Cue Card

Describe a childhood friend of yours

You should say:

• When you met them
• Where you met them
• What you did with this friend
• And how you feel about the friend

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. Is it important for children to have friends?
2. Do you still keep in touch with your friends from your childhood?
3. For teenagers, do you think they should have lots of friends or just a few good friends?
4. Are teenagers more influenced by their peers or by their parents?
5. How would you maintain a friendship with a friend who’s richer than you?

Sample Cue Card Answer

You know, growing up, I had this friend, let's call him Jake. We met in kindergarten, and from that moment on, we were inseparable. We did everything together - from exploring the woods behind our houses to trying to 'cook' mud pies in my backyard. Jake was the ultimate partner in crime, always up for an adventure and never backing down from a challenge. I'm pretty sure we drove our parents crazy with our antics, but they always seemed to find the humor in it.

One thing that always stood out about Jake was his unwavering optimism. No matter what life threw at him, he always managed to find the silver lining. I remember one time, we were trying to build this epic treehouse, and it kept collapsing. Most kids would've given up, but not Jake. He just laughed and said, 'Well, that was a great experiment!' And we'd start all over again.

As we grew older, our interests started to diverge, but our friendship remained strong. We went to different colleges, but we'd still meet up during breaks and pick up right where we left off. It's funny, looking back, I realize that Jake taught me the importance of resilience and adaptability - essential life skills that I still rely on today.

Now, I'm not gonna lie, we had our fair share of disagreements, but we always managed to work through them. I think that's the mark of a true friend - someone who can disagree with you and still maintain a strong bond.

Jake's more than just a childhood friend; he's a reminder that true friendships can withstand time, distance, and even the occasional mud pie disaster.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

Partner in crime

A close friend or associate who shares in one's adventures or misadventures.

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Silver lining

A glimmer of hope or a positive aspect in an otherwise difficult or challenging situation.

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Pick up where we left off

To resume a conversation or activity where it was previously interrupted or left unfinished.

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Sample Part 3 Answers

Is it important for children to have friends? I think having friends as a child is crucial for development. I remember my childhood friend, Emma, and how we would spend hours playing together, sharing our deepest secrets, and exploring the neighborhood. Having a friend like Emma taught me the value of trust, empathy, and communication. We would often have disagreements, but we always managed to work things out, which helped me develop conflict resolution skills. Moreover, having a friend like Emma made me feel less alone and more confident in social situations. I believe that having friends as a child helps shape our social skills, emotional intelligence, and overall well-being, which is essential for a happy and healthy life.

Do you still keep in touch with your friends from your childhood? Unfortunately, I don't keep in touch with Emma as much as I'd like to. We went to different high schools and then colleges, and life took us in different directions. However, I do keep up with her through social media, and it's amazing to see how she's grown into a successful and kind-hearted person. I often think about reaching out to her, but life gets busy, and time slips away. Despite the distance and lack of regular communication, I still consider her a close friend, and I'm grateful for the memories we shared during our childhood. I believe that even if you don't stay in touch with childhood friends, the experiences and lessons you shared with them can have a lasting impact on your life.

For teenagers, do you think they should have lots of friends or just a few good friends? I think it's more important for teenagers to have a few good friends rather than a large number of acquaintances. As a teenager, you're going through so many changes, and it's essential to have people who truly understand and support you. Having a small circle of close friends allows for deeper connections and more meaningful relationships. With a few good friends, you can be your authentic self, share your thoughts and feelings, and receive genuine feedback and support. In contrast, having a large number of friends can lead to superficial relationships and a sense of isolation, even in a crowded room. I think it's better to invest in a few quality relationships that can provide a sense of belonging and security during the ups and downs of adolescence.

Are teenagers more influenced by their peers or by their parents? I think teenagers are heavily influenced by their peers, especially during the early teenage years. At that age, you're trying to figure out who you are and where you fit in, and your peers play a significant role in shaping your identity. You're more likely to seek validation and approval from your friends, and you may feel pressure to conform to certain norms or behaviors. However, as you mature, you begin to develop your own values and opinions, and your parents' influence can become more significant. I think it's essential for parents to maintain a strong relationship with their teenagers, even if it's not always easy. By being supportive, open-minded, and understanding, parents can help their teenagers navigate the challenges of adolescence and make better choices, even when they're influenced by their peers.

How would you maintain a friendship with a friend who’s richer than you? Maintaining a friendship with someone who's richer than you can be challenging, but it's not impossible. I think the key is to focus on the things that brought you together in the first place, such as shared interests, values, or hobbies. It's essential to avoid feeling envious or resentful of your friend's wealth and instead, appreciate the unique experiences and perspectives they bring to the table. You can also make an effort to plan activities and outings that don't involve expensive venues or luxuries, such as going for a hike, having a potluck dinner, or attending free events in your community. By being genuine, respectful, and considerate of your friend's differences, you can maintain a strong and meaningful friendship that's not defined by wealth or material possessions.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

figure out

to understand or determine something

I'm trying to figure out what I want to do with my life.

She's still trying to figure out how to use the new software.