Cue Card

Describe a quiet place you like to spend your time in

You should say:

• Where it is
• How often you go there
• What you do there
• And explain why you like the place.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. Is it difficult to find quiet places in cities?
2. Why it is quieter in the countryside?
3. Why do people like to go to quiet places?
4. Compared to young people, do old people prefer to live in quiet places?

Sample Cue Card Answer

My happy place is a small, secluded spot by the lake near my home. It's not a fancy place, just a bunch of rocks and trees, but there's something about it that makes me feel at peace. I love sitting on one of the larger rocks, feeling the rough texture beneath me, and watching the water lap gently against the shore. The sound is like music to my ears - it's calming and soothing, and it always seems to quiet my mind.

I've spent countless hours there, just sitting, thinking, and watching the world go by. It's amazing how much you can learn about yourself when you're alone with your thoughts. I've had some of my best ideas and insights while sitting by that lake. It's like the stillness of the water and the quiet of the surroundings help me tap into my own inner wisdom.

Sometimes, I'll bring a book or my journal, but often I just sit there, doing nothing. It's liberating to not have to do anything, to not have to be productive or efficient. In a world that's always telling us to hustle and grind, it's refreshing to have a place where I can just be. My spot by the lake is my own little slice of serenity, my own personal sanctuary.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

Slice of serenity

A place or situation that provides a sense of peace and calmness

My backyard is my slice of serenity, where I can escape the chaos of everyday life.

The quiet coffee shop is my slice of serenity, where I can focus on my work.

Sample Part 3 Answers

Is it difficult to find quiet places in cities? Honestly, I think it's getting harder and harder to find quiet places in cities. I mean, think about it, cities are just so bustling and noisy all the time. There's always traffic, construction, sirens blaring, people chattering... it's like, you can't escape the noise. And it's not just the obvious things, like Times Square or rush hour, it's even in residential areas, there's just always something going on. I've lived in cities my whole life, and I've found that even in my own apartment, I can still hear the neighbors, the cars outside, the elevators... it's like, there's no escape. But, you know, I've learned to appreciate the little oases of quiet that you can find, like a park or a library. Those places are like a breath of fresh air, you know?

Why it is quieter in the countryside? You know, I think the countryside is quieter for a few reasons. First of all, there's just less people, you know? Fewer cars, fewer buildings, fewer distractions. It's like, the pace of life is just slower, and that translates to a more peaceful environment. And then there's the natural world, you know? The countryside is often surrounded by nature, which is inherently quiet. I mean, birds chirping, wind rustling through the trees... it's like, the sounds of nature are so calming. And I think it's also because the countryside is often more spread out, so you're not surrounded by the constant hum of human activity. It's like, you can actually hear yourself think, you know?

Why do people like to go to quiet places? I think people like to go to quiet places because it's a chance to recharge, you know? In today's world, we're constantly bombarded with stimuli, and it's exhausting. We're always connected, always on, always going... and it's like, our brains just need a break. Quiet places offer a chance to unplug, to slow down, to just be. And I think it's also because quiet places allow us to tap into our own thoughts and feelings. When it's quiet, we can actually hear our own minds, you know? We can reflect, we can think, we can just be. It's like, quiet places give us permission to be still, and that's a really beautiful thing.

Compared to young people, do old people prefer to live in quiet places? You know, I think older people might prefer to live in quiet places because they've just had more experience with the world, you know? They've lived through more, they've seen more... and I think that can be exhausting. They might be more likely to appreciate the peace and quiet, just because they've earned it, you know? They've worked hard, they've raised families, they've contributed to society... and now they just want to relax. And I think it's also because older people might be more aware of their own mortality, you know? They might be more appreciative of the simple things in life, like a quiet cup of coffee in the morning, or a peaceful walk in the park. They might be more likely to prioritize their own peace and quiet, just because they know that life is short.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

breath of fresh air

The park was a breath of fresh air after a long week of work.

The new employee was a breath of fresh air in the office, bringing new ideas and energy.