Cue Card

Describe a city that you have been to and would like to visit again

You should say:

• Where you went
• When you visited it
• What you did there
• And explain why you would like to visit it again.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. What’s the difference between the countryside and urban areas?
2. Some people say that cities are suitable for old people. What do you think?
3. Do you think it’s possible for everyone to live in a city?
4. Do you think people in the countryside are friendlier than people that live in a city?

Sample Cue Card Answer

Tokyo is a city that's equal parts fascinating and overwhelming. The first time I stepped off the train at Shibuya Station, I felt like I'd been dropped into a real-life video game. Neon lights, giant screens, and a sea of people rushing to get somewhere - it was like nowhere I'd ever been before. But it was the little things that really got me - the way the subway trains ran like clockwork, the politeness of the locals, and the way the food was a sensory overload in the best possible way.

I spent hours wandering the streets of Harajuku, taking in the crazy fashion and snack stands selling everything from grilled octopus to rainbow-colored cotton candy. And then there was the food - oh, the food. From sushi at the Tsukiji Fish Market to ramen in a tiny alleyway shop, every meal was a revelation. I even tried some of the infamous'vending machine restaurants' where you order from a machine and pick up your food from a cubbyhole - it was weirdly efficient and kind of brilliant.

But what really drew me in was the contrast between old and new. I visited the Meiji Shrine, a serene Shinto temple hidden away in a tranquil forested area, and then walked to the nearby Yoyogi Park, where I stumbled upon a group of rockabilly dancers doing their thing to a crowd of onlookers. It was like two worlds colliding - and I was hooked. I've been dreaming of going back to Tokyo ever since, to explore more of its hidden corners and experience that intoxicating energy all over again.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

equal parts

exactly the same amount or degree of two things

The city was equal parts fascinating and overwhelming.

The recipe calls for equal parts sugar and flour.

dropped into a real-life video game

to suddenly find oneself in a situation that feels like a fantasy or imaginary world

The city was so futuristic, I felt like I’d been dropped into a real-life video game.

The theme park was so immersive, it felt like we’d been dropped into a real-life fantasy world.

Sample Part 3 Answers

What’s the difference between the countryside and urban areas? To me, the main difference between the countryside and urban areas is the pace of life. In the countryside, everything feels more relaxed and peaceful. People seem to take their time, and there's a sense of community that's hard to find in cities. I remember visiting a small town in the countryside and being struck by how friendly everyone was. People would stop and chat with each other on the street, and there was a real sense of connection. In contrast, cities are always on the go, and people seem to be in a rush all the time. Don't get me wrong, I love the energy of cities, but sometimes it can be overwhelming. I think that's why I'd love to visit the countryside again – to experience that slower pace of life and connect with nature.

Some people say that cities are suitable for old people. What do you think? I'm not sure I agree with that statement. While it's true that cities often have better access to healthcare and other services that might be important for older people, I think cities can be tough for anyone, regardless of age. The fast pace of life, the noise, the crowds – it can be exhausting. I think what's more important than the age of the person is their individual personality and preferences. Some older people might thrive in the city, while others might find it overwhelming. For me, what's most important is finding a place that feels like home, regardless of whether it's a city or a small town. And I think that's true for people of all ages.

Do you think it’s possible for everyone to live in a city? I don't think it's possible or even desirable for everyone to live in a city. Cities are amazing, but they're not for everyone. Some people need space to breathe, to connect with nature, to have a sense of community that's not based on anonymous interactions. I think we need a mix of urban and rural areas, each with their own unique charms and benefits. Plus, if everyone lived in cities, we'd lose the diversity of perspectives and experiences that come from living in different environments. I think it's healthy to have people living in different types of places, so we can learn from each other and appreciate the different ways of life.

Do you think people in the countryside are friendlier than people that live in a city? I think people in the countryside can be friendlier, but it's not always the case. What I've noticed is that in small towns, people tend to know each other, and there's a sense of community that's hard to find in cities. When you live in a small town, you're more likely to run into the same people at the grocery store, the post office, or the local café, and that can create a sense of familiarity and connection. In cities, it's easy to feel anonymous, and that can make it harder to form connections with others. But, of course, there are friendly people everywhere, and I've met some amazing people in cities too. I think it's more about the individual than the location.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

pace of life

the speed at which people live their lives, including their work, leisure activities, and daily routines

The pace of life in the city was overwhelming, so I moved to the countryside to slow down.

The pace of life in the countryside is much slower than in the city.