The Best Ways to Study at Home

Vocabulary

1. focus (verb)
/ˈfoʊkəs/ to give one's attention to a particular thing, topic, task, etc.
Ex: He focused his attention on making the shot.

2. schedule (n)
/ˈskɛdʒuːl/ a plan of when events or tasks will happen or be done
Ex: My schedule tomorrow is totally open

3. distracted (verb)
/dɪˈstræktɪd/ unable to concentrate because one is thinking about or doing something else
Ex: Distracted drivers cause several hundred road accidents every year.

4. brain (n)
/breɪn/ the organ that enables thought, feeling and action
Ex: Our brain is one of the most important organs.

5. concentration (n)
/ˌkɑːnsənˈtreɪʃən/ the ability to focus on a task
Ex: Chess requires great concentration.

Reading

If you usually like to work in cafés and libraries, having to study at home might be difficult. So here are some ways to help you focus at home.
Follow a schedule

Having a clear plan for your day will help keep you from getting distracted. Try making a list of the things you want to get done each day and when you will do them to help you focus. But make sure you also plan breaks – the longer you go without a break, the worse you get at what you're doing. Some research has found that you should take a 17 minute break for every 52 minutes of work done.
Have a study area

Don't try to study in places you normally use to have fun or rest, like the couch or bed. Choose somewhere bright, and try to make it nice, maybe by adding some plants. If you have an area that you only use for study, it'll be easier to focus and you'll be able to take better breaks by leaving the area when you're not studying.
Get out of the house and exercise

Studies show that exercise can help your brain work better. If you can, getting out in the sun and fresh air isn't just a good way to take a break, but it's been shown to be good for your health and concentration too. If you can't leave the house, there are still plenty of ways you can get some exercise at home.

Discussion

1. Have you ever studied in a cafe or library? Why? Why not?

2. Do you often get distracted when you're working or studying? Please explain your answer.

3. How often do you take breaks at work or while studying? Why?

4. What would your dream office look like? Please describe it.

 

Further Discussion

1. Was getting good grades important to you when you were a student? Why? Why not?

2. Who would you say is the smartest person you know? Please describe them.

3. Have you ever tried studying with friends? If so, how did it go? If not, why not?

4. What subjects did you enjoy studying most when you were in school? Why?

5. I am always ready to learn although I do not always like being taught. – Winston Churchill. What do you make of this statement?