FREE TIME, SPORTS, HOBBIES, TRAVEL
amusement park = funfair
a large park where you can play games, go on fantastic rides and have fun with friends
- I went on so many rides in the amusement park that I got dizzy and had to lie down on the ground.
- You can always buy pink cotton candy in an amusement park.
slot machine
a coin operated machine to play gambling games
- I got change for twenty dollars and played the slot machines for hours.
- The only way to win on slot machines is not to play them.
roller coaster
an elevated railway with small, open passenger cars that goes up and down at a high speed
- We had a great laugh when we looked at the photos my friend took on the roller coaster.
- Roller coasters make me sick to my stomach.
to take up
to start doing a new sport, hobby or start learning something new
- My mother thought my father was getting too fat, so he took up golf when he retired.
- I’d like to take up a new language, but I’m not sure which one to chose: Dutch or Japanese.
DIY /di:- ai- wai/
building or repairing things around the house with no professional help
- I’m good at DIY, but I had to call a plumber when I couldn’t fix the sink.
- My husband spends hours looking at screws and nails in the local DIY store.
pottery
vase, pots, plates etc. made of clay/ the craft of making pottery
- Making pottery is such a creative activity. I’ve made vases for everyone in the family.
- I’ve tried to take my husband to some pottery classes with me, but he always went to the pub instead.
knitting
making sweaters, gloves, scarves etc using two long needles and yarn
- My grandma loves knitting, so everyone in the family has matching knitted sweaters and hats.
- Knitting is the new yoga. Its repetitive movements help you relax and meditate.
to mow the lawn
to cut the grass in the garden with a lawn mower
- My neighbours always mow the lawn on Sunday evenings.
- In most countries, you can only mow the lawn on certain days, at certain times.
hedge
a line of shrubs or low-growing trees forming a fence between two houses or in front of a house
- Trimming the hedge is hard work. My hands are always sore afterwards.
- I have the most beautifully trimmed hedge in the whole neighbourhood.
sitcom = situation comedy
humorous television series based on every day life situations
- My niece loves having sitcom marathons with her friends at weekends.
- ‘Friends’ must be the most popular sitcom of all times.
review
a report that gives the writer’s opinion about a book, film, theatre production etc.
- I never read the reviews before watching a film. I don’t want to be biased.
- Writing reviews must be such a fun job. You can criticize other people’s work and nobody slaps you in the face.
cinemagoer = moviegoer
a person who often goes to the cinema
- My uncle is a devoted cinemagoer. He goes to see every new release.
- They opened a new multiplex in our town, but the high prices and uncomfortable seats were certainly a shock to the unsuspecting cinemagoer.
city dweller
someone who lives in a city
- I’m a city dweller. I have no idea how to milk a cow.
- City dwellers should make sure they spend enough time outdoors.
hiking
the activity of going for long, hard walks in the mountains
- The last time I went hiking, I sprained my ankle. I don’t think I’ll ever do it again.
- I always feel much more energetic and relaxed after I’ve been hiking.
scenery = landscape
the view of natural features e.g. mountains, hills or rivers/ *scenery may also mean accessories on a theatre stage
- The scenery was so breathtaking, I had to stop every two minutes to take a photo.
- The scenery was really weird in my dream. There were pink mountains and yellow lakes around me.
atmosphere = ambiance
the dominant mood of a place
- I love going to our local pub, because of its familiar atmosphere.
- The festival was a great success; the weather was good and the atmosphere was fantastic.
do aerobics/ karate/ judo/ yoga
- I’ve never done judo, but I’ve tried karate.
- I’m not sure what my dog thinks of me when I do yoga, but he sure looks puzzled.
play basketball/ tennis/ computer games/ rugby (play + ball games)
- My nephew plays rugby, so you can ask him about the rules.
- If I was taller, I could play basketball. Right now, I can only play golf.
go skiing/ skating/ fishing/ trekking (go + … ing)
- My husband and I go skiing to the French Alps every winter.
- My friend broke her leg while she was learning how to skate.
rowing machine
a fitness device that simulates rowing as in a boat
- When I go to the gym, I usually use the rowing machine to work the muscles in my arms and legs.
- My husband would like to buy a rowing machine, but I don’t think he will use it.
exercise bike
a fitness device that simulates cycling as on a bicycle
- I’ve bought an exercise bike, but I only use it to keep my clothes on it.
- I love watching my favourite soap opera while riding my exercise bike.
crash helmet
protective headwear worn by cyclists and motorcyclists
- You can’t give me a lift on your motorbike. I haven’t got my crash helmet with me.
- Wearing a crash helmet might save your life if you have an accident.
knee pads
protective garnment worn by cyclists, football players or skaters on their knees
- My son’s taken up football. I must go and buy a pair of football boots and knee padsfor him.
- I’m so glad I was wearing my knee pads when I fell on asphalt.
extreme sports = adventure sports
paragliding/ hang gliding/ white water rafting/ snowboarding/ skydiving/ cave diving
- I’d love to go white water rafting with you, but I’m afraid I’m having my hair cut that day.
- Cave diving was a really creepy experience for me. I didn’t think we would get out alive.
adrenaline rush
a very intense feeling that you feel all over your body when doing something dangerous
- Most people do extreme sports, because they want to get an adrenaline rush.
- If you want to get an adrenaline rush, try to take away my pitbull’s toy.
mass tourism
we talk about mass tourism when a lot of people visit one place
- Mass tourism is destroying our churches. I don’t think we should let so many people visit them.
- Mass tourism creates jobs for local people and it also makes our town a more exciting place to live.
culture shock
a strong and upsetting feeling we get when suddenly faced with an unfamiliar culture
- When I first arrived in London, nobody helped me to get over the culture shock. It took me months to get used to their way of life.
- I was suffering from culture shock, when fortunately, I made some new friends and began to enjoy my stay.
currency
money/ medium of exchange
- Lira used to be the currency of Italy, before they introduced the euro.
- We use kisses as currency at home. When my daughter wants something, she can always pay with a kiss.
in advance
before something, ahead of time
- If you want to buy cheap airline tickets, it’s best to book in advance.
- We never plan our holidays in advance. We just pack our suitcases and take the first flight available at the airport.
make a complaint
to tell the staff or manager that you’re not happy with the service you received
- Somebody used our bathroom while we were out, so we had to make a complaintat the reception.
- It’s so embarrassing to go out with my father-in-law. Whenever we’re in a restaurant he demands to see the manager and make a complaint.
to embark on
to set out on a journey, to begin a journey
- Make sure you have made all the necessary arrangements before you embark onyour world tour.
- When my son was born, I embarked on the most beautiful journey of my life.
B&B = Bed and Breakfast
a private house that provides accommodation and breakfast to guests
- I love staying in B&Bs when travelling in the country. The atmosphere is familiar and the food is usually delicious.
- My husband and I would like to run a B&B, but we don’t have enough spare rooms
(nguồn: myenglishteacher)
