Cue Card

Describe a prize you won

You should say:

• What the prize was
• When you received it
• How you won it
• And explain how you felt about it.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. What kind of prizes do students win?
2. Should students be awarded prizes for both academic achievements and sporting achievements?
3. What are the benefits of awarding prizes to students?
4. Are awards and prizes always good for the winners?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I'm still on a high from winning the coveted Golden Whisk award for my signature chocolate cake recipe. It was a surreal moment, standing on that stage, clutching the gleaming trophy and grinning from ear to ear. The competition was fierce, with some of the most talented bakers from around the world vying for the top spot. But when they announced my name, I felt like I was floating on air. The prize itself is stunning – a solid gold whisk with intricate designs and a plaque with my name engraved on it. But what really matters is the recognition and validation that comes with it. It's a nod to all the late nights, early mornings, and endless experimentation that went into perfecting my craft.

The prize has opened doors to new opportunities – I've been getting offers from top bakeries and restaurants to collaborate and create exclusive desserts. It's also given me the confidence to take my passion to the next level and start my own business. I'm currently working on a cookbook and a line of artisanal baking products, and the Golden Whisk award is the perfect calling card to get people excited about my brand.

But what I cherish most about the prize is the impact it's had on my community. I've been getting messages from aspiring bakers and home cooks who are inspired by my story and want to learn from me. It's a reminder that success isn't just about personal achievement, but about the ripple effect it can have on others. The Golden Whisk award is more than just a prize – it's a symbol of the power of hard work, dedication, and a willingness to take risks.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

on a high

feeling extremely happy or excited

I'm on a high after getting the job offer

She's been on a high since her wedding day

floating on air

feeling extremely happy or euphoric

I felt like I was floating on air when I heard the news

He's been floating on air since he met his girlfriend

nod to

a sign or indication of something

The award is a nod to her hard work

The new policy is a nod to the changing times

calling card

something that represents or promotes a person or business

The award is my calling card to get new clients

Her portfolio is her calling card to get hired

ripple effect

a series of events or consequences that happen as a result of something else happening

The company's bankruptcy had a ripple effect on the entire industry

Her decision had a ripple effect on her family and friends

Sample Part 3 Answers

What kind of prizes do students win? Students can win a wide variety of prizes, but some of the most common ones are trophies, medals, or certificates of achievement. I remember when I was in high school, our school had a science fair every year, and the winners would receive a trophy and a gift card to a local bookstore. It was a great way to encourage students to participate in the fair and showcase their projects. But prizes can also be more unique, like a chance to attend a special event or meet a famous person. For example, I knew someone who won a prize to attend a writing workshop with a famous author, which was an incredible opportunity for them to learn and get feedback on their writing.

Should students be awarded prizes for both academic achievements and sporting achievements? I think it's really important to award prizes for both academic achievements and sporting achievements. Academic prizes can motivate students to work hard and strive for excellence in their studies, while sporting prizes can encourage students to develop their physical skills and teamwork abilities. But what's even more important is that both types of prizes can help students develop a sense of pride and self-confidence. When students are recognized for their achievements, whether it's in the classroom or on the field, it can give them a sense of validation and encouragement to keep pushing themselves to do their best. And that's something that can benefit them throughout their lives, not just in school.

What are the benefits of awarding prizes to students? Awarding prizes to students can have a number of benefits. One of the main advantages is that it can motivate students to work harder and strive for excellence. When students know that there's a prize at stake, they're more likely to put in the effort to achieve their goals. But prizes can also have a broader impact on students' self-esteem and confidence. When students are recognized for their achievements, it can give them a sense of pride and self-worth, which can carry over into other areas of their lives. Additionally, prizes can provide students with opportunities and experiences that they might not otherwise have had. For example, a prize might include a scholarship or internship, which can be a valuable stepping stone for students as they pursue their careers.

Are awards and prizes always good for the winners? While awards and prizes can be incredibly beneficial for students, they're not always good for the winners. Sometimes, the pressure to win can be overwhelming, and students can feel like they're under a lot of stress to perform. Additionally, the focus on winning can lead to an overemphasis on competition, rather than collaboration and teamwork. And sometimes, prizes can even create unrealistic expectations or pressures on students to achieve more and more. For example, if a student wins a prize for being the top student in their class, they might feel like they need to maintain that status, even if it means sacrificing their own well-being or happiness. So while prizes can be a great motivator, it's also important to make sure that they're not creating unhealthy pressures or expectations for students.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

a wide variety

a large number of different things

Students can win a wide variety of prizes.

a great way to

an effective method for achieving something

It was a great way to encourage students to participate in the fair.

strive for excellence

to try very hard to achieve something of high quality

Academic prizes can motivate students to work hard and strive for excellence in their studies.

sense of pride

a feeling of satisfaction and happiness

When students are recognized for their achievements, it can give them a sense of pride and self-confidence.

at stake

something that might be lost or gained

When students know that there's a prize at stake, they're more likely to put in the effort to achieve their goals.

self-worth

the value or importance that someone gives to themselves

When students are recognized for their achievements, it can give them a sense of pride and self-worth.

stepping stone

something that helps someone to achieve their goals or move forward

A prize might include a scholarship or internship, which can be a valuable stepping stone for students.

under a lot of stress

feeling anxious or worried

Sometimes, the pressure to win can be overwhelming, and students can feel like they're under a lot of stress to perform.

sacrificing their own well-being

giving up something important or valuable for the sake of something else

They might feel like they need to maintain that status, even if it means sacrificing their own well-being or happiness.