【正确答案】
C
【答案解析】[解析] 21-30
Tutor: Good morning, Jack. How are things?
Jack: Well, not too bad. I've just been to a really interesting lecture. But I'm
running late again with my assignment. And with lots of other things,
too.
Tutor: {{U}}Would you like to talk about it? I don't mean about the assignment{{/U}} Q21
{{U}}but about the wider issue of how you manage your time generally.{{/U}}
Jack: Well, yes, that might help. I always seem to be in a rush and I'm
often late handing in my work, or going to lectures, or turning up for
appointments. I always intend to do things on time so I'm not sure what
goes wrong.
Tutor: Do you always remember to do things?
Jack: Not always. {{U}}When I'm stressed because I'm behind with my work,{{/U}} Q22
{{U}}for instance, something like going to the dentist at 2:30 can slip my{{/U}}
{{U}}mind.{{/U}} Then I remember a couple of days later and I have to try and
make a new appointment, which isn't always easy...
Tutor: Which makes you feel even more stressed...
Jack: Exactly.
Tutor: Do you tend to delay doing certain things if you can?
Jack: Yes! Usually anything that has to be done in writing.
Tutor: Why do you think you do that? Is it because you're fired? Or do you keep
finding other things to do instead, and never seem to get round to the
writing tasks?
Jack: Neither of those things, really. {{U}}I think the most common reason is that{{/U}} Q23
{{U}}I'm often not entirely clear in my mind about what I'm expected{{/U}}
{{U}}to do.{{/U}} Everyone else seems to understand what to do, but sometimes I
don't.
Tutor: It's important to ask, Jack. If you're not sure exactly what to do, ask the
person who set the task.
Jack: Yes, you're right. Have you got any other advice about time
management?
Tutor: Well, you could keep a record of your assignments and other
commitments. Then you can check if there are any conflicting dates, see
how you're doing for time, and remind yourself of appointments.
Jack: I had one of those little electronic organizers, but ...
Tutor: I was thinking of a simple paper calendar, preferably on the wall where
you can see it all the time. You can check it every morning and see what
you need to do that day.
Jack: {{U}}Oh, I hadn't thought of that. I might try it.{{/U}} Q24
Tutor: Or alternatively, you could take a few minutes before you go to sleep at
night to think over what you have to do the next day. A lot of people find
that helps them relax, and maybe even sleep better.
Jack: {{U}}I've done that and you're right— it stopped me starting every day{{/U}} Q25
{{U}}in a panic.{{/U}} I should have kept doing it but somehow I got out of the
habit.
Tutor: It would probably help you to develop a routine. I know that doesn't
sound like a lot of fun, but it's about taking charge of how you organize
your time. If you go to sleep and get up at regular hours; exercise, rest,
and have meals at the same time every day, you'll be alert and ready to
go when it's time to study.
Jack: {{U}}That doesn't work for me. I've tried doing that but every day I do{{/U}} Q26
things at different times.
Tutor: OK. Well, what about your study time? I mean, can you always work in
the same place?
Jack: Well, I usually study in my fiat but my flatmates can be a bit noisy and
it's hard to concentrate.
Tutor: Have you thought of going somewhere else? The library perhaps?
Jack: Yes, I have. {{U}}I went to the library in the Fine Arts building and it{{/U}} Q27
{{U}}seemed like a good place to work{{/U}}. But I didn't really feel comfortable
there.
Tutor: No?
Jack: Well, I like to have things around me when I'm studying—a cup of
coffee, my own PC, my mobile phone in case anyone calls. So it didn't
work out.
Tutor: OK. Let's see... when you're studying, how often do you have a break?
Jack: Sometimes after about half an hour; other times I go on for hours. Why?
Does it matter?
Tutor: You might find you use your study time more effectively if you can split
it up into roughly equal chunks.
Jack: Of about how long?
Tutor: It depends on you. Whenever you start feeling restless. When does that
usually happen?
Jack: Let me think... er... probably after about 45 minutes. That's when I often
feel like having a drink, or checking my email, or something like that.
Tutor: Right, well, how about training yourself to work in equal chunks of
time? You could even use an alarm clock at first until you get used to it.
Jack: {{U}}I hadn't thought of that, but it makes sense.{{/U}} If it's too short I don't Q28
really achieve a lot, and if it's too long I get tired and lose concentration.
Tutor: And there will also be very short periods of time when you could get
things done. I'm thinking here of what's known as "dead time", for
instance when you're on the train or waiting to see someone. It all adds
up, and it can give you a feeling of making progress.
Jack: {{U}}Actually, I started doing that a while ago, particularly on the bus to{{/U}} Q29
{{U}}and from the campus. I get on at the first stop so I get a seat and can{{/U}}
{{U}}do some work —just some reading or checking my notes but it's{{/U}}
{{U}}surprising how much you can do in a 30-minute journey.{{/U}}
Tutor: Good. Now there's one last thing that I think is worth looking at, and
that's prioritizing. Where possible I'd suggest concentrating on the more
demanding tasks before starting on the simpler ones.
Jack: {{U}}Well, I used to do that, but I found I spent all my time on that one{{/U}} Q30
{{U}}assignment. At least if I start with the easier ones I can get some things{{/U}}
{{U}}finished quickly...{{/U}}
Tutor: Hm, and that would give your confidence a boost. I can see that. OK
then, why not limit yourself to doing just one of the simpler tasks first,
as a warm-up for the most difficult job?
Jack: I'll try it. This has been really helpful, thank you. I know I have to make
some changes and...