Cue Card

Describe a home you would like to visit but not live in

You should say:

• Where it is
• What is is like
• Why you want to visit it
• And explain why you would not like to live there.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. Do people from your country like to visit other people’s homes?
2. What do people from your country like to do when they visit other people in their home?
3. What kind of housing do people from your country like to live in?
4. What’s the difference between a home in a city and a home in the countryside?

Sample Cue Card Answer

Imagine a house that's equal parts art gallery, curiosity shop, and speakeasy. A place where every room is a portal to a different world, where the walls are a deep, rich purple and the floors creak beneath your feet. This is the kind of home I'd love to visit, but wouldn't want to call my own. The house is a labyrinth, with doors hidden behind bookshelves and secret passages that only reveal themselves to those who know where to look. Every surface is cluttered with strange and wondrous objects, each one more intriguing than the last.

As you wander through the house, you start to uncover the stories behind each artifact. There's the vintage taxidermy owl wearing a top hat and monocle, the antique door knocker shaped like a lion's head, and the vintage globe that opens up to reveal a hidden compartment. Every room is a sensory overload, but in the best possible way. You can't help but feel like a kid in a candy store, eager to explore every nook and cranny.

But as captivating as this house is, I wouldn't want to live here. It's too much, too overwhelming. I'd feel like I'm losing myself in the chaos of it all. I'd never be able to find what I need, or have a moment's peace. No, this house is best experienced in small doses, like a decadent dessert that's best savored in tiny, indulgent bites. A visit to this house would be a thrill, a adventure, but living here would be exhausting.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

speakeasy

a secret bar or club, especially one that operates illegally

The house had a secret room that was like a speakeasy, hidden behind a bookshelf.

labyrinth

a complicated or confusing place

The house was like a labyrinth, with twisting corridors and hidden rooms.

sensory overload

a situation where there is too much stimulation for the senses to handle

The house was a sensory overload, with too many colors, sounds, and smells to take in.

Sample Part 3 Answers

Do people from your country like to visit other people’s homes? In the United States, visiting other people's homes is a pretty common practice, especially during the holidays or for special occasions like birthdays or graduations. I think people enjoy visiting others' homes because it allows them to feel more connected to their friends and family, and it's often a great way to break the monotony of daily routine. Plus, it's always nice to see how others live and get a glimpse into their personal style and tastes. For instance, I have a friend who's an amazing cook, and whenever I visit her home, I know I'm in for a treat because she always whips up something delicious. It's experiences like those that make visiting others' homes so enjoyable.

What do people from your country like to do when they visit other people in their home? When Americans visit other people's homes, they usually like to engage in activities that are relaxed and casual. For example, they might watch a movie or a sports game together, play board games or card games, or simply hang out in the backyard or living room and chat. Food and drinks are also a big part of these gatherings, and people often bring a dish to share or contribute to a potluck. I think the goal is to feel comfortable and at ease in someone else's space, and to enjoy each other's company without too much fuss or formality. One of my favorite things to do when visiting friends is to have a BBQ or a bonfire in their backyard – there's something about being outdoors and sharing good food and company that just feels really special.

What kind of housing do people from your country like to live in? In the United States, the type of housing people prefer can vary greatly depending on factors like location, lifestyle, and personal taste. However, I think many Americans dream of living in a cozy, single-family home with a big backyard and plenty of natural light. There's something about having your own space and being able to put down roots in a community that really appeals to people. Of course, with the rise of urbanization, many people are also opting for apartments or condos in city centers, which offer a different kind of lifestyle and amenities. But for those who can afford it, a spacious house with a yard is often the ideal. I think it's because it represents a certain kind of freedom and comfort – the freedom to do what you want in your own space, and the comfort of having a place to call your own.

What’s the difference between a home in a city and a home in the countryside? The difference between a home in a city and a home in the countryside is like night and day. In the city, homes are often smaller and more compact, with a focus on functionality and efficiency. They might have smaller yards or no yards at all, but they're usually close to public transportation, shops, and restaurants. In contrast, homes in the countryside are often much larger and more spread out, with big yards and plenty of natural scenery. They might be farther away from amenities, but they offer a sense of peace and quiet that's hard to find in the city. I think the biggest difference, though, is the pace of life. In the city, everything is fast-paced and frenetic, while in the countryside, things move at a slower, more relaxed pace. For example, I have a friend who lives in a rural area, and whenever I visit, I'm struck by how quiet and still everything is – it's a real contrast to the hustle and bustle of city life.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

break the monotony

to do something to relieve the dullness or routine of a situation

it's always nice to see how others live and get a glimpse into their personal style and tastes

at ease

feeling comfortable and relaxed

people often bring a dish to share or contribute to a potluck

put down roots

to settle in a place and make it your home

having your own space and being able to put down roots in a community that really appeals to people

night and day

completely different

The difference between a home in a city and a home in the countryside is like night and day

hustle and bustle

a lot of activity and energy

it's a real contrast to the hustle and bustle of city life