TRANSCRIPT
1. Introduction to the Episode
Host Brian: Hi, everyone! Welcome to another episode of English on the Go, the podcast where we help you learn everywhere and speak everywhere! I’m your host, Brian.
Host Brian: Today, we’re talking about something that can make your life easier and more organized—to-do lists!
Host Brian: If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed with tasks or forgotten something important, a good to-do list can save the day.
Host Brian: In this episode, we’ll explore simple ways to make your to-do list more effective. Plus, you’ll learn new English words and phrases to use in your daily conversations. Let’s get started!
2. Introduction to the Topic
Host Brian: First, let’s think about this: Do you make a to-do list every day?
Host Brian: Many people do, but they don’t always find it helpful. Why?
Host Brian: Sometimes the list is too long, unclear, or hard to follow.
Host Brian: Today, we’ll share tips to fix that! A great to-do list can help you finish your tasks faster and feel more relaxed.
3. Pre-listening Questions
Host Brian: Before we jump into the conversation, think about these questions:
Do you prefer writing your to-do list on paper or using your phone?
How do you decide what tasks to include on your list?
Host Brian: Keep these questions in mind as you listen. Now, let’s meet our characters!
4. Conversation
Host (Brian): Today, we’re joined by Sarah and Mark. Sarah is a busy college student, and Mark works as a freelance graphic designer.
Host Brian: They both use to-do lists, but in different ways. Let’s hear their tips!
Sarah: Hey, Mark! I’ve been feeling so stressed with schoolwork lately. My to-do list is a mess.
Mark: I know how you feel, Sarah. When I first started freelancing, my lists were all over the place. But I’ve learned some tricks to make them better.
Sarah: Really? What’s your secret?
Mark: First, I keep my list short. I write down three to five tasks for the day. If the list is too long, I feel overwhelmed and end up doing nothing.
Sarah: That makes sense. My list usually has ten things, and I’m lucky if I finish two!
Mark: Exactly. Another tip: Be specific. Instead of writing “Study math,” write “Complete 10 practice problems from Chapter 5.” It’s easier to focus when you know exactly what to do.
Sarah: Oh, that’s smart. I’ll try that. But what if I still don’t finish everything on my list?
Mark: That happens to everyone! If you don’t finish, move the most important tasks to the next day. Don’t beat yourself up about it.
Brian: I agree, Mark. I also recommend setting time limits for each task. For example, spend 30 minutes on math and then move on to something else.
Sarah: Time limits sound helpful. Sometimes I spend hours on one thing and neglect the rest.
Mark: Exactly. And here’s another trick: Use colors or symbols to highlight priority tasks. I use a red star for urgent ones and a green check for easier ones.
Sarah: I love that idea. My lists are just plain black-and-white text.
Brian: You’ll be surprised how much color-coding can help! It’s like giving your list a personality.
Sarah: Thanks, guys. I’m excited to try these tips. Oh, and one last question: Do you prefer digital or paper lists?
Mark: I use both. Paper lists are great for brainstorming, but digital lists are easier to update and carry around. How about you, Brian?
Brian: I’m a digital fan. Apps like Notion or Google Keep let me set reminders and deadlines.
Sarah: I think I’ll try using an app. Maybe it’ll keep me more organized.
Mark: If you do, start simple. Don’t overload yourself with too many features at once.
Sarah: Got it. Oh, by the way, do you plan your whole week in advance or just one day at a time?
Mark: I usually plan a day ahead, but on Sunday nights, I like to map out the big tasks for the week. It gives me a clear picture of what’s coming.
Brian: That’s a great point, Mark. Weekly planning can help you balance long-term projects and daily tasks.
Sarah: I’ll try that. Honestly, sometimes I write my list but forget to check it. Any tips for staying consistent?
Mark: Set reminders. If you’re using an app, it can send notifications. If you’re using paper, put the list somewhere you’ll see it often—like your desk or fridge.
Brian: And reward yourself! After you complete your list, treat yourself to something you enjoy—a snack, a walk, or even watching your favorite show.
Sarah: That’s such a good idea! I usually just feel guilty about the things I didn’t do.
Mark: Don’t be too hard on yourself. Progress is better than perfection.
Sarah: Thanks, Mark and Brian. I feel like I have a game plan now. I can’t wait to put these tips into action.
Brian: You’re on the right track, Sarah. A little effort goes a long way. And remember, the key is finding a system that works for you!
5. Word & Phrase Insights
Host Brian: Let’s look at some useful words and phrases from today’s conversation:
Overwhelmed: Feeling like you have too much to do. Example: "I felt overwhelmed by all the homework."
Freelancing: Working independently for different clients. Example: "Mark started freelancing last year."
All over the place: Disorganized or messy. Example: "Her notes were all over the place."
Prioritize: To decide which tasks are the most important. Example: "I prioritize my assignments to finish the hardest ones first."
Specific: Clear and detailed. Example: "Write specific tasks like 'Finish Chapter 3' instead of 'Study.'"
Group: To organize things together. Example: "He grouped all his work emails in one folder."
Progress: Moving forward or improving. Example: "You’ll see your progress as you check off tasks."
Trick: A clever way to do something. Example: "Mark shared a trick for organizing to-do lists."
Focus: To give your attention to something. Example: "It’s hard to focus when the list is too long."
Check off: To mark something as complete. Example: "I checked off three tasks this morning."
6. Quiz Time
Host Brian: Let’s test your understanding with a quick quiz! Here are three questions:
What does it mean to "prioritize" tasks?
a) To write them in random order
b) To decide which ones are most important
c) To finish all tasks at the same timeWhich phrase means feeling disorganized?
a) "Specific"
b) "All over the place"
c) "Progress"Why is it helpful to group tasks together?
a) It’s faster to focus on similar tasks
b) It makes the list longer
c) It adds more tasks to your day
Host Brian: Remember, I’ll reveal the answers at the end of the episode!
7. Post-listening Questions
Host Brian: Now it’s your turn! Think about these questions:
How do you currently use a to-do list? Could you improve it?
What’s one tip from today’s episode that you’ll try?
8. Conclusion
Host Brian: Let’s reveal the quiz answers:
b) To decide which ones are most important
b) "All over the place"
a) It’s faster to focus on similar tasks
Host Brian: Great job if you got them all right! Don’t forget to download the free PDF with today’s vocabulary list. Thank you for listening to English on the Go.
Host Brian: Keep learning everywhere and speaking everywhere. See you next time!
9. Vocabulary Summary
EXERCISE
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Instruction: Listen to the conversation and fill in the blanks with the appropriate words .
Host Brian: Today, we’re joined by Sarah and Mark. Sarah is a busy college (1)_______, and Mark works as a freelance graphic (2)_______.
Host Brian: They both use to-do lists, but (3)_______ different ways. Let’s hear their tips!
Sarah: Hey, Mark! I’ve been feeling so (4)_______ with schoolwork lately. My to-do list is a (5)_______.
Mark: I know how you feel, Sarah. When (6)_______ first started freelancing, my lists were all over (7)_______ place. But I’ve learned some tricks to make (8)_______ better.
Sarah: Really? What’s your secret?
Mark: First, I keep my list short. I write (9)_______ three to five tasks for the day. If (10)_______ list is too long, I feel overwhelmed and (11)_______ up doing nothing.
Sarah: That makes sense. My list usually has (12)_______ things, and I’m lucky if I finish two!
Mark: Exactly. Another tip: Be specific. Instead of writing “(13)_______ math,” write “Complete 10 practice problems from Chapter (14)_______.” It’s easier to focus when you know exactly (15)_______ to do.
Sarah: Oh, that’s smart. I’ll try that. But (16)_______ if I still don’t finish everything on my (17)_______?
Mark: That happens to everyone! If you don’t finish, (18)_______ the most important tasks to the next day. (19)_______ beat yourself up about it.
Brian: I agree, Mark. I also recommend setting time (20)_______ for each task. For example, spend 30 minutes (21)_______ math and then move on to something else.
Sarah: Time limits sound helpful. Sometimes I spend hours on (22)_______ thing and neglect the rest.
Mark: Exactly. And here’s another trick: Use colors or (23)_______ to highlight priority tasks. I use a red (24)_______ for urgent ones and a green check for (25)_______ ones.
Sarah: I love that idea. My lists are just (26)_______ black-and-white text.
Brian: You’ll be surprised how much color-coding can help! It’s (27)_______ giving your list a personality.
Sarah: Thanks, guys. I’m excited to try these tips. (28)_______, and one last question: Do you prefer digital or (29)_______ lists?
Mark: I use both. Paper lists are great for (30)_______, but digital lists are easier to update and carry (31)_______. How about you, Brian?
Brian: I’m a digital fan. Apps like Notion or Google (32)_______ let me set reminders and deadlines.
Sarah: I think I’ll try using an app. Maybe it’ll (33)_______ me more organized.
Mark: If you do, start simple. Don’t overload yourself with (34)_______ many features at once.
Sarah: Got it. Oh, by the way, do you (35)_______ your whole week in advance or just one (36)_______ at a time?
Mark: I usually plan a day ahead, but on (37)_______ nights, I like to map out the big tasks (38)_______ the week. It gives me a clear picture of (39)_______ coming.
Brian: That’s a great point, Mark. Weekly planning can help you (40)_______ long-term projects and daily tasks.
Sarah: I’ll try that. Honestly, sometimes I write my list (41)_______ forget to check it. Any tips for staying (42)_______?
Mark: Set reminders. If you’re using an app, it can (43)_______ notifications. 1 If you’re using paper, put the (44)_______ somewhere you’ll see it often—like your desk or (45)_______.
Brian: And reward yourself! After you complete your list, treat (46)_______ to something you enjoy—a snack, a walk, or (47)_______ watching your favorite show.
Sarah: That’s such a good idea! I usually just feel (48)_______ about the things I didn’t do.
Mark: Don’t be too hard on yourself. Progress is better (49)_______ perfection.
Sarah: Thanks, Mark and Brian. I feel like I have (50)_______ game plan now. I can’t wait to put (51)_______ tips into action.
Brian: You’re on the right track, Sarah. A little effort (52)_______ a long way. And remember, the key is finding (53)_______ system that works for you!
1 . student
2 . designer
3 . in
4 . stressed
5 . mess
6 . I
7 . the
8 . them
9 . down
10 . the
11 . end
12 . ten
13 . Study
14 . 5
15 . what
16 . what
17 . list
18 . move
19 . Don't
20 . limits
21 . on
22 . one
23 . symbols
24 . star
25 . easier
26 . plain
27 . like
28 . Oh
29 . paper
30 . brainstorming
31 . around
32 . Keep
33 . keep
34 . too
35 . plan
36 . day
37 . Sunday
38 . for
39 . what's
40 . balance
41 . but
42 . consistent
43 . send
44 . list
45 . fridge
46 . yourself
47 . even
48 . guilty
49 . than
50 . a
51 . these
52 . goes
53 . a
EXERCISE 2: True, False, Not Given
Instruction: Read each statement carefully and mark it as True, False, or Not Given based on the conversation.
Mark prefers using paper lists over digital ones.
Sarah’s to-do list usually contains 10 tasks, and she rarely completes them all.
Brian uses a digital app that helps him set reminders and deadlines.
Mark suggests planning an entire month in advance to stay organized.
Sarah feels guilty about incomplete tasks on her to-do list.
01 . FALSE
02 . TRUE
03 . TRUE
04 . FALSE
05 . TRUE
EXERCISE 3: Multiple Choice Questions
Instruction: Choose the correct answer for each question based on the information from the conversation.
What is Mark's tip for managing a to-do list?
a) Write down everything you need to do.
b) Limit your list to three to five tasks.
c) Use only digital lists.
d) Plan your day an hour before starting.Why does Mark suggest using specific tasks on a to-do list?
a) To save time creating the list.
b) To make it easier to focus.
c) To make the list look longer.
d) To encourage brainstorming.What does Brian recommend to manage long-term projects and daily tasks?
a) Color-coding tasks.
b) Writing a to-do list daily.
c) Planning the week in advance.
d) Using reminders and notifications.How does Mark suggest highlighting priority tasks?
a) Use a separate app for important tasks.
b) Create a second list only for urgent tasks.
c) Use colors or symbols like red stars.
d) Write urgent tasks in capital letters.What does Mark say about progress?
a) Progress is less important than perfection.
b) Progress is better than perfection.
c) Progress depends on consistency.
d) Progress is only possible with weekly planning.
1 . b) Limit your list to three to five tasks.
2 . b) To make it easier to focus.
3 . c) Planning the week in advance.
4 . c) Use colors or symbols like red stars.
5 . b) Progress is better than perfection.
EXERCISE 4: Matching Information
Instruction: Match each phrase to the correct point made by the speakers (Mark, Sarah, or Brian) in the conversation.
1 . Mark
2 . Brian
3 . Sarah
4 . Mark
5 . Brian
EXERCISE 5: Sentence Rearrangement
Instruction: Rearrange the jumbled sentences to form coherent statements related to the conversation.
list / short / keep / Mark / a
specific / Sarah / writes / tasks / her
color-coding / personality / gives / the / lists
apps / Notion / reminders / like / set
Sunday / tasks / week / Mark / plans / big
1 . Answer: Mark keeps a short list.
2 . Answer: Sarah writes her tasks specific.
3 . Answer: Color-coding gives the lists personality.
4 . Answer: Apps like Notion set reminders.
5 . 1. Answer: Mark plans big tasks Sunday.
EXERCISE 6: Choose the Correct Word
Instruction: Fill in the blanks with the correct word from the options provided.
Sarah often feels ___ (stressed / relaxed / motivated) with her messy to-do list.
Mark suggests keeping the to-do list ___ (short / long / detailed) to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Sarah plans to try using an ___ (app / notebook / alarm) to help her stay organized.
Brian recommends setting ___ (reminders / goals / alarms) to avoid forgetting tasks.
After completing her tasks, Sarah can ___ (reward / ignore / criticize) herself to stay motivated.
1 . Answer: stressed
2 . Answer: short
3 . Answer: app
4 . Answer: app
5 . Answer: reward
EXERCISE 7: Sentence Reordering
Instruction: Put the sentences in the correct order to recreate a summary of the conversation.
Sarah explains that her to-do list feels overwhelming and unorganized.
Mark shares tips like keeping lists short, being specific, and using colors to prioritize.
Brian suggests using apps, setting reminders, and rewarding progress.
Sarah decides to implement these tips and explore both digital and weekly planning.
The group agrees that consistency and finding a personal system are key.
EXERCISE 8: Opinion Writing
Instruction: Based on the conversation, write a brief paragraph (3-5 sentences) sharing your own opinion on the topic. Support your response with reasons.
. I think the tips shared by Mark and Brian are very practical for staying organized and reducing stress. Keeping the to-do list short and specific makes tasks more manageable, and using colors or symbols can help prioritize effectively. I also like the idea of rewarding yourself after completing tasks, as it keeps motivation high. Personally, I prefer digital tools for lists because they are easier to update and set reminders, but I believe it’s important to find a system that works best for each person.
EXERCISE 9: Word Match
Instruction: Match each term in Column A with its correct definition in Column B by writing the correct number next to each word.
. 2. c. Working for oneself, not a company
. 3. f. Disorganized or messy
. 4. b. To rank tasks by importance
. 5. d. Clear and detailed
. 6. g. To organize things together
. 7. e. Moving forward or improving
. 8. a. A clever way to do something
. 9. j. To give your attention to something
. 10. h. To mark something as complete
