Cue Card

Describe a party that you enjoyed

You should say:

• when and where the party was
• who attended the party
• what kind of party it was
• what you did at the party; and,
• explain why you enjoyed the party.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. Why do people like parties?
2. Why do some people dislike going to parties?
3. Do you think people who tend to stay home are less healthy than those that attend parties?
4. What would you do if you were disturbed by a neighbor’s party?
5. What are the differences between holding a party at home and at a public place?

Sample Cue Card Answer

It was a sweltering summer evening, and I was stuck in a heatwave-induced funk. That's when my friend Emily texted me out of the blue, inviting me to a last-minute BBQ at her place. I hesitated for a nanosecond before deciding to ditch my sweatpants and join the party. As I walked in, I was hit with the unmistakable aroma of sizzling burgers and the thumping bass of a DJ set. The vibe was electric, and I could tell this was gonna be a night to remember.

The party was a beautiful mess of chaos and connection. Strangers-turned-fast-friends were laughing and dancing together, while others were engaged in heated games of cornhole and giant Jenga. I found myself swept up in a heated debate about the best pizza topping (pineapple, duh!) with a group of fellow foodies. The music was loud, but the conversations were louder – and more meaningful. It was one of those rare nights where everyone was present, and the collective energy was palpable.

As the night wore on, we migrated to the backyard for a DIY s'mores bar and stargazing. The sky was a deep shade of indigo, and the stars twinkled like diamonds scattered across the fabric of the universe. It was a moment of perfect imperfection – sticky marshmallows, melted chocolate, and the sound of crickets providing the soundtrack. In that instant, everything felt right with the world.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

heatwave-induced funk

a state of being stuck in a rut or feeling down due to the heat

I was stuck in a heatwave-induced funk all week, but the party snapped me out of it.

out of the blue

unexpectedly or without warning

My friend called me out of the blue to invite me to the party.

Sample Part 3 Answers

Why do people like parties? I think people like parties because they offer a unique opportunity to connect with others in a more relaxed and casual setting. When we're at a party, we can let our guard down and be ourselves, which can be really liberating. Plus, parties often involve music, dancing, and delicious food, which can stimulate our senses and create a sense of joy and excitement. But I think what really draws people to parties is the chance to feel a sense of belonging and community. When we're surrounded by others who share similar interests and values, we feel like we're part of something bigger than ourselves, and that can be a really powerful and uplifting experience.

Why do some people dislike going to parties? I think some people dislike going to parties because they can be overwhelming and stressful. For introverts, in particular, the noise, crowds, and constant social interaction can be exhausting. Additionally, parties can also be a source of anxiety for people who struggle with social anxiety or feel like they don't fit in. Some people may also feel like parties are a waste of time or that they're not really their scene. But I think what really puts some people off parties is the pressure to be 'on' and performative. When we're at a party, there's often an unspoken expectation to be social, to be funny, and to be interesting, and that can be a lot of pressure to live up to.

Do you think people who tend to stay home are less healthy than those that attend parties? I don't think it's necessarily true that people who tend to stay home are less healthy than those who attend parties. While social isolation can certainly have negative effects on our mental and physical health, staying home doesn't necessarily mean someone is isolated. In fact, some people may be staying home to take care of themselves, to pursue hobbies, or to simply recharge. On the other hand, attending parties can also have its own set of health risks, such as overindulging in food and drink, staying up late, and exposing ourselves to germs and illnesses. Ultimately, what matters most is finding a balance that works for each individual, whether that means staying home or attending parties.

What would you do if you were disturbed by a neighbor’s party? If I were disturbed by a neighbor's party, I would try to approach the situation in a calm and respectful manner. First, I would try to talk to my neighbor and explain how the noise is affecting me. I might say something like, 'Hey, I completely understand that you're trying to have a good time, but the noise is really carrying over into my apartment and I'm having trouble sleeping/studying/enjoying my own space.' If talking to my neighbor doesn't work, I might consider contacting our landlord or building management to see if they can help mediate the situation. In extreme cases, I might also consider contacting local noise control authorities, but I would try to exhaust all other options first.

What are the differences between holding a party at home and at a public place? I think one of the biggest differences between holding a party at home and at a public place is the level of control you have over the environment. When you're hosting a party at home, you can control the music, the decorations, the food, and the guest list, which can make for a more intimate and personalized experience. On the other hand, hosting a party at a public place, like a restaurant or event space, can offer more flexibility and convenience. You don't have to worry about cleaning up or providing amenities, and you can often rely on the venue to handle things like food and drinks. However, you may have less control over the atmosphere and the guest list, which can make the party feel less personal. Ultimately, the choice between hosting a party at home or in a public place depends on the type of party you're throwing and the vibe you're going for.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

let our guard down

to relax and be oneself, without worrying about what others think

When we're at a party, we can let our guard down and be ourselves.

be ourselves

to act naturally and authentically, without pretending to be someone else

When we're at a party, we can let our guard down and be ourselves.

sense of belonging

a feeling of being part of a group or community

When we're surrounded by others who share similar interests and values, we feel like we're part of something bigger than ourselves.

on the scene

to be present or participating in a particular social or cultural activity

Some people may also feel like parties are not really their scene.

be on

to be performing or presenting oneself in a social situation

When we're at a party, there's often an unspoken expectation to be 'on' and performative.

recharge

to rest and refresh oneself, often after a period of stress or activity

Some people may be staying home to... simply recharge.

exhaust all other options

to try all possible solutions or alternatives before taking a particular action

I might consider contacting local noise control authorities, but I would try to exhaust all other options first.