Key Points to Listen for in a Basic Conversation about Weekend Plans

Understanding how to talk about weekend plans is an important skill in English. Here, we’ll look at what to listen for, some important words, and example sentences to help you get better at this.

1. Key Points to Listen For

When you're listening to conversations about weekend plans, pay attention to these things:

a. Activities

• What fun things are being talked about?
• Examples: Going to the movies, having a picnic, or going to a concert.

b. Time and Date

• When are these activities happening?
• Look for specific days and times.
• Example: “We’re going on Saturday at 3 PM.”

c. Participants

• Who is going to be part of the plans?
• Example: “I’m going with my friends” or “My family and I are planning a trip.”

d. Preferences

• Listen for what people like or prefer about the plans.
• Example: “I would rather go hiking than stay at home.”

e. Expressions of Interest

• Are people feeling excited or unsure?
• Example: “I’d love to go!” or “I’m not sure if I want to.”

2. Vocabulary to Know

Here are some important words and phrases you might hear:

• Plan: A set idea for what to do.
• Tickets: Passes to enter an event (like a movie).
• Meet: To get together with someone.
• Join: To take part in a group activity.
• Looking forward to: Feeling excited about something that will happen.

3. Sample Sentences

Here are some sample sentences to practice with:

• Making Plans:

  • “What are your plans for the weekend?”
  • “I’m thinking about going to the beach.”

• Expressing Preferences:

  • “I would rather stay in and read a book.”
  • “I like going out with friends on Saturdays.”

• Agreeing or Suggesting:

  • “That sounds great! Let’s do that.”
  • “How about we meet at the café at 2 PM?”

4. Grammar Tips

a. Using Future Tense

When you talk about future plans, use "going to":

• Example: “I am going to watch a movie.”

b. Forming Questions

Use WH-questions to help you listen better:

• “What are you doing this weekend?”
• “Where would you like to go?”

c. Using Modals for Suggestions

Use words like "should" or "could" to suggest things to do:

• Example: “We could go to the mall.”

5. Practice Activities

• Listening Comprehension: Listen to conversations about weekend plans and write down the main points you hear.
• Role Play: Pair up with a friend and practice a conversation about your weekend plans.
• Writing: Create a short dialogue based on a weekend plan you think of.

By paying attention to these elements, you will get better at understanding and joining in conversations about weekend plans. Happy learning!