Last weekend activities are commonly asked about in IELTS Speaking Part 1. This topic allows examiners to assess candidates’ ability to discuss routine activities and past events naturally. Similar to describe a memorable outdoor activity you did alone, this question requires good vocabulary and proper use of past tenses.
Common Questions in Part 1
Sample Questions:
- What did you do last weekend?
- Did you do anything special last weekend?
- Do you usually have busy weekends?
- What’s your typical weekend like?
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“Last weekend was quite eventful. I spent Saturday morning catching up with my friends at a local café. In the afternoon, I went shopping for some new clothes, and on Sunday, I stayed home and watched a few episodes of my favorite Netflix series.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Last weekend was particularly memorable. I devoted my Saturday morning to describe a sport or exercise you enjoy – a challenging hiking session in the nearby mountains. Later, I immersed myself in a photography workshop, which I’ve been eagerly anticipating for weeks. On Sunday, I took the initiative to organize a small family gathering, where we reminisced about old times.”
Part 2: Cue Card
Topic:
Describe how you spent your last weekend
You should say:
- What activities you did
- Who you spent time with
- Where you went
- And explain why it was memorable for you
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to share about describe a special moment spent with a family member during my last weekend. It was particularly noteworthy because I managed to strike a perfect balance between productivity and relaxation. On Saturday morning, I embarked on a DIY home improvement project where I describe a time when you learned a new skill from a friend – redecorating my study room. The afternoon was dedicated to pursuing my passion for photography, capturing the vibrant autumn scenery at the local botanical garden. Sunday was more laid-back, characterized by a delightful brunch with my closest friends, followed by an engaging book club discussion about a contemporary novel we’d all been reading. What made it truly memorable was how each activity contributed to both my personal growth and social connections.”
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q1: Do you think people’s weekend activities have changed compared to the past?
Band 8-9 Response:
“There’s been a dramatic shift in how people spend their weekends nowadays. With the advent of digital technology, many individuals describe a person who is passionate about their hobby through online platforms. However, there’s also a growing tendency towards wellness-focused activities and experiential leisure, suggesting a more balanced approach to weekend recreation.”
Key Vocabulary and Expressions
Advanced Phrases:
- Make the most of (phrasal verb) – to use something as effectively as possible
- Wind down (phrasal verb) – to relax after a period of work or tension
- Get around to (phrasal verb) – to finally do something that you have been intending to do
- Strike a balance (idiom) – to find a compromise between two extremes
Pronunciation Tips:
- Weekend /ˈwiːkend/
- Leisure /ˈleʒə/
- Activities /ækˈtɪvɪtiz/
- Memorable /ˈmem.ər.ə.bəl/
Remember to practice these expressions in context and focus on natural delivery rather than memorizing set phrases.