Changing plans

Listen to two people talking about changing their plans to practise and improve your listening skills.

Do the preparation task first. Then listen to the audio and do the exercises.

Transcript

Francesco: Sachi? Sachi? Sachiko!

Sachi: Francesco! Is everything OK?

Francesco: Yes. Yes. Sorry, I saw you and I was across the street … I ran.

Sachi: I see. What's up?

Francesco: Do you have the tickets … for the play?

Sachi: No, I don't. I'm going to buy them this afternoon.

Francesco: Oh good, good. Listen, don't buy tickets for this Friday.

Sachi: Oh? Why not?

Francesco: I can't go to the theatre on Friday. Something's come up. I have a concert this Friday.

Sachi: Another concert? But you said …

Francesco: I know, I know. I'm sorry. I forgot.

Sachi: Francesco!

Francesco: How about next week? Are you free then? I can definitely go next Friday.

Sachi: Francesco. You did this two weeks ago, remember? I had cinema tickets for the new Marvel movie and you changed the plans then too. For band practice.

Francesco: I know, and I …

Sachi: We also missed my favourite dance group. Because your band was playing at some child's birthday party.

Francesco: It was my nephew's birthday …

Sachi: Ha!

Francesco: OK, why don't we go out for dinner before my concert? Then, next Friday we can go to the play.

Sachi: Oh …

Francesco: Come on, Sachi. Just this one more time.

Sachi: OK, but promise me next Friday. OK?

Francesco: I promise. I promise!

Discussion

Do you make lots of plans for your free time?

Download

Worksheet80.91 KB

Try another listening

Language level

A2 - Pre-intermediate

Topics

conversation

Do you need to improve your English listening skills?

Join thousands of learners from around the world who are improving their English listening skills with our online courses.

Find out more

I have several plans for my regular free time. Every day when I am off work, I want to attend Yoga class. I could have a deep relaxation during the class after a long working day, especially do a short meditation to free my mind. Every weekend, I'm happy to go to a make-up class. I feel more confidence and beautiful during the making-up although a little tried after class. While on holidays our family will drive to some scenic areas to breath some fresh air.

I do have plans but not all of them happened in real life ,circumstance do the job.

usually i device a lot of plans for me and my friend. every weekend i have new plans to make my friend very excited so the loves me. they wait me every weekend for the new plans.

I think arranging our time and making plans in advance, is essential for accomplishing our tasks and relaxing in our free time. Usually, I come up with a detailed plan for weekdays, I set my objectives and goals, deadlines, and reports that I have to prepare. Also during the week, I make a plan for the weekend, as everyone loves the weekend and wants to enjoy it. But usually, I don't prefer to make big plans in advance, like changing the job or traveling in different countries. The only plan I can make without a doubt is a vacation for the weekend.

Yes. I always have a detailed plan for every weekend. That can be shopping in the mall, going to play house with my daughter, driving to the countryside or having a barbecue in the garden.

thanks

Dear team From audio above: Francesco: I can't go to the theatre on Friday. Something's come up. 'Come up' its mean: to happen, usually unexpectedly. Is my opinion correct?? If he said: something will be happen. Is it unexpectedly or expectedly??? Thank you for your answer team.

Hi fahri, Yes, that's right. 'Something's come up' means it is something unexpected. It's a task or job I need to do instead of the original plan. For example, my boss has just asked me to do some urgent work, or someone in my family needs my help with something. You could say 'Something's happened' (using present perfect - the same tense as 'something's come up'). That's also unexpected, but it's a bit different. It implies it's something unfortunate or something I didn't want, such as an accident. I might say that if someone in my family has suddenly become ill, for example. Also, it might not be something you need to do instead of the originally planned activity, but something that simply stops you doing it (e.g. if my family member is ill, I'd be worried about them so I wouldn't be in the right mood to go out and enjoy a play). Does that make sense? Best wishes, Jonathan The LearnEnglish Team

Thank you very much sir. Your answer is very clear. Fantastic.

Changing plans

Preparation

Transcript

Task 1

Task 2

Discussion

Language level

Topics

Online courses