As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I often get asked by my students how to tackle questions about personal time in the IELTS Speaking test. It’s a common topic, and rightfully so! Being able to articulate how you manage your time effectively demonstrates valuable language and communication skills. So, let’s break down why this question appears, how to formulate a strong response, and look at some practical examples.
Understanding the “Time for Yourself” Question
The IELTS Speaking test aims to assess your fluency, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. Questions like “Do you think you have much time for yourself?” are designed to evaluate your ability to:
- Discuss abstract topics: Time management and personal well-being are considered abstract themes.
- Use a range of vocabulary: You can showcase your vocabulary related to hobbies, routines, work-life balance, and more.
- Express opinions and provide reasons: You’ll need to articulate your perspective clearly and support it with examples.
Crafting Your Response
Here’s a step-by-step approach to structure your answer:
1. Directly Address the Question:
- “Yes, I’d say I have a decent amount of time for myself…”
- “Actually, finding time for myself can be a bit of a challenge…”
2. Explain Your Situation:
- Briefly mention your work, studies, or family commitments to provide context.
- “As a student, my schedule is quite demanding…”
- “I work full-time, so my weekdays tend to be quite structured…”
3. Highlight How You Create Time (or Challenges You Face):
- If you have time: “I make a conscious effort to schedule in some ‘me time’ each day, even if it’s just for 30 minutes…”
- If you lack time: “I’m trying to find a better balance. Perhaps I could benefit from…”
- Mention specific activities: reading, exercising, meeting friends, pursuing hobbies
4. Provide Examples:
- “For example, I always make sure to wake up an hour earlier than necessary so I can enjoy a cup of coffee and read the news before the day gets going.”
- “On weekends, I try to completely disconnect from work and spend quality time with my family and friends.”
5. Summarize and Transition (Optional):
- “Overall, while it’s not always easy, I do believe it’s important to prioritize my well-being by making time for myself.”
- “This is something I’m actively working on improving.”
IELTS Speaking Test Scenarios
Sample IELTS Speaking Test Scenarios
Examiner: “Do you think you have much time for yourself?”
Candidate 1: “Actually, as a working parent, finding time for myself can be tricky. I have a demanding job and two young children who keep me very busy. However, I do try to carve out some time in the evenings, once the children are asleep, to relax and unwind. I might read a book, watch a movie, or even just have a long bath. It’s important for me to have that time to de-stress and recharge.”
Candidate 2: “Yes, I’m fortunate to have a good work-life balance at the moment. I finish work at a reasonable hour and don’t usually have to work overtime. This allows me to dedicate time to my hobbies, such as playing tennis and learning photography. I find these activities to be a great way to relax and de-stress.”
Tips for Success
- Be Authentic: Speak honestly about your situation. The examiner is assessing your language skills, not your lifestyle choices.
- Use a Variety of Vocabulary: Avoid repeating the same words and phrases. Use synonyms and descriptive language.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Rehearse answering this question and similar ones about your daily routine and hobbies.
Remember, confidence is key! The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll feel discussing this topic during your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck!