A Time You Were Very Busy

🗂️ Part 2 – Cue Card

🗣️ Sample Answer

One time I was extremely busy was during my final exams at university, especially in my last semester. It happened a few months ago, when I had to prepare for multiple exams, submit projects, and also complete an internship report. Everything was scheduled around the same two weeks, and I felt like I didn’t even have time to breathe.

My day started early, usually around 6 a.m., and ended late at night. I made a detailed timetable and followed it strictly. I allocated time slots for studying different subjects, editing my assignments, and preparing for presentations. I even limited my social media usage and didn’t attend any social gatherings during that period. It was mentally and physically exhausting, but I stayed motivated by reminding myself that it was temporary.

What helped me most was prioritising tasks and taking short breaks to stay fresh. I also kept healthy snacks on hand and tried to get at least six hours of sleep a night. After finishing everything on time and getting good grades, I felt incredibly proud and relieved. That experience taught me the power of time management and discipline, especially under pressure.

🔁 Part 3: Follow-Up Questions

1. Do you think it’s good to be busy?
Being busy can be productive if it’s balanced with rest. It helps people stay focused and achieve their goals. However, being overly busy without breaks can lead to burnout and stress.

2. Why do some people always seem busy?
Some people have demanding jobs or multiple responsibilities, such as family, studies, and work. Others may struggle with time management or say “yes” to too many commitments. It’s also a cultural thing in some places, where being busy is seen as a sign of success.

3. Is being busy the same as being productive?
Not necessarily. Someone can be busy doing tasks that don’t lead to meaningful results. Productivity is about completing important tasks efficiently, not just staying occupied.

4. How can people better manage a busy schedule?
They can use tools like planners or digital calendars to organise tasks. Setting priorities, avoiding procrastination, and learning to say no are also helpful. Taking short breaks and staying healthy improves focus too.

5. Do people in your country have a busy lifestyle?
Yes, especially in urban areas where people often work long hours and deal with traffic. Students and professionals have packed schedules. However, people are becoming more aware of the need for balance.

6. What are the negative effects of being too busy?
Being overly busy can lead to anxiety, sleep problems, and poor health. It can also harm personal relationships and reduce overall happiness. Over time, people may feel burned out and unfulfilled.

7. Can technology help people manage their time?
Definitely. Apps for scheduling, reminders, and note-taking help people stay organised. However, excessive screen time can also be a distraction if not managed effectively.

8. Why is time management important for students?
Students have to juggle classes, assignments, and sometimes part-time jobs. Good time management helps them avoid stress and perform better academically. It also prepares them for future responsibilities.

9. Is multitasking a good way to handle being busy?
Multitasking can sometimes save time, but often it reduces the quality of work. It’s better to focus on one task at a time to avoid mistakes. Some tasks, like listening to a podcast while exercising, work well together though.

10. Should children be taught how to manage time?
Yes, starting young helps children build habits of responsibility and planning. They can learn to balance schoolwork, hobbies, and rest. These skills are useful throughout life.

Top 10 Topic Vocabulary – A Time You Were Very Busy