Explanation + Practice
How was your weekend?
The weekend is the best small talk topic because it’s something everyone can relate to, and native speakers use it all the time, depending on the day of the week.
Why It’s the Best Topic:
- Universal Topic: Everyone has weekends, so it’s easy to talk about.
- Fun and Relaxation: Weekends are often filled with fun activities, plans, or rest, which are interesting topics to share.
- Opens Conversations: Talking about the weekend leads to follow-up questions, so it keeps the conversation going.
How Native Speakers Use It:
- Monday/Tuesday: “Did you have a good weekend?”
This is a common question on Mondays and Tuesdays. People talk about what they did over the weekend, such as social activities, trips, or just relaxing. It’s a way to connect after the break. - Thursday/Friday: “Do you have any plans for the weekend?”
As the weekend approaches, people like to discuss upcoming plans. This opens conversations about potential activities and lets the other person share their excitement or ideas. - Saturday: “How’s your weekend going?”
On weekends, this question is common to check in and talk about what’s currently happening. It’s a great way to chat in real time about weekend activities or plans in progress.
Why It Works:
- Easy to Answer: Everyone can talk about the weekend, whether they have exciting plans or just plan to relax.
- Encourages Longer Conversations: People tend to ask follow-up questions, so it’s not just a one-word answer.
- Regular Topic: Since people ask about the weekend on different days, it becomes a familiar and comfortable way to make small talk.
Learning how to use weekend-related questions is key for mastering small talk in English. It’s a go-to topic for building connections!
Activities
Activity 1: Fill in the Gaps
Complete the sentences with the correct question based on the day of the week.
- On Monday, I asked my co-worker, “______?” (Hint: Monday questions are usually about past weekend plans.)
- On Friday, my friend asked me, “______?” (Hint: Friday questions are usually about upcoming weekend plans.)
- On Saturday, I texted my friend, “______?” (Hint: Saturday questions ask about current weekend activities.)
Activity 2: Match the Question to the Day
Match the following questions to the correct day of the week.
- Do you have any plans for the weekend?
- How’s your weekend going?
- Did you have a good weekend?
Days:
A) Thursday
B) Monday
C) Saturday
Activity 3: Long Answer Practice
For each question, write a detailed answer. Use the prompt to help you give more information.
- Did you have a good weekend?
Write about something fun you did or something you relaxed doing.Example:
Short Answer: “Yes.”
Long Answer: “Yes, I had a great weekend! I went to the beach with my family, and we had a picnic. The weather was perfect!” - Do you have any plans for the weekend?
Write about a possible plan, even if you aren’t sure yet.Example:
Short Answer: “No.”
Long Answer: “Not yet, but I might go to the movies with some friends. There’s a new movie I really want to see.”
Activity 4: Create Your Own Questions
Create one question for each day of the week. Follow the format from the examples below.
- Monday: Ask about what someone did last weekend. Example: “Did you do anything fun over the weekend?”
- Thursday: Ask about plans for the weekend. Example: “Are you excited for the weekend? Do you have anything planned?”
- Saturday: Ask about how the weekend is going. Example: “How’s your weekend going so far?”
Activity 5: True or False
Read the following statements and decide if they are true or false.
- On Monday, it’s common to ask, “How’s your weekend going?”
- True / False
- On Friday, asking “Do you have any plans for the weekend?” is a good way to start a conversation.
- True / False
- A good response to “Do you have any plans for the weekend?” is, “No.”
- True / False (Hint: Giving a long answer is better!)
Activity 6: Write a Conversation
Imagine you are talking to a co-worker or friend. Write a conversation that includes one question about the weekend for Monday, Thursday, and Saturday. Then, write detailed answers for each.
Example Conversation:
- Monday:
Person A: “Did you have a good weekend?”
Person B: “Yes, it was great! I went hiking on Saturday, and on Sunday, I just relaxed at home with a good book.” - Thursday:
Person A: “Do you have any plans for the weekend?”
Person B: “Not yet, but I might visit my cousin in the city.” - Saturday:
Person A: “How’s your weekend going so far?”
Person B: “It’s going well! I just finished brunch with a friend, and later I’m going to the park.”
Activity 7: Rewrite the Short Answers
Rewrite these short answers into long, detailed ones.
- Question: “Did you have a good weekend?”
Short Answer: “Yes.”
Rewrite: ____________________________________________ - Question: “Do you have any plans for the weekend?”
Short Answer: “No.”
Rewrite: ____________________________________________