Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“Time Wasting” ESL Discussion Questions

I. Understanding Time-Wasting
1. What does it mean to waste time?
2. Why do people procrastinate?
3. Can taking a break be considered wasting time?
4. How do you know if you are wasting time?
5. Is watching TV always a waste of time?

II. Time-Wasting Habits
6. What are some common time-wasting habits?
7. How does social media contribute to wasting time?
8. Why do some people spend too much time sleeping?
9. Can being organized help you waste less time?
10. How can multitasking lead to wasting time?

III. Identifying Time Wasters
11. What activities do not add value to your day?
12. How can you tell if a meeting is not productive?
13. Why is it important to set priorities?
14. Can certain hobbies be a waste of time?
15. How does not setting goals lead to wasting time?

IV. Effects of Wasting Time
16. What happens if you waste too much time?
17. How does wasting time affect your work?
18. Can wasting time lead to stress?
19. What are the consequences of not managing time well?
20. How does time-wasting impact relationships?

V. Managing Time Efficiently
21. What is time management?
22. Can making a to-do list help you save time?
23. Why is it important to have a daily routine?
24. How does setting a timer help with time management?
25. What is the Pomodoro Technique?

VI. Overcoming Time-Wasting
26. How can you avoid distractions?
27. Why is setting deadlines important?
28. How can you stay focused on tasks?
29. What can you do to stop procrastinating?
30. How can you be more disciplined with your time?

VII. Time-Wasting at Work
31. What are some time-wasting activities at work?
32. How can you deal with time-wasting co-workers?
33. Why is it important to take breaks at work?
34. How can meetings be made more efficient?
35. What is the role of delegation in saving time?

VIII. Technology and Time-Wasting
36. Can technology both save and waste time?
37. How does checking emails frequently waste time?
38. What are some time-saving apps?
39. How can you control your use of technology?
40. Is gaming a waste of time?

IX. Self-Reflection on Time Usage
41. How can you assess your time usage?
42. Why should you reflect on your daily activities?
43. How does keeping a journal help with time management?
44. What is the importance of setting life goals?
45. How can you improve your daily habits?

X. Time-Wasting in Personal Life
46. Can too much socializing be a waste of time?
47. Why is it important to have personal time?
48. How can you balance leisure and productivity?
49. Is there a benefit to sometimes doing nothing?
50. How can you make your hobbies more meaningful?

XI. Learning from Time-Wasting
51. What can you learn from periods of time-wasting?
52. How can failure help you manage time better?
53. Can you turn time-wasting experiences into opportunities?
54. How does understanding your values help save time?
55. What is the importance of saying no?

XII. Mindfulness and Time
56. What is mindfulness?
57. How does being mindful help you not waste time?
58. Can meditation improve your time management?
59. Why is living in the moment not wasting time?
60. How can you practice mindfulness daily?