Cue Card

Describe a performance you watched recently

You should say:

• What it was
• When you watched it
• Who you watched it with
• And explain why you watched it.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. What’s the difference between watching a performance live and watching it on TV?
2. Which do you prefer: classical music concerts or pop concerts?
3. Should governments provide financial support to promote classical music performances?
4. Is it useful for children to learn to dance or act?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I just got back from the most incredible concert at the Hollywood Bowl. The headlining act was a young singer-songwriter named Billie Eilish, and let me tell you, she absolutely killed it. I mean, I've seen some energetic performances in my time, but this girl was on another level. She had the entire crowd in the palm of her hand from the moment she stepped onto the stage.

What struck me most about Billie's performance was her complete and utter confidence. She's only 20 years old, but she commanded the stage like a seasoned pro. Her music is all about embracing individuality and being true to oneself, and she embodied that message in every way. She danced, she sang, she rapped – she even did a few impressive vocal runs that left the crowd gasping in awe.

But what really made the performance stand out was the way Billie connected with her audience. She's got this incredible ability to be both vulnerable and powerful at the same time, and that really resonated with the crowd. At one point, she even stopped the show to talk about mental health and the importance of taking care of oneself – it was a really powerful moment that had everyone in the audience cheering and whistling.

As I was watching Billie perform, I couldn't help but think about the impact she's having on the music industry. She's pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo in a way that's really inspiring to see. And judging by the crowd's reaction, I'm not the only one who thinks so. She's definitely an artist to watch, and I feel lucky to have seen her perform live.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

killed it

to perform exceptionally well

She killed it on the stage.

He killed it in the debate.

in the palm of her hand

to have complete control or influence over someone or something

She had the crowd in the palm of her hand.

He had the audience in the palm of his hand.

embracing individuality

to accept and celebrate what makes each person unique

The school's mission is to promote embracing individuality.

The company values embracing individuality in the workplace.

Sample Part 3 Answers

What’s the difference between watching a performance live and watching it on TV? Watching a performance live is a completely different experience from watching it on TV. When you're in the audience, you can feel the energy of the performers and the crowd around you, which creates a unique and electric atmosphere. You can see the sweat on the performers' brows, the sparkle in their eyes, and the way they interact with each other on stage. It's a truly immersive experience that draws you in and makes you feel like you're a part of something special. On the other hand, watching a performance on TV can feel more like a passive experience. You're not surrounded by the sights and sounds of the live event, and you can't feel the same level of energy and excitement. Plus, you might find yourself getting distracted by the TV itself, whether it's the screen size, the sound quality, or the commercials. That being said, TV can still be a great way to experience a performance, especially if you can't make it to the live event. But if you have the chance to see something live, I think it's always worth it – there's just something about being there in person that can't be replicated.

Which do you prefer: classical music concerts or pop concerts? I have to say, I'm a big fan of classical music concerts. There's something about the complexity and nuance of classical music that I find really captivating. I love how the different instruments come together to create this rich, layered sound that's just incredible to listen to. Plus, classical music has a way of evoking emotions and telling stories in a way that's unique to the genre. I remember going to a symphony performance of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony, and it was like the music was speaking directly to my soul. The way the notes seemed to swell and build, it was like a wave of sound washing over me. I felt like I was a part of something bigger than myself, you know? Pop concerts can be fun, don't get me wrong – I love a good beat and a catchy melody as much as the next person. But for me, there's just something about classical music that speaks to me on a deeper level.

Should governments provide financial support to promote classical music performances? I think governments should definitely provide financial support to promote classical music performances. Classical music is an important part of our cultural heritage, and it has a way of bringing people together like nothing else can. By supporting classical music performances, governments can help preserve this cultural legacy for future generations. Plus, classical music has been shown to have all sorts of benefits – it can improve cognitive function, reduce stress, and even boost economic growth. And let's be real, classical music performances can be expensive to produce, so a little financial support can go a long way. I think it's a worthwhile investment, especially when you consider the impact it can have on local communities. I've seen firsthand how a classical music performance can bring people together and create a sense of community and shared experience. Governments can play a role in promoting and preserving this art form for future generations.

Is it useful for children to learn to dance or act? I think it's incredibly valuable for children to learn to dance or act. Not only can it help them develop their creative side, but it can also teach them important life skills like discipline, hard work, and self-expression. When kids learn to dance or act, they're not just learning steps or lines – they're learning how to express themselves, how to tell a story, and how to connect with others. I remember taking dance classes as a kid, and it was an amazing way to build confidence and make friends. It's not just about the performance itself, but about the journey of learning and growing as a person. By learning to dance or act, kids can develop a sense of self-awareness, creativity, and emotional intelligence – all of which are essential skills for life.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

sweat on the brows

to be visibly nervous or anxious

You can see the sweat on the performers' brows

sparkle in their eyes

a sign of excitement or enthusiasm

You can see the sparkle in their eyes

immerse

to become completely involved or engaged in something

It's a truly immersive experience

can't be replicated

cannot be exactly copied or repeated

there's just something about being there in person that can't be replicated

evoking emotions

to cause someone to feel a strong emotion

classical music has a way of evoking emotions

speaks to me on a deeper level

to resonate with someone on an emotional or spiritual level

classical music speaks to me on a deeper level

preserve this cultural legacy

to protect and maintain something important from the past

governments can help preserve this cultural legacy for future generations

bring people together

to unite people or create a sense of community

classical music performances can bring people together

self-expression

the act of expressing one's thoughts, feelings, or personality

kids can develop a sense of self-awareness, creativity, and emotional intelligence