WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN SUMMER?
Hello, and welcome!
This is the third and last lesson in the ‘English Summer Vocabulary’ series.
You are going to learn how to talk about your favourite summer activities using simple vocabulary and detailed examples.
This will be done in 8 Steps. I recommend that you do 1 step at a time for better results.
Use a unilingual or bilingual dictionary to check the meaning of words that you don’t understand. Additionally, write down any useful information that you will find necessary to remember.
We can now start the lesson.
Here we go!
a) What Do You Like to Do in Summer (Step 1): What About Swimming?
There is nothing more satisfying than a deep plunge into the cold water of a swimming pool in summer. It’s so refreshing!
You can swim in the following places, among others:
- artificial or natural swimming pools
- clean and healthy ponds
- freshwater lakes that are safe to swim in
- seas
- oceans
Where do you like to swim?
Examples
- I usually go to our local swimming pool in summer. It’s not crowded and the staff are very friendly. The entry fee is reasonable as well. You have to a wear swimming cap though because they are very strict with health rules. You also have to take a shower before swimming. I think that this is a very good idea. The great thing is that they provide different types of swimming materials such as pull buoys or fins. However, you have to bring your own goggles for obvious reasons.
- Swimming in the lake is also one of my passions. I like the fact that you can just go there whenever you want. Afterwards, you can just lie on the beach on a towel and enjoy life!
- I don’t really like swimming in oceans or seas where the waves are too strong! I’m too scared to drown!
Your turn: Make 3 sentences using the vocabulary in the chart. You can make more sentences if you feel like it!
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Good job! I’m sure you enjoyed doing this.
Let’s move on to Step 2 now. We are going to talk about a huge summer favourite…Barbecuing, of course. Here we go!
b) What Do You Like to Do in Summer? (Step 2): How About Barbecuing?
In summer, gardens come alive with people and delicious smells of grilled meat or vegetables. You clearly see that everybody is having fun eating the food that they like and chatting with friends or relatives.
I prefer having the barbecue or braii in late afternoons. The weather is excellent then—it’s not too cold or too warm. I also like experiencing the setting of the sun. I just find the atmosphere lovely.
What do you like grilling?
- chicken?
- beef?
- sausages?
- fish?
- prawns?
- other types of seafood?
- broccoli?
- maize or corn?
- different types of peppers?
Let’s talk more about barbecuing.
Examples:
- I like grilling chicken on a charcoal grill. It’s really easy to light the fire and the embers don’t burn the food. It’s better to boil the chicken and season it first though before putting it on the grill. By the way, I don’t wear insulation gloves. Do you?
- There are a lot of mosquitoes during summer but that doesn’t keep us from barbecuing. We often have different types of meat to suit everybody’s taste. It’s so much fun!
- I usually clean the grill using steel wire but it’s much more practical to just use a cleaning brush.
Your turn: What can you say about your barbecuing experience? Make 3 sentences using some of the words above. If you feel inspired by this subject, you can make more!
***
Excellent! This made me so hungry ????????. I want to grab a bite but I can’t because I have to keep on creating this lesson. Anyway, how about moving on to Step 3? It’s what we need to do after all that partying, drinking and feasting! Let’s play basketball!
c) What Do You Like to Do in Summer? (Step 3): Playing Basketball?
I love basketball! It used to be my first passion in my teenage years. Time has now passed and I’m not that quick on my feet anymore but I still like shooting balls from time to time.
This is a sport that enables you to be creative and the stunts that excellent players do are just mind-blowing! I can watch a good basketball match every single day and never get bored.
What about you? Do you like playing or watching basketball? What are your favourite moves?
Below are some common ones:
- crossover dribble
- spin move
- In-and-out dribble
- hesitation dribble
- through the legs dribble
- behind the back dribble
If you already knew the above terms then it means that you are already a huge basketball fan or player.
So, let’s talk more about basketball then!
Examples:
- I don’t wear any headband when playing basketball but I find it rather cute and cool on other players.
- It’s often an exhilarating feeling to see your ball go through the hoop in a seamless way.
- Mouthguards are important when playing in a rough game. Otherwise, it’s always nice to wear a comfortable jersey and a pair of shorts that do not restrict your movements. Let’s not even talk about a pair of cool and expensive sneakers! Once you’re all dolled up like this you can conquer the rim and be on top of the world!
Your turn: Talk about your experience playing or watching basketball. What is it like? Create 3 sentences using some of the words above. As usual, you can create more if you still have your mojo!
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Wonderful! Let’s dribble our way to Step 4 then. We are taking it a notch higher. How about doing some hiking?
d) What Do You Like to Do in Summer? (Step 4): Is it Hiking?
I discovered hiking when I came to Europe. At first, I found it ridiculous to waste one’s energy climbing mountains without a purpose.
In Malawi, we go to the hills to fetch firewood or look for rare fruit. We just don’t go to the mountains for the sake of it!
It was thus very surprising for me to see people just walking, suffering and sweating for no reason at all. On top of that, they seemed to enjoy it!
After spending 20 years in Europe, I now understand why people do this:
- to admire nature
- for health and fitness reasons
- to be challenged
- for stunning mountaintop views
- to lose weight
Why don’t we talk more about hiking?
Examples:
- It’s just a great feeling to reach the top of the mountain when you have laboured all day long!
- Having an excellent pair of hiking boots and socks is essential for this sport to avoid blisters and falling.
- I usually carry a pair of binoculars when hiking so that I can enjoy the views even more! Sunglasses are usually not far off as well. I need to protect my eyes from sun rays!
Your turn: What is hiking like for you? Do you do it? Make 3 sentences to talk about this. Reach those creativity heights if you can !
You can use the following Adjectives to describe hiking if you want. Here they are: rewarding, difficult, convenient, adventurous, challenging, important, economical, healthy, crazy, ridiculous, exhilarating, exciting, painful, recreational, arduous, strenuous, dangerous, interminable, etc.
***
You sure did climb those heights! Well done! How about just relaxing now? Let’s walk slowly to Step 5.
e) What Do You Like to Do in Summer? (Step 5): Perhaps Just Relaxing?
In summer, we need to find time to rest and laze about. We deserve it, for sure. During the school year we work so hard so it’s good to recharge one’s batteries.
My favourite way of relaxing is just to lie on a reclining patio chair and read a good novel. I’m usually in the shade because my skin is dark already and I don’t want it to tan further.
I also have some kind of beverage to hydrate my body. The cool summer breeze is so refreshing in the morning or late afternoon.
There are more reasons why relaxing is important. Here they are:
- for health reasons
- to clear your head
- for stress relief
- to increase focus
Why don’t we talk about the different ways we can relax?
Examples:
- One of my favourite activities to do in summer is to sunbathe. I find this so soothing and besides I get a great body afterwards. What else can I ask for?
- I like listening to music or watching funny YouTube videos in order to relax. There is nothing better than this!
- Picnicking is another great way to relax with friends in summer. Just the thought of having a basketful of goodies makes my mouth water.
Your turn: What is your preferred way of relaxing in summer? Make 3 sentences to talk about this. You can use the vocabulary above for inspiration. Good luck!
***
Yeah, we are almost done! You are doing a very good job! Why not look at another relaxation that is one of my favourite? It’s reading of course!
f) What Do You Like to Do in Summer (Step 6): Could it Be Reading?
Last summer I rediscovered the pleasure of reading. This is just a fulfilling experience. Reading is an activity that I will never forfeit.
Summer holidays provide me with enough time to read a bunch of novels and get into other people’s worlds. This is just so informative and rewarding.
What about you? Do you like reading? What type of books do you like to read? Fiction? Non-fiction? Why do you read if you do so.
Below are a few reasons why you should be reading.
- building vocabulary
- improving communication skills
- stress reduction
- empathy development
- improving cognitive development
- stimulating imagination
- knowledge acquisition
Let’s talk more about reading below.
Examples:
- I started reading in primary school and I haven’t stopped ever since. Gosh, I just love this activity!
- When I read, I forget everything else. I just lie and get absorbed with other people’s stories.
- As a matter of fact, I love reading novels that are set in rural communities whether they are in North America, Asia, Europe or Africa. I just find village life so intriguing.
Your turn: What is your favourite book and why? Talk about your reading experiences by creating 3 sentences. Keep going, you are doing a great job!
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Amazing! Why don’t we do something different now? What about cycling?
g) What Do You Like to Do in Summer? (Step 7): Should I Guess That It’s Cycling?
I will always remember the first time I managed to remain steady on a two-wheeled bicycle. It was such an exhilarating experience! As the BMX bicycle moved forward, I could feel the cold breeze brush against my face and I couldn’t believe that I was finally doing it!
On top of that, I was very proud that I had managed to acquire such an amazing skill. Notwithstanding the fact the bicycle’s handle was broken and it belonged to my friend. More than six people were waiting for their turn but these minor details didn’t deter us from enjoying ourselves.
I still love cycling. In Europe, I’ve learnt to do more long-distance cycling. It’s tougher but it builds your will and muscles. Besides, you get a great body afterwards.
Do you like cycling? What is your favourite type of bicycle?
- mountain bike?
- BMX?
- folding bike?
- road bike?
- electric bike?
- tandem bike?
- hybrid bike?
- cyclocross bike?
- utility bike?
- cruiser?
- cargo or freight bike?
Let’s talk more about bicycles and cycling below.
Examples:
- I like cycling on flat ground because it’s easier. Cycling in hilly areas is a nightmare!
- Padded shorts are a blessing when cycling long-distance! I can’t imagine doing without them.
- It’s important to learn how to repair your own bicycle tyres. You never know when you might have a puncture. So I always carry a multitool, a few spare parts and a pump with me when I’m cycling.
Your turn: How is cycling like for you? Make 3 sentences using the vocabulary above. You can do it!
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Phenomenal! Let’s peddle our way to Step 8. What? Step 8 already! We did it!
h) What Do You Like to Do in Summer? (Step 8): Simply Travelling, If I’m Not Mistaken?
I find the term ‘travelling‘ very interesting. Oxford dictionary defines ‘travel’ as to go from one place to another, especially over a long distance.
In Europe, I have discovered the recreational type of travelling. People travel for ‘travelling’ sakes. In Malawi, you often travel to see your relatives in the village or for a job interview. It is not common for people to go from one place to another just for pleasure.
However, this is a great way of discovering new places and meeting new people.
So, what type of traveller are you? The European type or the Malawian type? Do you travel to…
- enjoy life?
- challenge yourself?
- see new places and faces?
- learn about what other cultures have?
- visit relatives or friends?
- work?
- study?
- have a change of scenery?
- relax?
Examples:
- I love travelling because it’s such an educational experience. There are so many things I would never have learnt if I had stayed in my country of origin. I always bring back many books in my suitcase or travelling bag because you can never have too many books;).
- Travelling is one of the best ways to improve your language skills. You get to talk to natives and hear first-class English, French, Chichewa or whatever language you are learning. Whenever I travel, on top of essentials such as my passport and hand sanitiser, I don’t forget to take a dictionary and a phrase book so that I can improve my language skills.
- I prefer to travel light because it’s cumbersome to lug a huge suitcase about. Therefore, I always have a medium-sized backpack, a separate toiletry bag and a banana bag for my money and papers.
Your turn: What do you like about travelling? Talk about your travelling experiences in 3 sentences. Be creative!
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Well, that was the last step. You did an excellent job! You’re now on your way to English stardom! Baby steps finally lead to huge leaps! Congratulations for coming this far!
Always remember to review your notes so that you can improve your English even more!
Happy holidays and take care!
Until next time!
Further Exploration:
Download worksheets:
- English Summer Vocabulary: Lesson 3-What Do You Like to Do in Summer? Learn English With Africa, June 2021.
- What Do You Like to Do in Summer, Learn English With Africa, June 2021
Read:
- English Summer Vocabulary: Lesson 2-Where Do You Usually Go in Summer? Learn English With Africa, June 2021.
- English Summer Vocabulary: Lesson 1-What Do You Like About Summer? Learn English With Africa, June 2021.
Watch: Short Story