Speaking vocabulary
Time management
Use these expressions to speak more precisely about time management. Learn the meaning from context, then make your own example rather than memorising a complete answer.
Original practice material · Draft: editorial review pending
prioritise important tasks
- Meaning: give the most necessary jobs attention first.
- Example: I prioritise important tasks before checking messages.
- Context: time management. Use the phrase to describe.
- Use “prioritise important tasks” naturally in one sentence about time management.
- Check the words around the phrase in the example; change pronouns and verb forms to fit your sentence.
set a deadline
- Meaning: choose the latest time when something must be finished.
- Example: We set a deadline of Friday for the first draft.
- Context: time management. Use the phrase to explain.
- Use “set a deadline” naturally in one sentence about time management.
- Check the words around the phrase in the example; change pronouns and verb forms to fit your sentence.
leave a buffer
- Meaning: keep extra time or resources for unexpected needs.
- Example: We leave a buffer between appointments.
- Context: time management. Use the phrase to compare.
- Use “leave a buffer” naturally in one sentence about time management.
- Check the words around the phrase in the example; change pronouns and verb forms to fit your sentence.
avoid multitasking
- Meaning: do one task at a time instead of several together.
- Example: I avoid multitasking when I need to concentrate.
- Context: time management. Use the phrase to give an example.
- Use “avoid multitasking” naturally in one sentence about time management.
- Check the words around the phrase in the example; change pronouns and verb forms to fit your sentence.
break a task down
- Meaning: divide a job into smaller parts.
- Example: I break a task down when it feels overwhelming.
- Context: time management. Use the phrase to qualify an opinion.
- Use “break a task down” naturally in one sentence about time management.
- Check the words around the phrase in the example; change pronouns and verb forms to fit your sentence.
review my progress
- Meaning: look back at how much I have improved or completed.
- Example: I review my progress at the end of the week.
- Context: time management. Use the phrase to discuss effects.
- Use “review my progress” naturally in one sentence about time management.
- Check the words around the phrase in the example; change pronouns and verb forms to fit your sentence.
Practise your answer
Use the existing speaking practice tools, or type instead. This is practice feedback, not an IELTS band score.
up to 45 seconds practice.