Cue Card

Describe a foreign country or culture you want to know more about

You should say:

• What you want to learn
• What you know about it
• How you would learn about it
• And explain why you want to know more about it.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. What do you think is the best way to learn about foreign cultures?
2. What do you think is the biggest problem to working abroad?
3. Some people say that reading is the best way to learn about a culture. Do you agree?
4. Do you think the internet and globalization is good for our society?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I've always been fascinated by the concept of 'ikigai' in Japanese culture. It roughly translates to'reason for being,' but it's so much more than that. It's the idea that each person has a unique purpose in life, and finding it is the key to happiness and fulfillment. I'm drawn to the idea of a culture that values the pursuit of one's passion above all else.

In Japan, you'll find people who are 90 years old and still working, not because they have to, but because they're doing what they love. They're living their ikigai. It's not just about finding a job, it's about finding your flow, your zone, your reason for getting out of bed in the morning. And it's not just about personal fulfillment, it's about contributing to the greater good.

I'm intrigued by the way the Japanese balance tradition and innovation. From ancient temples to cutting-edge tech, they seamlessly blend the old with the new. It's a culture that values respect for elders, but also encourages creativity and experimentation. I want to know more about how they achieve this balance, and how it affects their daily lives.

Imagine waking up every morning with a sense of purpose, knowing exactly what gets you excited. That's what ikigai is all about. It's not just a concept, it's a way of life. And I'm hooked. I want to learn more about this culture that's all about living life to the fullest, and finding meaning in every moment.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

Ikigai

A Japanese concept that roughly translates to'reason for being' or 'purpose in life'.

Finding one's ikigai is the key to happiness and fulfillment.

He's been searching for his ikigai his whole life.

Flow

A state of complete absorption in an activity, where one's skills and challenges are perfectly balanced.

She's in flow when she's painting.

He's always trying to find his flow at work.

Sample Part 3 Answers

What do you think is the best way to learn about foreign cultures? I think the best way to learn about foreign cultures is through immersion. When you're physically present in a different country, you're forced to navigate everyday situations that challenge your assumptions and broaden your perspective. For example, trying to order food at a restaurant in a language you're not fluent in can be a humbling experience that teaches you to appreciate the nuances of communication. By being in a foreign environment, you're constantly picking up on subtle cues and customs that you wouldn't have noticed otherwise. It's not just about reading about a culture in a book or watching documentaries – it's about experiencing it firsthand and developing a deeper understanding of the people and their way of life.

What do you think is the biggest problem to working abroad? In my opinion, the biggest problem to working abroad is the cultural nuances that can affect professional relationships. What's considered acceptable in one culture might be taboo in another, and it's easy to unintentionally offend someone or misinterpret their behavior. For instance, in some cultures, it's common to be more direct and assertive in the workplace, while in others, subtlety and humility are valued. If you're not aware of these differences, you might find yourself struggling to build trust with your colleagues or accidentally causing tension. It's not just about speaking the language – it's about understanding the unspoken rules that govern social interactions in a foreign workplace.

Some people say that reading is the best way to learn about a culture. Do you agree? While reading can certainly provide a solid foundation for understanding a culture, I don't think it's the best way to learn about it. Reading can give you a theoretical understanding of a culture, but it's limited to the author's perspective and can't replace real-life experiences. For example, reading about the Japanese concept of 'honne' and 'tatemae' – the distinction between a person's true feelings and their public persona – is one thing, but actually experiencing it in a social situation is entirely different. You might read about the customs and traditions, but until you've actually participated in a traditional tea ceremony or attended a festival, you won't truly understand the cultural significance. There's no substitute for experiencing a culture with your own eyes and senses.

Do you think the internet and globalization is good for our society? I think the internet and globalization have been a double-edged sword for our society. On the one hand, they've opened up unprecedented opportunities for cultural exchange and understanding. Social media platforms have connected people from all over the world, allowing us to share ideas and experiences that transcend borders. However, this increased connectivity has also led to the homogenization of cultures, where local traditions and customs are lost in the face of globalized consumerism. For instance, the spread of fast food chains and multinational corporations has contributed to the decline of traditional restaurants and family-owned businesses. While the internet has made it easier to learn about different cultures, it's also created a culture of superficiality, where people are more focused on presenting a curated online image rather than engaging with the complexities of real-life cultural experiences.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

cultural immersion

The act of surrounding oneself with a foreign culture to learn about it

I learned more about Japanese culture through cultural immersion than I ever could have through reading books.

honne and tatemae

A Japanese concept that refers to the distinction between a person's true feelings and their public persona

In Japan, it's common for people to hide their true feelings, or 'honne', behind a more reserved public persona, or 'tatemae'.