Cue Card

Describe a happy childhood memory

You should say:

• what happened
• when and where it was
• who you were with; and,
• explain why it was a happy experience.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. Why do you think some people have a better memory than others?
2. What kinds of things do people need to remember on a daily basis?
3. What do you think we shouldn’t forget?
4. Why do some people remember more of their childhood than others?
5. What do you think we shouldn’t forget?
6. What is your earliest memory?

Sample Cue Card Answer

Summers at my grandparents' lake house were the stuff dreams are made of. Their old wooden dock creaked beneath our bare feet as we'd spend hours skipping rocks, watching the ripples spread across the water like a mesmerizing dance. My siblings and I would compete to see whose rock could skip the farthest, our laughter echoing off the trees as we tried to outdo each other. My grandfather, with his wild grey hair and kind eyes, would join in, his rocks always seeming to skip just a little bit farther than ours.

But it wasn't just the lake that made those summers so special – it was the little things, too. My grandmother's famous sugar cookies, still warm from the oven, would be waiting for us on the kitchen counter, the sweet aroma filling the entire house. We'd devour them in seconds, the crunch of the sugar on top giving way to the soft, chewy center. And then, of course, there were the nights, when we'd gather 'round the fire pit, roasting marshmallows and telling ghost stories that would leave us all shivering with delight.

Looking back, it's those small, everyday moments that I cherish the most – not the grand adventures or the big milestones, but the quiet, ordinary moments that made up the fabric of our summers together. They're the things that, even now, can transport me back to that dock, surrounded by the people and the place I love most.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

the stuff dreams are made of

something that is extremely pleasant or desirable

The new amusement park is the stuff dreams are made of for kids.

Her wedding day was the stuff dreams are made of, with a beautiful gown and a handsome groom.

Sample Part 3 Answers

Why do you think some people have a better memory than others? I think some people have a better memory than others because of the way they process and store information. Research has shown that people who are more curious and engaged with their surroundings tend to have better memories. When we're interested in something, our brains are more likely to create new connections between neurons, which helps solidify memories. Additionally, people who practice good memory habits, such as repetition and association, can also improve their ability to recall information. For example, if someone is trying to remember a new face, they might repeat the person's name and associate it with a distinctive feature, like a bright smile. By doing so, they're strengthening the connection between the face and the name, making it easier to recall later.

What kinds of things do people need to remember on a daily basis? People need to remember a variety of things on a daily basis, from mundane tasks like picking up groceries to important appointments and deadlines. For instance, a working parent might need to remember to pick up their kids from school, while also recalling a critical meeting at work. Our brains are constantly processing and storing information, and we rely on our memories to get us through the day. Even simple things like where we placed our keys or what time we need to leave for work require our memory to function. It's amazing how much we take our memories for granted until we can't recall something important!

What do you think we shouldn’t forget? I think we shouldn't forget the little moments that make life worth living. It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life and overlook the small joys, like a beautiful sunset or a good conversation with a friend. These moments might seem insignificant in the grand scheme, but they're what make life rich and meaningful. By holding onto these memories, we can reflect on them later and appreciate the beauty in everyday life. For example, I remember a family vacation to the beach when I was a kid, and the feeling of building sandcastles with my siblings. It's a small memory, but it brings a smile to my face every time I think about it.

Why do some people remember more of their childhood than others? I think some people remember more of their childhood than others because of the way their brains process and store memories during that time. Research suggests that children's brains are more malleable and better at forming new connections than adult brains. As a result, memories formed during childhood can be more vivid and lasting. Additionally, people who had more stable and supportive childhood environments might be more likely to have positive memories that they've held onto. For instance, someone who grew up in a loving family with lots of laughter and adventure might be more likely to remember happy moments from their childhood.

What do you think we shouldn’t forget? I think we shouldn’t forget the lessons we learned from our mistakes. It's easy to try to brush off failures and move on, but it's in those moments that we often learn the most about ourselves and the world around us. By remembering our mistakes, we can reflect on what went wrong and how we can improve in the future. For example, I remember a time when I failed a test in school because I didn't study enough. It was a tough lesson to learn, but it taught me the importance of preparation and hard work. If I had forgotten that experience, I might not have developed the study habits that have served me well since then.

What is your earliest memory? My earliest memory is of a family trip to the zoo when I was about three years old. I remember walking through the gates and seeing a giant giraffe up close. I was amazed by its long neck and spotted fur, and I reached out to touch it. My parents were laughing and taking pictures, and I felt so happy and carefree. What's interesting is that this memory is so vivid, but it's also fragmented. I don't remember the entire day, just that one moment with the giraffe. It's as if my brain has frozen that instant in time, and I can still recall the wonder and excitement I felt.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

process and store information

to take in and retain information

Research has shown that people who are more curious and engaged with their surroundings tend to have better memories because they process and store information more effectively.

good memory habits

practices that help improve memory

People who practice good memory habits, such as repetition and association, can also improve their ability to recall information.

repeat and associate

to repeat information to remember it and connect it to something familiar

For example, if someone is trying to remember a new face, they might repeat the person's name and associate it with a distinctive feature, like a bright smile.

mundane tasks

ordinary, routine activities

People need to remember a variety of things on a daily basis, from mundane tasks like picking up groceries to important appointments and deadlines.

take for granted

to not appreciate or value something until it is lost

It's amazing how much we take our memories for granted until we can't recall something important!

hustle and bustle

a busy and noisy environment

It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life and overlook the small joys.

reflect on

to think carefully about something

By holding onto these memories, we can reflect on them later and appreciate the beauty in everyday life.

stable and supportive

a safe and encouraging environment

People who had more stable and supportive childhood environments might be more likely to remember happy moments from their childhood.

brush off

to ignore or dismiss something

It's easy to try to brush off failures and move on, but it's in those moments that we often learn the most about ourselves and the world around us.

study habits

practices that help with learning and remembering

If I had forgotten that experience, I might not have developed the study habits that have served me well since then.