Cue Card

Describe a situation when you didn’t have enough time

You should say:

• When it was
• Where you were
• Who you were with
• What you were trying to finish
• And explain why you didn’t have enough time for it

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. Is time management important?
2. Do you think most people can manage their time well?
3. Do you think successful people have better time management skills than others?
4. What are some effective ways to manage time?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I was supposed to give a presentation to a potential investor for my startup, and I had exactly one hour to get from my apartment to the meeting location on the other side of town. Easy peasy, right? Wrong. I woke up late, and my cat decided to use my favorite shirt as a scratching post. I had to spend 20 minutes cleaning the stains, and by the time I was out the door, I was already running 15 minutes behind schedule.

I hailed a taxi, but of course, we got stuck in a jam on the highway. I was sweating bullets, watching the minutes tick away on my phone. I started thinking about all the what-ifs – what if I don't make it on time, what if the investor thinks I'm flaky, what if this is the end of my business before it even starts. My mind was racing, and my anxiety was through the roof.

But then I took a deep breath and remembered that I'm a master of improvisation. I called the investor and explained the situation, and to my surprise, she was super understanding. We rescheduled for the next day, and I arrived feeling refreshed and prepared. It was a close call, but I learned that sometimes, even when time is of the essence, a little bit of honesty and flexibility can go a long way.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

sweating bullets

to be extremely nervous or anxious about something

I was sweating bullets before my job interview

He was sweating bullets during the exam

master of improvisation

someone who is skilled at thinking and acting quickly in unexpected situations

She's a master of improvisation on stage

He's a master of improvisation in business meetings

Sample Part 3 Answers

Is time management important? I think time management is crucial in today's fast-paced world. When I didn't have enough time, I realized how much of a difference it made in my productivity and stress levels. For instance, I recall a project I was working on where I had to meet a tight deadline. I was so focused on getting everything done on time that I didn't take breaks, and I ended up burning out. If I had managed my time better, I could have avoided that exhaustion and delivered a better outcome. Now, I prioritize time management to maintain a healthy work-life balance and achieve my goals.

Do you think most people can manage their time well? Honestly, I don't think most people can manage their time effectively. We all have different priorities, habits, and distractions, which can hinder our ability to manage time well. I've seen friends and colleagues struggle with procrastination, social media, or email notifications, which can derail their focus and productivity. Even I struggle with time management sometimes, especially when faced with multiple tasks or unexpected interruptions. However, recognizing these challenges is the first step to improving our time management skills, and I believe that with practice and self-awareness, anyone can develop better habits.

Do you think successful people have better time management skills than others? I think successful people often have a better understanding of how to prioritize their time and energy. They tend to focus on high-impact activities, delegate tasks when possible, and minimize distractions. I've noticed that successful individuals often have a clear sense of purpose and goals, which helps them allocate their time more effectively. For example, I've read about entrepreneurs who wake up early to tackle their most important tasks before the day gets busy. By doing so, they set themselves up for success and make the most of their time. While anyone can develop good time management skills, successful people often have a head start in this area.

What are some effective ways to manage time? One strategy that works for me is the Pomodoro Technique. I break down large tasks into smaller chunks, and then work in focused 25-minute increments, followed by a 5-minute break. This technique helps me stay focused and avoid burnout. Another approach I find helpful is scheduling my day the night before. By planning out my tasks and allocating specific time slots for each activity, I can ensure that I'm making progress on my goals and avoid last-minute rushes. Additionally, I try to minimize multitasking, as it can decrease productivity and increase stress. By implementing these strategies, I've been able to manage my time more effectively and achieve a better work-life balance.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

burning out

to become extremely tired, either physically or mentally, due to prolonged stress or overwork

I've been burning out from working long hours without a break.

She's burning out from taking care of her family and working full-time.

fast-paced world

a world or environment that is constantly changing and moving quickly

We live in a fast-paced world where technology is constantly evolving.

The fast-paced world of finance requires quick decision-making and adaptability.

head start

an advantage or a lead over others, often due to a good start or preparation

She got a head start on her project by beginning early.

He had a head start in the competition due to his prior experience.