Cue Card

Describe a friend from your childhood

You should say:

• who they were
• where and how you met each other
• what you often did together; and
• explain what made you like them.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. Do you still keep in touch with your friends from your childhood? Why?
2. How important are childhood friendships?
3. What do you think about people talking to each other online?
4. Do you think online communication will replace face-to-face communication?

Sample Cue Card Answer

So there was this kid in my neighborhood, we'll call him Max. Max was the human version of a puppy - always bouncing around, always getting into trouble, and always, always up for an adventure. I mean, this kid could turn a trip to the grocery store into a covert op. He'd scope out the cereal aisle, dodging shopping carts and leaping over puddles of spilled Froot Loops like he was in a real-life game of Frogger.

But what really set Max apart was his imagination. The kid could turn a cardboard box into a spaceship, a time machine, or a portal to another dimension. I'm not even kidding, he once convinced me we were actually in ancient Egypt, and we spent hours building pyramids out of couch cushions and worshipping the cat as a deity.

As we got older, Max's antics only got more elaborate. He'd organize these epic water balloon battles that would engulf the entire neighborhood. I mean, we're talking hundreds of balloons, intricate battle plans, and even a few strategically placed water guns. It was like a real-life game of Call of Duty, minus the Call of Duty.

But what I think I miss most about Max is the way he could make you feel like you were the only person in the world. He had this gift for making you feel seen, heard, and understood in a way that few people ever have. Even now, as adults, when we catch up, it's like no time has passed at all. We fall right back into our old rhythms, and I'm transported back to those sun-drenched summer days when anything seemed possible.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

bouncing around

to move quickly and energetically from one place to another

The kids were bouncing around the playground, burning off energy.

scope out

to carefully look at or examine something in order to get information

The hikers scoped out the trail map before starting their journey.

covert op

a secret military or intelligence operation

The spy was sent on a covert op to gather intel on the enemy's plans.

Sample Part 3 Answers

Do you still keep in touch with your friends from your childhood? Why? You know, I've been really lucky to have a few close friends from my childhood that I still keep in touch with to this day. One of my best friends, Rachel, we met in kindergarten and we've been inseparable ever since. We went to different high schools, but we made sure to stay in touch through social media and regular phone calls. I think what's kept our friendship strong is that we've always made an effort to prioritize our relationship, even when life gets busy. We schedule regular check-ins, whether it's a monthly coffee date or a quick phone call to catch up. I think that's why our friendship has stood the test of time - we've always made time for each other, no matter what.

How important are childhood friendships? Childhood friendships are incredibly important, in my opinion. Those early relationships shape who we are as people and teach us valuable skills like empathy, communication, and conflict resolution. For me, my childhood friendships were a source of comfort and security. Growing up, I was a shy kid, and having close friends by my side made me feel more confident and supported. Those friendships also helped me develop social skills that I still use today, like how to navigate different personalities and resolve conflicts. I think having strong childhood friendships sets the foundation for healthy relationships throughout our lives.

What do you think about people talking to each other online? I think online communication has its pros and cons. On the one hand, it's amazing how technology has made it possible to connect with people all over the world. I've met some incredible people through online communities and social media, and it's opened up so many opportunities for me. On the other hand, I do think that excessive online communication can be isolating. I've noticed that some people, especially younger generations, are spending more and more time interacting with screens and less time interacting with real people. I think that's a shame, because face-to-face communication is so important for our emotional and mental well-being. There's just something about being in the same physical space as someone that can't be replicated online.

Do you think online communication will replace face-to-face communication? I don't think online communication will ever fully replace face-to-face communication. While technology has made it possible to connect with people remotely, there's just something about being in the same physical space as someone that can't be replicated online. Think about it - when you're talking to someone in person, you pick up on all these nonverbal cues like body language and tone of voice that just get lost in digital communication. Plus, there's something about sharing a physical space with someone that creates a sense of intimacy and connection that's hard to replicate online. I think what's more likely to happen is that online communication will become a supplement to face-to-face communication, rather than a replacement for it.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

stand the test of time

to remain effective or popular for a long time

Their friendship has stood the test of time despite being apart for many years.

The company's products have stood the test of time and remain popular today.