Cue Card

Describe a risk you have taken which had a positive result

You should say:

• What it was
• Why you took it
• What the result was
• And how you felt about it.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. Why do some people enjoy extreme sports?
2. Are action films popular in your country?
3. Do you think it’s a good thing for a leader to take risks?
4. Do you think men and women think the same about risk-taking?
5. Do you think young people and old people think the same way about taking risks?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I'll never forget the day I quit my corporate job to start my own business. It was a risk that could have ended in financial ruin, but it turned out to be the best decision I ever made. I'd always dreamed of running my own company, but it wasn't until I hit 30 that I finally took the leap. I'd been working in marketing for years, but I was feeling unfulfilled and restless. I wanted to create something of my own, something that would give me a sense of purpose and autonomy. So, I took a deep breath, handed in my notice, and started my own marketing agency.

It wasn't easy, of course. There were many sleepless nights, endless cups of coffee, and moments of pure panic. But I was determined to make it work. I poured my heart and soul into the business, and slowly but surely, it started to take off. I landed my first client, then my second, and before I knew it, I was running a thriving business.

The best part? I was finally doing something I loved. I was my own boss, working on projects that excited me, and making a real difference in my clients' lives. It was a risk that paid off in a big way. I learned that taking a risk can be scary, but it can also be incredibly liberating. It's a reminder that sometimes, you have to take a leap of faith to find true fulfillment.

I'm not saying it's always easy. There are still days when I worry about the future, when I doubt my decisions. But the truth is, I'd rather take a risk and fail than play it safe and regret it. I've learned that the biggest regrets often come from the chances we don't take, not the ones we do.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

take a leap of faith

to take a risk and do something without knowing what the outcome will be

I took a leap of faith and quit my job to travel the world

She took a leap of faith and invested all her savings in her own business

pour your heart and soul into something

to put all your energy and effort into something

She poured her heart and soul into her art

He poured his heart and soul into his music

Sample Part 3 Answers

Why do some people enjoy extreme sports? I think some people enjoy extreme sports because it gives them a rush of adrenaline and a sense of accomplishment that they can't find in more traditional activities. For instance, skydiving or bungee jumping allows individuals to push their limits and experience a thrill that's hard to replicate in everyday life. It's almost as if they're testing their own mortality and coming out on top. Plus, the sense of community that comes with participating in these activities can be really appealing - there's a certain camaraderie that forms among thrill-seekers who share a passion for living life on the edge.

Are action films popular in your country? Action films are incredibly popular in the US, and I think it's because they tap into our collective desire for excitement and escapism. People love watching heroes take risks and overcome incredible odds to save the day. It's a way for us to live vicariously through the characters on screen and experience the thrill of danger without actually putting ourselves in harm's way. Plus, action movies often feature cutting-edge special effects and high-octane action sequences that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. It's a winning combination that's hard to resist.

Do you think it’s a good thing for a leader to take risks? I think it's essential for a leader to take calculated risks, especially in today's fast-paced and rapidly changing world. Playing it too safe can lead to stagnation and missed opportunities. When a leader takes a thoughtful risk, it can inspire their team and demonstrate a willingness to innovate and adapt. Of course, there's a fine line between taking a risk and being reckless, but when done correctly, it can be a powerful way to drive progress and growth. It's all about weighing the potential benefits against the potential costs and making an informed decision.

Do you think men and women think the same about risk-taking? While there's certainly some overlap, research suggests that men and women tend to approach risk-taking differently. Men are often socialized to be more aggressive and competitive, which can lead them to take more risks in pursuit of rewards. Women, on the other hand, tend to be more cautious and risk-averse, often prioritizing stability and security. That being said, these are broad generalizations, and there's a huge amount of individual variation within each gender. Ultimately, it's essential to recognize that risk-taking is a highly personal and context-dependent decision that can't be reduced to simple gender stereotypes.

Do you think young people and old people think the same way about taking risks? I think there's a significant difference in how young people and old people approach risk-taking. Younger individuals tend to be more open to taking risks, partly because they have less to lose and are more focused on exploring their identities and possibilities. As people get older, they often accumulate more responsibilities, such as families and financial obligations, which can make them more cautious and risk-averse. Additionally, older individuals may have experienced more setbacks and failures, which can make them more hesitant to take bold action. However, it's essential to remember that age is just one factor, and many older individuals remain adventurous and open to new experiences throughout their lives.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

on the edge of their seats

extremely excited or anxious, often because something is happening or is about to happen

The audience was on the edge of their seats as the detective revealed the shocking twist in the plot.

The crowd was on the edge of their seats as the home team made a stunning comeback in the final minutes of the game.