As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I often hear students worry about the famous “What do you do at the weekends?” question. It seems simple, but like many aspects of the IELTS Speaking test, it’s designed to assess much more than just your vocabulary. This question delves into your ability to communicate fluently, use a range of grammar structures, and showcase your overall English language proficiency. Let’s break down why this question is so important and, more importantly, how you can answer it effectively to achieve a high band score.
Why Does the IELTS Exam Ask About Weekends?
You might wonder why the examiners are so interested in your weekend activities. It’s not about judging how exciting your life is! The purpose is to:
- Evaluate fluency and coherence: The examiner wants to see how smoothly you can transition between ideas and maintain a natural flow of conversation.
- Assess vocabulary range: Talking about your free time gives you a chance to use a variety of verbs, adjectives, and expressions related to hobbies, interests, and daily routines.
- Test grammatical accuracy: You’ll need to use different tenses (present simple, present continuous, past simple, etc.) to accurately describe your weekend activities.
- Gauge your ability to expand on answers: A simple “I watch TV” won’t suffice. You need to provide details, explanations, and examples to create a complete and engaging response.
Mastering the “Weekends” Question
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you craft strong answers:
1. Think About Your Typical Weekend Activities
What do you genuinely do on your days off? Don’t invent glamorous hobbies! Be authentic. Make a list:
- Relaxing at home: Reading, watching movies, cooking, spending time with family
- Going out: Meeting friends, dining out, visiting museums, attending concerts
- Pursuing hobbies: Playing sports, painting, gardening, photography
- Running errands: Grocery shopping, doing laundry, household chores
2. Use a Variety of Vocabulary and Grammar
Instead of saying “I like to relax,” try:
- “I find it incredibly relaxing to unwind with a good book on Saturday mornings.”
- “My ideal Saturday afternoon involves curling up on the sofa with a captivating film.”
Vary your sentence structures and use transition words:
- “On weekdays, I’m usually swamped with work, so the weekends are my chance to recharge. I often…”
- “One of my favorite weekend activities is… Another thing I enjoy is…”
3. Provide Specific Examples and Details
Don’t just say “I went to the park.” Elaborate:
- “Last Saturday, I went for a stroll in the park with my dog. The weather was glorious, so we spent ages just relaxing on the grass and enjoying the sunshine.”
4. Practice Speaking About Your Weekends
Rehearse your answers aloud! This helps you become more comfortable speaking fluently and naturally. You can even record yourself to identify areas for improvement.
Example IELTS Speaking Test Question
Examiner: “Let’s talk about your free time. What do you usually do at the weekends?”
Candidate: “Well, during the week I’m quite busy with my studies, so the weekends are really precious to me. I love to catch up on sleep on Saturday mornings, and then I often meet up with friends for lunch or to do some shopping. If the weather’s nice, we might go for a walk in the park or have a picnic. In the evenings, I enjoy relaxing at home – maybe watching a movie or reading a book. Sundays are usually more relaxed. I like to cook a nice meal and spend time with my family.”
Analysis: This candidate demonstrates good fluency and coherence, using a range of vocabulary and grammar structures. They provide specific examples and details to illustrate their activities, making their answer engaging and easy to follow.
Top Tips for Success:
- Don’t memorize answers: Focus on developing the skills to speak spontaneously.
- Be positive and enthusiastic: Your passion for your hobbies will shine through.
- Use a wide range of vocabulary: This demonstrates your language proficiency.
- Speak clearly and confidently: Good pronunciation and intonation are essential.
- Practice, practice, practice!: The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become.
Remember, the IELTS Speaking test is about demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively in English. By following these tips and practicing regularly, you’ll be well-prepared to answer the “What do you do at the weekends?” question with confidence and fluency.