People around the world enjoy unusual hobbies – from ironing on mountain tops to sculpting on beaches. Read the text carefully. Match each definition with the correct word or phrase from the text. Write the term in the respective place.
There is a clue for you – the number of a paragraph (in brackets, after the definition) where the respective word can be found. Write the word exactly as it appears in the text.
Unusual Hobbies: Beyond the Ordinary
When most people think of hobbies, they imagine familiar activities such as reading, cycling, or playing football. Yet around the world, many individuals dedicate their free time to pastimes that might seem eccentric to outsiders but which provide a deep sense of satisfaction to those who practise them. Unusual hobbies can be just as rewarding as conventional ones, and they often reveal how diverse human creativity can be.
One such activity is extreme ironing. At first glance, it appears absurd: people carry ironing boards to unusual locations — mountain tops, forests, or even underwater — and attempt to iron clothes in these challenging environments. For participants, the appeal lies in combining an everyday household chore with an adventurous setting. It is both a humorous performance and a serious test of determination, since the conditions are often uncomfortable or even dangerous. Extreme ironing demonstrates how ordinary tasks can be transformed into extraordinary experiences.
Another unusual hobby is mushroom foraging. While it may sound old-fashioned, in recent years it has become increasingly popular among young people. Foragers learn to identify edible species, distinguish them from poisonous ones, and collect them in the wild. The process requires patience, knowledge of nature, and a careful eye for detail. Many describe it as relaxing and almost meditative, since it involves walking through forests in silence and paying close attention to the natural world. At the same time, it is a practical activity, as foragers often cook what they collect.
Some unusual hobbies are more modern. Urban exploration, often called “urbex,” involves entering abandoned buildings, tunnels, or factories and documenting them through photography. Enthusiasts argue that these forgotten spaces hold cultural value and reveal hidden parts of a city’s history. However, urbex is controversial, since it sometimes involves trespassing or safety risks. Supporters claim that their photographs preserve history that would otherwise be lost, while critics question whether the dangers are worth it.
Finally, there is sand sculpting, which transforms ordinary beaches into temporary art galleries. Sculptors spend hours shaping castles, animals, or abstract forms, knowing that their creations will eventually be washed away by the tide. This impermanence is part of the attraction: the hobby teaches patience, creativity, and acceptance of change. For many, the joy lies not in preserving the artwork but in the act of creating it.
Although these hobbies may sound unusual, they share important features with more common pastimes. They allow people to express themselves, escape from stress, and connect with others who share their passion. In the end, whether someone is ironing on a mountain or sculpting on a beach, the value of a hobby is measured not by how ordinary it is but by the meaning it brings to the individual.
1. To show or communicate a thought, feeling, or idea through words, actions, or art. (6)
This definition corresponds to the following term: .
2. Something that is well known because it has been seen, heard, or experienced many times before; not strange or unusual. (1)
This definition corresponds to the following term: .
3. Difficult in a way that tests your skill, strength, or determination. (2)
This definition corresponds to the following term: .
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