Explanation + Practice
Are you a CONVERSATION KILLER?
Conversation Tip: How to Answer “Do you have any plans for the weekend?”
When someone asks you, “Do you have any plans for the weekend?” replying with “No” can stop the conversation. It makes it seem like you don’t want to talk more, even if that’s not what you mean. This is called a conversation killer.
Instead of saying “No,” you can reply with “Not yet, but I might…” and then talk about something you’re thinking about doing. This keeps the conversation going and gives the other person something to talk about.
Example:
- Question: “Do you have any plans for the weekend?”
- Bad answer (conversation killer): “No.”This stops the conversation. The other person might not know what to say next.
- Good answer (keeps the conversation going):
“Not yet, but I might go to the park or watch a movie. What about you? Do you have any plans?”This answer is better because you’re giving a possibility and asking a question back. It shows that you’re interested in the conversation, and the other person can easily respond.
Why “Not yet, but I might…” is a Good Answer
- You sound open: It shows you’re open to doing something, even if you don’t have set plans yet.
- It gives details: Sharing a possible activity gives the other person something to ask about or talk about.
- You show interest: Asking the other person about their plans shows you care about their answer too, which is a good way to keep the conversation friendly.
So, next time someone asks you about your weekend, remember to avoid saying “No” and try saying “Not yet, but I might…” instead!
It’s Practice Time!
Here are some activities that students can do to practice giving longer, more engaging answers to the question, “Do you have any plans for the weekend?” These activities will help them avoid conversation killers like “No” and use “Not yet, but I might…” responses instead.
Activity 1: Short Answer vs. Long Answer Practice
Instructions:
- Below are some examples of short, conversation-killing answers. Rewrite them to give a longer answer using “Not yet, but I might…”.
Examples:
- Question: “Do you have any plans for the weekend?”
- Short answer (conversation killer): “No.”
- Better answer: “Not yet, but I might go to a café with a friend or visit the new museum.”
- Question: “What are you doing this Saturday?”
- Short answer (conversation killer): “Nothing.”
- Better answer: “Not yet, but I might catch up on some reading or maybe go shopping. What about you?”
Your turn:
- Question: “Do you have any plans for the weekend?”
- Short answer: “No.”
- Better answer: ________________________________________
- Question: “What’s your plan for Saturday?”
- Short answer: “Nothing.”
- Better answer: ________________________________________
- Question: “Are you doing anything fun this weekend?”
- Short answer: “No.”
- Better answer: ________________________________________
Activity 2: Idea Brainstorming
Instructions:
- Imagine you don’t have any plans for the weekend. Brainstorm at least 3 possible activities you could do if someone asks you. Write your ideas in a full sentence.
Examples:
- “Not yet, but I might visit my family, or I could go to the movies with a friend.”
- “Not yet, but I’m thinking about trying a new recipe at home or going for a walk in the park.”
Your turn:
- “Not yet, but I might ____________________________________________.”
- “Not yet, but I’m thinking about ____________________________________.”
- “Not yet, but maybe I’ll ___________________________________________.”
Activity 3: Conversation Role-Play
Instructions:
- Imagine someone asks you the following questions. Write down your response using “Not yet, but I might…” and then ask a question back to keep the conversation going.
Example:
- Question: “Do you have any plans for this weekend?”
- Response: “Not yet, but I might go hiking with some friends or relax at home. What about you? Do you have any plans?”
Your turn:
- Question: “What are you going to do this Sunday?”
- Response: ____________________________________________________
- Follow-up question: ____________________________________________
- Question: “Do you have any plans for the long weekend?”
- Response: ____________________________________________________
- Follow-up question: ____________________________________________
- Question: “Are you going out with anyone this weekend?”
- Response: ____________________________________________________
- Follow-up question: ____________________________________________
Activity 4: Daily Speaking Practice
Instructions:
- At the end of each day, imagine someone asks you, “Do you have any plans for the weekend?” Write down your response using “Not yet, but I might…” or practice saying it out loud. Each day, change your possible activities to make your answers more creative.
Example:
- Day 1: “Not yet, but I might visit the art gallery or take a day trip to the beach.”
- Day 2: “Not yet, but I’m thinking of going to a friend’s house for dinner or maybe doing some shopping.”
Your turn (Fill in the blank for each day):
- Day 1: “Not yet, but I might ____________________________________.”
- Day 2: “Not yet, but maybe I’ll __________________________________.”
- Day 3: “Not yet, but I’m thinking about ____________________________.”
Activity 5: Question Match-Up
Instructions:
- Match the short answer on the left to a better, longer answer on the right. Practice reading the better answers out loud.
| Short Answer | Better Answer |
|---|---|
| “No.” | “Not yet, but I might go to a concert or visit a friend.” |
| “Nothing.” | “Not yet, but I might spend time outdoors or catch up on some work.” |
| “I don’t know.” | “Not yet, but I’m thinking of trying a new restaurant or watching a movie.” |
| “No plans.” | “Not yet, but I might do some shopping or meet up with my family.” |
Now create your own answers!
- Short answer: “No.”
- Better answer: ___________________________________________________
- Short answer: “I don’t know.”
- Better answer: ___________________________________________________