Cue Card

Describe a skill that was difficult for you to learn

You should say:

• When you learned it
• Why you learned it
• How you learned it
• And how you felt about learning it.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. What skills do students need to master?
2. Is it hard for students to learn new skills?
3. Is it hard for old people to learn new skills?
4. Is a good teacher very important for students’ learning experience? Why?

Sample Cue Card Answer

One of the skills that was really tough for me to learn was public speaking. I mean, I've always been a pretty reserved person, and the thought of standing up in front of a crowd and talking about something made my stomach turn. But I knew it was a skill I needed to develop if I wanted to succeed in my career. So, I joined a public speaking group and started practicing. At first, it was rough. I'd get nervous, stumble over my words, and just feel like I was going to pass out. But I kept at it, and slowly but surely, I started to get more comfortable. I learned how to take deep breaths, focus on my message, and connect with my audience. It wasn't easy, but it was worth it. Now, I'm not saying I'm a pro or anything, but I can definitely hold my own in a meeting or presentation. And it's amazing how much more confident I feel in all areas of my life because of it.

Looking back, I realize that the key to learning public speaking was to just keep pushing myself outside of my comfort zone. It's easy to get stuck in a rut and think, 'I'll never be good at this,' but the truth is, with practice and dedication, we can learn just about anything. And it's not just about public speaking - it's about any skill or challenge we face in life. Whether it's learning a new language, playing a musical instrument, or even just trying a new hobby, the process of learning and growth is the same. We have to be willing to take risks, make mistakes, and keep pushing forward. And that's a skill in and of itself - the skill of perseverance. It's not always easy, but it's always worth it in the end.

So, if you're struggling with something and feeling like you'll never get the hang of it, just remember that it's okay to start small and take it one step at a time. Don't be afraid to ask for help, seek out resources, and practice consistently. And most importantly, be patient with yourself. Learning any new skill takes time, and it's normal to feel frustrated or discouraged along the way. But with persistence and the right mindset, you can overcome any obstacle and achieve your goals.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

pushing myself outside of my comfort zone

to challenge oneself to do something that makes one feel nervous or uncomfortable

I'm pushing myself outside of my comfort zone by trying a new hobby.

She's pushing herself outside of her comfort zone by taking on a new project at work.

take it one step at a time

to focus on one task or step at a time, rather than feeling overwhelmed by the entire process

Let's take it one step at a time and break down this project into smaller tasks.

I'm trying to take it one step at a time and not get too stressed about the entire process.

Sample Part 3 Answers

What skills do students need to master? One skill that I think is really important for students to master is time management. You see, when I was in college, I really struggled with balancing my coursework, extracurricular activities, and a part-time job. I would often find myself pulling all-nighters to finish assignments, which wasn't sustainable or healthy. But as I progressed through my studies, I realized the importance of prioritizing tasks, setting realistic goals, and avoiding procrastination. By mastering time management, students can reduce stress, achieve their goals, and develop a sense of self-discipline that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Is it hard for students to learn new skills? I think it can be challenging for students to learn new skills, especially if they're not interested in the subject matter or if they're not given the right support. For me, learning a new language was tough. I had to dedicate a lot of time to practicing vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, and it wasn't always easy. But what made it even harder was the fear of making mistakes and feeling embarrassed in front of my classmates. However, with the help of a great teacher and a lot of self-practice, I was able to overcome my struggles and become proficient in the language.

Is it hard for old people to learn new skills? I believe that it's definitely possible for older adults to learn new skills, but it can be more challenging due to various factors such as cognitive decline, lack of exposure to new technology, and fixed mindset. My grandmother, for example, wanted to learn how to use a smartphone, but she found it overwhelming. However, with patience and practice, she was able to learn the basics and even started using video calls to stay in touch with her loved ones. It just goes to show that with the right mindset and support, anyone can learn new skills regardless of their age.

Is a good teacher very important for students’ learning experience? Why? A good teacher is absolutely crucial for a student's learning experience. I remember having a teacher in high school who made a huge impact on my life. She was passionate about her subject, and her enthusiasm was contagious. She took the time to explain complex concepts in a way that was easy to understand, and she provided individualized attention to each student. What struck me most, however, was her ability to make us feel seen and heard. She created a safe and inclusive classroom environment that encouraged us to take risks, ask questions, and explore our interests. With a good teacher like her, students are more likely to stay engaged, motivated, and inspired to learn.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

pulling all-nighters

staying up all night to work or study

I had to pull an all-nighter to finish my project.

She's been pulling all-nighters all week to prepare for the exam.

fixed mindset

a mindset that believes abilities and intelligence are fixed and cannot be changed

He has a fixed mindset and thinks he'll never be able to learn a new language.

She has a growth mindset and believes she can improve her skills with practice.