of movies they like and suggest a film. Decide where and when to watch it.

Person B
Your friend wants to watch a movie. Tell them your favorite movie type (comedy, action, etc.). Agree or suggest another film. Plan the movie night.

8. Reading a Book in the Library

Focus: Making suggestions (e.g., “How about this book?”).

Person A
You love reading and want to go to the library with a friend. Ask if they like reading and invite them to pick books together.

Person B
Your friend invites you to the library. Answer if you like reading. If yes, discuss book choices. If no, suggest another quiet activity.

9. Taking Photos in the Park

Focus: Describing actions (e.g., “Let’s take a picture of…”).

Person A
You enjoy photography and want to take pictures in the park. Invite a friend to join. Ask if they like taking photos and discuss what to capture.

Person B
Your friend invites you to take photos. Answer if you like photography. If yes, plan what to photograph. If no, suggest a different outdoor activity.

10. Dancing at a Party

Focus: Accepting/declining invitations politely (e.g., “I’d love to!” / “Maybe later.”).

Person A
You love dancing and want to dance with a friend at a party. Ask if they like dancing and invite them to dance together.

Person B
Your friend asks you to dance. Answer if you enjoy dancing. If yes, join them. If not, politely say why and suggest something else.

11. Fishing by the Lake

Focus: Making plans and discussing locations (e.g., “Where should we fish?”).

Person A
You love fishing and want to go to the lake with a friend. Ask if they like fishing and suggest going together this weekend. Discuss what time to meet and what equipment to bring.

Person B
Your friend invites you to go fishing. Say if you enjoy fishing or not. If yes, discuss the best spot by the lake and what to bring. If no, suggest another outdoor activity you both might enjoy.

12. Riding a Bicycle Together

Focus: Giving directions and safety tips (e.g., “Wear your helmet!”).

Person A
You want to go bicycle riding with a friend. Ask if they have a bike and would like to join you. Suggest a safe route through the park and remind them to bring water and wear a helmet.

Person B
Your friend asks you to go biking. Answer if you can ride a bike and want to go. Discuss where to ride and what to bring. If you don’t want to go, explain why politely.

13. Playing Video Games Online

Focus: Talking about technology and game preferences (e.g., “Which game do you like?”).

Person A
You enjoy playing video games online. Ask your friend if they play any games and would like to play together tonight. Suggest your favorite game and explain how to connect online.

Person B
Your friend wants to play video games with you. Tell them what games you like or if you don’t play often. If interested, discuss which game to play and when. If not, explain why.

14. Gardening in the Backyard

Focus: Describing plants and gardening tasks (e.g., “We need to water these flowers.”).

Person A
You want to start a small garden in your backyard. Ask your neighbor if they like gardening and would help you. Discuss what plants to grow and how to care for them.

Person B
Your neighbor asks for help with gardening. Say if you have gardening experience. If yes, suggest easy plants to grow and offer advice. If no, explain why you can’t help.

15. Singing Karaoke with Friends

Focus: Expressing musical preferences (e.g., “What song should we sing?”).

Person A
You’re organizing a karaoke night with friends. Ask your friend if they like singing and what songs they know. Suggest some popular songs you could sing together.

Person B
Your friend invites you to sing karaoke. Say if you enjoy singing or not. If yes, discuss song choices. If no, suggest another fun group activity instead.

16. Hiking in the Mountains

Focus: Discussing difficulty levels and preparation (e.g., “Is this trail too hard?”).

Person A
You want to go hiking in the mountains this weekend. Ask your friend if they enjoy hiking and would like to join. Discuss which trail to take and what supplies to bring.

Person B
Your friend invites you on a mountain hike. Say if you’re experienced with hiking. If yes, suggest a good trail and necessary equipment. If no, explain your concerns about difficulty.

17. Swimming at the Beach

Focus: Talking about water safety and comfort levels (e.g., “Can you swim well?”).

Person A
You’re going to the beach and want a friend to join you for swimming. Ask if they like swimming and feel comfortable in the ocean. Discuss what time to go and what to bring.

Person B
Your friend asks you to go swimming at the beach. Say how well you can swim and if you feel safe in the ocean. Discuss beach safety rules and what to pack for the trip.

18. Playing Chess in the Park

Focus: Explaining rules and strategies (e.g., “The bishop moves diagonally.”).

Person A
You want to play chess with a friend in the park. Ask if they know how to play chess. If they’re beginners, offer to teach them the basic rules. Suggest a time to meet.

Person B
Your friend wants to play chess with you. Say if you know how to play. If yes, discuss strategies. If no, ask them to explain the rules or suggest a different game.

19. Collecting Stamps or Coins

Focus: Describing collections and asking questions (e.g., “How long have you collected these?”).

Person A
You collect stamps/coins and want to show your collection to a friend. Ask if they collect anything. Explain why you like collecting and ask if they’d like to start too.

Person B
Your friend wants to show you their stamp/coin collection. Ask questions about how they started collecting and which items are their favorites. Share if you collect anything.

20. Writing a Short Story

Focus: Brainstorming ideas and giving feedback (e.g., “What should happen next?”).

Person A
You’re writing a short story and want a friend’s help. Ask if they like writing stories. Share your idea and ask for suggestions to make it better. Offer to help with their story too.

Person B
Your friend wants help writing a story. Listen to their idea and give polite feedback. Suggest improvements if you can. Share if you also enjoy writing stories.

21. Learning to Play the Guitar

Focus: Asking for and giving instructions (e.g., “How do I play this chord?”).

Person A
You just got a new guitar and want to learn how to play. Ask your friend who plays guitar to teach you some basic chords. Ask questions about finger placement and how to strum properly.

Person B
Your friend wants to learn guitar from you. Show them how to hold the guitar and play simple chords like C and G. Be patient and give clear instructions. Encourage them when they make progress.

22. Joining a Yoga Class

Focus: Talking about abilities and comfort levels (e.g., “Is this pose too difficult?”).

Person A
You want to try yoga but feel nervous about joining a class alone. Ask your friend if they would go with you. Discuss what to wear and bring, and express any concerns about being a beginner.

Person B
Your friend asks you to join a yoga class. Tell them if you have experience with yoga. If yes, explain what to expect and reassure them. If no, decide together whether to try it or choose another activity.

23. Shopping for Art Supplies

Focus: Making choices and comparing items (e.g., “Which paint is better?”).

Person A
You need to buy art supplies for a painting project. Ask your friend who knows about art to come with you to the store. Discuss which paints, brushes, and paper to get within your budget.

Person B
Your friend wants help buying art supplies. Give advice about good quality but affordable materials. Explain why certain products are better than others. Help them find everything they need.

24. Watching a Football Match

Focus: Expressing excitement and opinions (e.g., “What a great goal!”).

Person A
You’re watching an important football match with a friend. Comment on the game, cheer for your team, and ask your friend what they think about the players’ performance.

Person B
You’re watching football with your friend. Respond to their comments about the game. Share your opinions about which team is playing better and predict who might win.

25. Building a Model Airplane

Focus: Following steps and working together (e.g., “What do we do next?”).

Person A
You’re building a model airplane kit with a friend. Ask them to help read the instructions and decide which parts to assemble first. Check if you’re doing each step correctly.

Person B
You’re helping your friend build a model airplane. Follow the instructions together and explain any confusing parts. Offer to do certain tasks while your friend handles others.

26. Taking a Dance Class

Focus: Encouraging and helping each other (e.g., “You’re doing great!”).

Person A
You’re taking your first dance class with a friend. Admit if you feel awkward and ask for help with the steps. Compliment your friend when they do well.

Person B
You’re in a dance class with your friend. Help them follow the moves if they struggle. Say positive things to keep them motivated, even if they make mistakes.

27. Baking Cookies at Home

Focus: Giving and following step-by-step instructions (e.g., “First, mix the butter and sugar.”).

Person A
You want to bake cookies with a friend. Ask them to help measure ingredients and follow the recipe steps. Check if the oven temperature is correct before baking.

Person B
Your friend is baking cookies and needs your help. Read the recipe aloud and divide tasks like mixing or shaping cookies. Remind them to set a timer so the cookies don’t burn.

28. Camping with Friends

Focus: Planning and preparing for an activity (e.g., “Did we pack everything?”).

Person A
You’re going camping with friends. Discuss what supplies to bring like tents, food, and flashlights. Ask your friend to double-check that nothing important is forgotten.

Person B
You’re preparing for a camping trip with your friend. Suggest essential items to pack and check the weather forecast together. Remind them to bring warm clothes if nights might be cold.

29. Photographing Animals at the Zoo

Focus: Describing what you see (e.g., “Look how that tiger is moving!”).

Person A
You’re at the zoo taking photos of animals with a friend. Point out interesting animals to photograph and discuss the best angles. Ask your friend to help spot good photo opportunities.

Person B
You’re taking zoo photos with your friend. Help them notice when animals do something special worth photographing. Share tips about lighting or distance for better pictures.

30. Playing Board Games with Family

Focus: Explaining rules and taking turns (e.g., “Now it’s your turn.”).

Person A
You’re playing a board game with family members who don’t know the rules well. Explain how to play clearly and remind players when it’s their turn. Keep the game fun for everyone.

Person B
Your family member is teaching a new board game. Ask questions if you don’t understand the rules. Be patient when learning and congratulate others when they do well.

Conclusion

These 30 role-play scenarios about hobbies give your students the perfect way to practice everyday English while talking about things they enjoy. The more they use these conversations in class, the more natural their speaking will become.

Remember:

  • Switch roles so everyone gets practice asking and answering questions
  • Encourage students to add their own ideas to make the conversations more personal
  • Keep it light and fun – hobbies are supposed to be enjoyable!

These activities aren’t just about learning English – they’re about sharing interests, getting to know classmates better, and discovering new hobbies too. The language skills they practice here will help them in real life, whether they’re making new friends, joining a club, or just chatting about their free time.

Now pick a scenario and start talking! The best way to improve is to dive in and give it a try. Happy role-playing!

FAQs: Role-play scenarios about hobbies

1. How long should each role-play activity take?
Most scenarios take 5-8 minutes per pair. Allow extra time for preparation and feedback.

2. Should students memorize the dialogues?
No! Encourage improvisation using the suggested phrases. The goal is natural conversation, not perfect recitation.

3. What if students don’t know the hobby being discussed?
Great learning opportunity! They can ask questions like “How does that work?” or “Can you explain that?”

4. How do I pair up students effectively?
Mix confident speakers with shy ones, or pair students with similar hobby interests for more engaged conversations.

5. Should I correct every mistake during the activity?
Focus on fluency first. Note recurring errors to address afterward, not during the role-play.

6. Can I adapt these for online classes?
Absolutely! Use breakout rooms for pairs and share scenario prompts in the chat.

7. How can I make it more challenging for advanced students?
Add complications: “Persuade your reluctant friend to try this hobby” or “Explain a problem you’re having with this activity.”

8. What if students finish early?
Have them switch roles, create a new hobby scenario, or add more questions to their conversation.

9. How often should I use these role-plays?
1-2 times per week works well. Students improve with regular practice but need variety.

10. Can beginners handle these activities?
Yes! Simplify the language as needed. Even basic exchanges like “Do you like…?” “Yes, I do” build confidence.


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