Cue Card

Describe a puzzle (jigsaw, crossword, etc) you solved

You should say:

• What kind of puzzle it was
• How difficult or easy you found it
• How long it took you to solve
• And explain how you felt about it.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. Why do parents give their children puzzles to play with?
2. What kind of puzzles can improve a person’s intelligence?
3. Why do people like detective stories?
4. Which do you think is better: a detective movie or its original novel?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I was on a solo road trip, driving through the Pacific Coast Highway, and I stopped at this quirky little cafe in Big Sur. They had this massive jigsaw puzzle on a table, and I just couldn't resist. It was a 2,000-piece monster, with pieces shaped like sea creatures and waves. I mean, who does that? I sat down, and before I knew it, I was hooked. The owner, Rachel, told me it had been there for months, and nobody had been able to finish it.

As I started piecing it together, I realized it was more than just a puzzle – it was a meditation. The rhythmic sound of the waves outside, the smell of saltwater and coffee, and the feel of the sun on my skin... it all blended together. I was in the zone. Hours passed, and I didn't even notice. I was so focused on finding the next piece, the next connection. It was like my brain was hardwired to solve it.

But what really struck me was the community that formed around the puzzle. Strangers would come in, see me working on it, and join in. We'd chat, share stories, and work together. It was this beautiful, organic thing. We were all united by this shared goal – to solve the puzzle. And when we finally finished it, the sense of accomplishment was palpable. We high-fived, took photos, and celebrated like we'd just won the lottery.

Looking back, that puzzle was more than just a fun distraction – it was a metaphor for life. We're all trying to find our place, our connection, our purpose. And sometimes, it takes a 2,000-piece puzzle to remind us that we're all in this together.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

in the zone

completely focused and immersed in an activity

I was in the zone during the game and didn't even notice the time.

She's in the zone when she's painting.

hardwired

programmed or naturally inclined to do something

I'm hardwired to respond to emergencies.

He's hardwired to be a risk-taker.

Sample Part 3 Answers

Why do parents give their children puzzles to play with? I think parents give their children puzzles to play with because it's a great way to encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills from a young age. When kids work on a puzzle, they're learning to analyze a problem, break it down into smaller parts, and figure out how to solve it. It's a hands-on way for them to develop spatial awareness, hand-eye coordination, and fine motor skills. Plus, puzzles are a great way to build confidence and self-esteem, as kids feel a sense of accomplishment when they finally piece together a tricky puzzle. By introducing puzzles early on, parents are setting their kids up for success in all sorts of areas, from academics to real-life problem-solving.

What kind of puzzles can improve a person’s intelligence? I believe that puzzles that challenge our brains in multiple ways, like crosswords, Sudoku, and brain teasers, can really help improve a person's intelligence. These types of puzzles require a combination of logic, reasoning, and creativity, which can help build cognitive reserve and even delay cognitive decline. For example, crosswords can improve memory and language skills, while Sudoku can enhance spatial reasoning and problem-solving abilities. Brain teasers, on the other hand, often require lateral thinking and can help improve our ability to think outside the box. By regularly challenging ourselves with these types of puzzles, we can build cognitive flexibility and improve our overall intelligence.

Why do people like detective stories? I think people love detective stories because they tap into our natural curiosity and desire to solve mysteries. When we read a detective story or watch a whodunit, we're essentially presented with a puzzle to solve alongside the detective. We get to gather clues, piece together evidence, and try to figure out the culprit before the big reveal. It's a thrilling way to engage our problem-solving skills and exercise our analytical minds. Plus, detective stories often involve complex characters, twists, and turns, which keeps us on the edge of our seats and invested in the story. By immersing ourselves in a good detective story, we get to experience the thrill of the chase and the satisfaction of solving a puzzle, all while being entertained.

Which do you think is better: a detective movie or its original novel? Personally, I think the original novel is often better than the movie adaptation. When we read a novel, we get to use our imagination to create the characters, settings, and atmosphere, which can make the experience feel more immersive and personal. Novels also often provide more depth and detail than a movie, allowing us to get inside the detective's mind and understand their thought process. Plus, novels can explore themes and subplots in a way that movies can't, due to time constraints. Of course, movies have their own advantages, like bringing the story to life with visuals and sound, but overall, I think the original novel provides a richer and more engaging experience.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

piece together

to gather information and form a complete picture or understanding of something

As the detective investigated the crime scene, she began to piece together the events of the night.

It took me a while to piece together the clues and solve the puzzle.