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Conversation Intermediate · Module 19 · Unit 91

Time Management Techniques

B2 Intermediate

Learning Objectives

In today s lesson, you will talk about time management techniques and learn useful vocabulary that you can use in everyday life.

Discussion

Direction: Answer these questions.
  1. Do you feel like you have enough time in your day?
  2. What is your biggest distraction when you are working?
  3. Do you use a calendar or a to-do list to manage your tasks?

New Words & Expressions

Direction: Listen and repeat these words with your teacher.

  • Productivity

    noun

    /ˌprɒdʌkˈtɪvɪti/

    Meaning:The rate at which a person does work.

    Taking breaks can actually increase your productivity.

    Real Life Tip:

    A very common term in American workplace culture.

  • Deadline

    noun

    /ˈdedlaɪn/

    Meaning:The latest time or date by which something must be finished.

    I am stressed because I have a tight deadline.

    Real Life Tip:

    Essential vocabulary for school and professional settings.

  • Put off

    phrasal verb

    /pʊt ɔːf/

    Meaning:To delay doing something until a later time.

    Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today.

    Real Life Tip:

    Another way to say procrastinate.

  • Stay on top of

    phrasal verb

    /steɪ ɒn tɒp ɒv/

    Meaning:To manage your responsibilities well.

    I use an app to help me stay on top of my chores.

    Real Life Tip:

    Implies being in control of a situation.

  • Time is money

    idiom

    /taɪm ɪz ˈmʌni/

    Meaning:Time is a valuable resource that should not be wasted.

    Let us start the meeting, remember that time is money.

    Real Life Tip:

    Reflects the fast-paced American approach to work.

  • Crunch time

    slang

    /krʌntʃ taɪm/

    Meaning:A period of high pressure near a deadline.

    It is crunch time for my final project.

    Real Life Tip:

    Used when the pressure is really on.

Conversation

Direction:

  • Listen carefully as your teacher reads the conversation aloud.
  • Role-play the conversation with your teacher
James and Sarah are at home discussing how to finish their weekly tasks.
  • James
    I feel like my productivity is really low today.
  • Sarah
    Maybe you are trying to put off your hardest task.
  • James
    You are right. I am dreading the deadline for this report.

Q&A

Direction: Answer the questions based on the conversation.
  1. Why is James struggling with his productivity?
  2. What is the idiom Sarah uses to motivate James?
  3. How does Sarah suggest James stay on top of his tasks?

Exercise

Direction: Choose the correct answer to complete each sentence, then read it aloud. Each question gives you 5 Points.

  1. What is a deadline?

  2. What does put off mean?

  3. I need to ____ on top of my homework.

  4. We are in ____ time right now.

  5. is / money / time

  6. is / low / my / productivity

Ask Your Teacher

Direction: Ask your teacher these questions.
  1. What do you do when you are in crunch time?
  2. Why do people put off important tasks?
  3. How do you stay on top of your daily schedule?

Your Time To Speak

Direction: Answer using the language you have learned in this lesson. Talk about yourself!
  1. What is your productivity level today?
  2. Do you have a deadline this week?
  3. Why is time money?
  4. What do you put off?
  5. Do you stay on top of emails?
  6. Is it crunch time at work?
  7. Do you use a calendar?
  8. How do you relax?
  9. Are you busy?
  10. Do you like to plan ahead?
Sarah
Well, remember that time is money, so let us get to it.
  • James
    It is definitely crunch time for me.
  • Sarah
    Just focus. If you plan, you can stay on top of everything.
  • James
    Thanks, Sarah. You always help me get organized.
  • Sarah
    That is what friends are for!