Cue Card

Describe a prize that you received

You should say:

• What it was
• When you received it
• What you did for it
• And explain how you felt about it.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. What kind of prizes do students get?
2. Should students get the same kind of prizes for achievement in sports as they should for academic achievements?
3. Why should people receive awards and prizes?
4. Are prizes good for winners?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I was 17 when I won the National Science Fair with my project on sustainable energy harvesting. The prize was a trip to the NASA Kennedy Space Center in Florida, and let me tell you, it was out of this world. I mean, I'd spent countless hours researching, experimenting, and perfecting my project, and to have it recognized on a national level was surreal. The prize included a behind-the-scenes tour of the space center, and I got to meet some of the engineers who worked on the Mars Curiosity Rover. It was mind-blowing to see the sheer scale of the operations and the level of innovation that goes into space exploration.

But what really stuck with me was the sense of community. I met other winners from all over the country, and we spent hours geeking out over our projects and sharing our passions. It was amazing to see how diverse and talented the next generation of scientists and engineers is. We were all so different, but we shared a common drive to make a difference. And that's what the prize represented – not just a recognition of my work, but a reminder that I'm part of something bigger than myself.

Looking back, that prize was more than just a trophy or a trip. It was a catalyst for my future. It opened doors to new opportunities, sparked new ideas, and gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams. And even though I don't work in sustainable energy anymore, the lessons I learned from that experience have stayed with me. So, if I had to describe that prize, I'd say it was a spark that ignited a fire within me – a reminder that with hard work, determination, and a bit of creativity, anything is possible.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

out of this world

exceptionally good or exciting

The fireworks display was out of this world!

The new restaurant is out of this world – you have to try it!

geeking out

to enthusiastically discuss or engage in a particular topic, often in a detailed or technical manner

I geeked out with my friends over the latest sci-fi movie.

We geeked out over the new video game release.

Sample Part 3 Answers

What kind of prizes do students get? Students can receive a wide variety of prizes, depending on their age, grade level, and the specific achievement being recognized. For example, younger students might receive stickers, stars, or other small treats for good behavior or completing their homework. Older students might receive more substantial prizes, such as gift cards, trophies, or even scholarships, for achieving academic milestones or excelling in extracurricular activities. Some schools also offer special privileges, like being the line leader for the day or having a homework pass, as a way to motivate students and make them feel special. The type of prize will often depend on the school's policies and the specific occasion, but the goal is always to encourage and reward students for their hard work and achievements.

Should students get the same kind of prizes for achievement in sports as they should for academic achievements? While both academic and athletic achievements are important, I don't think students should receive the same kind of prizes for both. Academic achievements, like good grades or completing a difficult project, demonstrate a student's intellectual abilities and work ethic, and should be rewarded with prizes that reflect that, such as scholarships or academic awards. On the other hand, athletic achievements, like winning a game or tournament, demonstrate a student's physical abilities and teamwork, and should be rewarded with prizes that reflect that, such as trophies or athletic awards. By offering different types of prizes for different achievements, we can encourage students to excel in multiple areas and develop a well-rounded set of skills. Plus, it's just more fun to have different types of prizes to look forward to!

Why should people receive awards and prizes? People should receive awards and prizes because it's a great way to recognize and celebrate their achievements. When we work hard and accomplish something, it feels amazing to have that effort acknowledged and rewarded. Awards and prizes give us a sense of pride and motivation to keep pushing ourselves to do even better. Plus, they provide a tangible reminder of our accomplishments that we can display and cherish for years to come. But beyond that, awards and prizes also serve as a way to inspire others to strive for excellence. When we see someone else receiving an award, it can motivate us to work harder and aim higher. It's a way to create a positive feedback loop, where people are encouraged to achieve more and more, and that's something to be celebrated!

Are prizes good for winners? Prizes can be both good and bad for winners, depending on how they're received. On the one hand, prizes can be a great motivator and a wonderful way to acknowledge someone's hard work and achievement. When someone wins a prize, it can give them a huge confidence boost and make them feel proud of themselves. But on the other hand, if someone becomes too focused on winning prizes, it can create an unhealthy obsession with external validation. If someone only feels good about themselves because they've won a prize, rather than because of their own internal sense of accomplishment, that can be problematic. So, while prizes can be a fun and motivating way to recognize achievement, it's also important to make sure that winners don't become too focused on external rewards and remember to celebrate their own internal successes as well.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

well-rounded

having a good balance of different skills or qualities

She's a well-rounded student who excels in both academics and sports.