[Sender’s Address]
No. 3, Oladipo Avenue,
Benin City, Edo State.
23rd September, 2025.
Dear Michael,
How are you doing, my dear friend? It has been a while since our last meeting during the long vacation. I hope your parents, siblings, and everyone at home are fine. I am writing to share with you something new and exciting that I have taken up recently—my new hobby.
Michael, you know I have always been an indoor person, spending most of my free time reading novels or solving puzzles. However, during the last holiday, I decided to try something different, and I discovered a hobby that has not only brought me joy but also improved me in several ways—gardening.
It all started when I helped my father clear a small corner of our backyard. We decided to plant some vegetables, such as spinach, tomatoes, and pepper. At first, it was just a family activity, but gradually, I found myself deeply interested in it. I started reading about how to prepare the soil, how often to water the plants, and how to prevent pests from destroying them. Before long, I was the one waking up early to check on the garden.
One reason I enjoy gardening is that it gives me a sense of responsibility. Watching a tiny seed grow into a healthy plant because of my care is a wonderful feeling. It teaches me patience, as plants do not grow overnight; they require time, attention, and nurturing.
Another reason is that it has improved my health. Gardening involves a lot of physical activity, such as digging, watering, and weeding. These activities give me good exercise, which keeps my body fit and strong. Sometimes, I even sweat as much as I would after a proper workout session.
Gardening has also helped me to connect with nature. I now understand the value of fresh air, sunlight, and the importance of preserving the environment. When I see butterflies hovering around or birds pecking at the soil, I feel a deep sense of peace. It is almost like therapy, especially after a stressful day at school.
Most importantly, gardening has given me a practical reward—fresh vegetables. Imagine the joy of eating soup made from vegetables you planted yourself! It makes the food taste even better and gives me a sense of pride that I am contributing to the family’s meals.
I believe hobbies should not only give pleasure but also add value to one’s life, and gardening does both for me. I am even considering starting a small flower garden in front of the house to beautify the compound.
Michael, I would love for you to try gardening too, or at least visit me one of these days to see my small farm. Who knows, you might discover the same joy I have found in it. Please write back soon and tell me about any new hobby you have taken up recently.
Yours sincerely,
Chinedu
What Examiners Want to See
- Correct format – address, date, greeting, and closing.
- Clear focus – new hobby introduced and fully described.
- Reasons for enjoyment – responsibility, health, connection to nature, reward of fresh vegetables.
- Personal involvement – how the hobby started and progress so far.
- Logical structure – smooth flow from introduction to conclusion.
- Word count – minimum 450 words.
Tips for Students
- When asked about a hobby, narrate how it started and why you enjoy it.
- Mention both personal satisfaction and practical benefits.
- Make it vivid and descriptive so the examiner sees your passion.
- End by inviting your friend to try it too.