Time management is a crucial skill in today’s fast-paced world, and it’s no surprise that this topic frequently appears in IELTS Speaking exams. In this article, we’ll explore how to effectively describe a person with excellent time management skills, providing you with valuable insights to boost your IELTS Speaking score.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about time management. Here’s an example question with a suggested answer:

Q: How do you manage your time?

A: Well, I try to prioritize my tasks and use a digital calendar to keep track of my appointments and deadlines. I also find it helpful to break larger projects into smaller, manageable chunks and allocate specific time slots for each task. This approach helps me stay organized and ensures I make steady progress towards my goals.

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card related to time management:

Describe A Person You Know Who Has Great Time Management Skills
You should say:

• Who this person is
• How you know this person
• What they do
• And explain why you think this person has great time management skills

Band 6-7 Sample Answer:

The person I’d like to talk about is my college roommate, Sarah. I’ve known her for about three years now, since we started university together. Sarah is studying engineering, which is a demanding course, but she also manages to balance her studies with several extracurricular activities.

What impresses me most about Sarah’s time management skills is her ability to juggle multiple responsibilities without getting overwhelmed. She’s always punctual for classes and meetings, and she never misses deadlines. I’ve noticed that she uses a detailed planner to keep track of her assignments, project deadlines, and social commitments.

I think Sarah has great time management skills because she’s very disciplined and organized. She prioritizes her tasks effectively and seems to have a knack for estimating how long each task will take. Moreover, she’s not afraid to say no to activities that might interfere with her important commitments, which I believe is a crucial aspect of good time management.

Band 8-9 Sample Answer:

I’d like to describe my former colleague, David, who was a senior project manager at the software company where I worked as an intern. I had the privilege of observing David’s exceptional time management skills during my six-month internship.

David’s role involved overseeing multiple high-stakes projects simultaneously, each with its own set of deadlines, stakeholders, and potential obstacles. What struck me most about his approach was his impeccable ability to prioritize and delegate tasks. He seemed to have an innate sense of which activities would yield the most significant results, allowing him to allocate resources efficiently and maximize productivity across his teams.

One of David’s most impressive traits was his mastery of the Eisenhower Matrix, a time management tool that categorizes tasks based on their urgency and importance. He would systematically evaluate each task that came his way, swiftly determining whether it needed his immediate attention, could be scheduled for later, delegated to a team member, or eliminated entirely. This approach enabled him to maintain laser-like focus on the most critical aspects of each project while ensuring that no important details slipped through the cracks.

Moreover, David was a strong advocate for the Pomodoro Technique, which he had adapted to suit his work style. He would work in focused, 25-minute bursts, followed by short breaks, which allowed him to maintain high levels of concentration throughout the day without burning out. This disciplined approach to work helped him consistently meet or exceed project deadlines, often delivering results ahead of schedule.

I believe David’s exceptional time management skills stem from his combination of strategic thinking and practical implementation. He not only understood the theoretical aspects of time management but also consistently applied these principles in his daily work. His ability to remain calm under pressure and adapt his schedule when unexpected issues arose was truly remarkable. David’s approach to time management not only boosted his own productivity but also inspired and motivated his entire team to work more efficiently.

Follow-up Questions:

1. How did this person’s time management skills affect their work or personal life?
2. Have you learned any time management techniques from this person?

Sample answers:

Band 6-7:

1. Sarah’s excellent time management skills have had a positive impact on both her academic performance and personal life. She consistently achieves high grades while still having time for her hobbies and socializing with friends. This balance seems to make her less stressed and more content overall.

2. Yes, I’ve definitely picked up some useful techniques from Sarah. I’ve started using a digital calendar to keep track of my commitments, and I’m trying to break larger tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks like she does. These methods have helped me become more organized and productive.

Band 8-9:

1. David’s exceptional time management skills were instrumental in his professional success. His ability to consistently deliver projects on time and within budget led to his rapid promotion to senior management. Moreover, despite his demanding job, he maintained a healthy work-life balance, regularly making time for his family and personal interests. This holistic approach to time management contributed to his overall well-being and job satisfaction.

2. Absolutely. Observing David’s methods has been transformative for my own productivity. I’ve adopted his practice of ruthlessly prioritizing tasks using the Eisenhower Matrix, which has helped me focus on high-impact activities. Additionally, I’ve implemented a modified version of the Pomodoro Technique, which has significantly improved my concentration and output. Perhaps most importantly, I’ve learned the value of regularly reflecting on and refining my time management strategies to continually improve my efficiency.

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

Q: Do you think time management skills are becoming more important in modern society? Why or why not?

Band 6-7 Answer:
Yes, I believe time management skills are becoming increasingly important in modern society. With the fast-paced nature of our lives and the constant connectivity through technology, we often have to juggle multiple responsibilities at once. Good time management skills help people cope with stress and achieve a better work-life balance. Additionally, in many jobs, being able to meet deadlines and work efficiently is crucial for success.

Band 8-9 Answer:
Undoubtedly, time management skills are becoming increasingly critical in our modern, hyperconnected society. The proliferation of digital technologies has led to an unprecedented level of information overload and constant demands on our attention. Consequently, the ability to prioritize tasks, allocate resources effectively, and maintain focus amidst numerous distractions has become a valuable commodity in both personal and professional spheres.

In the workplace, the trend towards remote and flexible work arrangements has further emphasized the importance of self-discipline and effective time management. Employees are often expected to autonomously manage their workload and deliver results without constant supervision. Moreover, in a globally interconnected economy, the ability to coordinate across time zones and meet tight deadlines can be a significant competitive advantage.

On a personal level, the blurring of boundaries between work and personal life necessitates robust time management skills to maintain a healthy balance. The opportunity cost of poor time management has also increased, as there are now countless options competing for our limited time and attention. Thus, those who can master the art of time management are better positioned to achieve their goals, reduce stress, and lead more fulfilling lives in this increasingly complex world.

Person using time blocking technique on calendar

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Prioritize /praɪˈɒrətaɪz/ (verb): To arrange items or tasks in order of importance.
   Example: “I always prioritize my most challenging tasks for the morning when I’m most alert.”

2. Delegate /ˈdelɪɡeɪt/ (verb): To assign tasks or responsibilities to someone else.
   Example: “A good manager knows how to delegate tasks effectively to their team members.”

3. Time-blocking /taɪm blɒkɪŋ/ (noun): A time management method that divides the day into blocks of time, each dedicated to accomplishing a specific task or group of tasks.
   Example: “I use time-blocking to ensure I allocate sufficient time for each of my daily responsibilities.”

4. Eisenhower Matrix /ˈaɪzənhaʊə ˈmeɪtrɪks/ (noun): A time management tool that helps prioritize tasks based on their urgency and importance.
   Example: “By using the Eisenhower Matrix, I can quickly identify which tasks need my immediate attention.”

5. Pomodoro Technique /ˌpɒməˈdɔːrəʊ tekˈniːk/ (noun): A time management method that uses a timer to break work into intervals, traditionally 25 minutes in length, separated by short breaks.
   Example: “The Pomodoro Technique helps me maintain focus and avoid burnout during long work sessions.”

Person using Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize tasks

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when discussing time management:

1. Use a variety of vocabulary related to time management, including idiomatic expressions and technical terms.
2. Provide specific examples from your personal experience or observations to support your points.
3. Demonstrate critical thinking by discussing both the benefits and potential challenges of different time management approaches.
4. Use a range of grammatical structures, including complex sentences and conditional statements.
5. Practice fluency by speaking at a natural pace and using appropriate linking words to connect your ideas smoothly.

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, clarity, and coherence are just as important as vocabulary and grammar. Regular practice with a variety of topics will help you develop these skills and perform at your best on test day.

For more IELTS Speaking practice, you might want to describe a sport you would like to try or describe a time when you visited a park or garden. These topics can help you expand your vocabulary and improve your ability to describe experiences in detail.