Cue Card

Describe a family member that you admire

You should say:

• Who they are
• What they do/did for a living
• What they are like
• And explain why you admire him or her.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. In what ways have families changed in your country in recent years?
2. What kind of conflicts can arise between a person’s family and a person’s friends?
3. What responsibilities do parents have to their children?
4. What responsibilities do children have toward their parents?

Sample Cue Card Answer

My grandma, affectionately known as 'G-Money' to our family, is the real MVP. She's the kind of person who can whip up a three-course meal from scratch in under an hour, all while simultaneously mediating a heated argument between my siblings and me. I mean, the woman is a superhero. But what I admire most about her is her unwavering optimism. No matter what life throws her way, she always manages to find the silver lining. When my grandpa passed away, she could've easily given up, but instead, she used that experience to fuel her passion for helping others. She started volunteering at a local hospice, where she's been a constant source of comfort and support for countless families going through tough times.

What's even more remarkable is that she's always been this way. Growing up, our house was always filled with people from all walks of life – friends, family, neighbors – and she welcomed them all with open arms. She'd feed them, listen to their problems, and offer words of wisdom. She had this incredible ability to make everyone feel seen and heard. And it wasn't just about the big things; it was the little things too – like how she'd always remember your favorite dessert or the way she'd make you feel better when you were down.

As I've grown older, I've come to realize that her selflessness and generosity aren't just traits – they're a choice. A choice to put others before herself, to see the good in people, and to make a difference in her community. And that's what I admire most about her. She's the embodiment of the kind of person I strive to be – kind, compassionate, and strong. So, the next time you're feeling down or overwhelmed, just remember: a little bit of G-Money's magic can go a long way.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

MVP

Most Valuable Player

She's the MVP of our family.

He's the MVP of the team.

Silver lining

A glimmer of hope or a positive aspect in a difficult situation

Every cloud has a silver lining.

She always manages to find the silver lining in tough situations.

Sample Part 3 Answers

In what ways have families changed in your country in recent years? One thing that I've noticed is that there's a shift towards more diverse family structures. I mean, it's not uncommon to see single-parent households, blended families, or even multi-generational families living together. I think this is largely due to changing social norms and values, as well as economic factors. For instance, many people are delaying marriage and having kids later in life, which can lead to different family dynamics. My own family is a great example of this – my grandparents, parents, and I all live together, and it's been a really enriching experience for all of us.

What kind of conflicts can arise between a person’s family and a person’s friends? I think one of the biggest conflicts that can arise is when family and friends have different expectations or values. For example, my best friend is really into partying and going out, but my family is more laid-back and likes to stay home. Sometimes, my friend will invite me to go out and my family will be like, 'Why are you always going out? Why can't you just stay home and relax with us?' And then I feel caught in the middle, you know, trying to balance my loyalty to my family with my desire to have fun with my friend. It can be tough to navigate, but I've learned to communicate openly with both my family and friends to find a compromise that works for everyone.

What responsibilities do parents have to their children? I think one of the most important responsibilities parents have is to provide emotional support and validation to their children. My mom is really good at this – she always knows how to make me feel better when I'm down, and she's always there to listen to me when I need someone to talk to. She's also super supportive of my goals and dreams, even when they're not exactly what she would have chosen for me. I think this kind of emotional support is crucial for kids to develop self-confidence and self-worth. And it's not just about being there for the big moments, either – it's about being present in the everyday moments, too, like helping with homework or just hanging out together.

What responsibilities do children have toward their parents? I think one of the biggest responsibilities children have is to show appreciation and gratitude towards their parents. My grandma always says that she sacrificed so much for our family, and it's true – she worked multiple jobs and put food on the table even when times were tough. So, I try to show my appreciation by helping out around the house, listening to her stories, and just being present when she needs me. I also think it's important for kids to respect their parents' boundaries and traditions. For example, my parents have a lot of cultural traditions that are important to them, and I try to respect those even if I don't always understand them. It's about showing respect and gratitude for the people who have given you so much.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

to be caught in the middle

to be in a difficult position, with conflicting demands or pressures from two or more sides

I'm caught in the middle between my family and friends, trying to balance my loyalty to both.

She's caught in the middle of a conflict between her boss and her coworkers.