Views #1192 | Intermediate (B1)

Katia's Weekend

Katia talks with Alex about what she likes to do on the weekend with friends and family.

Alex: Hey Katia. What about you? Tell me about your weekends. What do you usually do on the weekends?

Katia: Well, every weekend I think it's different but usually in the mornings I wake up and I'm actually very relaxed because I know I don't have a schedule so usually I have coffee, breakfast and then I plan my weekend. So sometimes I do things only by myself but sometimes I go with friends. I like going to restaurants, I like being in nature, I like biking, so there are many things but I think every weekend is different. It depends on how I'm feeling that day.

Alex: Nice. You were saying you plan your weekends, like you can plan them in advance or something that just as it goes, kind of like do things. How does it work?

Katia: Well usually in the mornings I check what I feel like doing and then that's what I plan. So for example, if I wake up and I feel like going, it's a nice day, I like to go to a park and then to the beach, then that's my plan so that's how I plan it. It's right on the moment. So it's somewhat of a plan.

Alex: You look like you enjoy going shopping a lot. Do you go shopping sometimes on the weekends?

Katia: Not at all. I don't like shopping at all. I wish I would enjoy it but I just, all the time it's the same. You see the same things, the same people, so it's the same all the time so it's not so exciting for me. I really don't enjoy it. Only I go if I have to.

Alex: Do you have your friends over or do you usually go visit friends or family during the weekends?

Katia: Sometimes I have my friends over. Usually have a small dinner, nice conversations and yeah just a quiet evening with my friends. And yes, and Sundays are family days so I reserve Sundays for my family.

Alex: Do you travel or do you go places around your city?

Katia: If I have the opportunity definitely. I think it's always nice to go out from your everyday routine. So if I can, of course I love to travel.

Alex: That's interesting.

Learn Vocabulary from the Lesson

by myself

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Sometimes I do things only by myself, but sometimes I go with friends.

When you go somewhere 'by yourself,' it means that nobody goes with you. Notice the following:

  1. She prefers to learn things by herself, rather than have somebody tell her.
  2. I don't really like going to restaurants by myself, but I do like going to movies alone.

in advance

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I try to plan my weekend in advance.

If you plan something 'in advance,' you make plans for something in the future before it happens. Notice the following:

  1. I would have been more comfortable if I had known in advance that she was going to be here.
  2. If you want to have a place to sit, you need to call in advance.

somewhat

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It's somewhat of a plan.

If you have 'somewhat' of a plan, it means you do not have a complete plan, but you have part of a plan. Usually, 'somewhat' means something similar to 'kind of.' Notice the following:

  1. It is still somewhat early, so I'm not really surprised there aren't more people here.
  2. I am somewhat ready to go.  I just need about 5 more minutes.

a quiet evening

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Usually I have a small dinner and a quiet evening with my friends.

When you have a 'quiet evening,' it means that you aren't doing anything special, but are just going to relax somewhere. Notice the following:

  1. I usually try to have one quiet evening at home every weekend.
  2. You sound like you just need a quite evening at home.

reserve

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Sundays are family days, so I reserve Sundays for my family.

When you 'reserve' something, you save it for a special time or special person. Notice the following:

  1. Can I reserve a table for four people for next Friday.
  2. We need to reserve some time to get together before you leave.

Vocabulary Quiz

himself • advance • somewhat
evening • reserve
  1. He used to go for runs with the dog, but now he just goes by .
  2. We called in to seats for 6 people, but only 5 are going to come.
  3. My good friends are having a party tonight, but I feel like I'm in the mood for a quiet in.
  4. I am annoyed with the situation, because he promised me that this would not happen.
  5. She wants us to respond in to let her know if we are going to be there.
Answer the following questions about the interview.

 

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