Cue Card

Describe a place you visited while on vacation that you would recommend

You should say:

• Where it was
• When you went there
• What you did there
• And explain why you would like to recommend it to someone else.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. What are some popular attractions that people like to visit in your country?
2. Do old people and young people choose different places to go on vacation? Why?
3. How are young people and old people different when it comes to making plans?
4. How do people find out about new places?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I'm going to take you to a hidden gem that's still etched in my mind like it was yesterday. It's a tiny coastal town in Italy called Polignano a Mare. This place is a photographer's dream, a foodie's paradise, and a beach lover's haven all rolled into one. The first thing that struck me was the town's unique architecture - whitewashed houses stacked on top of each other, with narrow cobblestone streets that wind down to the sea. It's like a real-life postcard.

But what truly sets Polignano apart is its beaches. The most famous one, Lama Monachile, is a tiny cove nestled between towering cliffs. The water is a dazzling turquoise, and the sound of the waves crashing against the shore is like music to your ears. And the best part? It's not overcrowded like other popular Italian destinations. You can actually find a spot to soak up the sun and enjoy the tranquility.

Now, let's talk about the food. Oh, the food! Fresh seafood, homemade pasta, and the most divine gelato you've ever tasted. I'm not even kidding when I say I ate my weight in seafood risotto and pizza during my stay. And the locals? Friendly, welcoming, and eager to share their town's secrets with you.

If you ever find yourself in Italy, do yourself a favor and skip the tourist traps. Head to Polignano a Mare instead. Trust me, you won't regret it. This place has a way of getting under your skin, and you'll be counting down the days until you can return.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

etched in my mind

strongly remembered or impressed on one's mind

The memory of my wedding day is etched in my mind forever.

The smell of freshly baked cookies is etched in my mind from childhood.

rolled into one

combined or merged into a single entity

This new smartphone has a camera, GPS, and music player all rolled into one.

The new restaurant is a cafe, bakery, and bookstore all rolled into one.

Sample Part 3 Answers

What are some popular attractions that people like to visit in your country? One place that really stands out to me is the Grand Canyon. I mean, it's one of those natural wonders that you've gotta see to believe. I visited it a few years ago, and it was honestly breathtaking. The sheer scale of it is just incredible - it's like nothing I've ever seen before. And what's really cool is that there are so many different ways to experience it, whether you're hiking down into the canyon, taking a helicopter tour, or just standing at the edge and taking it all in. I think that's why it's such a popular destination - there's something for everyone.

Do old people and young people choose different places to go on vacation? Why? I think so. When I was younger, I used to love going to beach destinations like Miami or Hawaii with my friends. We'd spend our days lounging in the sun, going out at night, and just having a blast. But as I've gotten older, I've found myself gravitating more towards places with a lot of history and culture, like Italy or Spain. I think that's because as you get older, you start to appreciate the little things more - like architecture, art, and food. And those kinds of destinations just offer so much more depth and substance. Plus, they're often more relaxed and laid-back, which is nice when you're not as into the party scene anymore.

How are young people and old people different when it comes to making plans? I think young people tend to be a lot more spontaneous when it comes to making plans. I mean, when I was in college, my friends and I would often just decide on a whim to take a road trip or go on a lot of potential, but also have some challenges. Young people tend to be more flexible and open to new experiences, whereas older people might be more set in their ways and prefer to stick with what they know. But at the same time, older people often have more resources and experience, which can make planning a trip a lot easier. For example, my grandparents are always so organized and meticulous when they plan their trips - they research everything, make lists, and have every detail accounted for. It's really impressive, and it's definitely something I've learned from.

How do people find out about new places? I think social media has really changed the way people find out about new places. I mean, Instagram is basically a travel brochure at this point - everyone's always posting these gorgeous photos of their vacations, and it's hard not to get inspired. But I also think word of mouth is still a big factor. When I'm talking to friends or family, I always ask them for recommendations on where to go and what to do. And of course, there are still travel guides and websites, but I think those are more for planning and research rather than initial discovery.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

stands out

to be easily noticed or to be more noticeable than others

One place that really stands out to me is the Grand Canyon.

sheer scale

the size or extent of something

The sheer scale of it is just incredible - it's like nothing I've ever seen before.

something for everyone

a variety of things that cater to different tastes or interests

I think that's why it's such a popular destination - there's something for everyone.

on a whim

to do something suddenly and without planning

We'd often just decide on a whim to take a road trip or go on a spontaneous adventure.

set in their ways

to be unwilling to change one's habits or opinions

Older people might be more set in their ways and prefer to stick with what they know.

stick with what they know

to continue doing what one is familiar with, rather than trying something new

Older people might be more set in their ways and prefer to stick with what they know.

get inspired

to feel motivated or influenced by something

It's hard not to get inspired when you see all these gorgeous photos of vacations on Instagram.