The key answer of exercise 1

a)

1. A
2. C
3. D
4. B
5. A
6. C
7. D
8. B
9. C
10. C
11. C
12. A

b)

Dear Sam,

In your last email, you said you're having trouble balancing your schoolwork and free time. I thought I'd tell you what works for me.

Firstly, I agree that free time is essential. You have new ideas when you are relaxed, and come back to work fresh and energetic. But I’m talking about real free time, which we use properly, and which we know we deserve. If I know I have put off work, I can’t really enjoy my free time until I've done it. I’m sure you know what I mean!

So what I do is make one list of the studying I have to do, and then another list of the things I want to do in my free time. When I have done something on the first list, I reward myself with something from the second. This way, I get the work done and enjoy my free time. You can explain the system to your parents, so they understand that you’re managing your time, and won’t bother you.

It’s important to be self-disciplined. If other people interrupt you, you need to have the confidence to say: 'not now, I’m working', or 'not now, I’m relaxing'. Also, when you stop working, try to do something different. For instance, if you've been studying on a computer screen, don’t play a computer game to relax!

After a week or two, you should find you've got into a good habit, and you'll naturally organise your time well. I hope this helps.

Yours,

Darren