Picnic Plan

Learn how to discuss a picnic plan at the park. This lesson provides simple dialogues for talking about food, choosing a spot, and inviting a friend.

SpeakItGo• FEATURED• 4 min

BEGINNER

You:

Hi! Do you want to have a picnic today?

Friend:

Yes, that sounds fun! What should we bring?

You:

I can bring sandwiches and some juice.

Friend:

Great! I can bring some apples and cookies.

You:

Okay. Where should we go in the park?

Friend:

Let's find a spot under a big tree.

You:

Perfect. And we need a blanket.

Friend:

I have one in my bag. See you there!

You:

See you soon. Thanks for planning this!

Friend:

You're welcome! It will be a nice day.

Vocabulary

picnic

An outing where you eat a meal outdoors, often in a park.

Let's have a picnic in the park.
We packed a picnic basket.
The family is enjoying their picnic.

blanket

A large piece of cloth used for lying on the ground during a picnic.

We need a blanket for the picnic.
She spread the blanket on the grass.
I brought a warm blanket.

Grammar Tip: Using 'What should we...?'

The phrase 'What should we...?' is a perfect way to ask for a suggestion or make a plan together. It's a key phrase for collaborative activities.

Common Mistakes

❌ Asking 'What we bring?'

✅ Use the full question form: 'What should we bring?'

This is a simple grammatical rule. The helping verb 'should' is necessary to form the question correctly and makes it sound more natural.

❌ Not mentioning who brings what.

✅ Be specific about what you will bring and ask the other person what they can bring.

This makes the plan clear and avoids confusion. It's a simple way to show you are organized and polite.

Notes for Learners

Be ready to suggest a plan and a location.
Practice using phrases like 'Do you want to...?' and 'What should we...?'
Listen for the person's suggestions and respond with a simple answer.
Remember to say thank you at the end of the conversation.

INTERMEDIATE

You:

Hi! The weather is perfect for a picnic today. Are you up for it?

Friend:

Absolutely! I was hoping we could do something like that. What are you thinking of bringing?

You:

I was planning on making some chicken salad sandwiches and a fruit salad. How does that sound?

Friend:

That sounds delicious! I can bring some drinks and a dessert. I just baked some chocolate chip cookies.

You:

That's perfect. Do you have a favorite spot in the park?

Friend:

I was thinking we could go to the area by the lake. It's usually quiet there.

You:

That sounds great. It's a lot more relaxing than the main lawn. I'll bring a large blanket.

Friend:

Perfect. I'll be there in about half an hour. See you soon!

You:

Sounds good. Thanks for being so flexible.

Friend:

You too! See you in a bit.

Vocabulary

up for it

Willing to do or participate in something.

Are you up for a picnic?
I'm always up for a good movie.
He's not feeling well, so he's not up for a walk.

delicious

Having a very pleasant taste or smell.

That sounds delicious!
The cake was absolutely delicious.
The aroma of the delicious food filled the kitchen.

Grammar Tip: Using 'I was planning on...' for a proposal

The phrase 'I was planning on...' is a polite and effective way to propose a plan. It shows you have thought about the idea, but you are open to discussion.

Common Mistakes

❌ Using 'yes' instead of a more descriptive answer.

✅ Use a more engaging phrase like 'Absolutely! I was hoping we could do something like that.'

Giving a little more detail makes the conversation more natural and friendly. It shows a higher level of fluency than just saying 'yes.'

❌ Not knowing how to propose a specific food item.

✅ Know how to propose a specific food item with a phrase like 'I was planning on making...'

This shows you are thinking about the other person and the plan. It's a key part of collaboration and good manners.

Notes for Learners

Be ready to suggest specific food items and a location.
Practice using a conversational tag like 'How does that sound?' to engage the other person.
Listen for more specific questions and be prepared to give a detailed answer.
Remember to use more descriptive words like 'delicious' and 'relaxing.'

ADVANCED

You:

Good morning. I was just about to contact you. I was thinking of organizing a small picnic. Would that be something you'd be amenable to?

Friend:

That's a delightful idea. I'm certainly amenable. What sort of fare were you contemplating?

You:

I was considering a selection of charcuterie, cheeses, and artisanal bread. I'm happy to handle the procurement of those items.

Friend:

That's a superb selection. I could contribute a bottle of sparkling juice and perhaps some homemade pastries to complement your choices.

You:

That would be a welcome addition. As for the location, do you have a preference? I was thinking of a secluded area away from the main thoroughfare.

Friend:

I agree. The area near the creek is often less congested. It would offer a more serene ambiance. I'll bring the checkered blanket.

You:

Excellent. It's settled then. It's a pleasure to have a friend who is so willing to collaborate on these sorts of endeavors.

Friend:

Likewise. It's a wonderful way to enjoy the weekend. I'll see you later today.

You:

I look forward to it. Take care.

Friend:

You too. Goodbye.

Vocabulary

amenable

Willing to agree to something or be influenced by something.

Would that be something you'd be amenable to?
She was amenable to our suggestions.
He is a very amenable person.

contemplating

Thinking deeply about something.

What sort of fare were you contemplating?
She is contemplating a career change.
I'm contemplating my next move.

Grammar Tip: Using the phrase 'I was just about to...'

This phrase is a formal and very polite way to begin a request. It is more sophisticated and less demanding than 'Can you...?' and is perfect for professional or more detailed conversations, especially when you are ordering a specific or unusual item.

Common Mistakes

❌ Using simple language like 'What should we bring?'

✅ Use more advanced and formal phrases like 'What sort of fare were you contemplating?'

Advanced English is about choosing the right tone and vocabulary. Using words like 'fare' and 'contemplating' shows a high level of fluency and a precise understanding of the situation.

❌ Not providing a clear and specific plan.

✅ Provide a clear and specific plan, e.g., 'I was considering a selection of charcuterie, cheeses, and artisanal bread.'

This shows you are an informed person and helps the other person understand your request more quickly and professionally. It's a key part of advanced communication.

Notes for Learners

Open the conversation with a formal phrase like 'I was just about to contact you...'
Be ready to use and understand specific terms like 'amenable,' 'contemplating,' and 'artisanal.'
Acknowledge the person's help with a phrase like 'That's a delightful idea' and end the conversation professionally.
Remember that maintaining a calm and respectful demeanor is key, even when you are frustrated.