Cue Card

Describe a person who taught you a skill when you were a child

You should say:

• Who this person was
• What skill they taught you
• What you did to learn it
• And explain how you felt about this person.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. What skills should children learn before going to school?
2. What’s the difference between the role of a parent and a teacher when it comes to education?
3. How do adults learn new skills?
4. Is the internet good for learning a new skill?

Sample Cue Card Answer

My grandma was the ultimate craftswoman. She could knit, sew, paint, and cook like a pro. But the skill that really stuck with me was gardening. I must have been around 8 years old when she first took me under her wing and taught me how to plant a seedling. She'd show me how to gently dig a hole, add just the right amount of water, and place the tiny plant in its new home. It was like a little ceremony, and I was hooked.

What I loved most about learning from my grandma was her patience. She'd let me make mistakes and wouldn't get frustrated when I'd accidentally water the soil too much or not enough. She'd just smile and say, 'That's okay, kiddo! It's all part of the process.' And then she'd show me how to fix it. She had this way of making me feel like I was the one teaching her, like I was the expert.

As I grew older, I started to appreciate the bigger lessons my grandma was teaching me. She'd say things like, 'A garden is like life – you need to nurture it, take care of it, and be patient.' Or, 'Just like a seedling needs sunlight to grow, we need people in our lives to support us.' She'd use gardening as a metaphor for life, and it would blow my mind.

To this day, whenever I'm feeling stressed or overwhelmed, I'll take a walk outside and tend to my own garden. I'll think about my grandma's words of wisdom and remember the countless hours we spent together, getting our hands dirty and watching life grow. She taught me a go-live date of October 1st, and I'm forever grateful for that.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

took me under her wing

to take someone under your wing means to protect, guide, and teach them

She took me under her wing and taught me how to cook.

He took his little brother under his wing when their parents were away.

hooked

to be very interested in something and want to do it again and again

I'm hooked on that new TV show!

She's hooked on hiking and goes every weekend.

Sample Part 3 Answers

What skills should children learn before going to school? One of the most valuable skills children can learn before entering school is independence. My grandmother taught me how to tie my shoes when I was just four years old. She would sit with me every morning, patiently guiding my small hands through the loops and knots. At first, it was frustrating, but she never gave up on me. She'd say, 'You can do it, just take your time!' And eventually, I did. Learning to tie my shoes not only made me feel proud of myself, but it also taught me the value of perseverance and self-reliance. It's a skill that has stuck with me to this day, and I believe it's essential for kids to learn before starting school, as it helps build confidence and prepares them for the challenges they'll face in the classroom.

What’s the difference between the role of a parent and a teacher when it comes to education? While both parents and teachers play a significant role in a child's education, I believe their approaches differ in terms of focus and scope. My piano teacher, Mrs. Johnson, taught me the technical aspects of music, from reading sheet music to playing complex melodies. She was strict, yet encouraging, and helped me develop my musical skills. In contrast, my parents focused on fostering my love for music, attending every recital, and providing emotional support. They'd ask me about my favorite pieces, and we'd listen to music together as a family. This dual approach helped me appreciate the value of hard work and dedication, while also nurturing my passion for music. Parents and teachers may have different roles, but together, they create a well-rounded educational experience.

How do adults learn new skills? As adults, we often learn new skills through a combination of hands-on experience and self-directed learning. When I decided to learn how to cook, I started by watching YouTube tutorials and following recipes online. However, it wasn't until I took a cooking class with a professional chef that I truly began to grasp the techniques. The chef's guidance and feedback helped me understand the 'why' behind each step, and I was able to practice my new skills in a supportive environment. I think this approach is common among adults, as we tend to learn by doing and experimenting, often with the help of online resources and expert instruction. This self-directed approach allows us to learn at our own pace and apply our new skills in a practical way.

Is the internet good for learning a new skill? The internet can be a valuable tool for learning a new skill, but it's essential to approach online resources with a critical eye. When I wanted to learn photography, I turned to online tutorials and YouTube videos. At first, I was overwhelmed by the sheer amount of information available, but I eventually found a few reliable sources that provided clear, step-by-step instructions. The internet allowed me to learn at my own pace, and I was able to practice my new skills by taking photos and sharing them online for feedback. However, I also had to be mindful of the quality of the information I was consuming, as not all online resources are created equal. With discernment and persistence, the internet can be a powerful tool for learning a new skill.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

take your time

to do something slowly and carefully, without rushing

She told me to take my time when tying my shoes, so I wouldn't get frustrated.

hands-on experience

practical experience or training in a particular skill or activity

I learned how to cook through hands-on experience in the kitchen.

at your own pace

at a speed that is comfortable for you, without being rushed or slowed down by others

I like learning online because I can go at my own pace.