Procrastination is putting off a task that one needs to do until later, without a good reason. Which of the following situations is the best example of procrastination?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Riya’s essay is due on Friday, but every evening she watches videos instead of starting it, and she begins writing only on Thursday night.
Procrastination has two parts: a person puts off a task he or she needs to do, and there is no good reason for the delay.
In Option (4) Riya leaves the essay until Thursday night, and the only reason is that she watches videos. Both parts are present.
Why the other options are incorrect
Option (1) Riya’s essay is due on Friday, but she cannot start it because she is in hospital with a high fever all week. — Incorrect. Riya has a good reason, her illness, for not starting the essay.
Option (2) Riya’s essay is due on Friday, and she finishes it on Wednesday evening. — Incorrect. Riya does not put off the essay; she finishes it early.
Option (3) Riya’s teacher moves the due date of the essay from Friday to the following Friday. — Incorrect. It is the teacher who changes the date; Riya puts off nothing.