What did you do on the weekend?: English Listening Practice

Beginner · A1–A2 Episode 2 of 8 · about 2 minutes · Hosts: Mel and Josh

1. Before you listen: key words

Press 🔊 to hear each word or phrase. You'll hear all of them in the conversation.

on the weekend on Saturday and Sunday (Australians say 'on', not 'at')
the markets an outdoor market with food and other stalls
do jobs around the house do small tasks at home, like cleaning or fixing things
mow the lawn cut the grass
bring a plate bring some food to share
small talk friendly, light conversation
What about you? a way to ask the same question back

2. Listen to the episode

Press Play. The line being spoken lights up so you can read along. Start with Slow if you're a beginner, then try Normal. For a challenge, hide the transcript the first time you listen.

3. Check your understanding

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4. Shadow the hosts

Shadowing means repeating a line straight after you hear it, copying the speed, stress and rhythm. Press 🔁 next to any line in the transcript, then press 🎤 and say it. Your browser shows what it heard. Try 3 to 5 lines a day.

5. Talk about it

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Listening Room, episode 2: What did you do on the weekend?

Beginner (A1–A2) · englishcoaching.au

1. Vocabulary: write the meaning

on the weekend: ________________________
the markets: ________________________
do jobs around the house: ________________________
mow the lawn: ________________________
bring a plate: ________________________
small talk: ________________________
What about you?: ________________________

2. Questions

When do people often ask 'What did you do on the weekend?'
☐ On Friday ☐ On Monday ☐ On Sunday
What did Josh buy at the markets?
☐ Clothes ☐ Fruit, vegetables and bread ☐ Flowers
What did Mel take to the barbecue?
☐ A cake ☐ A pasta salad ☐ Drinks
Why didn't Mel swim?
☐ The beach was closed ☐ It was a bit cold ☐ She forgot her swimmers
What's the hosts' tip for small talk?
☐ Say 'nothing' ☐ Give one or two details and ask back ☐ Change the topic

3. Talk or write about it

What did you do last weekend? Give at least two details, then imagine asking your partner 'What about you?'

Transcript

Josh: Welcome back to the Listening Room. I'm Josh.

Mel: And I'm Mel. Today, a very Aussie question: what did you do on the weekend?

Josh: You hear this question every Monday at work. Every single Monday.

Mel: It's true! It's a friendly way to start a conversation. So, Josh, what did you do on the weekend?

Josh: On Saturday morning I went to the markets with my partner. We bought fruit, vegetables and some fresh bread.

Mel: Which markets?

Josh: The farmers' market near the station. It was really busy, but the strawberries were amazing.

Mel: Lovely. What about Saturday afternoon?

Josh: I did some jobs around the house. I mowed the lawn and fixed a door. Then in the evening we watched a movie.

Mel: Was it good?

Josh: It was okay. A bit too long. What about you, Mel?

Mel: I had a busy weekend. On Saturday I went to a friend's birthday barbecue.

Josh: Nice. Did you bring a plate?

Mel: Of course! I made a pasta salad. Then on Sunday I went to the beach with my sister.

Josh: In this weather? It was a bit cold.

Mel: We didn't swim. We just walked along the beach and had fish and chips.

Josh: That sounds perfect. So listeners, here's a tip. When someone asks 'What did you do on the weekend?', don't just say 'nothing'.

Mel: Yes, give one or two details. Even 'I stayed home and relaxed. I watched a good movie' is great.

Josh: And then ask the question back: 'What about you?'

Mel: Exactly. That's how small talk works. Thanks for listening!

Answers: 1. On Monday · 2. Fruit, vegetables and bread · 3. A pasta salad · 4. It was a bit cold · 5. Give one or two details and ask back