In the IELTS Speaking test, examiners look for various skills such as fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. One topic that frequently appears in speaking exams is describing a person who is good at managing time. This topic is quite common due to its relevance to everyday life and professional settings.
In this guide, we will explore different parts of the IELTS Speaking test, specifically focusing on how to describe a person who is excellent at managing their time. We will offer sample questions, model answers, and valuable tips to help you achieve a high band score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner will ask you general questions about yourself and a range of familiar topics. Here are some common questions and a model answer.
Example Question and Answer
Question: Do you think you manage your time well?
Answer: I believe I do manage my time quite effectively. I use a digital planner to schedule my tasks and set reminders for important deadlines. This helps me to stay organized and ensure that I don’t overlook any responsibilities. For instance, I allocate specific hours for studying, working, and leisure activities, which helps me maintain a good balance and avoid procrastination.
Part 2: Long Turn
In this part, you will be given a cue card and will have to speak for 1-2 minutes. Here is a model cue card and a sample answer.
Cue Card
Describe a person who is very good at managing time. You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What this person does to manage their time
- And explain why you think this person is very good at managing time.
Model Answer
The person I think is exceptionally good at managing time is my friend Sarah. She is a full-time medical student and also works part-time as a tutor. I got to know Sarah during our undergraduate years, and we have remained close friends ever since.
Sarah utilizes several strategies to manage her time efficiently. Firstly, she prioritizes her tasks by making a detailed to-do list every evening for the next day. This list includes both high-priority tasks and minor activities, ensuring that nothing gets overlooked. Secondly, she dedicates specific time blocks for different activities like study sessions, work hours, and leisure time. This kind of time-blocking helps her stay focused and avoid distractions.
Moreover, Sarah is also very disciplined about sticking to her schedule. For instance, she wakes up early every morning to exercise, which boosts her energy levels and keeps her motivated throughout the day. She also avoids spending excessive time on social media, which can be a significant time-waster.
I think Sarah is exceptionally good at managing time because she consistently meets her deadlines, excels academically, and maintains a healthy work-life balance. Her organized and disciplined approach to time management is truly inspiring and something I aspire to emulate.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this part, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic in Part 2.
Example Questions and Answers
Question: Why do some people struggle with time management?
Answer: Many people struggle with time management because of poor organizational skills and the inability to prioritize tasks. Distractions from digital devices and social media also play a significant role. Additionally, some individuals may lack motivation or procrastinate, making it difficult to stick to a schedule. For example, without a clear plan, people might spend too much time on unimportant activities, leading to stress and missed deadlines.
Question: How can good time management benefit individuals in their personal and professional lives?
Answer: Good time management can greatly benefit individuals by reducing stress, increasing productivity, and helping them meet their goals. In a professional context, managing time well can lead to better performance, career advancement, and job satisfaction. In personal life, it helps in maintaining a balance between work and leisure, building stronger relationships, and ensuring overall well-being. For instance, someone who manages their time well is likely to have more time for hobbies and social activities, contributing to a more fulfilling life.
Vocabulary and Phrases to Use
Here are some useful vocabulary and phrases that can help your response stand out:
- Digital planner: A tool to schedule and organize tasks electronically.
- Prioritize: To arrange tasks in order of importance.
- Time-blocking: Scheduling your day into blocks of time for specific tasks.
- Procrastination: Delaying or postponing tasks.
- Distractions: Things that draw one’s attention away from the task at hand.
- Work-life balance: Equally prioritizing the demands of one’s career and personal life.
Example Sentences
- “Using a digital planner allows me to keep track of all my tasks in one place, enhancing my efficiency.”
- “By prioritizing my assignments, I can ensure that the most critical tasks are completed first.”
- “I practice time-blocking to dedicate uninterrupted sessions to studying, making me more productive.”
- “Overcoming procrastination is crucial for managing time effectively and meeting deadlines.”
- “Minimizing distractions while working helps me to stay focused and deliver high-quality results.”
- “Maintaining a work-life balance is vital for mental well-being and avoiding burnout.”
Final Tips for High Scores
- Practice Regularly: The more you practice, the more confident you will become.
- Use Advanced Vocabulary: Incorporating high-level vocabulary and complex structures can boost your score.
- Stay Calm: Being nervous can hamper your fluency. Practice deep breathing before the exam to stay relaxed.
- Expand Answers: Always try to expand your answers with examples and explanations.
- Seek Feedback: Practice speaking with a teacher or a study partner and seek constructive feedback.
Achieving a high score in the IELTS Speaking test requires practice, a good grasp of vocabulary, and the ability to elaborate on answers. By incorporating these tips and strategies, you will be well-prepared to describe a person who is very good at managing time confidently and effectively.