Cue Card

Describe a positive change you made in your life

You should say:

• what you did
• why you did it
• how difficult it was; and
• explain how you felt about the change.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. Is it easy for young people to change?
2. Is it easy for old people to change?
3. What are some ways people can change their lives?
4. What are the downsides of constantly making life-altering changes?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I used to be a total night owl, burning the midnight oil, and wondering why I was always exhausted. But then I realized, I was living my life like I was trying to cram for a never-ending exam! I was always 'on', always connected, always available. But I was running on fumes. So, I made a drastic change - I started waking up at 5:30 AM every day. I know, I know, it sounds crazy, but hear me out. Those early morning hours have been a game-changer. I get to enjoy a quiet cup of coffee, watch the sunrise, and get a head start on my day before the chaos begins. It's like having my own secret power hour.

At first, it was tough, I won't lie. My body was like, 'What are you doing to me?!' But slowly, I started to feel more alert, more focused, and more energized. I was tackling my to-do list like a boss, and still had time for a morning workout. It's amazing how much you can accomplish before the rest of the world wakes up. And the best part? I'm not glued to my phone all day. I'm more present, more mindful, and more productive.

Now, I'm not saying it's easy, and some days I still hit the snooze button (let's be real!). But the benefits far outweigh the struggles. I feel like I've gained a few extra hours in my day, and I'm making the most of them. It's funny, people always talk about finding more time, but I just found it - it was hiding in the morning! Who knew?!

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

burning the midnight oil

to work late into the night, often to meet a deadline

I've been burning the midnight oil all week to finish this project on time.

Sample Part 3 Answers

Is it easy for young people to change? I think it's actually easier for young people to change because they're still figuring out who they are and what they want to do with their lives. When I was in my early twenties, I was still trying to find my way, and I made a lot of changes during that time. I changed my major in college, switched careers, and even moved to a new city. Looking back, it was a really tumultuous time, but it was also incredibly formative. I think that's because I was still in a period of self-discovery, and I was more open to new experiences and perspectives. As we get older, we tend to get more set in our ways, and it can be harder to make big changes. But when you're young, you're still in a state of flux, and that can make it easier to pivot and try new things.

Is it easy for old people to change? I think it can be really tough for older people to change, especially if they've been doing things a certain way for a long time. Habits can be hard to break, and as we age, we tend to get more set in our ways. My grandmother, for example, was a lifelong smoker, and she tried to quit many times, but it wasn't until she was in her seventies that she was finally able to kick the habit for good. It's not that it's impossible for older people to change, but it can be harder because they've had more time to develop ingrained habits and ways of thinking. That being said, I think it's never too late to make a positive change, and I've seen plenty of examples of people in their sixties, seventies, and beyond making significant changes that improve their lives.

What are some ways people can change their lives? One way people can change their lives is by taking small, incremental steps towards their goals. For me, it was starting a daily meditation practice that really helped me shift my mindset and improve my overall well-being. It wasn't something I did overnight, but rather something I built up to over time. I started with just a few minutes a day and gradually increased the amount of time as I got more comfortable with the practice. It's funny, because at first, I thought meditation was just something for hippies or yogis, but it's really just a tool for cultivating mindfulness and clarity. By incorporating it into my daily routine, I was able to make some profound changes in my life, from improving my relationships to advancing in my career.

What are the downsides of constantly making life-altering changes? While making positive changes can be incredibly empowering, there's also a downside to constantly making life-altering changes. For one, it can be exhausting. I know people who are always chasing the next big thing, whether it's a new career, a new relationship, or a new hobby, and it can be really draining. Not to mention, it can also be destabilizing for the people around them. I've had friends who have changed careers multiple times, and while it's great that they're following their passions, it can be hard to keep up with them and feel like you're losing them in the process. Additionally, constant change can also make it hard to develop a sense of continuity and stability, which is important for building strong relationships and a sense of self. It's all about finding a balance between embracing change and staying grounded.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

take it one step at a time

to focus on one thing at a time, rather than trying to do too many things at once

I'm trying to learn a new language, but I'm taking it one step at a time, starting with the basics.