What's the first thing you usually do when you sit down to work or study?

B Natural answer

I usually start by making a quick to-do list, then I turn off distractions so I can focus. After that, I pick the easiest task and get moving. It helps me build momentum, because once I finish one small thing, the rest of the work feels less heavy and I'm more likely to keep going.

Key phrases in this answer

• making a quick to-do list — writing a short list of tasks to do soon“I start by making a quick to-do list on paper.”
• turn off distractions — remove things that pull my attention away“I turn off distractions so I can concentrate better.”
• the easiest task — the task that is simplest to start with“I usually begin with the easiest task to get momentum.”
• open my notebook — begin by getting my notebook ready to use“I open my notebook and write the date at the top.”
• check what I need to do — look at my tasks before starting“Before I work, I check what I need to do for the day.”
• clear my head for a minute — pause briefly to think more calmly“I clear my head for a minute before studying.”