Cue Card

Describe a polite person you know

You should say:

• Who they are
• How you know them
• What they are like
• And explain why you think they are polite.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. What kind of behaviors are considered polite?
2. What kinds of behaviors come across as rude?
3. Are people from cities politer than people from the countryside?
4. What do you think are the characteristics of a polite person?

Sample Cue Card Answer

My grandmother is the epitome of politeness. She's the kind of person who always holds the door open for strangers, even if it's from it's 90 degrees outside and she's melting like the wicked witch of the west. She's the first to offer her seat to someone who looks like they need it more than her, and she always, always says please and thank you, even when she's talking to the cashier at the grocery store. But what really gets me is that she does all of this without expecting anything in return. No, really, she doesn't even expect a thank you. She just does it because it's the right thing to do.

I was at her house for dinner the other day, and she invited her neighbor, Mrs. Johnson, over for dessert. Mrs. Johnson is, shall we say, not the most pleasant person to be around. She's always complaining about something, and she has this annoying habit of talking with her mouth full. But my grandmother just smiled and laughed and asked her questions, like she was the most fascinating person in the world. And you know what? Mrs. Johnson ate it up. She left my grandmother's house looking like a completely different person - all smiles and thank yous.

That's the thing about polite people - they have this way of making everyone around them feel seen and heard. They're not just being polite for the sake of being polite; they're actually genuinely interested in the people around them. And that's what makes my grandmother so amazing. She's not just a polite person; she's a kind person, and that's something that we could all learn from.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

the right thing to do

an action that is considered morally good or correct

She always does the right thing, even when no one is looking.

Sample Part 3 Answers

What kind of behaviors are considered polite? You see, being polite is all about showing respect and consideration for others. One behavior that really stands out to me as polite is active listening. When someone takes the time to truly hear you out, remember what you said, and respond thoughtfully, it's incredibly refreshing. It shows that they value your thoughts and opinions, and are willing to put in the effort to understand where you're coming from. I've noticed that when people actively listen, it creates a ripple effect - it encourages others to do the same, and before you know it, you have a whole group of people engaging in a respectful and meaningful conversation.

What kinds of behaviors come across as rude? One behavior that really grinds my gears is interrupting others. When someone cuts you off mid-sentence, it's like they're saying'my thoughts are more important than yours.' It's not only frustrating, but it also makes the person being interrupted feel disrespected and unheard. I think this behavior comes across as rude because it shows a lack of self-awareness and empathy. When you interrupt someone, you're not considering how they might feel or what they might be trying to say. It's all about you and your need to be heard, rather than taking the time to listen and respond thoughtfully.

Are people from cities politer than people from the countryside? I don't think it's necessarily true that people from cities are politer than those from the countryside. Politeness is more about individual personality and upbringing than it is about where you're from. That being said, I do think that city dwellers might have more opportunities to practice politeness in their daily lives. For example, when you're living in a crowded city, you're constantly interacting with strangers - on public transportation, in stores, and in restaurants. This can help you develop a sense of courtesy and respect for others, even in brief interactions. On the other hand, people from the countryside might have fewer opportunities to interact with strangers, but they might be more likely to develop strong relationships with their neighbors and community members, which can also foster politeness and a sense of respect.

What do you think are the characteristics of a polite person? To me, a polite person is someone who is genuinely interested in others and is willing to put in the effort to make them feel comfortable and heard. They're empathetic, self-aware, and able to put themselves in other people's shoes. A polite person is also someone who is respectful of boundaries and personal space - they know when to push in and when to back off. But what really sets polite people apart is their ability to be present in the moment and fully engage with the people around them. They're not distracted by their phones or their own thoughts, but instead are fully focused on the conversation and the people they're interacting with. When you're around someone like that, you can't help but feel seen and heard, and that's what makes them so polite.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

to be present in the moment

to be fully engaged and focused on the current situation or conversation

She was so present in the moment during our conversation that I felt like I had her full attention.

to put yourself in someone's shoes

to imagine how someone else might be feeling or thinking

I tried to put myself in his shoes and understand why he was so upset.