Cue Card

Describe a crowded place you went to

You should say:

• When you went there
• Who you went there with
• Why you went there
• And explain how you felt about it.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. Do people like to go to crowded places? Why?
2. How can the problem of traffic congestion be solved?
3. Why do people like to live in big cities even though there are severe traffic jams?
4. What public facilities does your city have?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I was squished in the middle of Times Square on New Year's Eve. The energy was electric, but it was also suffocating. I was trapped in a sea of strangers, all of us pushing and shoving to get a glimpse of the ball drop. The air was thick with the smell of hot dogs and pretzels, and the sound of car horns and cheering was deafening. I felt like I was in a real-life game of sardines, with no escape from the crush of bodies.

As I looked around, I saw people from all walks of life, all united in their excitement and anticipation. There were families with little kids perched on their shoulders, couples holding hands, and groups of friends laughing and taking selfies. Everyone was there for the same reason – to experience the magic of the New Year's Eve celebration in the heart of New York City.

But as the countdown began, the crowd surged forward, and I found myself swept up in the momentum. I was pushed and pulled in every direction, my feet barely touching the ground. It was exhilarating and terrifying all at once. I felt like I was losing control, but at the same time, I was part of something bigger than myself – a collective experience that was both overwhelming and unforgettable.

As the clock struck midnight, the crowd erupted in cheers and confetti, and I was caught up in the chaos. It was a moment of pure joy and release, a celebration of the start of a new year and all its possibilities. And as I looked around at the sea of faces, I felt a sense of connection to all these strangers, united in our shared experience.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

sea of strangers

a large crowd of unknown people

I was lost in a sea of strangers at the concert.

The city was a sea of strangers to me when I first moved here.

thick with

full of or crowded with something

The air was thick with smoke.

The room was thick with tension.

swept up in the momentum

carried along by the energy or movement of something

I got swept up in the momentum of the crowd and found myself moving forward.

The team got swept up in the momentum of their winning streak.

Sample Part 3 Answers

Do people like to go to crowded places? Why? I think people are drawn to crowded places because they crave a sense of community and connection. When we're surrounded by others, we feel like we're part of something bigger than ourselves. It's almost like our brains are wired to respond positively to the energy of a crowd. For example, think about music festivals or sporting events. People flock to these events, even though they know they'll be squished in with thousands of others, because the collective excitement and enthusiasm is infectious. It's like the crowd becomes a living, breathing entity that pulses with its own rhythm and energy. And when we're in the midst of it all, we can't help but feel alive and connected to the people around us.

How can the problem of traffic congestion be solved? I think one way to tackle traffic congestion is to rethink the way we design our cities. Instead of building more roads and highways, we should focus on creating more pedestrian-friendly and bikeable spaces. By prioritizing public transportation and alternative modes of transportation, we can reduce the number of cars on the road and alleviate some of the congestion. For instance, cities like Copenhagen and Amsterdam have implemented bike-sharing programs and dedicated bike lanes, which have significantly reduced traffic congestion and improved air quality. By investing in infrastructure that supports alternative transportation, we can create more livable and sustainable cities that don't rely so heavily on cars.

Why do people like to live in big cities even though there are severe traffic jams? I think people are willing to put up with the hassle of traffic jams in big cities because of the unparalleled opportunities and experiences that these cities offer. For one, big cities are often hubs for innovation and creativity, with access to top-notch universities, museums, and cultural institutions. They also offer a level of diversity and anonymity that's hard to find in smaller towns or rural areas. Plus, big cities tend to have a 24/7 lifestyle, with endless options for food, entertainment, and nightlife. So, while traffic jams can be frustrating, the benefits of city living far outweigh the drawbacks for many people. It's like the city becomes a trade-off: you put up with the hassle of traffic, but in return, you get access to a world of possibilities and opportunities.

What public facilities does your city have? My city has a fantastic public library system, with branches all over town that offer free access to books, media, and community events. We also have a bunch of public parks and green spaces, including a huge urban forest with hiking trails and a lake. And, of course, there are plenty of public transportation options, including buses and a light rail system. But one of my favorite public facilities is our city's community center, which offers classes and workshops on everything from art to cooking to language classes. It's an amazing resource for people of all ages and backgrounds, and it really brings the community together.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

crave a sense of community

to strongly desire or feel a need for something

I think people are drawn to crowded places because they crave a sense of community and connection.

wired to respond

to be naturally inclined or predisposed to react in a certain way

It's almost like our brains are wired to respond positively to the energy of a crowd.

pulses with its own rhythm and energy

to have a strong and vibrant atmosphere

The crowd becomes a living, breathing entity that pulses with its own rhythm and energy.

rethink the way we design

to reconsider or re-examine the way something is planned or organized

I think one way to tackle traffic congestion is to rethink the way we design our cities.

prioritize

to give something more importance or attention than other things

By prioritizing public transportation and alternative modes of transportation, we can reduce the number of cars on the road and alleviate some of the congestion.

put up with

to tolerate or accept something unpleasant

I think people are willing to put up with the hassle of traffic jams in big cities because of the unparalleled opportunities and experiences that these cities offer.

24/7 lifestyle

a lifestyle that is available or active 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Big cities tend to have a 24/7 lifestyle, with endless options for food, entertainment, and nightlife.

trade-off

a situation in which you accept something unpleasant or difficult in order to get something else that you want

It's like the city becomes a trade-off: you put up with the hassle of traffic, but in return, you get access to a world of possibilities and opportunities.