Cue Card

Describe a prize you want to win

You should say:

• What the prize is
• How you know about it
• What you could do to win it
• And explain why you want to win it.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. What prizes and rewards can children get at school?
2. Should parents push their children to win prizes?
3. Is it good for children to compete for prizes at school?
4. What kinds of rewards can companies offer outstanding employees?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I've always dreamed of winning the Pulitzer Prize for fiction. You see, I've been writing stories since I was a kid, and the thought of being recognized for my work in such a prestigious way is a huge motivator for me. I mean, who wouldn't want to be acknowledged as one of the best writers in the world? It's a pretty cool feeling, even just thinking about it.

I think what really draws me to the Pulitzer is the fact that it's not just about the recognition - it's also about the impact that your work can have on people. I want to write stories that make people feel something, that make them think differently about the world. And if I can do that, and get a prize for it? That's just the cherry on top.

Of course, it's not just about the prize itself - it's about the journey to get there. The countless hours of writing, editing, and rewriting. The moments of self-doubt and frustration. But if I can push through all that and come out the other side with a Pulitzer in hand? It'll all be worth it.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

cherry on top

an added pleasure or benefit that makes an already good situation even better

The Pulitzer Prize was the cherry on top of a successful writing career.

Getting a promotion was great, but the raise was the cherry on top.

Sample Part 3 Answers

What prizes and rewards can children get at school? You know, schools are always looking for ways to motivate students to do their best, and one way they do that is by offering prizes and rewards. For example, some schools have a 'Student of the Month' award, where the student who demonstrates good behavior, good grades, and a positive attitude gets a special certificate and maybe even a gift card to a local restaurant or store. Other schools might have a 'Perfect Attendance' award, where students who show up to class every day for a certain period of time get a prize, like a new book or a fun experience, like a trip to a trampoline park. Some schools even have a 'Most Improved' award, where students who have shown significant progress in a particular subject or area get recognized and rewarded. These kinds of prizes and rewards can be a great way to encourage kids to work hard and strive for excellence.

Should parents push their children to win prizes? I think it's natural for parents to want their kids to succeed and win prizes, but it's also important to make sure we're not pushing them too hard. When parents put too much emphasis on winning, it can create a lot of pressure and stress for the child. Instead of focusing on the prize itself, I think parents should focus on encouraging their kids to develop a love of learning and a growth mindset. That way, the child will be motivated to do their best and improve their skills, regardless of whether they win a prize or not. For example, instead of saying 'you have to win this award,' a parent could say 'I'm so proud of you for working hard and trying your best. Keep it up and you'll achieve great things!' By focusing on the process, not just the outcome, parents can help their kids develop a healthy and positive attitude towards competition and achievement.

Is it good for children to compete for prizes at school? Competition can be a great motivator for kids, and competing for prizes at school can be a fun and engaging way to encourage them to do their best. However, it's also important to make sure that the competition is healthy and positive. When kids are competing for prizes, they can learn important skills like perseverance, teamwork, and sportsmanship. For example, if a child is competing in a science fair, they might learn how to work with a team, design an experiment, and present their findings to a group of people. Even if they don't win a prize, they'll still have gained valuable experience and skills that will serve them well in the future. But it's also important for parents and teachers to make sure that the competition isn't getting too intense or cutthroat. We want kids to be able to enjoy the process and learn from their experiences, not just focus on winning at all costs.

What kinds of rewards can companies offer outstanding employees? Companies are always looking for ways to motivate and reward their top performers, and there are many different types of rewards they can offer. One popular option is a bonus or extra pay, which can be a great way to recognize an employee's hard work and contributions. Another option is a promotion or new title, which can be a great way to give an employee new challenges and opportunities for growth. Some companies also offer non-monetary rewards, like extra time off, flexible work arrangements, or professional development opportunities. For example, a company might offer an outstanding employee a chance to attend a conference or workshop in their field, or provide them with a mentor or coach to help them develop their skills. Other companies might offer rewards that are more fun and unique, like a special parking spot, a catered lunch, or even a celebratory party. The key is to find rewards that are meaningful and motivating to the employee, and that recognize their individual contributions and achievements.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

Student of the Month

An award given to a student who demonstrates good behavior, good grades, and a positive attitude.

The school gives out a 'Student of the Month' award to recognize students who are doing well.

Perfect Attendance

An award given to students who attend school every day for a certain period of time.

If you have perfect attendance, you might get a prize or reward.

Most Improved

An award given to students who have shown significant progress in a particular subject or area.

The teacher gave a 'Most Improved' award to the student who had worked the hardest in math class.

Growth mindset

A way of thinking that focuses on learning and improving, rather than just winning or achieving a specific goal.

Having a growth mindset means you're always looking for ways to get better and learn more.

Perseverance

The ability to keep trying and not give up, even when things get difficult.

It takes perseverance to finish a difficult project, but it's worth it in the end.

Teamwork

Working together with others to achieve a common goal.

The team worked together to complete the project, and they did a great job.

Sportsmanship

Behaving in a fair and respectful way, especially in competitive situations.

Good sportsmanship means shaking hands with the other team after a game, even if you lost.

Cutthroat

Extremely competitive and willing to do whatever it takes to win.

The cutthroat competition in the business world can be tough, but it's also motivating.

Bonus

Extra pay or a reward given to someone for their hard work or achievements.

The company gave all its employees a bonus at the end of the year.

Professional development

Opportunities for employees to learn new skills and improve their abilities.

The company offers professional development opportunities to help its employees grow and succeed.