Reading Comprehension – Create a good work space

Welcome student!

In order to study it is important to have a clean, organized workspace. Because otherwise, how are you going to concentrate?

So today we will share some tips on how to create a minimalist area to study or work in. And if you enjoy them, come visit ABA English on Pinterest, where we have tons of inspiration to create the perfect space to study.

1. Clear your desktop

Aside from your computer, your inbox tray, your phone, and maybe a nice photo of a loved one, there should be nothing on top of your desk. No papers (again, unless you’re working on them), no notes, no stapler or pens or other junk. Clear as much of it off as possible. Keep it as clear as possible, as a clear desk is a relaxing workspace.

2. Get rid of knick-knacks

Many people don’t even think about all the little trinkets they have on top of their desk. They’re usually unnecessary. Toss ‘em!

3. Clear the walls

Many people have all kinds of stuff posted on their walls. It creates visual clutter. Get them off your walls. If it’s a reference guide, put it on your computer and set up a hotkey so you can call the guide up with a keystroke when needed.

4. Clear your computer desktop

Lots of people also have tons of icons on their computer desktop. It’s the same principle as a real desktop — clear it of everything unnecessary, so you can have a nice simple workspace. Keeping icons on your desktop is usually inefficient. It’s hard to find them among a jumble of files. If they’re necessary to open many times a day, file them away and use a hotkey to call them up. Quicksilver for Mac or Autohotkey for Windows are my favorite programs for this.

5. Go through each drawer

One drawer at a time, take out all the contents and eliminate everything you don’t need. It’s much nicer to use drawers if you can open them and see order. Have a designated spot for each item and make sure to put those items back in that spot immediately, every time.

6. Clear the floor

There should be nothing on your floor but your desk and chair. No files, no boxes. Keep it clear!

Vocabulary

Aside – used to say that something is not included in a statement that follows.

Tray – a container that has low sides and usually no top and that is used to hold something.

Junk – old things that have been thrown away or that have little value.

Trinkets – a piece of jewelry or an ornament that has little value.

Toss ’em – “toss them” means to throw away.

Clutter – a large amount of things that are not arranged in a neat or orderly way : a crowded or disordered collection of things

Hotkey –  a key or a combination of keys on a computer keyboard that when pressed at one time performs a task.

Jumble – a group of things that are not arranged in a neat or orderly way.

Designated – to officially choose (someone or something) to do or be something : to officially give (someone or something) a particular role or purpose.

Spot – a specific place.

Files – a device (such as a box, folder, or cabinet) in which documents that you want to keep are stored so that they can be found easily.

What does your workspace look like? Tell us in the comments’ section! 

These tips are inspired by the post Creating a minimalist workspace.