Describe a way/change that helps you save a lot of time: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

How is it?
How do you implement it?
How difficult is it?
And explain how you feel about the way/change.

62 unique answers with expert feedback

What types of meals do you find easiest to prepare in bulk?

I find that dishes like pasta, stir fries, and soups are the easiest to prepare in bulk. They can be cooked in large quantities and stored easily. Plus, they reheat well, which makes them perfect for quick meals during the week.

How has meal prepping affected your eating habits?

Meal prepping has significantly improved my eating habits. I tend to eat healthier because I plan nutritious meals in advance. It also prevents me from resorting to unhealthy takeout options when I'm busy or tired.

What challenges did you face when you started meal prepping?

Initially, I struggled with cooking multiple meals at once and estimating the right quantities. It took a few tries to find a system that worked for me, but now it's a smooth process that I enjoy.

Band 6-7

00:00

In today's fast-paced world, managing time effectively is crucial for productivity, efficiency and overall well-being. One significant change that has helped me save a tremendous amount of time is embracing technology, especially task management tools and apps. Prior to adopting these tools, I relied on traditional methods like paper planners, sticky notes and mental reminders. While these methods worked to some extent, they were often cumbersome, disorganized and prone to errors. I would spend hours each week planning, organizing and rearranging my tasks, which took away from the time I could dedicate to actual work. By implementing such tools in my life, like setting reminders and notifications, collaborate with others where I can share tasks, projects and calendars with colleagues, family, friends, making teamwork and coordination seamless, and to centralize my tasks, all my tasks, reminders and deadlines are now in one place, easily accessible and organized. By doing all these, I have been able to save a significant amount of time each week, according to my estimates. I have reduced my planning and organization time by at least 50%. This saved time is now allocated to more important tasks, such as learning new skills, working on certain projects or simply enjoying quality time with my loved ones.

Follow up questions

What specific task management tools do you use?

I primarily use tools like Trello and Todoist. Trello helps me visualize projects with boards, while Todoist allows me to create detailed task lists with deadlines and priorities. Both have mobile apps, making it easy to access my tasks on the go.

How did you feel before using these tools?

Before using these tools, I often felt overwhelmed and stressed. My traditional methods led to confusion and missed deadlines. It was frustrating to constantly rearrange tasks, which made me less productive and more anxious about my workload.

Have you shared these tools with others?

Yes, I have shared these tools with my colleagues and family. We collaborate on projects using shared boards in Trello, which enhances teamwork. I've also encouraged friends to use task management apps, and many have found them beneficial for their own organization.

Band 6-7

00:00

In today's era, where the information technology has boomed quite a lot, it is quite imperative to understand the nuances of using the internet properly. So I have made a conscious effort to understand the tricks that are involved in operating the internet. The various resources are available online, as well as there are short-term professional courses which enable us to fulfill this intention of ours. This using internet can save us a lot of time, energy, as well as hard-earned money, so that it is quite beneficial. Various ways in which internet can be useful are booking a train ticket or a travel or airline ticket if you have to go somewhere, booking a movie ticket, etc. For example, if we have to earlier book a train ticket, we need to go to the train station, fill out the form, stand in queue, also pay for the conveyance expenses, which can now be avoided. We can just buy a few clicks, we can book the train ticket, which saves us an enormous amount of time and also gives us lots of comfort and conveniences. Similarly, it is with the other services that internet provides. For example, if we need to book a movie ticket, we can do it online rather than visiting there and booking it offline, which helps us to obtain the confirmed seat as well as the necessity to stand in queues. So, I guess the ability to operate internet.

Follow up questions

What other online services do you find helpful for saving time?

In addition to booking tickets, I find online grocery shopping and food delivery services very helpful. They allow me to order essentials without leaving my home, saving me time that I can use for other activities or work.

How has the internet changed the way people communicate?

The internet has revolutionized communication by enabling instant messaging, video calls, and social media. This allows people to connect with friends and family across the globe in real-time, making communication much more efficient and accessible.

Do you think there are any downsides to relying on the internet for convenience?

Yes, while the internet offers great convenience, it can lead to issues like reduced face-to-face interactions and potential privacy concerns. Over-reliance on technology may also result in a lack of essential skills, such as navigation or interpersonal communication.

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Band 6-7

00:00

The change that helps me save a lot of time is planning the task ahead at the start of the day. It helps me keep track of the task throughout the day and be focused within the time allotted for the task. And discipline helps me to navigate the task well and being consistent saves me a lot of time and it keeps me efficient and complete. So through these three things, discipline, planning, consistency, I am able to complete the task efficiently in a day. Moreover, it makes me feel good if I am able to complete more number of tasks planned which makes me do the tasks of next day much better than I have done currently the previous day. So it helps me to, it motivates me to improve on doing that task much better and being more efficient throughout the day. So this is how, this is one of the one change that helped me a lot to save a lot of time that is recent past. And I keep working on my discipline and my efficiency. Yep, that's it.

Follow up questions

How do you prioritize your tasks when planning your day?

I usually prioritize my tasks based on their deadlines and importance. I make a list and rank them, focusing on high-priority tasks first. This way, I ensure that I tackle the most critical tasks when my energy levels are high.

Can you share a specific example of a task you planned effectively?

Sure! Last week, I had a project due and several meetings. I planned my day by allocating specific time slots for each task, including breaks. This helped me finish the project ahead of time and attend all meetings without feeling rushed.

What challenges do you face in maintaining discipline and consistency?

Sometimes, distractions can disrupt my focus, like social media or unexpected tasks. To combat this, I set specific times for breaks and use apps to limit distractions. It’s a continuous effort to stay disciplined, but I find it rewarding.

Band 6-7

00:00

Hello, this is Yashvi and I have been born with a condition of getting late all the time. All my life I have usually been late to parties, social gatherings and every place that I was wanted at and it really was pushing me to think that this is not how I want to pursue my life and it really needed change. So there were a few ways which helped me shape myself as a person to not get late and value other people's time as well. So first of all I start, the first thing that I did was I changed the timings of all my clocks and watches to 15 minutes earlier so that I always have that extra buffer amount of time whenever I need it. The other thing that I usually do is decluttering and delegating. So I think decluttering my stuff has helped me a lot because whenever I am in rush, my mind automatically freezes and I am in a pit stop where I cannot do anything. So decluttering has helped me and delegating work if I am running late, asking people for help is not a bad thing if you are doing it right. So I really think that decluttering and delegating things also helps you save a lot of time. Thank you so much.

Follow up questions

How did changing the clocks help you manage your time better?

Changing the clocks to 15 minutes earlier created a mental buffer for me. It made me feel less rushed and allowed me to plan my activities better, ensuring I arrive on time without the stress of being late.

Can you share more about how decluttering impacts your daily routine?

Decluttering has significantly improved my focus and efficiency. When my space is organized, I can find things quickly, which reduces the time I spend searching for items and helps me stay on track with my schedule.

What strategies do you use to delegate tasks effectively?

I prioritize tasks and identify what I can delegate to others. I communicate clearly about what I need help with and trust my team to handle those responsibilities, which frees up my time for more important tasks.

Show all 62 answers

Cue 1:How is it?

Begin by describing the specific way or change that helps you save time.
Mention the context in which you use this method or change.

Example

One significant change that has helped me save a lot of time is using a digital planner instead of a traditional paper diary. I started using it about a year ago, and it has transformed how I manage my daily tasks and appointments.

Cue 2:How do you implement it?

Explain the steps you take to use this method effectively.
Share any tools or apps you use to make this process easier.

Example

I implement this by setting aside a few minutes each morning to plan my day. I use an app called Todoist, where I list all my tasks and set reminders. This way, I can prioritize my work and ensure I don’t forget important deadlines.

Cue 3:How difficult is it?

Discuss any challenges you faced when adopting this change.
Explain how you overcame those challenges.

Example

Initially, I found it a bit challenging to switch from paper to digital. I was worried about losing my data or not being able to access it when needed. However, I overcame this by regularly backing up my planner and learning more about the app's features through online tutorials.

Cue 4:And explain how you feel about the way/change.

Share your feelings about the effectiveness of this change.
Mention any positive impacts it has had on your life.

Example

I feel incredibly positive about this change. It has not only saved me time but also reduced my stress levels. I can now focus more on my work and personal life without the constant worry of forgetting tasks. Overall, it has made me more organized and productive.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, switching to a digital planner has been a game-changer for me. It has streamlined my daily routine and allowed me to manage my time more effectively, which is essential in today’s fast-paced world.

Following this structure will ensure you cover all the essential points while providing a clear and engaging response to the cue card topic.

Tips to answer this Cue Card

1: Vague Descriptions

Using vague language can make your answer unclear. It's important to provide specific details about the way or change you are describing to engage the listener.

Tip

Use clear examples and specific details to illustrate your points. For instance, mention a particular app or method you use to save time.

2: Ignoring Implementation Steps

Failing to explain how you implement the change can leave your answer incomplete. It's crucial to show the process behind your time-saving method.

Tip

Break down the steps you take to implement the change. Describe your routine or the tools you use to make it effective.

Neglecting Personal Feelings

Not sharing your feelings about the change can make your response less engaging. Personal reflections add depth and interest to your answer.

Tip

Include your emotions or thoughts about the change. Explain how it has positively impacted your life or made you feel more productive.

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