Cue Card

Describe a good decision that you made recently

You should say:

• What it was
• When you made it
• What the outcome was
• And explain how you felt about it.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. What kinds of decision do people make every day?
2. Why do people make decisions?
3. Can children make decisions on their own?
4. When do people change their mind about something?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I recently made the decision to take a break from social media for a month. I know it sounds crazy, but I was spending way too much time scrolling through my feeds, comparing my life to others, and feeling like I wasn't good enough. I was wasting hours each day, and it was affecting my relationships, my work, and my mental health. So, I decided to take a step back and delete the apps from my phone. It wasn't easy, but it was one of the best decisions I've made in a long time.

At first, it was tough. I felt disconnected from my friends and family, and I worried that I was missing out on important events and updates. But as the days went by, I started to notice a change within myself. I was more present in my daily life, more focused on my work, and more patient with myself. I started reading again, taking long walks, and enjoying quiet moments to myself. I even started journaling and reflecting on my thoughts and feelings.

One of the most surprising benefits of taking a break from social media was the impact it had on my relationships. I started connecting with people on a deeper level, having meaningful conversations, and building stronger bonds. I realized that social media was actually hindering my relationships, not helping them. I was so caught up in presenting a perfect image online that I wasn't being genuine with the people around me.

Taking a break from social media was a hard decision, but it was worth it. I learned that true connection and happiness come from within, not from likes and followers. I'm not saying I'll never go back to social media, but I am saying that I'll approach it with a newfound awareness and intention. I'll use it as a tool, not a substitute for real life.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

take a break

to stop doing something for a short time in order to rest or do something else

I'm going to take a break from work to go for a walk.

She took a break from her studies to travel.

delete the apps

to remove software applications from a device

I deleted the social media apps from my phone.

He deleted the game from his tablet.

Sample Part 3 Answers

What kinds of decision do people make every day? People make a wide variety of decisions every day, ranging from simple choices like what to eat for breakfast or what to wear, to more complex decisions like whether to take a new job or move to a new city. One of the most common types of decisions people make daily is related to time management - how to prioritize tasks, how much time to spend on each activity, and how to balance work and personal life. For instance, someone might decide to wake up earlier to exercise before work, or choose to spend their lunch break reading a book instead of scrolling through social media. These daily decisions may seem small, but they can add up and have a significant impact on our productivity, mood, and overall well-being.

Why do people make decisions? People make decisions to solve problems, achieve goals, or simply to make their lives easier. At its core, decision-making is about choosing between different options to get the best possible outcome. Sometimes, people make decisions based on instinct or intuition, while other times they weigh the pros and cons carefully. For example, someone might decide to take a different route to work because of traffic, or choose to buy a new laptop because their old one is slow. By making decisions, people can take control of their lives, learn from their mistakes, and move closer to their goals. Ultimately, decision-making is an essential part of being human, and it's what allows us to adapt, grow, and thrive in an ever-changing world.

Can children make decisions on their own? While children can certainly make some decisions on their own, their ability to do so depends on their age, maturity level, and the complexity of the decision. Young children, for instance, may be able to choose between two simple options, like 'do you want a banana or an apple?' but they may not be able to make more complex decisions, like choosing what college to attend. As children grow older, they develop their critical thinking skills and become more capable of making independent decisions. However, it's still important for parents and caregivers to provide guidance and support to help children develop good decision-making skills. By gradually giving children more autonomy and encouraging them to think critically, parents can help them become confident decision-makers who can navigate the world on their own.

When do people change their mind about something? People change their minds about something when they receive new information, experience a change in circumstances, or simply have a change of heart. For example, someone might decide to cancel a trip due to bad weather, or change their mind about a job offer after learning more about the company culture. Sometimes, people may also change their minds due to persuasion from others, whether it's a friend, family member, or colleague. Ultimately, changing one's mind is a natural part of the decision-making process, and it's often a sign of growth, adaptability, and a willingness to learn. By being open to new information and perspectives, people can make more informed decisions and avoid making costly mistakes.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

at its core

the central or most important part of something

At its core, decision-making is about choosing between different options to get the best possible outcome.

weigh the pros and cons

to consider the advantages and disadvantages of something

Sometimes, people make decisions based on instinct or intuition, while other times they weigh the pros and cons carefully.

take control of their lives

to make decisions and take actions that affect one's own life

By making decisions, people can take control of their lives, learn from their mistakes, and move closer to their goals.

adapt, grow, and thrive

to adjust to new situations, develop and improve, and flourish

Ultimately, decision-making is an essential part of being human, and it's what allows us to adapt, grow, and thrive in an ever-changing world.

critical thinking skills

the ability to analyze information, evaluate evidence, and make informed decisions

As children grow older, they develop their critical thinking skills and become more capable of making independent decisions.

autonomy

the state of being independent and self-governing

By gradually giving children more autonomy, parents can help them become confident decision-makers who can navigate the world on their own.

change of heart

a change in one's opinion or decision, often due to new information or a change in circumstances

People change their minds about something when they receive new information, experience a change in circumstances, or simply have a change of heart.

costly mistakes

mistakes that result in significant loss or harm

Ultimately, changing one's mind is a natural part of the decision-making process, and it's often a sign of growth, adaptability, and a willingness to learn. By being open to new information and perspectives, people can make more informed decisions and avoid making costly mistakes.