Modules
IN THIS LESSON
In this section, we will look at what a typical weekend is like for an American high school student. Weekends are usually less structured than weekdays and are a time for students to relax, hang out with friends, and pursue hobbies or activities they enjoy. Let’s explore what American teenagers often do on their weekends.
Morning Routine: A Slower Start
Unlike weekdays, American high school students often wake up later on weekends, enjoying the chance to sleep in. Weekend mornings are more relaxed, with no rush to get ready for school.
Example: "On Saturdays, I usually wake up around 9 or 10 AM. I like to take my time getting up, and I often have breakfast with my family. Pancakes or waffles are a weekend treat for us."
Weekend Activities
Weekends are a time for students to focus on activities they may not have time for during the week. Whether it’s sports, hanging out with friends, or hobbies, weekends offer more free time.
Sports and Outdoor Activities: Many students spend part of their weekends playing sports, either in informal games with friends or in scheduled competitions. Popular sports include basketball, soccer, and baseball, but many students also enjoy activities like hiking or cycling.
Example: "I have a soccer game every Saturday afternoon. My team meets at the field, and we usually play for about two hours. It’s my favorite part of the weekend."
Spending Time with Friends: Hanging out with friends is a big part of the weekend for many American teenagers. They might go to the mall, meet at each other’s houses, or watch movies together.
Example: "After my soccer game, I usually meet up with my friends. Sometimes we go to the mall, and other times we just hang out at someone’s house and play video games or watch a movie."
Relaxing and Hobbies: Weekends are also a time to relax and pursue hobbies. Some students spend time reading, drawing, playing an instrument, or just unwinding by watching TV or playing video games.
Example: "I like to play guitar on the weekends. It’s something I don’t have time for during the week, but on Saturdays, I can play for a couple of hours and learn new songs."
Weekend Chores and Responsibilities
While weekends are fun, many students also have responsibilities at home, such as chores or part-time jobs. Helping around the house or working to earn extra money is common for high school students in the U.S.
Chores: Students often help with household tasks like cleaning their rooms, mowing the lawn, or helping with groceries.
Example: "On Saturday mornings, I usually have to clean my room and help my parents with grocery shopping. Once that’s done, I’m free for the rest of the day."
Part-time Jobs: Some high school students work part-time jobs on weekends to earn money. Jobs at local restaurants, stores, or babysitting are common for teenagers.
Example: "I work at a local coffee shop on Sundays. I make coffee, help customers, and clean up at the end of my shift. It’s a good way to earn extra money for things I want to buy."
Weekend Homework and Study Time
Although weekends are mostly about relaxing and having fun, students also need to manage their schoolwork. Most high school students in the U.S. set aside time on weekends to finish their homework or study for upcoming tests.
Example: "On Sunday afternoons, I usually do my homework. I try to get everything done before the evening, so I don’t have to worry about it later. I like to study in my room or sometimes go to the library if I need to focus."
Family Time and Special Events
Weekends are also a time for family gatherings or special events like birthday parties, holidays, or trips. Many families take advantage of the weekend to spend quality time together, going out to eat, watching movies, or going on short trips.
Example: "On Sunday nights, my family and I always have dinner together. Sometimes we go to a restaurant, but other times we just cook at home and watch a movie afterward."
Special Events: Weekends are also when students attend birthday parties, concerts, or community events. These events are a big part of the social life for teenagers in the U.S.
Example: "Last Saturday, I went to a concert with my friends. It was so much fun, and we stayed out late. Weekends are the best time to go to events like that."
Summary of a Typical Weekend for an American Teenager
Saturday Morning: Sleep in, have breakfast, and relax
Saturday Afternoon: Play sports or hang out with friends
Saturday Evening: Relax, play video games, or go to a friend’s house
Sunday Morning: Part-time job or family activities
Sunday Afternoon: Homework and study time
Sunday Evening: Dinner with family or watching a movie
Weekends are a chance for American teenagers to unwind and spend time on activities they enjoy, whether that’s sports, hanging out with friends, or relaxing at home. They also balance these activities with chores, part-time jobs, and schoolwork. How do you spend your weekends? You might find that there are similarities between how teenagers in the U.S. and Iran spend their free time.
