Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

“Time Management” ESL Discussion Questions

I. Setting Priorities
1. What is your top priority in life?
2. How do you choose your daily priorities?
3. Can you list your priorities from most to least important?
4. How do you balance work and personal priorities?
5. What happens when priorities change suddenly?

II. Goal Setting
6. What goals have you set for yourself this year?
7. How do you set achievable goals?
8. How do you break large goals into smaller tasks?
9. Do you set deadlines for your goals?
10. What helps you stay motivated to reach your goals?

III. Time Management Techniques
11. What is your favorite time management technique?
12. How do you use a to-do list effectively?
13. Have you tried the Pomodoro Technique? Why or why not?
14. How do you prioritize tasks using the Eisenhower Matrix?
15. Do you use any apps or tools for time management?

IV. Procrastination
16. What tasks do you often procrastinate on?
17. What are some causes of procrastination?
18. How do you overcome procrastination?
19. Can you share a time when you overcame procrastination?
20. What are some negative effects of procrastination?

V. Time Management at Work
21. How do you manage your workload at your job?
22. How do you handle distractions at work?
23. How do you manage your time during meetings?
24. What strategies do you use to stay organized at work?
25. How do you deal with competing deadlines?

VI. Time Management at Home
26. How do you plan your daily household tasks?
27. What chores do you do on weekends?
28. How do you balance housework and leisure time?
29. How do you divide household responsibilities with others?
30. How do you find time for hobbies and personal interests?

VII. Time Management for Students
31. How do you create a study schedule?
32. How do you stay organized during the school year?
33. What study habits help you save time?
34. How do you manage your time during exams?
35. How do you balance school, work, and social life?

VIII. Multitasking
36. Can you multitask effectively? Why or why not?
37. What tasks can you combine to save time?
38. What are the downsides of multitasking?
39. How do you decide when to focus on one task at a time?
40. Do you think multitasking is more efficient?

IX. Dealing with Stress and Burnout
41. How does poor time management affect stress levels?
42. What strategies do you use to cope with stress?
43. How do you recognize when you are burnt out?
44. How do you balance rest and productivity?
45. Can you share an experience of overcoming burnout?

X. Time Management and Relationships
46. How do you manage time with family and friends?
47. How do you balance work and romantic relationships?
48. How do you make time for important conversations?
49. What strategies do you use to prevent conflicts due to time constraints?
50. How do you show appreciation for someone’s time?

XI. Leisure and Relaxation
51. How do you plan your leisure time?
52. What activities help you relax and recharge?
53. How do you find time for vacations and travel?
54. How do you create a work-life balance?
55. Why is leisure time important for time management?

XII. Time Management for Personal Growth
56. How do you find time for personal development?
57. What self-improvement activities do you prioritize?
58. How do you schedule time for learning new skills?
59. How does time management contribute to personal growth?
60. What are the benefits of good time management?