The IELTS Speaking test is designed to assess your abilities in spoken English through a face-to-face interaction with an examiner. This part of the test is crucial as it evaluates your fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, accuracy, and pronunciation. “Describe a person who is good at time management” is a common topic in the IELTS Speaking test, which can appear in various parts of the test.
In this article, we will provide a sample structure to tackle this topic effectively. We will also discuss key elements that IELTS examiners focus on and include sample answers for practice.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Common Questions:
- Do you often manage your time well?
- How do you usually plan your day?
- Is being on time important to you?
Sample Question and Answer:
Q: Do you often manage your time well?
A: Yes, I believe I manage my time quite effectively. I use a combination of digital calendars and to-do lists to organize my tasks. This helps me ensure that I allocate sufficient time for both my work and leisure activities, thus maintaining a good balance.
Analysis:
- Fluency and Coherence: The response is well-structured and easy to follow.
- Lexical Resource: Use of phrases like “digital calendars,” “to-do lists,” and “allocate sufficient time” shows a good range of vocabulary.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The answer includes complex sentence structures and accurate grammar.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe a person you know who is very good at time management. You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What they do to manage their time
- And explain how you feel about this person’s time management skills
Sample Answer:
**A: One person who is excellent at time management is my colleague, Sarah. I have known Sarah for about three years, ever since we started working at the same company. Sarah is incredibly organized and punctual, qualities that I deeply admire and aspire to emulate.
Sarah uses a combination of digital tools and physical planners to structure her day. For instance, she has a meticulously detailed calendar where she blocks out time for meetings, project work, and even her personal hobbies. She also uses apps like Trello to manage her tasks and deadlines efficiently.
One thing that sets Sarah apart is her ability to prioritize her tasks. She employs the Eisenhower Matrix, which helps her decide what’s important and urgent versus what’s not. This ensures that she is always focused on what truly matters without getting bogged down by less critical tasks.
I am consistently amazed at how calm and collected Sarah remains despite her busy schedule. Her ability to manage her time effectively not only enhances her productivity but also inspires everyone around her. I’ve learned a lot from Sarah about the importance of time management and aim to incorporate some of her techniques into my own routine.**
eisenhower-matrix|time-management-matrix|An image of the Eisenhower Matrix, a time management tool used to prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance.
Analysis:
- Fluency and Coherence: The answer is logically structured and follows a clear progression.
- Lexical Resource: The use of terms such as “meticulously detailed calendar,” “Trello,” “Eisenhower Matrix,” and “prioritize” demonstrates a strong vocabulary.
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: The response showcases a variety of sentence structures and accurate grammar.
- Pronunciation: The delivery should be clear and natural, with appropriate stress and intonation.
Follow-up Questions:
- What are some benefits of good time management skills?
- How does poor time management affect one’s work and personal life?
- Do you think time management skills can be learned, or are they innate?
Sample Responses:
Q: What are some benefits of good time management skills?
A: Good time management skills lead to increased productivity and reduced stress. By organizing and prioritizing tasks effectively, one can ensure that deadlines are met and quality work is produced. Moreover, it allows for a better work-life balance, enabling individuals to enjoy their personal time without feeling overwhelmed.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Follow-up Discussion:
Q: How can time management skills impact one’s career success?
A: Time management skills are crucial for career success as they directly influence an individual’s productivity and reliability. Employers value employees who can manage their time efficiently because it leads to consistent high-quality work and timely project completions. Additionally, effective time management allows professionals to take on more responsibilities and excel in their roles, paving the way for career advancement.
Q: Are there any cultural differences in how time is managed?
A: Yes, cultural differences significantly influence time management practices. In some Western cultures, punctuality and strict adherence to schedules are highly valued. In contrast, in some Eastern cultures, there may be a more flexible approach to time, where relationships and processes might take precedence over strict scheduling. Understanding these cultural nuances is important, especially in a globalized work environment.
Analysis:
- Coherence and Cohesion: The answers are coherent with logical transitions between points.
- Lexical Resource: Usage of terms like “cultural differences,” “punctuality,” and “globalized work environment.”
- Grammatical Range and Accuracy: Accurate grammar with complex sentence structures.
Important Vocabulary and Structures
Vocabulary:
- Prioritize (verb) /praɪˈɒrɪˌtaɪz/: to arrange or deal with in order of importance.
- Example: “She always prioritizes her work to meet deadlines effectively.”
- Meticulously (adverb) /məˈtɪkjʊləsli/: in a way that shows great attention to detail.
- Example: “He plans his day meticulously to avoid any last-minute rush.”
- Eisenhower Matrix (noun phrase) /ˈaɪzənhɑʊər ˈmeɪtrɪks/: a tool to prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance.
Structures:
- Complex Sentences: “One thing that sets Sarah apart is her ability to prioritize her tasks.”
- Compound Sentences: “Good time management skills lead to increased productivity, and they also reduce stress.”
Examiner’s Tips
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice helps you become more comfortable and fluent in your speech.
- Feedback: Get feedback from teachers or peers to identify areas for improvement.
- Real-life Application: Try applying the vocabulary and structures in daily conversations to get more comfortable with them.
- Relax and Breathe: Stay calm during the test to think clearly and answer confidently.
By focusing on these strategies and using the provided sample answers as a guide, you can enhance your performance in the IELTS Speaking test and aim for a higher band score.