Cue Card

Describe a Long Walk You Had

You should say:

• When you went on this walk
• Where you walked
• Who you were with
• And explain how you felt about this long walk.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. What kinds of outdoor activities do people like?
2. What are the differences between the outdoor activities children did in the past compared to nowadays?
3. Is leisure time important to everyone? Why?
4. Do women have more leisure time than men?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I took a walk that changed my life. It was a crisp autumn morning, and I had just received some devastating news. I needed to clear my head, so I laced up my shoes and set out on a solo hike in the nearby woods. The leaves crunched beneath my feet as I walked, the sound echoing through the forest like a symphony. The sun cast dappled shadows on the ground, and the smell of damp earth filled my nostrils. I walked for hours, the rhythm of my footsteps hypnotic. I felt the weight of my worries slowly lifting, like the morning fog burning off in the sun.

As I walked, I started to notice the little things – a bright red leaf clinging to its branch, a spider's web glistening with dew, a bird's song piercing the air. The world was alive, and I was a part of it. I felt small yet connected. The walk became a meditation, my feet moving on autopilot as my mind wandered. I thought about my life, my choices, my fears. I thought about the people I loved, and the ones I'd lost. The walk became a journey of self-discovery, a chance to confront my demons and find some peace.

The hours passed, and the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the forest. I found a clearing and sat down on a rock, taking in the view. The trees stretched out before me, a sea of orange and yellow and red. I felt a sense of awe wash over me, a sense of wonder at the beauty of the world. In that moment, everything felt okay. My worries didn't disappear, but they felt manageable. I realized that sometimes, all we need is to take a step back, to breathe, to walk. The world has a way of putting things into perspective, if we only take the time to look.

I eventually made my way back home, the stars beginning to twinkle in the night sky. My walk had been a reminder that life is precious, that every moment is a gift. It's easy to get caught up in our worries, to let them consume us. But the walk taught me that there's beauty in the everyday, that sometimes all we need to do is take a step forward, and then another, and another. The world will unfold before us, full of wonder and surprise and beauty. We just need to take the time to look.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

clear my head

to calm or clarify one's thoughts

I went for a run to clear my head after a long day.

She took a few deep breaths to clear her head before the big presentation.

the weight of my worries

the emotional burden or pressure of one's concerns

The weight of my worries was crushing me.

He felt the weight of his responsibilities as a new parent.

on autopilot

to do something without much thought or attention, often because it is routine or habitual

I drove home on autopilot, lost in thought.

She went through the motions of her daily routine on autopilot, feeling disconnected.

put things into perspective

to help someone understand the relative importance or seriousness of a situation

The conversation with my friend put things into perspective for me.

The news of the natural disaster put our problems into perspective.

Sample Part 3 Answers

What kinds of outdoor activities do people like? You'd be surprised at the variety of outdoor activities people enjoy. For instance, some folks love hiking and backpacking, while others prefer more leisurely strolls through nature reserves or parks. Then there are those who are thrill-seekers and enjoy activities like rock climbing, white-water rafting, or even skydiving. What's interesting is that people often choose outdoor activities that allow them to connect with nature, challenge themselves physically, or simply relax and unwind. It's not just about the activity itself, but the experience and the sense of fulfillment it brings. Take hiking, for example. Not only do you get to enjoy breathtaking views, but you also get to challenge yourself physically and push your limits. It's a great way to clear your mind, get some exercise, and feel a sense of accomplishment.

What are the differences between the outdoor activities children did in the past compared to nowadays? It's fascinating to see how outdoor activities for kids have evolved over time. In the past, children often played outside until the streetlights came on, exploring their neighborhoods, playing tag, or riding their bikes. They'd also engage in more traditional outdoor activities like fishing, camping, or playing sports like baseball or soccer. Fast forward to today, and you'll notice a significant shift. With the rise of technology, many kids are more likely to spend their free time playing video games, watching videos, or scrolling through social media. However, there's also been a resurgence of interest in outdoor activities, with many parents and caregivers encouraging kids to put down their devices and get outside. Now, you'll see kids participating in activities like parkour, trampolining, or even outdoor yoga. It's heartening to see that despite the changes, kids are still finding ways to have fun and be active outdoors.

Is leisure time important to everyone? Why? Leisure time is essential for everyone, regardless of age, background, or socioeconomic status. It's a chance for people to recharge, relax, and pursue activities that bring them joy and fulfillment. Think about it - when we're constantly busy, our minds and bodies can get burned out. Leisure time allows us to take a step back, unwind, and refocus. It's also a time for self-reflection, creativity, and personal growth. For some, leisure time means reading a book, taking a relaxing bath, or practicing yoga. For others, it's about pursuing a hobby, learning a new skill, or spending quality time with loved ones. Whatever the activity, leisure time is crucial for recharging our batteries and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. In fact, research has shown that having adequate leisure time can improve mental and physical health, increase productivity, and even boost overall happiness.

Do women have more leisure time than men? Interestingly, research suggests that women often have less leisure time than men, particularly in countries with traditional gender roles. This is because women often take on more household and childcare responsibilities, leaving them with less time for personal activities. In Belarus, for example, women are more likely to work part-time or take on caregiving roles, which can limit their leisure time. However, it's worth noting that this trend is changing, especially among younger generations. With more women pursuing careers and men taking on more domestic responsibilities, the gap in leisure time is slowly closing. Nevertheless, it's essential to recognize that leisure time is not just a personal issue but also a societal one, influenced by cultural norms, economic factors, and social policies.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

Get some exercise

To engage in physical activity to improve health and fitness

You should get some exercise every day to stay healthy

I'm going to get some exercise by going for a run

Clear your mind

To relax and calm your thoughts

I need to clear my mind before the big meeting

Meditation helps me clear my mind and focus

Push your limits

To challenge yourself to do more than you think you can

The marathon was a great way to push my limits and see what I'm capable of

You need to push your limits and try new things to grow as a person

Sense of fulfillment

A feeling of satisfaction and happiness

Volunteering gives me a sense of fulfillment

I feel a sense of fulfillment when I complete a difficult project

Work-life balance

The balance between the time spent working and the time spent on personal activities

I'm trying to achieve a better work-life balance by leaving work on time

Having a good work-life balance is essential for happiness

Recharge

To rest and regain energy

I need to recharge my batteries after a long week

A weekend getaway is a great way to recharge

Pursue a hobby

To engage in an activity for enjoyment

I love to pursue photography as a hobby

You should pursue a hobby to reduce stress

Spend quality time

To spend time with someone or something in a meaningful way

I love to spend quality time with my family

Reading is a great way to spend quality time with yourself