Cue Card

Describe a natural talent (eg sports, music, etc) you want to improve

You should say:

• What it is
• When you discovered this talent
• How you want to improve it
• And explain how you feel about it.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. Do you think talented artists should focus only on the kind of art they’re best at?
2. Is it possible to know whether a 3 or 4 year old child will become a musician or painter when they grow up?
3. Why do people like to watch talent shows?
4. Do you think it’s more interesting to watch TV shows about famous people or ordinary people?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I've always been fascinated by the world of music, and I've been blessed with a natural talent for singing. As a kid, I would belt out my favorite tunes in the shower, and my family would often joke that I was the next American Idol. But as I grew older, I began to realize that having a natural talent isn't enough - it takes hard work and dedication to truly master a craft. I've always been drawn to the soulful sounds of jazz and blues, and I've spent countless hours listening to the greats, from Ella Fitzgerald to John Legend.

But despite my passion, I've always struggled to improve my vocal range and control. I can hit the high notes, but I struggle to sustain them, and my tone can be a bit shaky at times. So, I've been working on building up my lung capacity through exercises like diaphragmatic breathing and lip trills. It's not easy, let me tell you - it takes a lot of patience and persistence to see progress. But when I do, it's exhilarating. I feel like I'm unlocking a new level of expression and emotion in my singing.

I've also been experimenting with different genres and styles, trying to find what works best for my voice. I've dabbled in R&B, pop, and even a bit of rock, and it's amazing how different techniques and approaches can completely change the sound and feel of a song. It's like discovering a new language, and it's opened up a whole new world of creative possibilities for me.

Of course, there are still days when I feel like I'm not good enough, when my voice cracks or I struggle to hit the right notes. But the thing is, I love the process of improving, of pushing myself to be better. It's a journey, not a destination, and it's one that I'm excited to be on. Who knows where it'll take me? Maybe someday I'll be belting out a sold-out crowd, or maybe I'll just be singing in the shower, lost in the joy of the music. Either way, I'm happy to be on this path, and I'm excited to see where my natural talent takes me.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

blessed with a natural talent

to have a natural ability or skill that is considered a gift

belt out

to sing loudly and with enthusiasm

diaphragmatic breathing

a type of breathing exercise that engages the diaphragm to improve lung capacity

Sample Part 3 Answers

Do you think talented artists should focus only on the kind of art they’re best at? I think it's a common misconception that talented artists should only focus on the kind of art they're best at. While it's true that specializing in a particular area can help artists hone their skills and become experts, I believe that exploring different forms of art can actually help them grow and develop their unique voice. By experimenting with various mediums and styles, artists can discover new sources of inspiration and bring a fresh perspective to their work. For instance, a painter who tries their hand at sculpture may find that it informs their understanding of texture and composition, leading to new and exciting developments in their painting. By not limiting themselves to one area, artists can stay curious, innovate, and ultimately produce more interesting and dynamic work.

Is it possible to know whether a 3 or 4 year old child will become a musician or painter when they grow up? I think it's really difficult to predict with certainty whether a 3 or 4 year old child will become a musician or painter when they grow up. At that age, kids are still exploring their surroundings and discovering their interests, and their tastes and talents are constantly evolving. While some children may show a natural inclination towards music or art, it's hard to say whether that will translate into a lifelong passion or career. That being said, I do think that exposing children to a variety of creative activities at a young age can help foster a love of the arts and encourage them to develop their talents. For example, my friend's daughter started taking piano lessons at age 4 and now, at 10, she's a confident and accomplished young musician. But I'm sure there are plenty of kids who showed similar promise at 4 and ended up pursuing entirely different interests. Ultimately, I think it's more important to encourage kids to explore and have fun than to try to predict their future career paths.

Why do people like to watch talent shows? I think people love watching talent shows because they tap into our deep-seated desire to be inspired and amazed. There's something thrilling about seeing someone possess a skill or talent that we can only dream of having ourselves. Whether it's a singer with a voice like honey, a dancer who seems to defy gravity, or a magician who makes the impossible possible, talent shows offer a chance to witness greatness and be awed by human potential. Plus, the format of these shows often creates a sense of suspense and anticipation – will the contestant nail the performance or fall flat? – which keeps us on the edge of our seats. But I think there's also a more profound reason why we're drawn to talent shows: they remind us that anyone can achieve greatness with hard work and dedication. Seeing ordinary people do extraordinary things makes us believe that we too can push beyond our own limits and achieve our dreams.

Do you think it’s more interesting to watch TV shows about famous people or ordinary people? I think it's more interesting to watch TV shows about ordinary people. While famous people can be fascinating, their lives are often so far removed from our own that it's hard to relate to them on a deeper level. Shows about ordinary people, on the other hand, offer a chance to see ourselves and our own experiences reflected back at us. Whether it's a documentary about a small town, a reality show about everyday heroes, or a sitcom about a quirky family, these types of programs often tackle universal themes and struggles that we can all identify with. Plus, I think there's something inherently compelling about seeing how ordinary people navigate the ups and downs of life – it's a reminder that we're not alone in our own struggles and that everyone has a story worth telling. By focusing on the lives of everyday people, these shows can be both entertaining and enlightening, offering a more nuanced and realistic portrayal of the human experience.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

hone their skills

to improve or develop a skill or ability through practice or training

By specializing in a particular area, artists can hone their skills and become experts.

unique voice

a person's individual style or perspective

By experimenting with various mediums and styles, artists can discover new sources of inspiration and bring a fresh perspective to their work, developing their unique voice.

inform

to give information or knowledge to someone

For instance, a painter who tries their hand at sculpture may find that it informs their understanding of texture and composition.

stay curious

to remain interested and eager to learn

By not limiting themselves to one area, artists can stay curious, innovate, and ultimately produce more interesting and dynamic work.

foster

to help something to develop or grow

Exposing children to a variety of creative activities at a young age can help foster a love of the arts.

deep-seated

strongly felt or firmly established

There's something thrilling about seeing someone possess a skill or talent that we can only dream of having ourselves, tapping into our deep-seated desire to be inspired.

on the edge of our seats

excited and anxious to see what happens next

The format of these shows often creates a sense of suspense and anticipation – will the contestant nail the performance or fall flat? – which keeps us on the edge of our seats.

push beyond our own limits

to do more than you thought you were capable of

Seeing ordinary people do extraordinary things makes us believe that we too can push beyond our own limits and achieve our dreams.

removed from

far away or distant, either physically or emotionally

While famous people can be fascinating, their lives are often so far removed from our own that it's hard to relate to them.

navigate

to find your way through a difficult situation

I think there's something inherently compelling about seeing how ordinary people navigate the ups and downs of life.