Cue Card

Describe a short trip you frequently take but do not enjoy

You should say:

• Where you go
• When you go there
• Why you go there
• And explain why you do not like the trip.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. Do people from your country like to travel abroad?
2. Do young people like to travel abroad more than old people?
3. How much time do you think people should spend on foreign travel?
4. What’s the best way to learn about a country: traveling or reading about it?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I'm going to talk about a trip that I take every week, but one that I don't particularly enjoy. It's a trip that many of us can relate to, but one that can be frustrating and tedious. I'm talking about my daily commute to work. Every morning, I get on the crowded train, squished between strangers, and trudge to the office. It's a trip that I've taken countless times, but one that still fills me with dread.

The worst part of the trip is the monotony of it all. Day in, day out, it's the same routine. Wake up, get dressed, grab a coffee, and head to the train station. The train is always crowded, and I'm always squished between people who seem to think that personal space is a myth. The air is thick with the smell of sweat and stale air, and the noise is a cacophony of chatter and screeching brakes.

But despite the monotony, I've learned to find some small joys in the trip. I've started listening to podcasts or audiobooks to pass the time, and I've even made a few friends on the train who share my love of true crime stories. It's funny how something as mundane as a daily commute can become a source of comfort and community.

So, while I may not enjoy my daily commute, I've learned to make the most of it. And who knows, maybe one day I'll even start to enjoy it. But until then, I'll just have to keep on trudging and finding ways to make the trip more bearable.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

make the most of it

to find ways to enjoy or benefit from a difficult or unpleasant situation

I'm trying to make the most of my daily commute by listening to podcasts.

trudge

to walk slowly and heavily, often with a sense of reluctance or boredom

I trudge to the office every morning, dreading the day ahead.

Sample Part 3 Answers

Do people from your country like to travel abroad? Honestly, I think people from my country are pretty split when it comes to traveling abroad. On one hand, there are those who love exploring new cultures and experiencing different ways of life. They're the ones who save up their vacation days and plan elaborate trips to exotic destinations. On the other hand, there are those who are content with staying close to home and exploring local hidden gems. They might prefer the comfort and familiarity of their own country, or maybe they just don't have the means to travel far. Either way, I think it's a mix of both.

Do young people like to travel abroad more than old people? In my opinion, young people are more likely to travel abroad than older folks. I think it's because when you're younger, you're more likely to be in a period of transition, whether it's finishing school, starting a career, or just figuring out who you are. Traveling can be a great way to break free from routine and explore new possibilities. Plus, younger people tend to be more open-minded and eager for new experiences. Of course, there are always exceptions, but overall, I think youth and wanderlust go hand in hand.

How much time do you think people should spend on foreign travel? I think the amount of time people should spend on foreign travel really depends on their individual circumstances. For some, a quick weekend getaway might be all they need to recharge, while others might need a longer, more immersive experience to truly unwind. Personally, I think a good rule of thumb is to aim for at least a week or two in a foreign country. This allows you to get a feel for the local culture, try new foods, and explore different neighborhoods without feeling rushed. Of course, the key is to find a balance between travel and daily life – too much time abroad can be overwhelming, while too little might leave you feeling unfulfilled.

What’s the best way to learn about a country: traveling or reading about it? While reading about a country can give you a solid foundation of knowledge, I firmly believe that traveling is the best way to truly learn about a place. There's just something about immersing yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of a foreign land that can't be replicated through books or documentaries. When you're physically present in a country, you can pick up on subtle cues and nuances that might be lost in translation. Plus, interacting with locals and trying new experiences firsthand allows you to form your own opinions and connections, rather than just relying on someone else's account.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

break free

to escape or get away from something, often in a sudden or dramatic way

After a long winter, I'm ready to break free from my routine and go on a road trip.

She broke free from her shell and started traveling solo after college.