[originaltext] A hobby can be almost anything that a person likes to do in hi

A hobby can be almost anything that a person likes to do in his spare time. People take up hobbies because these activities offer enjoyment, friendship and relaxation. Hobbies help people relax after a long time of hard work, and provide a balance between work and play. Hobbies offer interesting activities for the old. Some hobbies can make a child grow as a person, develop his interest and help him learn new skills. Hobbies can also help a patient to keep healthy. (17)Doctors have found that hobbies are useful in helping patients recover from various illnesses. Hobbies give patients who can’t move around something to do, and provide interests that keep them from thinking about themselves. Many hospitals treat patients by having them take up interesting hobbies. Anyone, old or young, sick or well, rich or poor, can follow a good hobby, in spite of his age, health or money. (18)In early times, most people were too busy making a living to have many hobbies. But some people who had spare time did enjoy hobbies. The ancient Egyptians played games with balls made of wood. (19)People today have more time than ever before for hobbies, because machines have now reduced much time that people must spend on their jobs.
17. How do hobbies benefit patients according to doctors?
18. Why did most people spend less time on their hobbies in early times?
19. How do machines benefit people now according to the passage?
20. What’s the speaker’s opinion about hobbies?