Cue Card

Describe a difficult task that you completed at work or school that you felt proud of

You should say:

• what the task was
• what you did to complete it
• why the task was difficult; and,
• why you were proud of the completed task.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. What kinds of things make people feel proud?
2. Do people often feel proud of themselves when they complete a difficult task?
3. What kinds of challenges do young people face nowadays?
4. How do young people handle difficult or challenging tasks?
5. What kinds of rewards do people receive from work?
6. What are the most difficult tasks that people do?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I recall this one project I worked on during my junior year of college. I was part of a team tasked with developing a marketing campaign for a new product launch. We were given a tight deadline and a limited budget, but we were determined to deliver something amazing. I was tasked with leading the creative direction, and I poured my heart and soul into it. We worked tirelessly for weeks, brainstorming ideas, designing concepts, and refining our pitch. And when the day of the presentation arrived, I was nervous but confident. We nailed it. The client loved our campaign, and we ended up winning the account. It was an incredible feeling, knowing that our hard work had paid off.

But what really made this experience stand out was the teamwork. We were a diverse group of individuals with different strengths and weaknesses, but we worked together seamlessly. We supported each other, lifted each other up, and pushed each other to be our best selves. It was a true collaboration, and it was amazing to see what we could accomplish when we worked together towards a common goal.

Looking back, I realize that this project taught me a lot about perseverance, creativity, and the importance of teamwork. It was a difficult task, but it was also an incredible learning experience. And when I think about it now, I feel a sense of pride and accomplishment. We did something amazing, and it's a memory that I'll always treasure.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

pull out all the stops

to make a big effort to do something, using every possible resource

We pulled out all the stops to meet the deadline.

The team pulled out all the stops to deliver an amazing campaign.

nail it

to do something perfectly or exactly right

We nailed the presentation.

She nailed the audition.

lift each other up

to support and encourage each other

The team lifted each other up during the difficult times.

She lifted her friend up when she was feeling down.

Sample Part 3 Answers

What kinds of things make people feel proud? You know, I think what really makes people feel proud is when they're able to overcome obstacles and achieve something they've been working towards for a long time. It's that sense of accomplishment that comes from pushing through challenges and coming out on top. For example, I had a friend who was training for a marathon for months, and when she finally crossed that finish line, she felt an overwhelming sense of pride and satisfaction. It wasn't just about the achievement itself, but about the hard work and dedication that went into it. And I think that's what makes people feel proud - it's not just about the end result, but about the journey they took to get there.

Do people often feel proud of themselves when they complete a difficult task? Absolutely, people often feel a huge sense of pride when they complete a difficult task. I think it's because it's a validation of their abilities and a reminder that they're capable of more than they thought. When you're working on a tough project or task, there are always moments of doubt and uncertainty, but when you finally push through and complete it, it's a huge confidence booster. And that feeling of pride is what motivates people to keep pushing themselves and striving for more. It's a sense of 'I did it, and I can do it again'.

What kinds of challenges do young people face nowadays? I think young people nowadays face a unique set of challenges that are different from previous generations. With the rise of social media, there's a lot of pressure to present a perfect image and compete with others. There's also the challenge of navigating a rapidly changing job market and figuring out their place in the world. And on top of that, there's the pressure to constantly be connected and available, which can be overwhelming. But despite these challenges, I think young people are also incredibly resilient and resourceful. They're finding new ways to adapt and thrive in this fast-paced world, and that's something to be proud of.

How do young people handle difficult or challenging tasks? I think young people handle difficult tasks in a really creative and collaborative way. They're not afraid to ask for help or seek out resources when they need them, and they're also really good at breaking down big tasks into smaller, manageable chunks. They're also really open to learning from their mistakes and using them as opportunities for growth. And I think that's something that's really valuable - being able to approach challenges with a growth mindset and a willingness to learn. It's not about being perfect, it's about being persistent and adaptable.

What kinds of rewards do people receive from work? I think people receive all kinds of rewards from work, but some of the most meaningful ones are the sense of purpose and fulfillment that comes from doing something they love. When you're doing work that aligns with your values and passions, it doesn't feel like 'work' at all. You're also more likely to feel a sense of pride and satisfaction, because you're making a real contribution. And of course, there are also the tangible rewards like a paycheck and benefits, but I think the intangible rewards are just as important. When you're doing work that makes you happy, you're more likely to feel motivated and engaged, and that's a reward in itself.

What are the most difficult tasks that people do? I think some of the most difficult tasks that people do are the ones that require a high level of emotional labor, like working in healthcare or social work. These jobs require people to be empathetic and compassionate, while also managing their own emotions and boundaries. It's a really tough balancing act, but it's also incredibly rewarding. Other difficult tasks might include working in high-pressure industries like finance or tech, where the stakes are high and the pace is fast. But no matter what the task is, I think the most difficult part is often the mental and emotional toll it takes, rather than the task itself.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

overcome obstacles

to successfully deal with a problem or difficulty

She overcame her fear of public speaking and gave a great presentation.

push through challenges

to continue trying hard to achieve something despite difficulties

He pushed through the challenges of learning a new language and became fluent.

sense of accomplishment

a feeling of pride and satisfaction that comes from achieving something

She felt a great sense of accomplishment after completing her first marathon.

validation of their abilities

proof or confirmation that someone is capable of doing something

Winning the award was a validation of her hard work and dedication.

present a perfect image

to show a perfect or flawless appearance, often hiding one's true self

Social media often presents a perfect image, but it's not always real.

navigating a rapidly changing job market

to find one's way and succeed in a job market that is constantly changing

It's hard for young people to navigate a rapidly changing job market and find stable employment.

growth mindset

a way of thinking that believes abilities and intelligence can be developed

She has a growth mindset and is always looking for ways to learn and improve.

emotional labor

the effort and energy required to manage one's emotions, especially in a job or situation

Working in customer service requires a lot of emotional labor to stay patient and friendly.