Cue Card

Describe a success a friend has achieved

You should say:

• Who you friend is
• What the success was
• What he or she did
• And explain how you felt about the success

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. What kinds of people are considered successful in society?
2. What does it take to become successful?
3. What are the reasons for failure?
4. Do you think a university degree guarantees one’s career success?

Sample Cue Card Answer

So, I want to tell you about my friend, Alex, who's been working towards opening his own bakery since he was 10 years old. I mean, who starts a business plan at 10? But Alex was determined to make it happen. He spent every summer working at a local bakery, learning the ins and outs of the business, and saving up every penny he could to invest in his own shop.

Fast forward to last year, when Alex finally opened the doors to 'Sweet Success' – and it's been a game-changer. The lines are always out the door, and his pastries are to die for. But what's even more impressive is the way he's created a community around his bakery. He hosts baking classes for kids, partners with local suppliers, and donates to food banks in the area.

What I admire most about Alex is his perseverance and creativity. He didn't let anyone tell him he was too young to start a business. Instead, he used that as fuel to drive him forward. And now, he's inspiring other young entrepreneurs in our community to take the leap and pursue their passions, no matter how impossible they may seem.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

take the leap

to take a risk and do something new or challenging

She took the leap and quit her job to start her own business.

He took the leap and asked his crush to the prom.

fuel to drive him forward

something that motivates or inspires someone to continue working towards a goal

Her passion for art was the fuel that drove her to keep creating despite the setbacks.

His desire to help others was the fuel that drove him to become a doctor.

Sample Part 3 Answers

What kinds of people are considered successful in society? In today's society, successful people come from all walks of life, but they often share certain qualities that set them apart. For instance, entrepreneurs who have built their businesses from the ground up, like Steve Jobs or Sara Blakely, are often considered successful because they've been able to turn their passions into lucrative ventures that have made a significant impact on the world. These individuals are often driven by a desire to innovate and disrupt the status quo, and their success is a testament to their hard work, determination, and willingness to take calculated risks. What's interesting is that their success isn't just about accumulating wealth; it's also about creating something that brings value to others and leaves a lasting legacy.

What does it take to become successful? Becoming successful requires a combination of factors, but one key element is a strong work ethic. People like Jim Simons, the founder of Renaissance Technologies, are a great example of this. He's a mathematician who has spent his entire career studying and applying complex mathematical models to the financial markets. His success is a result of his dedication to his craft, and his willingness to continuously learn and adapt to new information. It's not just about putting in long hours, though; it's also about being strategic and focused on the task at hand. Successful people are often able to prioritize their time and energy, and they're not afraid to take calculated risks to achieve their goals.

What are the reasons for failure? Failure is an inevitable part of the journey to success, and there are many reasons why people fail to achieve their goals. One common reason is a lack of resilience. When faced with setbacks or obstacles, some people give up too easily, while others are able to bounce back and keep moving forward. For instance, J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, was a single mother living on welfare when she began writing her books. She faced rejection after rejection, but she didn't let that stop her. Instead, she used those setbacks as an opportunity to learn and improve, and eventually, her books became a huge success. Failure can be a result of many factors, but it's how we respond to it that really matters.

Do you think a university degree guarantees one’s career success? A university degree can certainly provide a foundation for career success, but it's no guarantee. There are many examples of successful people who have achieved their goals without a degree, like Steve Jobs or Richard Branson. On the other hand, there are also many people with degrees who are struggling to find work or achieve their career goals. What's more important than a degree is the skills and knowledge you acquire, as well as the connections you make along the way. For instance, someone like Mark Zuckerberg, who dropped out of Harvard to focus on Facebook, is a great example of how a degree isn't the only path to success. Ultimately, it's what you do with the opportunities you have that matters, not just the piece of paper you hold.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

think outside the box

to be creative and come up with new ideas

The company's success was due to their ability to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions to complex problems.

She was able to think outside the box and find a new way to solve the puzzle.