Cue Card

Describe a piece of important news you got through a text message

You should say:

• What it was
• When you got it
• Who you got it from
• And how you felt about it.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. Do you think traditional letters are a good way to send information?
2. Why do people make phone calls instead of sending a text message when they have something important to communicate?
3. Is it more polite to make a phone call instead of sending a text message?
4. Has technology had a negative impact on the way people communicate?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I was on my morning commute, scrolling through social media, when my phone buzzed with an unexpected text from my sister. 'Hey, did you hear about Grandma?' she asked. My heart sank, as it usually does when someone asks that question. I hadn't spoken to my grandma in a few days, but we had plans to catch up that weekend. I quickly typed out 'what's wrong?' and waited for her response. The three dots appeared, and my mind started racing with worst-case scenarios.

The text finally came through: 'She's okay, but she was in a car accident on her way home from bridge club last night.' My mind was flooded with questions. Was she hurt? Was anyone else involved? My sister quickly filled me in on the details - Grandma was shaken but thankfully okay, and the other driver was at fault. I felt a wave of relief wash over me, followed by a mix of emotions - worry, guilt for not being there, and gratitude that she was safe.

As I continued to text with my sister, I couldn't help but think about how much our lives have changed with the rise of texting. News, both good and bad, is now delivered in a matter of seconds. No more waiting for a phone call or a visit - we can get updates in real-time. It's convenient, but it's also changed the way we process information and respond to news. I felt like I was in a state of limbo, waiting for more information, but also trying to process my emotions on the go.

It wasn't until I got to work and had a chance to call my grandma that I felt like I could finally breathe a sigh of relief. Hearing her voice, shaky but strong, put my mind at ease. It was a stark reminder that even with the convenience of texting, sometimes there's no substitute for a human voice on the other end of the line.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

my heart sank

to feel a sudden, intense feeling of sadness or disappointment

My heart sank when I heard the news.

I felt my heart sink when I saw the look on her face.

worst-case scenarios

the most unpleasant or unfavorable possible outcomes

I was imagining all sorts of worst-case scenarios when I heard the news.

Let's hope for the best, but prepare for the worst-case scenario.

Sample Part 3 Answers

Do you think traditional letters are a good way to send information? Honestly, I think traditional letters are a bit of a thing of the past when it comes to sending information. Don't get me wrong, there's something special about receiving a handwritten letter in the mail, but when it comes to conveying important information, I think there are more efficient ways to do it. For one, letters can take days or even weeks to arrive, which is a huge delay in today's fast-paced world. Plus, there's always the risk of the letter getting lost or misplaced, which can be a real problem if the information is time-sensitive. I mean, think about it, if you're waiting to hear back about a job opportunity or a medical test result, you want to get that information as quickly as possible. With technology, we have so many faster and more reliable ways to send information, like email or text messages, that traditional letters just can't compete.

Why do people make phone calls instead of sending a text message when they have something important to communicate? I think people make phone calls instead of sending a text message when they have something important to communicate because it allows for a more personal and interactive conversation. When you're discussing something important, you want to be able to ask questions, clarify points, and get a sense of the other person's tone and emotions, which can be lost in a text message. Plus, phone calls allow for a more spontaneous and dynamic conversation, where you can respond to each other in real-time. For example, if you're discussing a project with a client, a phone call can help you hash out details and come to an agreement much faster than going back and forth over text. And let's be real, sometimes you just need to have a human conversation to clear the air or build trust, and a phone call is the way to do that.

Is it more polite to make a phone call instead of sending a text message? I think it really depends on the situation, but in general, making a phone call can be seen as more polite than sending a text message, especially in professional or formal settings. When you take the time to call someone, it shows that you value their time and are willing to have a real conversation, rather than just sending a quick message. Plus, phone calls can be more personal and allow for a more nuanced conversation, which can be especially important when discussing sensitive or complex topics. For example, if you need to have a difficult conversation with someone, like firing an employee or discussing a conflict, a phone call is usually the way to go. On the other hand, if you're just sending a quick update or reminder, a text message is probably fine.

Has technology had a negative impact on the way people communicate? I think technology has definitely changed the way people communicate, and in some ways, it's had a negative impact. For one, it's made it easier for people to avoid real conversations and hide behind screens. I mean, how many times have you seen people texting or emailing instead of just picking up the phone or having a face-to-face conversation? It's like, we're losing the art of human interaction. And it's not just that, technology has also created this culture of instant gratification, where people expect immediate responses and get frustrated if they don't get one right away. It's like, we've lost the ability to wait and reflect on things. But at the same time, technology has also opened up so many doors for communication, like video conferencing and social media, that have made it easier for people to connect and collaborate. So, it's a double-edged sword, I guess.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

a thing of the past

something that was once common or popular, but is no longer

Traditional letters are a thing of the past when it comes to sending information.

get lost

to be misplaced or unable to be found

There's always the risk of the letter getting lost or misplaced.

hash out

to discuss and come to an agreement about something

A phone call can help you hash out details and come to an agreement much faster than going back and forth over text.

clear the air

to resolve a difficult or awkward situation by talking about it openly and honestly

Sometimes you just need to have a human conversation to clear the air or build trust, and a phone call is the way to do that.

hide behind screens

to avoid interacting with people face-to-face by using technology

Technology has made it easier for people to hide behind screens and avoid real conversations.

instant gratification

the desire or expectation of immediate pleasure or satisfaction

Technology has created this culture of instant gratification, where people expect immediate responses and get frustrated if they don't get one right away.