Cue Card

Describe a person you know who loves to grow plants

You should say:

• who this person is
• what they grow
• where they grow their plants; and
• why they grow plants.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. Are there many people growing their own vegetables nowadays?
2. Do you think it’s good to teach children how to grow vegetables?
3. Do you think you would like to be a farmer?
4. What are the differences between modern and historical farming methods?

Sample Cue Card Answer

My grandma is the ultimate plant lady. She's got a green thumb, and I'm not just saying that because it's a cliché. The woman can coax life out of a dead stick. Her backyard is like a jungle, with plants spilling out of every corner, and she knows the name of every single one of them. She's got a special spot for each one, and she'll spend hours rearranging them to get the perfect amount of sunlight.

What I love about my grandma's gardening is that it's not just about growing plants - it's about the community that comes with it. She's always swapping seeds and tips with the neighbors, and they'll have these epic gardening competitions to see who can grow the biggest tomato. It's hilarious, but it's also really beautiful to see how much joy it brings her.

But what's even more amazing is how she's passed that love down to our whole family. My mom's got a garden in her backyard, and I've even started a little herb garden on my balcony. It's not just about the plants - it's about the tradition and the connection to our family's history. When I'm gardening, I feel like I'm a part of something bigger than myself.

I think that's what I admire most about my grandma - she's not just a plant enthusiast, she's a connector. She's brought our whole family together through her love of gardening, and it's created this sense of continuity and tradition that's really special. And even though I'm not as green-thumbed as she is, I love being a part of that tradition.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

green thumb

a natural talent for gardening

She's got a green thumb and can grow anything.

He's been trying to get a green thumb, but it's just not happening.

spilling out of every corner

completely filling a space

The toys were spilling out of every corner of the playroom.

The flowers were spilling out of every corner of the garden.

Sample Part 3 Answers

Are there many people growing their own vegetables nowadays? I think there's definitely a growing trend of people wanting to grow their own vegetables. With the rise of urban gardening and the increasing awareness of where our food comes from, more and more people are taking up gardening as a hobby. I've noticed that even in my own neighborhood, there are a lot of people who have turned their backyards into mini-gardens, complete with raised beds and all sorts of vegetables. I think it's great that people are taking an interest in growing their own food - it's not only good for the environment, but it's also a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors. Plus, there's nothing quite like eating a fresh tomato that you grew yourself!

Do you think it’s good to teach children how to grow vegetables? Absolutely, I think it's essential to teach children how to grow vegetables. Not only does it teach them about where their food comes from, but it also teaches them important life skills like responsibility and patience. When kids are involved in the process of growing their own food, they develop a sense of ownership and pride in what they've accomplished. Plus, it's a great way to get kids outside and away from screens, which is so important for their physical and mental health. I've seen firsthand how gardening can transform kids - it's amazing to see them go from being hesitant to get their hands dirty to being excited to harvest their own carrots. It's a valuable lesson that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

Do you think you would like to be a farmer? You know, I think being a farmer would be an incredibly rewarding career, but I'm not sure it's for me. I have a lot of respect for farmers - it's hard work that requires a tremendous amount of dedication and expertise. I think what I admire most about farmers is their connection to the land and their ability to work with nature to produce something truly valuable. While I enjoy gardening as a hobby, I don't think I could do it on a large scale. I think I'd miss the variety and flexibility that comes with my current career. Plus, I'm not sure I could handle the physical demands of farming - it's hard work from dawn till dusk, and I'm not sure I'm cut out for that kind of lifestyle.

What are the differences between modern and historical farming methods? One of the biggest differences between modern and historical farming methods is the use of technology. Modern farming relies heavily on machines and automation to plant, harvest, and process crops, whereas historical farming relied much more on manual labor. I think this shift towards technology has been both a blessing and a curse - on the one hand, it's allowed farmers to produce more food with less labor, but on the other hand, it's also led to a loss of traditional skills and a greater reliance on non-renewable resources. Another big difference is the use of chemicals and pesticides - modern farming often relies on these to control pests and diseases, whereas historical farming relied more on natural methods like crop rotation and companion planting. I think it's interesting to see how farming has evolved over time, and how different methods can be used to achieve the same goal - growing healthy, delicious food.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

get your hands dirty

When kids are involved in the process of growing their own food, they develop a sense of ownership and pride in what they've accomplished, and they're not afraid to get their hands dirty.