The IELTS Speaking section is a key part of the IELTS test, aimed at assessing various aspects of a candidate’s spoken English skills. The Speaking test is divided into three parts: Part 1 (Introduction and Interview), Part 2 (Long Turn), and Part 3 (Two-way Discussion). To score high, you need to showcase fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, and accuracy. Questions on time management are quite popular, given their relevance to daily life and various professions.
In this article, we’ll explore the question “Describe A Person Who Is Very Good At Managing Their Time,” examining typical questions and providing sample answers designed to fetch high scores.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
Common Questions
- Do you think time management is important?
- How do you manage your time during the day?
- Do you sometimes find it difficult to manage your time?
Sample Answer
Question: Do you think time management is important?
Suggested Answer: Yes, I believe time management is extremely important. It allows you to allocate your time efficiently among different tasks, thus helping you to achieve your goals faster and reduce stress. For example, I often use a planner to keep track of my daily activities, which helps me stay organized and ensures that I meet deadlines.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a person you know who is very good at managing their time. You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What this person does to manage their time
- And explain how you feel about how this person manages their time.
Sample Answer
The person I admire for their exceptional time management skills is my colleague, Sarah. I have known Sarah for about five years, ever since we started working together at an advertising agency.
Sarah is incredibly organized and efficient in everything she does. She often starts her day with a well-structured to-do list and prioritizes her tasks according to their urgency and importance. One of the key strategies she employs is the Pomodoro Technique, which involves working for 25-minute intervals followed by a short break. This method increases her productivity and keeps her focused and motivated throughout the day.
Moreover, Sarah uses digital tools like Trello and Google Calendar to keep track of her projects and deadlines. She also sets aside specific times for checking and responding to emails, which prevents her from getting bogged down with constant notifications.
I feel immensely inspired by Sarah’s ability to multitask efficiently and still maintain a healthy work-life balance. Observing her has motivated me to adopt some of her time management techniques, and I have noticed a significant improvement in my own productivity.
Person managing their time using various tools
Follow-up Questions
- Do you think time management is a skill that can be learned?
- How can poor time management affect one’s life?
Suggested Answer: Yes, I believe time management is definitely a skill that can be learned and refined over time. It often involves trial and error and finding the strategies that work best for an individual. Poor time management can lead to increased stress, missed deadlines, and a decline in overall productivity. It can also impact personal life, leading to a lack of work-life balance.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner Questions and Suggested Answers
Examiner: How has the importance of time management changed over the years?
Candidate: The importance of time management has increased dramatically over the years, largely due to the fast-paced nature of modern life. With the rise of technology and the internet, individuals are now expected to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and respond to demands more quickly. Effective time management has become crucial in managing these increased responsibilities and avoiding burnout.
Examiner: Is it more important to manage your time at work or in your personal life?
Candidate: Both are equally important, although they may require different strategies. In a professional context, managing time effectively ensures productivity and meets organizational goals. In personal life, it fosters well-being and ensures that one has adequate time for family, hobbies, and self-care. Balancing both aspects is key to a fulfilling life.
Key Vocabulary and Structures for High Scores
Important Vocabulary
- Allocate /ˈæl.ə.keɪt/: to divide and give out (something) for a special reason or to particular people, companies, etc.
- Efficient /ɪˈfɪʃ.ənt/: capable of producing desired results without wasting materials, time, or energy.
- Prioritize /praɪˈɒr.ɪ.taɪz/: to organize (things) so that the most important thing is done or dealt with first.
- Pomodoro Technique: A time management method developed by Francesco Cirillo in the late 1980s.
- Multitask /ˌmʌl.tiˈtɑːsk/: to do several different things at the same time.
Useful Structures
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Gerunds and Infinitives:
- “To manage her time effectively, she starts her day with a well-structured to-do list.”
- “By using the Pomodoro Technique, she remains focused and motivated.”
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Complex Sentences:
- “Although managing time at work is important, allocating time for personal activities ensures a healthy work-life balance.”
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Passive Voice:
- “Time management skills can be learned and refined over time.”
Examples in Context
- “She often starts her day by allocating her time among various tasks.”
- “Using time management tools like a planner helps her remain efficient.”
- “She is highly organized because she consistently prioritizes her tasks.”
Conclusion
Effective preparation for the IELTS Speaking test requires a good understanding of the test format and the ability to articulate your thoughts clearly and coherently. By practicing responses to questions about time management, you can master the art of delivering compelling answers that will impress the examiner. Remember to incorporate a range of vocabulary, grammatical structures, and speak with confidence to achieve a high band score. For more practice, you can explore related topics like describing a person who is very good at planning and organizing or describing a situation when you were very busy.
Examiner’s Advice
To excel in the Speaking section of the IELTS test:
- Practice regularly: The more you practice, the better your fluency and coherence will become.
- Learn from feedback: Take note of feedback from your practice sessions to continuously improve.
- Expand your vocabulary: Use a variety of vocabulary and expressions to showcase your lexical resource.
- Stay calm and confident: Confidence can significantly enhance your performance.
Good luck with your IELTS preparation!