Cue Card

Describe a line (or a few words) from a poem or a song

You should say:

• What it is
• Which song or poem it is from
• How you discovered it
• And explain how you feel about it.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. Are you good at memorizing things?
2. Do you think children like the rhythm of songs and poems?
3. Do you think it’s easier for a child to learn a song or a poem than an adult?
4. What can people learn from songs or poems?

Sample Cue Card Answer

The line that's been stuck in my head lately is from a song by The National - 'I was afraid, I'd eat your brains'. It's a weird phrase, I know, but hear me out. When I first heard it, I thought it was just a quirky lyric, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized it's actually a profound commentary on the human condition. We've all been there - in a relationship, in a situation, where we're so consumed by the other person or thing that we feel like we're losing ourselves. It's like we're so hungry for connection, for love, for validation, that we're willing to devour the other person whole.

But what's really interesting is that this line is often interpreted as a romantic gesture. The speaker is so in love with this person that they're willing to give up their own identity, their own autonomy, to be with them. It's a twisted kind of love, but it's love nonetheless. And I think that's what makes this line so relatable. We've all been in situations where we've felt like we're losing ourselves, like we're being consumed by something or someone else.

But what if I told you that this line is also a commentary on social media? Think about it - we're constantly consuming, constantly devouring information, constantly comparing our lives to others. We're so hungry for validation, for likes, for followers, that we're willing to sacrifice our own identities, our own autonomy, to fit in. It's like we're eating each other's brains, figuratively speaking, of course.

So, the next time you hear this line, I want you to think about what it really means. Is it a romantic gesture, or is it a commentary on our society? Is it a reflection of our deepest desires, or is it a warning about the dangers of consumption? Whatever it is, it's definitely food for thought.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

eat your brains

to be completely consumed or obsessed with someone or something

I'm so in love with him, I'd eat his brains.

I'm so addicted to social media, I feel like I'm eating everyone's brains.

Sample Part 3 Answers

Are you good at memorizing things? I'm not particularly good at memorizing things, but I think that's because I've never really had to. I mean, I can recall certain lines from songs or poems that I've heard a lot, but that's about it. I think it's because I'm more of a visual learner, so I need to see things written down in order to remember them. But I do think that memorizing lines from songs or poems can be really helpful, especially if you're trying to learn a new language or something. It's like, if you can remember the melody and the rhythm of a song, it's easier to remember the words, you know? And it's the same with poems, if you can remember the rhythm and the flow, it's easier to recall the actual words.

Do you think children like the rhythm of songs and poems? I think children love the rhythm of songs and poems. I mean, have you ever seen a kid who doesn't like music or nursery rhymes? They're naturally drawn to the rhythm and the melody, and I think it's because it's just so engaging. It's like, when you're a kid, you're still learning about the world and everything is new and exciting, and music and poetry just add to that sense of wonder. And I think it's also because rhythm and melody are just so easy to follow, even for little kids. They can pick up on the pattern and the beat, and it's just so much fun for them.

Do you think it’s easier for a child to learn a song or a poem than an adult? I think it's definitely easier for a child to learn a song or a poem than an adult. I mean, kids are just so much more open to new experiences and they're not afraid to make mistakes, which I think is a big part of learning. And they're also just so much more receptive to rhythm and melody, like I said before. Adults, on the other hand, can be a bit more self-conscious, you know? We're more worried about sounding silly or making mistakes, so it's harder for us to just let go and learn. Plus, kids are just more likely to repeat things over and over again, which is how we learn, right? So I think it's just a combination of those things that makes it easier for kids to learn songs and poems.

What can people learn from songs or poems? I think people can learn so much from songs and poems. I mean, they can learn about history, culture, emotions, experiences... the list goes on. And I think it's because songs and poems are just such a great way to tell stories and convey messages. They're like, super condensed versions of novels or essays, but they're still able to get the point across. And they're also just so much more memorable than, say, a lecture or a textbook. I mean, who can remember a whole lecture, but we can all remember the lyrics to our favorite song, right? So I think that's just one of the things that makes songs and poems so powerful. They're able to teach us things in a way that's both fun and memorable.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

get the point across

to successfully communicate an idea or message

The teacher used a simple example to get the point across to the students.

The song's lyrics got the point across about the importance of perseverance.