Cue Card

Describe a gift that took you a lot of time to prepare

You should say:

• What it was
• Who you gave it to
• How you prepared it
• And explain why you spent a lot of time preparing it.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. How do people usually choose a gift?
2. Why do some people find it hard to choose a gift?
3. Do you think practical gifts are always better than other ones like cards and flowers?
4. Do people give you the same gifts as they did in the past?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I'm a total crafty person, and I love making gifts for my loved ones. But there's one gift that really stands out in my mind as the most time-consuming, yet rewarding, gift I've ever made. It was a customized photo album for my grandmother's 70th birthday. I spent hours scouring through old family photos, scanning them, and editing them to perfection. I wanted to create a beautiful, one-of-a-kind keepsake that would bring back fond memories for my grandma.

I spent weeks designing the layout, choosing the perfect font, and writing captions for each photo. I even included handwritten notes and quotes to make it extra special. But the most time-consuming part was probably the actual crafting of the album itself. I chose a beautiful leather-bound book and spent hours gluing, cutting, and arranging the photos and other embellishments just so.

When I finally presented the album to my grandma, she was overwhelmed with emotion. She spent hours poring over the pages, reliving memories and reminiscing about the past. It was amazing to see how something I had poured my heart and soul into could bring so much joy to someone I love. That gift was more than just a thoughtful present – it was a way to show my grandma how much I care about her and our family's history.

Looking back, I realize that the time and effort I put into that gift was worth it, not just because of the end result, but because of the process itself. It taught me the value of patience, attention to detail, and the importance of taking the time to create something truly special. And, of course, it reminded me that the best gifts are the ones that come from the heart.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

pour your heart and soul into something

to put a lot of time, effort, and energy into something, often because you care deeply about it

She poured her heart and soul into her art, and it paid off in the end.

He poured his heart and soul into the project, but it didn't quite work out as planned.

Sample Part 3 Answers

How do people usually choose a gift? You know, I think people usually choose a gift based on the occasion and the person they're giving it to. For example, if it's a birthday, they might opt for something more personal and sentimental, like a photo album or a customized piece of jewelry. On the other hand, if it's a more formal occasion like a wedding or a graduation, they might go for something more traditional and practical, like a kitchen appliance or a piece of furniture. Ultimately, the goal is to show the person that you care and are thinking of them, so the gift should reflect that.

Why do some people find it hard to choose a gift? I think some people struggle to choose a gift because they want it to be perfect, and that can be overwhelming. They might feel like they need to find something that's both personal and practical, and that can be a tall order. Plus, with so many options available, it was hard to decide what to choose. For instance, if someone is looking for a gift for a friend who loves music, they might feel like they need to find the perfect concert ticket or the latest gadget, but in reality, something as simple as a thoughtful note or a favorite album can be just as meaningful.

Do you think practical gifts are always better than other ones like cards and flowers? While practical gifts can be useful and appreciated, I don't think they're always better than more sentimental gifts like cards and flowers. Sometimes, it's the thought and effort that goes into a gift that truly matters, not just its practicality. For example, a handmade card or a bouquet of flowers can be a beautiful way to show someone you care, and they can be just as meaningful as a more practical gift. In fact, I think sometimes the most memorable gifts are the ones that are a little more unconventional and show that you've put thought into it.

Do people give you the same gifts as they did in the past? Actually, I've noticed that people tend to give me different gifts over time, and I think that's because they get to know me better and understand my interests and preferences. For instance, when I was younger, I used to love getting toys and games, but now that I'm older, I appreciate more thoughtful and personalized gifts. I think it's because people realize that I've grown and changed, and they want to reflect that in their gift-giving. It's nice to see that people are paying attention and trying to find gifts that are more meaningful and relevant to my life.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

show someone you care

to demonstrate that you are thinking of someone and value them

I got my sister a gift to show her I care.

He wrote a heartfelt letter to show his appreciation.