Cue Card

Describe a quiet place you found

You should say:

• Where it is
• When you found it
• How you found it
• How often you go there
• What it is like
• How you felt about the place

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. Is it hard to find quiet places in cities?
2. Why is it quieter in the countryside?
3. How would you deal with noisy neighbors?
4. Do you think cities are much noisier than before?
5. Compared with young people, do old people tend to live in quiet places?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I've always been a city boy, born and raised in the midst of honking horns and endless chatter. But one summer, I stumbled upon a place that changed my perspective on what it means to be quiet. I was on a solo hike in the mountains, and as I climbed higher, the trees grew taller and the air grew thinner. I reached a clearing, and that's when I saw it - a tiny lake, perfectly still, with not a ripple in sight. The only sound was the gentle hum of insects and the soft rustle of leaves in the breeze.

I sat down on a rock at the lake's edge, and for the first time in my life, I felt truly quiet. It wasn't just the absence of noise; it was the presence of something else - a sense of stillness, a sense of calm. I closed my eyes and let the silence wash over me, and suddenly, I was aware of every thought, every feeling, every sensation in my body. It was as if the quiet had given me permission to tune in to myself.

As I sat there, I realized that quiet isn't just the absence of noise; it's a presence that allows us to tap into our own inner world. It's a reminder that we don't have to be constantly stimulated, constantly entertained. We can simply be. And in that moment, I knew that I would carry this quiet with me, wherever I went, and that it would be my anchor in the chaos of everyday life.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

still waters run deep

people who are quiet and calm on the surface may have a lot going on beneath the surface

She's a quiet one, but still waters run deep - she's got a lot of hidden talents.

Sample Part 3 Answers

Is it hard to find quiet places in cities? I think it can be really tough to find quiet places in cities. I mean, cities are just naturally loud, you've got traffic, construction, people talking on their phones... it's hard to escape all that noise. But I think what makes it even harder is that a lot of cities are designed to be bustling and vibrant, which is great, but it can make it tough to find a peaceful spot. I've found that sometimes the best way to find a quiet place in a city is to look for little hidden gems, like a small park or a quiet coffee shop that's tucked away on a side street. Those kinds of places can be a real refuge from the chaos of the city.

Why is it quieter in the countryside? I think it's quieter in the countryside because there's just so much more space and fewer people. When you're in the city, you're surrounded by buildings and cars and people, and all that creates a lot of noise. But in the countryside, you've got wide open spaces and not as many people, so it's naturally quieter. Plus, the sounds you do hear in the countryside are often more peaceful, like birds chirping or a stream running, which can be really soothing. I've noticed that even the sounds of nature in the countryside can be really calming, like the sound of crickets at night or the wind rustling through the trees. It's a really different kind of quiet than what you find in the city.

How would you deal with noisy neighbors? Dealing with noisy neighbors can be really frustrating. I think the best way to handle it is to try to talk to them first and see if you can come to some kind of understanding. Maybe they're not even aware of how much noise they're making, and if you can have a friendly conversation with them, you might be able to find a solution that works for both of you. If that doesn't work, I think it's a good idea to keep a record of the noise, like a log of when it's happening and how loud it is, so you can take that to your landlord or property manager if you need to. But I think it's also important to remember that everyone has different noise levels that they're comfortable with, and it's possible that your neighbors just have a different threshold for noise than you do.

Do you think cities are much noisier than before? I think cities are definitely noisier than they used to be. I mean, there's just so much more traffic and construction and technology now, and all that creates a lot of noise. Plus, cities are just getting bigger and more crowded, which means more people making noise. I've noticed that even in my own neighborhood, there's a lot more noise now than there was when I first moved in. There's more traffic, more construction, more people playing music loudly... it's just a noisier place. And I think it's not just the amount of noise that's changed, it's also the type of noise. There's a lot more constant, low-level noise now, like the hum of traffic or the beeping of construction equipment, and that kind of noise can be really wearing after a while.

Compared with young people, do old people tend to live in quiet places? I think older people might tend to prefer quieter places, but it's not always the case. I've met plenty of older people who love living in the city and don't mind the noise at all. But I think for some people, as they get older, they might start to prefer quieter places because they're looking for a more relaxed pace of life. Maybe they've had enough of the hustle and bustle of the city and are looking for something a bit more peaceful. Or maybe they're just looking for a place where they can hear themselves think! Either way, I think it's great that there are all kinds of living options available, so people can choose the kind of environment that works best for them.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

hidden gem

a place or thing that is not well-known but is very good

The small park in the city was a hidden gem, it was so peaceful and quiet.