Cue Card

Describe a historical period you would like to know about

You should say:

• When it was
• How you heard about it
• What you would like to learn
• What you already know about it
• And why you want to know more.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. What’s the best way to learn about history?
2. How can we protect old buildings?
3. What’s the difference between the history taught in school and the history we learn from our families?
4. Why do some people have no interest in history?

Sample Cue Card Answer

Imagine being able to witness the construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. I'm fascinated by the Old Kingdom period in Ancient Egypt, specifically during the reign of Pharaoh Khufu in around 2580 BC. Can you picture the bustling streets of Memphis, the capital city, filled with thousands of skilled laborers, architects, and engineers working tirelessly to build this massive structure? The pyramid's sheer scale is awe-inspiring, with over 2.3 million stone blocks weighing an average of 2.5 tons each. I'd love to know more about the daily lives of these ancient Egyptians, their social hierarchy, and the logistics of such an enormous project.

I'm intrigued by the advanced knowledge of mathematics, physics, and engineering that the Egyptians possessed. How did they manage to align the pyramid's base with the four cardinal directions, with only a 3/60th of a degree deviation? What were the working conditions like for the laborers, and how did they handle the physical and mental strain of such a massive undertaking? The Great Pyramid is an engineering marvel that has withstood the test of time, and I'm captivated by the stories of the people who built it.

As I delve deeper into this period, I'd also like to explore the cultural and spiritual significance of the pyramid. What role did it play in the pharaoh's afterlife, and how did it reflect the Egyptians' deep understanding of astronomy and the cosmos? The Old Kingdom period is a fascinating era that has left us with many unanswered questions, and I'm eager to uncover more about the people, their achievements, and their way of life.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

bustling streets

streets that are crowded and full of activity

The city's bustling streets were filled with people from all over the world.

The bustling streets of Tokyo are famous for their neon lights and vibrant atmosphere.

awe-inspiring

causing a feeling of great wonder or admiration

The Grand Canyon is an awe-inspiring natural wonder.

The fireworks display was awe-inspiring, filling the entire sky with color and light.

test of time

a challenge or trial that determines the quality or durability of something

The new smartphone has passed the test of time, still functioning perfectly after a year.

The ancient temple has withstood the test of time, remaining intact for centuries.

Sample Part 3 Answers

What’s the best way to learn about history? I think the best way to learn about history is through immersive experiences. Instead of just reading about a time period in a textbook, I believe that visiting museums, historical sites, and even watching documentaries can help bring the past to life. For instance, I recently visited the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam, and walking through the actual secret annex where she and her family hid during WWII was a powerful experience that I'll never forget. Seeing the cramped quarters and reading excerpts from her diary on the walls made the history feel so much more real and relatable. By engaging with history in a hands-on way, we can gain a deeper understanding of the people and events that shaped our world.

How can we protect old buildings? Preserving old buildings is crucial for maintaining our cultural heritage, and I think one effective way to do this is through community involvement. When local residents and businesses come together to restore and protect historic buildings, it not only saves the structure but also fosters a sense of community pride. For example, in my hometown, a group of volunteers worked tirelessly to restore an old theater from the 1920s. They not only preserved the building's original architecture but also turned it into a thriving arts center that hosts concerts, plays, and other events. By involving the community in the preservation process, we can ensure that old buildings continue to serve as vibrant hubs of activity for generations to come.

What’s the difference between the history taught in school and the history we learn from our families? I think there's a significant difference between the history taught in school and the history we learn from our families. In school, we often learn about broad, sweeping narratives that focus on major events and figures. However, the history we learn from our families is often more personal and nuanced. Our families can share stories about how historical events affected them directly, or how they've passed down traditions and cultural practices through generations. For instance, my grandmother used to tell me stories about her experiences during the civil rights movement, and hearing about the struggles she faced firsthand gave me a much deeper understanding of that time period. By combining the broader historical context with personal anecdotes, we can gain a richer understanding of the past.

Why do some people have no interest in history? I think some people might find history boring because they don't see its relevance to their everyday lives. When history is presented as a dry series of dates and events, it can be hard to connect with. However, I believe that history is all around us, and by showing people how the past continues to shape our present, we can make it more engaging. For example, I have a friend who's really into technology, and when I explained to him how the development of the internet was influenced by the Cold War, he became fascinated. By highlighting the ways in which historical events have led to the world we live in today, we can make history feel more immediate and interesting.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

immerse

to become completely involved or engaged in something

She immersed herself in the local culture during her trip to Japan.

hands-on

practical or direct, rather than theoretical

The hands-on approach to learning helped him understand the concept better.

community pride

a feeling of pride and ownership that a community has towards something

The new community center has become a source of community pride for the neighborhood.

sweeping narrative

a broad and comprehensive story or account of something

The book provides a sweeping narrative of the country's history.