Time

Management
Activity 1: Warm-up Questions

Read and answer the following questions. If possible, discuss them with a partner.

1. How would you explain what time management is?

2. Do you think you’re good at managing your time?

3. In your opinion, what’s the best technique for time management? Do you think you’ll
change your mind after reading the article?

Activity 2: Reading Comprehension

Read the following article about time management, paying attention to the missing
headings, and answer the following question: does the text imply that people need to work
more in order to achieve greater things?

We all have the same 24 hours in a day, but some people seem to achieve more than others.
The key to their success is good time management. Those who are more productive often
allocate their time to various tasks and projects efficiently and effectively. In other words,
they organise and plan their time in a way that allows them to get more done by working
smarter, not necessarily harder.

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 Time Management

Here are some techniques to improve your time management skills:

1.

Having a set routine can help ensure that you're making the most of your day and not
wasting time deciding what to do next. Multitasking is generally less efficient than focusing
on one task at a time. In fact, one study found that only 2.5 percent of people can multitask
effectively. Doing too many things at once can reduce your cognitive ability, making you feel
unproductive or dissatisfied with your progress. Arranging your time so that you complete
one task before starting another can help you make the most of your time.

2.

Set goals that provide clear direction and make tasks more manageable. Consider your
long- and short-term goals for your career and personal development. Make sure the goals
are SMART: specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely. What will it take to achieve
them? How can you manage your time to maximise your productivity? Differentiate between
what's important and urgent versus what's not. Focus on tasks that are both important and
urgent first, to make sure nothing essential gets left behind.

3.

Maintaining focus is essential to complete tasks efficiently. Create an environment free

of unnecessary distractions. This might include setting boundaries with colleagues, using
‘do not disturb’ modes on electronic devices, and committing to a single task rather than
multitasking. It's also beneficial to understand your peak productivity times during the day
and schedule challenging tasks accordingly, exploiting your fullest potential!

All in all, effective time management

isn't merely about productivity; it's
about achieving tasks efficiently
and finding satisfaction in our
daily pursuits. By prioritising,
setting SMART goals, and reducing
distractions, individuals can
enhance their effectiveness and
take control of their responsibilities.
These strategies not only optimise
productivity but also foster a sense of
accomplishment and overall purpose.
By mastering these techniques,
everyone can improve their time
management skills and achieve
greater success in their personal and
professional lives!

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 Time Management

Activity 3: Missing Headings

Read the text again and match the following headings with the correct paragraph.

• Minimise Distractions

• Establish Goals and Priorities

• Scheduling

Activity 4: Key Vocabulary

Match the vocabulary in bold from the text with the correct definition. Use the base form of
the verbs if necessary.

1. Used to talk about things that don’t last long 

2. To be dedicated entirely to something 

3. To successfully make something happen, or reach a


desired objective or result through effort, skill, or courage

4. The action of seeking to be successful at something


(especially said of goals) over a long period of time

5. To organise or distribute something (like time, money, or


duties) for a certain purpose

6. To deal with more than one task at a time 

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so we try to keep these resources as general as possible.
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Activity 5: True or False?

Read each of the following statements carefully. Based on the reading comprehension text
about time management, decide whether each statement is true or false. Mark your answer
accordingly.

T F

1. Multitasking is generally more effective than focusing on one task at a time.

2. Only a small percentage of people can multitask effectively.

3. Setting boundaries with colleagues can help maintain focus.

4. Creating a set routine can lead to monotony and decreased productivity.

5. It's counterproductive to know your peak productivity times.

6. Time management strategies can contribute to a feeling of purpose.

Activity 6: Rewriting the Conclusion

Read the last paragraph again. Have you noticed how it carefully summarises the main
points from the article before drawing conclusions?
Now rewrite the conclusion in your own words, keeping the original structure.

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 Time Management

Answers
Activity 1

Students’ own answers

Activity 2

No, it doesn’t. The answer can be found in the following lines: “...they organise and plan their
time in a way that allows them to get more done by working smarter, not necessarily harder.”

Activity 3

1. Scheduling

2. Establish Goals and Priorities

3. Minimise Distractions

Activity 4

1. Used to talk about things that don’t last long short-term

2. To be dedicated entirely to something commit

3. To successfully make something happen, or reach a desired objective or

achieve
result through effort, skill, or courage

4. The action of seeking to be successful at something (especially said of

pursuit
goals) over a long period of time

5. To organise or distribute something (like time, money, or duties) for a

allocate
certain purpose

6. To deal with more than one task at a time multitask

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Activity 5
T F

1. Multitasking is generally more effective than focusing on one task at a time. 

2. Only a small percentage of people can multitask effectively. 

3. Setting boundaries with colleagues can help maintain focus. 

4. Creating a set routine can lead to monotony and decreased productivity. 

5. It's counterproductive to know your peak productivity times. 

6. Time management strategies can contribute to a feeling of purpose. 

Activity 6

Students’ own answers

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