TfL English

TfL English test questions about free time

Part 1 of the TfL English test often includes questions about hobbies and free time. Here are eight examples with model B1 answers. These are our own examples, not test questions.

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What Part 1 questions about free time are like

In Part 1 the examiner asks you everyday questions about you, such as your free time. LanguageCert describes it as answering questions on familiar matters. TfL and LanguageCert do not publish the questions, so there is no fixed list. The questions below are our own examples to practise with. They are not test questions.

Eight example questions about free time

Read each question, say your own answer out loud, then compare it with ours. Your answers will be different, and that is fine. Each model answer is at B1 level: simple, clear and 2 to 4 sentences.

What do you like to do in your free time?
Model answer: I like playing football with my friends and watching films at home. I do not have much free time, so I enjoy it a lot. It helps me to relax after work.
How often do you do this?
Model answer: I play football every Saturday morning. I watch a film about twice a week, usually in the evening. I try to keep a regular routine.
Did you have the same hobbies when you were younger?
Model answer: Not really. When I was young I played cricket every day. Now I prefer football because it is easier to find a team here.
Do you prefer to spend free time alone or with other people?
Model answer: I prefer to be with other people. It is more fun to talk and laugh together. But sometimes I like a quiet evening alone.
What did you do last weekend?
Model answer: Last weekend I visited my cousin and we cooked a big meal. On Sunday I went to the park with my children. It was a lovely, relaxing weekend.
Is there a new hobby you would like to try?
Model answer: I would like to learn to swim well. I can swim a little, but I am not confident. I want to join a class near my home.
Do you like watching television or reading?
Model answer: I like watching television, especially the news and sport. I do not read many books, but I read articles on my phone. It is a good way to practise English.
Why is it important to have free time?
Model answer: Free time helps us to rest and be healthy. It also gives us time with family and friends. If we only work, we get tired and unhappy.

Useful phrases

In my free time I … / I enjoy …
I do it once / twice a week
When I was younger I …
I would like to try …
It helps me to relax

Common mistakes

Answering with one word. Add a reason or an example.
Learning a model answer by heart. It can sound unnatural. Use your own life.
Mixing up tenses. For something finished, say “I worked”, not “I work”.
Staying silent when you do not know a word. Use a simple word instead, or say “Sorry, can you repeat that?”.

Mention how often, with whom and why. This gives you more to say and makes your answer sound natural.

Practise with the AI examiner

Our free mock lets you speak or type your answers to an AI examiner. Your feedback is estimated. It is practice only and not a TfL, PeopleCert or LanguageCert test. See also the test format, tips and all the types of question.

Questions

What questions about free time are in the TfL English test?

Part 1 asks everyday questions about you, but TfL does not publish the exact questions. Our eight examples show the kind of free time question you can practise with.

Can I learn these answers by heart?

It is better not to. Use them as models and say your own answer, with your own words and your own life.

How long should my answer be?

Our model answers are 2 to 4 sentences. TfL does not publish a required length for Part 1, so answer clearly and give a reason or example.

Is there a free practice for this?

Yes. Our free AI examiner mock needs no sign-up. LanguageCert also has a practice paper and mock interviews on its own site.