Cue Card

Describe a car journey that you remember well

You should say:

• when and where you went
• what you did
• who you went with; and,
• explain why you remember it well.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. What are the benefits of public transportation?
2. Is it too late for people to get their driver’s license after the age of 18?
3. What kinds of qualities does a good driver need to have?
4. Do you think the government should require people to use public transport more?
5. What kinds of jobs require someone to be a good driver?
6. Do you think driverless cars are the future?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I'm gonna take you back to a road trip I took with my family when I was 16. We were driving from California to Yellowstone, and I was stuck in the backseat with my little brother, who was obsessed with playing 'I Spy' for hours on end. My parents were up front, trying to navigate the endless stretch of highway while simultaneously refereeing our sibling rivalry. The car was packed to the brim with snacks, maps, and our favorite CDs – yes, CDs! We were a family of music lovers, and our road trip playlist was a carefully curated mix of classic rock, pop, and show tunes.

As we hit the open road, the landscape shifted from urban sprawl to rolling hills and eventually, the majestic Rocky Mountains. We stopped at quirky roadside attractions, like the world's largest ball of twine, and took silly photos to commemorate our journey. But the real magic happened when we hit a stretch of road with no cell service. My brother and I were forced to put down our phones and actually talk to each other – and our parents! We played '20 Questions', told ghost stories, and even had a heated debate about the merits of pineapple pizza.

That car journey was more than just a trip from point A to point B – it was a journey of discovery, bonding, and laughter. We encountered breathtaking vistas, weird roadside attractions, and even a few wrong turns. But the memories we made on that trip have stayed with me to this day, and I often find myself drawing on them when I'm feeling stuck or need a dose of nostalgia. So the next time you're embarking on a road trip, remember to put down your phone, enjoy the view, and soak up the moments with the people you're sharing the journey with.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

hit the open road

to start a journey, especially a long one, by car

We hit the open road early in the morning to avoid traffic.

The family hit the open road for their summer vacation.

quirky

unconventional or unexpected in an attractive and appealing way

The quirky little café on the corner serves the best coffee in town.

My aunt has a quirky sense of style that always makes her stand out.

Sample Part 3 Answers

What are the benefits of public transportation? One car journey that really stands out in my mind is a road trip I took with my family to the beach when I was a kid. We didn't take public transportation, but I wish we had, because it would have been so much easier. I mean, think about it, when you're on a long car ride, you're stuck in traffic, you have to stop for gas, and someone has to be the designated driver. But with public transportation, all of that is taken care of for you. You can just sit back, relax, and enjoy the view. Plus, it's better for the environment and reduces traffic congestion. I wish we had taken the train or a bus to the beach that day, it would have been a much more enjoyable trip.

Is it too late for people to get their driver’s license after the age of 18? Actually, I think it's never too late for someone to get their driver's license, regardless of their age. I remember my grandma got her license when she was in her 50s, and it completely changed her life. She had always relied on others for transportation, but once she had her license, she was able to go wherever she wanted, whenever she wanted. She even started volunteering at a local charity and would drive herself there every week. It was amazing to see the independence it gave her.

What kinds of qualities does a good driver need to have? A good driver needs to have patience, that's for sure. I recall a road trip I took with a friend who was a very defensive driver. He was always getting frustrated with other drivers and would honk the horn or yell out the window. It was really stressful to be in the car with him. A good driver needs to be able to stay calm and patient, even in tough driving conditions. They also need to be aware of their surroundings and able to anticipate the actions of other drivers. It's a big responsibility, but also a really important one.

Do you think the government should require people to use public transport more? I think it's a great idea for the government to encourage people to use public transportation more. Not only is it better for the environment, but it also reduces traffic congestion and can be more cost-effective. I remember when I was living in a big city, the public transportation system was so efficient and reliable. It made it easy to get around without a car, and I think that's the way it should be. The government could offer incentives, like discounted fares or improved routes, to encourage more people to use public transportation.

What kinds of jobs require someone to be a good driver? One job that definitely requires someone to be a good driver is a delivery driver. I had a friend who worked as a delivery driver for a courier service, and he had to navigate through heavy traffic and tight deadlines to get packages delivered on time. It was a tough job, but he was really good at it. He had to be able to stay focused and calm, even in stressful situations. Other jobs that require good driving skills include taxi drivers, truck drivers, and even some sales jobs that require a lot of travel.

Do you think driverless cars are the future? I think driverless cars are definitely the future of transportation. I've seen videos of them in action, and it's amazing how smoothly they can navigate through traffic. Not only would they reduce accidents caused by human error, but they would also make transportation more accessible for people who can't drive themselves, like the elderly or people with disabilities. I can imagine a future where we don't need to own cars anymore, and can just hop in a driverless car to get where we need to go.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

behind the wheel

in control of a vehicle

She got behind the wheel and started driving.