Cue Card

Describe a party that you attended

You should say:

• When it took place
• Where it was
• Whose party it was
• What you did there
• And how you felt about the party.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. What do children often do at birthday parties?
2. What do adults do at parties?
3. Do people in your country like to hold parties?
4. Should parents spend a lot of money on their children’s birthday parties?
5. Do you think people can make more friends if they often attend parties?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I walked into the party and was immediately hit with the thumping bass of the music. The lights were flashing, and the crowd was dancing like they were in a trance. I grabbed a drink and made my way through the sea of people, trying to find a familiar face. That's when I saw her - the host, standing on the couch, laughing and holding court like a queen. She was the life of the party, and everyone was drawn to her energy.

As I made my way closer, I noticed the decorations - a mix of vintage and modern, with neon lights and retro posters. It was like stepping into a time capsule, but with a futuristic twist. The music was a fusion of old and new, with the DJ seamlessly blending genres and decades. I felt like I was in a dream, where the past and present collided in a swirl of color and sound.

I ended up losing myself in the music, dancing with a group of strangers who became fast friends. We spun and twirled, our bodies moving in sync with the beat. It was like we were all connected, united in our love of music and the moment. And then, just as suddenly as it had begun, the music stopped, and the lights came on. The party was over, but the memories lingered, like the echoes of the music still ringing in my ears.

Looking back, that party was more than just a night out - it was an experience. A fusion of art, music, and community, all coming together in a way that was both chaotic and beautiful. It was a reminder that sometimes, the best moments in life are the ones we don't plan, the ones that just happen when we let go and let the music take over.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

hit with the thumping bass

to be suddenly and strongly affected by something, in this case, the loud music

The crowd was hit with the thumping bass and started dancing.

The news hit me like a ton of bricks.

holding court

to be the center of attention, often in a charming or charismatic way

The host was holding court, regaling the guests with stories.

The comedian was holding court, making the audience laugh.

lost in the music

to be completely absorbed in the music, often to the point of forgetting one's surroundings

I got lost in the music and forgot about my worries.

The crowd was lost in the music, dancing and singing along.

Sample Part 3 Answers

What do children often do at birthday parties? At birthday parties, kids usually get super excited to play games, run around, and just have a blast with their friends. I remember one birthday party I attended as a kid, we played this crazy game of musical chairs and I ended up winning a big ol' bag of candy. It was so much fun! But what really stands out is how much kids love the sense of community and celebration that comes with a party. They get to feel special, be the center of attention, and just enjoy themselves without a care in the world. It's really heartwarming to see.

What do adults do at parties? Adults at parties usually mingle, catch up with friends, and just unwind after a long week. I went to a friend's housewarming party recently, and it was amazing to see how everyone just relaxed and had a great time. We chatted about everything from work to our personal lives, and it was really nice to connect with people on a deeper level. What struck me was how parties can be a great way for adults to recharge and refocus, especially in today's fast-paced world. It's a chance to put aside our worries and just enjoy each other's company.

Do people in your country like to hold parties? Absolutely, people in the US love throwing parties! From backyard barbecues to holiday gatherings, there's always an excuse to get together and celebrate. I think it's because parties bring people together and create a sense of community, which is really important to Americans. Plus, we love food, music, and good company, so parties are just a natural fit. I've been to parties for everything from birthdays to graduations to just-because, and they're always a blast. It's a big part of our culture, and I think it's something that really brings us together as a society.

Should parents spend a lot of money on their children’s birthday parties? I don't think parents need to break the bank to throw a great birthday party for their kids. What matters most is the thought and love that goes into making the day special, not the price tag. I've seen parents go all out with fancy venues and expensive decorations, but at the end of the day, the kids are just happy to be surrounded by friends and family. My own parents used to throw me these amazing homemade parties when I was a kid, with DIY decorations and games, and they were always so much fun. It's the memories and experiences that count, not the price tag.

Do you think people can make more friends if they often attend parties? Definitely, attending parties can be a great way to meet new people and make friends. When you're in a social setting, you're more likely to strike up conversations and connect with others who share similar interests. I met one of my closest friends at a party, and we bonded over our love of music. It's amazing how a shared experience can bring people together. Plus, parties can be a low-pressure way to meet new people, since everyone's already in a social mood. Of course, it's not a guarantee, but attending parties can definitely increase your chances of meeting new people and making friends.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

get super excited

become very enthusiastic or thrilled

At birthday parties, kids usually get super excited to play games...

run around

move quickly and energetically, often in a playful or chaotic way

At birthday parties, kids usually get super excited to play games, run around...

have a blast

have a very enjoyable time

At birthday parties, kids usually get super excited to play games, run around, and just have a blast...

mingle

mix and talk with others in a social setting

Adults at parties usually mingle, catch up with friends...

unwind

relax and reduce stress or tension

Adults at parties usually mingle, catch up with friends, and just unwind...

recharge

rest and regain energy

Parties can be a great way for adults to recharge and refocus...

put aside

ignore or forget about something for a short time

It's a chance to put aside our worries and just enjoy each other's company.

get together

meet or gather in a social setting

Parties bring people together and create a sense of community...

break the bank

spend a lot of money

I don't think parents need to break the bank to throw a great birthday party...

homemade

made or prepared at home, rather than bought

My own parents used to throw me these amazing homemade parties...

strike up

start a conversation with someone

When you're in a social setting, you're more likely to strike up conversations...