Tom always feels bad about not finishing his homework. He often leaves his homework behind and goes on the internet or watches TV first. He does his homework at the last minute. "But the longer I procrastinate(拖延), the more I worry," says Tom.
Some people procrastinate just because they want to enjoy what they are doing now. Others procrastinate because they are afraid that they can't finish the work.
Some people think that procrastination will make them work better. But that's not true. "I did a study a few years ago, asking procrastinators to finish something in a day," says Professor Peter Stone. "They did worse than non-procrastinators: they made more mistakes and they took longer." So, procrastination is usually not good for you. For example, bedtime procrastination can cause some health problems.
If you don't want to procrastinate, the best way is to take action first. If you want to run outside, put on your sports shoes right away.
Next, find something to remind you about your plans before the time you need to do them. If you want to go to bed at 10:30 p. m. , you can set a timed dimmer switch(调光器) at 10 p. m. When the light gets dimmer, you'll start going to bed. It works for most people.
Finally,
reward yourself every time you make it. For example, after you've run 3 km, enjoy your favourite food.
任务一 选择正确答案
1. Why does Tom always feel bad?
A. He has no time to study.
B. He doesn't finish his homework.
C. He watches TV too much.
D. He worries about his health.
2. What does the underlined word "reward" in Paragraph 6 probably mean?
A. Give something for good work.
B. Ask for help.
C. Finish homework on time.
D. Make a plan.
3. What is the main idea of Paragraph 4?
A. Procrastination is good for work.
B. Professor Stone did a study.
C. The best way is to take action first.
D. We should enjoy favourite food.
4. What's the writer's purpose in writing the passage?
A. To tell us to stop procrastinating.
B. To ask us to watch TV first.
C. To show how to study well.
D. To introduce a good professor.
任务二 回答问题
1. What problem does Tom have with his study?
He often procrastinates and doesn't finish his homework on time.
2. Why do some people put off their work according to the writer?
Some want to enjoy what they are doing now, and others are afraid they can't finish the work.
3. How did procrastinators perform in Professor Peter Stone's study?
They did worse, made more mistakes and took longer than non-procrastinators.
4. How many ways does the writer give to stop procrastinating?
Three.
5. What will you do to overcome procrastination in your daily life?（请自拟一句话作答）
I will take action immediately and set reminders to finish my tasks on time.(言之有理即可)
