Cue Card

Describe a photo you took that you are proud of

You should say:

• when you took it
• where you took it
• what you took a photo of; and
• explain why you are proud of it.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. Why do some people like to take photos of important documents?
2. What can people learn from historical photos?
3. Is taking photos the best way to remember something?
4. Which is better, taking photos or keeping a diary?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I'm a total amateur when it comes to photography, but there's this one shot I took on a solo hike in the mountains that still gives me goosebumps. It was a crisp autumn morning, and the fog was just starting to lift off the valley floor. I was perched on a rocky outcropping, and the sun was peeking through the trees, casting this golden light on the mist. I snapped a photo just as a hiker was walking into the frame, tiny in the distance, with the fog swirling around them like a ghostly aura. The way the light, mist, and figure all came together in that one moment is just magic.

What I love about this photo is the way it captures the essence of that moment – the feeling of being small yet connected to something much bigger than myself. The hiker in the distance is almost insignificant in the grand scheme of the landscape, yet they're the focal point of the photo, drawing the viewer's eye into the heart of the image. It's a reminder that even in the most breathtaking natural settings, it's the human element that can add depth and meaning to the scene.

I've taken a lot of photos since then, but this one still stands out to me. Maybe it's because it was a moment of perfect serendipity, or maybe it's because it reminds me of the sense of wonder and awe I felt in that moment. Either way, it's a photo that I'll always treasure, and it continues to inspire me to keep exploring and capturing the beauty of the world around me.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

give me goosebumps

to cause a strong emotional reaction, often of excitement, fear, or awe

The fireworks display gave me goosebumps.

The photo of the sunset gave me goosebumps.

perched on a rocky outcropping

to sit or stand on a small, rocky projection or ledge

The bird was perched on a rocky outcropping, singing its morning song.

I perched on a rocky outcropping to take in the view.

casting a golden light

to shine a warm, yellowish light on something

The sunset was casting a golden light on the landscape.

The lamp was casting a golden light on the room.

Sample Part 3 Answers

Why do some people like to take photos of important documents? I think some people like to take photos of important documents because it's a way to preserve a moment in time. For instance, when I graduated from college, my parents took a photo of my diploma. At first, I thought it was a bit strange, but then I realized that it was a way for them to capture the significance of that moment. By taking a photo of the document, they were able to freeze that moment in time and relive it whenever they looked at the picture. It's almost like taking a photo of a document is a way to say, 'This is important, and I want to remember it forever.'

What can people learn from historical photos? I believe that historical photos offer a unique window into the past. When I look at old photographs, I'm struck by the way they can transport me to a different time and place. For example, I once saw a photo of my grandparents on their wedding day, and it was amazing to see how different their lives were back then. The clothes, the cars, the hairstyles – everything was so different from what we have today. By looking at historical photos, we can gain a deeper understanding of how people lived, what they valued, and how they interacted with one another. It's a way to learn from the past and appreciate the progress we've made.

Is taking photos the best way to remember something? While taking photos can be a great way to remember something, I don't think it's the only way – or even the best way – for everyone. For me, taking photos is a way to capture a moment, but it's not always the most effective way to recall the details of an experience. Sometimes, I find that writing down my thoughts and feelings about an event helps me remember it more vividly. Other times, it's the stories I tell and retell with friends and family that really help me hold onto the memory. I think the best way to remember something is to use a combination of methods – take a photo, write it down, and share it with others – to create a richer, more nuanced memory.

Which is better, taking photos or keeping a diary? I think both taking photos and keeping a diary have their own unique benefits. Taking photos allows us to capture a moment in time, but it's often a more superficial way of remembering. Keeping a diary, on the other hand, allows us to reflect on our experiences and thoughts in a more in-depth way. For me, keeping a diary is a way to process my emotions and gain insight into my own thoughts and behaviors. It's a way to look back and see how far I've come, and to identify patterns and areas for growth. While taking photos can be a great way to remember a specific moment, keeping a diary helps me remember the journey – the ups and downs, the triumphs and setbacks – in a way that feels more meaningful and personal.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

freeze a moment in time

to capture a moment or event in a way that preserves it forever

The photographer's goal was to freeze the moment when the couple exchanged their vows.

The artist's painting froze the moment of the sunset, capturing its beauty forever.