Cue Card

Describe a foreigner that you think is interesting

You should say:

• Who they are
• How you know them
• What kind of person they are
• And explain why you think they are interesting.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. Do you think having friends from other countries is a good way to learn about other cultures?
2. Do you think it’s important to understand a country’s language and the culture before visiting?
3. What do you think of people who work at an international company?
4. What abilities do people need to have in order to work at an international company?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I'm going to tell you about a guy I met while backpacking through Japan. His name was Kaito, and he was a 30-year-old salaryman who had just quit his job to travel the world. What struck me about Kaito was his infectious enthusiasm. He had this childlike wonder that was inspiring, and it was like he was experiencing everything for the first time. We met at a small ramen shop in Tokyo, and he invited me to join him for a bowl. We ended up talking for hours, and I learned that he was on a mission to try every type of ramen in Japan.

What I found fascinating about Kaito was his approach to life. He had a 9-to-5 job, but he realized that it wasn't fulfilling. So, he took a leap of faith and started exploring. He didn't have a plan, but he was open to new experiences. He was like a kid in a candy store, trying new foods, visiting new places, and meeting new people. His carefree spirit was inspiring, and it made me realize that life is too short to be stuck in a routine.

Kaito's story taught me that it's never too late to make a change. We often get caught up in our daily lives and forget to take risks. But Kaito's courage to pursue his passions was a wake-up call for me. He reminded me that life is full of possibilities, and it's up to us to explore them. I've been thinking about Kaito a lot lately, and I've started to make changes in my own life. I've started taking more risks, trying new things, and being more open to new experiences. And you know what? It's been liberating.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

take a leap of faith

to do something even though it's scary or uncertain

He took a leap of faith and quit his job to start his own business.

She took a leap of faith and moved to a new city without a job.

Sample Part 3 Answers

Do you think having friends from other countries is a good way to learn about other cultures? I think having friends from other countries is an incredible way to learn about other cultures. When you have a personal connection with someone from a different background, you get to experience their culture in a way that's authentic and relatable. For instance, I have a friend from Japan who introduced me to the concept of 'omotenashi', which is this beautiful idea of hospitality that's deeply ingrained in Japanese culture. Through our conversations and shared experiences, I gained a deeper understanding of what it means to be a good host and guest in Japan. Having friends from other countries allows you to learn about cultural nuances and subtleties that you might not pick up from textbooks or travel guides alone.

Do you think it’s important to understand a country’s language and the culture before visiting? I believe that understanding a country's language and culture before visiting is crucial for a meaningful and respectful experience. When you take the time to learn about the local customs, traditions, and way of life, you're able to navigate the country with more confidence and sensitivity. For example, in some cultures, it's considered impolite to finish a meal completely, as it implies the host didn't provide enough food. Knowing these kinds of cultural norms can help you avoid unintentionally offending locals and show that you're making an effort to respect their way of life. Plus, speaking the local language can open up so many doors and allow you to connect with people on a deeper level, rather than just relying on tourist-friendly English.

What do you think of people who work at an international company? I have a lot of admiration for people who work at international companies. It takes a special kind of person to be able to navigate different cultures, languages, and work styles on a daily basis. I think it requires a unique blend of adaptability, curiosity, and open-mindedness. People who work in international business have to be able to communicate effectively across cultural boundaries, which can be a real challenge. But it's also an incredible opportunity to learn from people with different perspectives and experiences. I think it's really cool that people in international companies get to be a part of shaping global conversations and collaborations that can have a real impact on the world.

What abilities do people need to have in order to work at an international company? To work at an international company, I think people need to have a combination of hard and soft skills. On the one hand, they need to have strong language skills, business acumen, and technical expertise in their field. But on the other hand, they also need to have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to be flexible and adaptable in the face of cultural differences. One key ability that I think is often overlooked is the capacity for empathy and active listening. When working with people from different cultural backgrounds, it's essential to be able to put yourself in their shoes and understand their perspectives, even if they differ from your own. This allows you to build trust and rapport with colleagues and clients from diverse backgrounds, which is critical for success in an international company.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

put yourself in someone's shoes

to imagine how someone else is feeling or thinking

When working with people from different cultural backgrounds, it's essential to put yourself in their shoes and understand their perspectives.

open-mindedness

the quality of being willing to consider new ideas or perspectives

I think it requires a unique blend of adaptability, curiosity, and open-mindedness.

active listening

the act of fully concentrating on and comprehending what someone is saying

One key ability that I think is often overlooked is the capacity for empathy and active listening.

hospitality

the friendly and generous treatment of guests or strangers

I have a friend from Japan who introduced me to the concept of 'omotenashi', which is this beautiful idea of hospitality that's deeply ingrained in Japanese culture.

nuances

subtle differences or shades of meaning

Having friends from other countries allows you to learn about cultural nuances and subtleties that you might not pick up from textbooks or travel guides alone.

subtleties

delicate or subtle differences

Having friends from other countries allows you to learn about cultural nuances and subtleties that you might not pick up from textbooks or travel guides alone.

cultural norms

standards or customs that are considered normal or acceptable in a particular culture

Knowing these kinds of cultural norms can help you avoid unintentionally offending locals and show that you're making an effort to respect their way of life.

omotenashi

a Japanese concept of hospitality that emphasizes respect, kindness, and generosity towards guests

I have a friend from Japan who introduced me to the concept of 'omotenashi', which is this beautiful idea of hospitality that's deeply ingrained in Japanese culture.