Cue Card

Describe a competition you want to take part in

You should say:

• What the competition is
• How you discovered it
• What you need to do to prepare for it
• Why you you want to take part in it

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. There are many competition programs on TV nowadays, why?
2. Do you think competition is important in the workplace?
3. What kinds of jobs should not involve competition?
4. What kinds of competitions are popular in your country?
5. What do you think of those who lose in a competition?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I've always been drawn to the world of competitive puzzle-solving, and there's one competition that's been on my radar for years: the World Puzzle Federation's annual World Puzzle Championship. Imagine a room filled with the brightest minds from around the globe, all racing against the clock to solve the most mind-bending, brain-twisting puzzles imaginable. It's like a real-life escape room, but instead of escaping, you're competing to be the first to crack the code.

The competition is a true test of mental agility, requiring a unique blend of logic, creativity, and strategy. Contestants are presented with a series of puzzles, each one more challenging than the last, and the clock is ticking. The puzzles can range from classic logic grids to innovative, never-before-seen challenges that push the boundaries of human problem-solving. I'm talking cryptograms, anagrams, and spatial reasoning puzzles that will make your head spin.

What I love about this competition is that it's not just about being a genius; it's about being a creative problem-solver. It's about thinking outside the box, making connections between seemingly unrelated concepts, and staying calm under pressure. I've spent countless hours honing my skills, practicing with online puzzle communities and studying the strategies of past champions. I'm ready to put my skills to the test and see how I stack up against the best in the world.

The World Puzzle Championship is more than just a competition – it's a celebration of human ingenuity and creativity. It's a reminder that, no matter how complex the problem, there's always a solution waiting to be found. And I'm eager to be a part of it, to push myself to new heights and see just how far my problem-solving skills can take me.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

think outside the box

to think creatively and come up with original solutions

Instead of using traditional marketing methods, the company encouraged its employees to think outside the box and come up with innovative ideas.

push the boundaries

to go beyond the limits of what is normally done or accepted

The artist's latest sculpture pushes the boundaries of what is considered 'art'.

The new technology pushes the boundaries of what is possible in terms of speed and efficiency.

Sample Part 3 Answers

There are many competition programs on TV nowadays, why? I think there are many competition programs on TV nowadays because they're just so engaging and entertaining. People love watching others compete, whether it's singing, dancing, or even just answering trivia questions. It's like we're all invested in the outcome, and we can't help but root for our favorite contestants. Plus, competition shows often have a built-in narrative arc, with contestants facing challenges and overcoming obstacles, which makes for compelling storytelling. And let's be real, who doesn't love the suspense and drama that comes with competition?

Do you think competition is important in the workplace? I think competition can be important in the workplace, but only to a certain extent. A little bit of competition can be healthy, as it can motivate people to work harder and strive for excellence. For example, if two colleagues are working on a project together, a bit of friendly competition can push them to come up with more innovative ideas and solutions. However, if the competition becomes too cutthroat or intense, it can actually be counterproductive and create a toxic work environment. So, it's all about striking the right balance and making sure that the competition is focused on achieving a common goal, rather than just individual success.

What kinds of jobs should not involve competition? I think jobs that involve helping others, like nursing or social work, shouldn't involve competition. When you're working in a field where people's lives are at stake, the focus should be on collaboration and teamwork, not competition. For example, if two nurses are working together to care for a patient, they shouldn't be competing with each other to see who can provide the best care. Instead, they should be working together to provide the best possible care for the patient. Competition can actually be counterproductive in these types of situations, and can lead to mistakes and errors. It's better to focus on collaboration and teamwork to achieve a common goal.

What kinds of competitions are popular in your country? In the US, I think sports competitions are super popular. From the Super Bowl to March Madness, people love watching and participating in sports competitions. But aside from sports, I think music competitions are also really popular. Shows like American Idol and The Voice have been huge hits, and people love watching talented singers compete against each other. And of course, who can forget about cooking competitions like MasterChef and Chopped? People love watching chefs compete to create the best dishes under pressure.

What do you think of those who lose in a competition? I think it's totally normal to feel disappointed or upset when you lose in a competition. But at the end of the day, losing is just a part of the game. What's important is how you respond to the loss. Do you use it as an opportunity to learn and improve, or do you get discouraged and give up? I think it's really admirable when people can take a loss graciously and use it as a chance to come back stronger. And let's not forget, losing doesn't define a person's worth or abilities. Everyone loses sometimes, even the best of the best. It's how you respond to the loss that really matters.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

root for

to support or cheer for someone or something

we can't help but root for our favorite contestants

built-in

existing as a natural or integral part of something

competition shows often have a built-in narrative arc

cutthroat

ruthlessly competitive

if the competition becomes too cutthroat or intense

strike a balance

to find a middle ground or compromise between two things

it's all about striking the right balance

at stake

something that can be lost or gained

when you're working in a field where people's lives are at stake

counterproductive

having the opposite effect of what was intended

competition can actually be counterproductive in these types of situations

super popular

extremely popular

In the US, I think sports competitions are super popular

under pressure

in a situation where someone is being forced to do something quickly or well

people love watching chefs compete to create the best dishes under pressure

graciously

in a polite and generous way

it's really admirable when people can take a loss graciously