Lesson: Discussing Weekend Plans

Photo by Nubia Navarro (nubikini) from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/yellow-van-die-cast-386025/

Activity I: Vocabulary

Look forward to – To anticipate something with pleasure.
Catch up (with/on) – To do something you didn't have time for before; to update each other.
Unwind – To relax after a period of work or stress.
Spontaneous – Done or said naturally, without much prior thought or planning.
Tentative – Not certain or fixed; provisional.
Itinerary – A detailed plan or route of a journey or series of activities.
Recharge – To regain energy and vitality.
Socialize – To spend time with other people for enjoyment.

Activity II: Reading

Weekends are a welcome break from the usual work routine, offering adults a chance to recharge, pursue hobbies, and socialize. Discussing what we plan to do is a common way to connect with friends and colleagues. For intermediate English learners, this topic is perfect for using more detailed language, talking about future possibilities, and having more complex conversations than simple greetings. It’s about sharing excitement and making arrangements.

People plan their weekends in many ways. Some love having a full schedule with activities like visiting museums, going to concerts, or enjoying outdoor adventures such as hiking or cycling. They might create a detailed itinerary. Others prefer a more relaxed approach, enjoying spontaneous moments or simply unwinding at home by reading a good book, watching movies, or catching up on sleep. Social gatherings, like dinners with friends or family events, are also popular weekend choices. The main aim is to find activities that are refreshing and enjoyable.

When talking about these plans in English, intermediate learners can use more varied phrases. For suggestions, try: "I was thinking we could go to the beach on Saturday, if the weather's good," or "How about trying that new cafe downtown?" To express what you like or don't like: "I'd rather have a quiet weekend at home," or "That sounds like a lot of fun, I'm definitely interested!" If plans are not yet certain, you can say, "My plans for Sunday are still a bit tentative, but I should know by tomorrow." Confirming details is also important: "So, are we still meeting at 10 AM?"

A well-spent weekend greatly adds to our happiness and well-being. It allows us to reduce stress, explore our interests, and strengthen our relationships. Trying new things can also lead to new skills or memorable experiences. As you become more comfortable with English, discussing your weekend – from the planning stages on Friday to sharing your experiences on Monday – will help you practice the language in a very real and useful way, making your conversations more engaging.

Activity III: Role Play (Friday Afternoon Chat)

Instructions: Practice this dialogue with your teacher. One person is Chloe, and the other is Mark.

Chloe: Mark, thank goodness it's Friday! Any exciting plans for the weekend?

Mark: You can say that again, Chloe! I'm definitely looking forward to it. My plans are still a bit tentative, though.

Chloe: Oh? I was thinking of going for a hike on Saturday morning. The weather forecast looks promising.

Mark: Hiking sounds energetic! I was leaning more towards catching up on some reading and maybe a movie marathon.

Chloe: That sounds wonderfully relaxing too! Sometimes a quiet weekend is just what you need to recharge.

Mark: Exactly! But a hike does sound tempting. Which trail were you considering?

Chloe: I was thinking of the Redwood Creek trail. It’s not too strenuous and has beautiful scenery.

Mark: I've heard good things about it. Hmm, what time would you be heading out?

Chloe: Probably around 9 AM to make the most of the morning. You're welcome to join if you feel spontaneous!

Mark: That’s very kind of you to offer. Let me think about it. What about Sunday? Any plans then?

Chloe: Sunday, I'm planning to visit that new art exhibition downtown. I've been wanting to see it.

Mark: Oh, right, the modern art one? I heard it’s quite thought-provoking. That’s a great cultural outing.

Chloe: Precisely! So, it’s a mix of nature and culture for me this weekend. How about you finalize those tentative movie plans?

Mark: (Laughs) Yes, I think my itinerary will involve a comfortable couch and a lot of popcorn.

Chloe: Sounds like a perfect plan to unwind! Well, whatever you decide, I hope you have a fantastic weekend.

Mark: Thanks, Chloe! You too. Enjoy the hike and the exhibition!

Activity IV: Let's Practice

Discuss Your Weekend with Your Teacher.

Talk with your teacher about your plans for the upcoming weekend, or describe a recent memorable weekend you had. Try to use some of the new vocabulary and phrases from this lesson. Discuss what you look forward to, any tentative plans, and how you like to unwind or socialize. Ask your teacher about their preferences for weekend activities too. Be ready to give details and reasons for your choices.