Cue Card

Describe a place where you are able to relax

You should say:

• Where it is
• What it is like
• How often you go there
• And how you feel about this place.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. How do students tend to relax?
2. What activities do employers organize to help their employees relax?
3. Do people nowadays have more ways to relax than in the past?
4. Do you think spending time in a park is more relaxing than spending time indoors?

Sample Cue Card Answer

My happy place is a tiny cabin on the shores of Lake Tahoe. It's a place where the air is crisp, the water is crystal clear, and the trees are so tall they block out the rest of the world. As soon as I step inside, I feel my shoulders relax and my mind unwind. The cabin is surrounded by nothing but nature - no noise, no distractions, just the sound of the wind rustling through the trees and the occasional bird chirping. I love sitting on the porch, sipping coffee, and watching the sun rise over the mountains. It's like the world is waking up just for me.

The cabin has a fireplace that's always stocked with wood, so on chilly nights, I'll light a fire and curl up with a good book. The smell of smoke and pine fills the air, and I feel like I'm a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Sometimes I'll take a walk down to the lake and skip rocks across the water, feeling the cool breeze on my face and the warm sun on my skin. It's my own personal slice of heaven.

What I love most about this place is that it's not just a physical escape, but a mental one too. It's where I go to clear my head, to think, to recharge. I've spent countless hours journaling, meditating, and just being still. It's a place where time stands still, and all that's left is the present moment. And when I finally leave, I feel refreshed, renewed, and ready to take on whatever life throws my way.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

get away from it all

to escape the stresses and distractions of daily life

I need to get away from it all and relax for a bit.

The cabin is the perfect place to get away from it all and unwind.

Sample Part 3 Answers

How do students tend to relax? When it comes to unwinding, students tend to have their own unique ways of doing so. For many, it's all about creating a cozy atmosphere that helps them disconnect from the stresses of academic life. I've noticed that a lot of students enjoy listening to music or podcasts while doing something they love, like drawing, reading, or even cooking. There's something therapeutic about immersing themselves in a creative activity that allows them to express themselves and temporarily forget about looming deadlines or exams. It's almost as if they're able to tap into a different part of their brain, one that's not constantly worried about grades or assignments. By doing so, they're able to recharge and refocus, which is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

What activities do employers organize to help their employees relax? Employers are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of employee well-being, and as a result, they're organizing a range of activities to help their staff relax and reduce stress. One popular trend is the implementation of mindfulness programs, which can include meditation sessions, yoga classes, or even guided deep breathing exercises. Some companies also offer on-site fitness classes, such as Pilates or Zumba, which not only promote physical health but also provide a much-needed break from the daily grind. I've even heard of companies that have game rooms or nap pods, which may seem unconventional, but can actually be a great way to help employees recharge and refocus. By providing these types of activities, employers are acknowledging that their employees' mental health is just as important as their physical health, and that's a really positive trend.

Do people nowadays have more ways to relax than in the past? I think it's safe to say that people nowadays have a plethora of options when it comes to relaxing, far more than in the past. With the rise of technology, we have access to a vast array of digital tools and apps that can help us unwind, from meditation apps like Headspace to video games that promote relaxation, like Minecraft. Not to mention the countless YouTube channels dedicated to ASMR, nature sounds, or calming music. But it's not just about technology; people are also becoming more aware of the importance of self-care and are seeking out activities that promote relaxation, such as yoga, tai chi, or even gardening. I think this is partly due to the increasing awareness of mental health and the need to take care of oneself in a fast-paced world. As a result, people are getting creative with how they relax, and that's really exciting to see.

Do you think spending time in a park is more relaxing than spending time indoors? Personally, I think spending time in a park can be incredibly relaxing, and for many people, it's more effective than spending time indoors. There's something about being surrounded by nature, breathing in fresh air, and listening to the sounds of birds chirping or water flowing that has a profound impact on our mental state. When we're indoors, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, but when we're in a park, we're able to disconnect from all that and reconnect with the natural world. Plus, being in nature has been shown to have a range of benefits, from reducing stress levels to improving mood. Of course, everyone is different, and some people may find that they relax more indoors, but for many, a park or outdoor setting can be incredibly rejuvenating.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

tap into

to access or connect with a particular feeling, idea, or resource

By doing so, they're able to tap into a different part of their brain, one that's not constantly worried about grades or assignments.

recharge and refocus

to rest and regain energy, and then concentrate again

By doing so, they're able to recharge and refocus, which is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

a plethora of options

a large or excessive amount of something

I think it's safe to say that people nowadays have a plethora of options when it comes to relaxing, far more than in the past.