IELTS Speaking Practice: How Do You Spend Your Weekends?

Part 1: Introduction and Interview (4–5 minutes)

Topic: Weekends and Free Time

Examiner: Good afternoon. Let’s start the test. My name is Sarah. What’s your full name?
Candidate: My name is [Your Name].

Examiner: Can I see your ID, please?
Candidate: Sure, here you go.

Examiner: Thank you. Now, let’s talk about weekends.

Q1: What do you usually do on weekends?
A1: On weekends, I usually try to relax and catch up on sleep, especially after a busy week. On Saturdays, I like to meet my friends for coffee or go shopping. On Sundays, I often stay at home, clean my room, and prepare for the week ahead. I also enjoy watching movies or cooking something new.

Vocabulary Highlights:

• catch up on sleep = recover from lack of rest

• prepare for the week ahead = get ready for upcoming work or school days

Q2: Do you prefer to spend your weekends indoors or outdoors?
A2: It depends on my mood and the weather. If it’s sunny, I prefer going outdoors—maybe to a park, beach, or somewhere with fresh air. But if it’s raining, I love staying home, reading, or watching Netflix.

Vocabulary Highlights:

• depends on my mood = varies according to how I feel

• fresh air = clean, outdoor atmosphere

Q3: Do you think weekends are long enough?
A3: Honestly, no. Two days feel too short! Sometimes I wish weekends were three days long so people could rest properly and also have time for hobbies. But maybe if weekends were longer, weekdays might become more stressful.

Vocabulary Highlights:

• rest properly = recover completely

• stressful = full of tension or pressure

Q4: How important are weekends for you?
A4: Weekends are extremely important. They help me balance my work and personal life. Without weekends, I’d probably feel burned out. It’s the only time I can truly recharge and spend quality time with my family and friends.

Vocabulary Highlights:

• balance work and personal life = maintain equilibrium between career and leisure

• recharge = regain energy

Part 2: Cue Card (3–4 minutes)

Examiner: Now, I’d like you to talk about a topic. Here is your cue card. You have one minute to prepare and then one to two minutes to speak.

Describe how you usually spend your weekends.

You should say:

• who you spend your weekends with

• what you usually do

• where you usually go

• and explain why weekends are important for you.

Model Answer 1: The Social Type (Band 8–9)

On weekends, I usually spend time with my close friends or family. Saturdays are more social for me, while Sundays are quieter. For example, every Saturday morning, I often meet my best friend at a café near my house. We have brunch, talk about work or school, and sometimes go shopping or visit a nearby park afterward. I enjoy those mornings because they help me forget about deadlines and stress for a while.

In the afternoon, I might watch a movie or do some light exercise. I also love exploring new restaurants around the city. Trying new food is one of my favorite weekend activities because it feels like a mini adventure without traveling too far.

On Sundays, my routine changes. I usually wake up later, clean my room, do the laundry, and plan the upcoming week. I might also visit my grandparents or spend time reading a book. I try not to use my phone too much on Sundays because I want to disconnect from social media and relax my mind.

Weekends are very meaningful to me because they allow me to recharge physically and mentally. After two days of rest, I always feel ready to face another busy week with a positive attitude.

Model Answer 2: The Family-Oriented Type (Band 8)

I usually spend my weekends with my family, especially my parents and younger sister. Since we’re all busy on weekdays, weekends are our only chance to have meals together and talk about what’s been happening in our lives.

On Saturday mornings, my family usually goes grocery shopping together, and in the afternoon, we might cook a special meal or watch a movie at home. Sometimes we invite relatives or friends over for dinner. I really enjoy those moments because they strengthen our family bond.

On Sundays, we often go out to visit my grandparents in the countryside. It’s about an hour’s drive away, and I love being there because the air is fresh, and it’s peaceful compared to the city. We have lunch together, and I usually help them with small tasks like gardening.

Weekends are important for me because they keep me connected to my family. During the week, I’m focused on my studies and personal goals, but weekends remind me of the value of relationships and simple happiness.

Model Answer 3: The Productive & Goal-Oriented Type (Band 9)

My weekends are quite structured because I like to use my time efficiently. I usually spend them alone or with a small group of friends who have similar interests.

On Saturday mornings, I go to the gym for about two hours. After that, I treat myself to a nice breakfast at my favorite café. In the afternoon, I often work on personal projects like online courses or content writing. I enjoy feeling productive even on weekends—it gives me a sense of progress.

On Sundays, I take things slower. I usually go to a nearby park for a walk, listen to podcasts, or read a self-improvement book. I also spend time planning my schedule and goals for the upcoming week.

Weekends are vital for me because they help me reset my mindset and prepare for challenges ahead. Balancing relaxation with productivity gives me both peace and motivation. I believe that’s the key to maintaining consistent growth without burning out.

Model Answer 4: The Nature-Lover Type (Band 8–9)

I usually spend my weekends outdoors because I’m passionate about nature and photography. Most of the time, I go hiking with my friends or explore new scenic spots around my city.

On Saturday mornings, we often leave early to visit a mountain or a beach. We take photos, have picnics, and sometimes camp overnight. Being surrounded by nature makes me feel calm and refreshed, especially after a stressful week at work.

On Sundays, I prefer staying home to edit my photos, write travel notes, or water my plants. It’s a peaceful way to wrap up the weekend.

Weekends are extremely important to me because they allow me to reconnect with nature and with myself. I think people need this kind of balance—spending time away from screens and just appreciating the world around us.

Model Answer 5: The Student & Friend-Oriented Type (Band 7.5–8)

I usually spend my weekends with my classmates. We often study together or hang out after finishing our schoolwork. Saturdays are for catching up on assignments, while Sundays are more relaxed.

In the morning, I like to review lessons or finish projects at the library. Then, in the afternoon, I meet my friends to play badminton or eat out. Sometimes we go to karaoke or watch a movie. These activities help us relieve stress and stay connected.

On Sundays, I stay home with my family. My mom cooks something special, and we eat lunch together. I also prepare my things for the week—like uniforms, notebooks, and homework.

Weekends are important for me because they help me balance study and social life. I can focus on academics while still enjoying time with friends and family. It keeps me motivated and prevents burnout.

Quick Comparison Table

Follow-Up Question:
Examiner: Do you think your weekends are different from other people’s?
Candidate: Probably yes. Some people prefer nightlife or parties, while I enjoy simple things like good food, good company, and quiet time. I think it depends on each person’s lifestyle and priorities.

Part 3: Discussion (4–5 minutes)

Topic: Work–Life Balance and Leisure

Q1: Why do you think weekends are important for people?
A1: Weekends are essential because they give people time to rest, socialize, and take care of personal matters that they can’t handle during the week. Without weekends, people would feel overworked and less motivated. Having a proper break improves mental health and increases productivity once the week starts again.

Q2: How have weekends changed compared to the past?
A2: I think weekends today are more flexible. In the past, people often stayed home or did family activities. Now, people have more choices—traveling, shopping malls, online entertainment, and even part-time work. Technology also changed how we spend weekends since we can now watch movies or shop online without leaving the house.

Vocabulary Highlights:

• flexible = adaptable or less strict

• online entertainment = streaming, gaming, or social media activities

Q3: Do you think people nowadays work too much?
A3: Yes, many people, especially in big cities, work too much. The competition is strong, and everyone wants to succeed, so they often sacrifice their weekends for overtime or side jobs. Unfortunately, that lifestyle can lead to stress or health problems in the long run.

Q4: What can companies do to help employees have a better work–life balance?
A4: Companies could introduce flexible schedules, allow remote work, or organize wellness programs. Encouraging employees to take time off or limiting after-hours communication would also help. Some modern companies even have “no meeting Fridays” to reduce stress before the weekend.

Vocabulary Highlights:

• flexible schedules = allowing employees to choose work hours

• wellness programs = initiatives promoting health and well-being

Q5: Do you think it’s better to spend weekends doing something active or relaxing?
A5: It depends on the person. For me, a mix of both is ideal. Doing something active, like hiking or sports, keeps the body healthy, while relaxing helps the mind recover. Balance is key; too much activity can be exhausting, but doing nothing all weekend might make you feel unproductive.

Q6: How do young people usually spend their weekends in your country?
A6: Young people usually hang out with friends, go to cafés, shopping malls, or the cinema. Many also like outdoor adventures like going to the beach, hiking, or attending concerts. In contrast, others prefer staying home playing video games or scrolling through social media.

Q7: Are weekends different for students and working adults?
A7: Definitely. Students often use weekends to study for exams or complete assignments, but they still have time for fun. Working adults, on the other hand, usually want to rest because they’ve been busy all week. Their energy levels and priorities are different, so their weekend activities also differ.

Q8: Do you think schools should have shorter weeks, like four days instead of five?
A8: That’s an interesting idea. A four-day school week might help students feel less stressed and more motivated. However, it could also reduce learning time, which might affect academic results. Maybe the best solution is not shorter weeks but better time management and lighter workloads.

Q9: How do cultural differences affect how people spend their weekends?
A9: Culture plays a big role. In some cultures, weekends are for family gatherings and religious activities. In others, people focus on hobbies, sports, or nightlife. For instance, Western countries often emphasize personal freedom and hobbies, while Asian cultures might value family bonding and rest.

Q10: Do you think weekends will change in the future?
A10: Yes, I think so. As remote work becomes more common, the concept of weekends may become less strict. People might have flexible days off instead of traditional Saturdays and Sundays. Technology will also continue to shape our leisure time—maybe through virtual reality entertainment or digital travel experiences.

Band 9 Vocabulary and Phrases

Part 3 Extension Practice (Optional Follow-up Discussion)

Examiner: Some people say weekends are becoming more commercial. What’s your opinion?
Candidate: I agree. Many businesses use weekends to promote sales or events, so people often feel pressured to spend money. While it’s good for the economy, it can also make weekends more stressful if people focus too much on shopping instead of relaxing.

Examiner: How can people make their weekends more meaningful?
Candidate: I think they should plan activities that truly bring joy or personal growth. For example, volunteering, learning something new, or spending time in nature can be more rewarding than just watching TV or scrolling on the phone.

Final Tips for Speaking

1. Be specific. Describe your real weekend routines—details make answers sound natural.

2. Use connectors. Words like firstly, on the other hand, for example, however improve fluency.

3. Balance tenses. Use present simple for routines, past for examples, and future for plans.

4. Show emotion. Express how you feel about weekends; IELTS examiners value personal tone.

5. Use varied vocabulary. Avoid repeating “relax” — use “unwind,” “chill,” “take it easy,” or “de-stress.”

FAQs

What does the examiner expect for this cue card?

Examiners expect a clear, well-organized 1–2 minute talk that addresses all four prompts: who you spend weekends with, what you do, where you go, and why weekends matter to you. Coherence, range of vocabulary, and accurate grammar are key. Include specific examples and feelings to sound natural.

How should I structure my Part 2 answer?

Use a simple three-part structure: (1) Overview of your typical weekend, (2) Two short snapshots—Saturday and Sunday routines with details, (3) A closing statement explaining why weekends are important for your health, relationships, or productivity. Add linking phrases like “firstly,” “after that,” and “to wrap up.”

What tense should I use?

Mostly present simple for routines: “I usually meet…,” “I often go….” Use present continuous for current trends (“Lately I’m spending more time outdoors”), and past simple for brief examples (“Last weekend I tried rock climbing”). Future forms are fine for plans (“Next Sunday I’m going to visit my grandparents”).

Which vocabulary helps me reach Band 7+?

Swap basic words for richer synonyms: unwind, recharge, quality time, laid-back, catch up, squeeze in, carve out time, decompress, productive streak, spontaneous outing. Collocations like maintain work–life balance and set the tone for the week add sophistication.

How can I extend answers without going off topic?

Use the DETAIL formula: Declare your idea, Explain why, Tell an example, Add feeling, Impact on you, Link back to the question. This keeps speech focused and rich.

What if my weekends are repetitive or “boring”?

Make ordinary routines sound meaningful. Emphasize reasons and outcomes: “I cook on Sundays because it helps me eat healthier during the week,” or “A short walk clears my head after screen time.” Specific details beat dramatic stories.

How do I handle the “who” and “where” parts naturally?

Introduce one or two important people (best friend, sister, gym buddy) and one or two realistic places (local café, riverside path, parents’ house). Name them briefly to anchor your story: “a cozy café near my block,” “the park behind the library.”

What common grammar mistakes should I avoid?

• Subject–verb agreement with habits: “My parents go,” not “goes.”
• Article use with places: “at the park,” “at a café.”
• Prepositions of time: “on Saturday,” “in the afternoon,” “at the weekend” (UK) / “on the weekend” (US).

How can I sound more fluent?

Use signposting and fillers naturally: “To be honest…,” “What usually happens is…,” “If I have time…,” “That said….” Vary sentence length—mix short, punchy lines with longer, descriptive ones. Keep a steady pace and avoid memorized speeches.

Sample high-level closing line I can adapt

“Ultimately, my weekends are a reset button: a chance to reconnect with people I care about, recharge my batteries, and set a positive tone for the week ahead.”

How should I practice effectively?

Record a 90-second answer, transcribe it, highlight weak vocabulary, and replace it with stronger collocations. Re-record using your upgraded script. Aim for three concise stories you can rotate (family day, social Saturday, solo productivity Sunday).

What follow-up questions might appear in Part 3?

Be ready for: “Are weekends long enough?”, “How have weekends changed over time?”, “Should companies support work–life balance?”, and “Is it better to be active or relax?” Prepare one strong opinion and one counterpoint for each.

IELTS Speaking Topics 300 – Practice Questions, Model Answers & Mock Tests [2025–2026 Guide]