Cue Card

Describe a piece of advice you received about choosing your major or career

You should say:

• What the advice was
• When you received it
• Who gave the advice
• And explain how you felt about it.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. Why do so many young people choose communication and media studies as their major?
2. Why do young people find it hard to make career choices?
3. What can affect a young person’s career choices?
4. Are people free to choose their own career paths?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I'll never forget the conversation I had with my grandmother when I was deciding on a major. I was stuck between following in my parents' footsteps and pursuing a'stable' career, or taking a risk and studying something I was truly passionate about. She looked me dead in the eye and said, 'Don't chase the money, chase the fire in your belly.'

At first, I thought it was just some old-school wisdom that didn't apply to the real world. But the more I thought about it, the more it made sense. She wasn't telling me to be reckless or irresponsible, but to listen to my own desires and intuition. It was a permission slip to explore, to experiment, and to take ownership of my own path.

Fast forward a few years, and I'm now working in a field that I love, but it wasn't always easy. There were times when I doubted myself, when the 'what-ifs' crept in, and when I felt like I was taking a huge risk. But every time I felt lost, I remembered her words. I had to keep chasing that fire, no matter how scary it got.

That advice has become a mantra for me, not just for my career, but for life in general. It's a reminder that the things that truly fulfill us are often the things that scare us the most. It's a reminder to trust ourselves, to take the leap, and to keep moving forward, even when the outcome is uncertain.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

chase the fire in your belly

to pursue one's passion or inner drive

She told me to chase the fire in my belly, not the money.

He's been chasing the fire in his belly since he was a teenager.

Sample Part 3 Answers

Why do so many young people choose communication and media studies as their major? I think one reason why many young people choose communication and media studies as their major is because it's an field that's constantly evolving and adapting to new technologies and trends. With the rise of social media, podcasts, and online content, there's a growing demand for professionals who can effectively communicate messages and tell stories through various mediums. Plus, the skills you learn in this major, such as writing, public speaking, and critical thinking, are super versatile and can be applied to a wide range of careers. I mean, think about it, every company needs someone to manage their social media presence, craft their brand voice, and create engaging content for their audience. So, it's no wonder that many young people are drawn to this field because it offers a lot of creative freedom and opportunities for growth.

Why do young people find it hard to make career choices? I think one reason why young people find it hard to make career choices is because there's so much pressure to choose the 'right' path. From a young age, we're asked what we want to be when we grow up, and it's easy to feel like we need to have it all figured out by the time we're 18. But the truth is, most people don't have it all figured out, and that's okay. The problem is, we're often encouraged to specialize in one area, when in reality, many careers require a combination of skills and interests. For example, someone who loves writing and design might not have to choose between the two, but can instead pursue a career in content creation or publishing. So, I think young people struggle to make career choices because they feel like they need to pick just one thing, when in reality, they can explore multiple passions and interests.

What can affect a young person’s career choices? One thing that can really affect a young person's career choices is their upbringing and family expectations. Growing up, I had parents who were both in the medical field, and they always encouraged me to pursue a career in science or medicine. But as I got older, I realized that my true passion was in the arts. It took me a while to convince my parents that this was a viable career path, but eventually they came around. I think this is a common experience for many young people - they might feel pressure from their family or community to pursue a certain career, even if it's not what they're truly interested in. And it's not just family expectations - societal norms and cultural values can also play a big role in shaping our career choices. For example, in some cultures, there's a strong emphasis on pursuing careers in STEM fields, while in others, the arts and humanities are highly valued. So, it's really important for young people to take the time to reflect on their own values and interests, and not just follow the path that's expected of them.

Are people free to choose their own career paths? I think people have more freedom to choose their own career paths than they think, but it's not always easy. On one hand, we have more access to information and resources than ever before, which can make it easier to explore different career options and make informed decisions. Plus, with the rise of the gig economy and remote work, people have more flexibility to pursue non-traditional career paths and create their own schedules. However, on the other hand, there are still many societal and economic pressures that can limit our choices. For example, student loan debt can make it difficult for people to pursue careers in fields that aren't as lucrative, and systemic inequalities can limit access to certain industries or opportunities. Additionally, many people may feel pressure to choose a career that's'stable' or'secure', rather than one that truly aligns with their passions and values. So, while people do have the freedom to choose their own career paths, it's not always a straightforward or easy decision.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

pursue a career

to follow a particular profession or occupation

She's always wanted to pursue a career in medicine.

He's decided to pursue a career in tech.