Cue Card

Describe a time that someone didn’t tell you the whole truth about something

You should say:

• When this happened
• What the situation was
• Who you were with
• And why this person didn’t tell the whole truth

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. Why do people lie sometimes?
2. How would you define a white lie?
3. Do you think it’s important to teach children to be honest?
4. What are some ways to teach children about honesty, except having parents or teachers teach them?
5. Some people say that liars are those who have a good memory. What do you think?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I recall a situation where my best friend, Rachel, didn't tell me the whole truth about her relationship. We'd been friends since college, and I considered her my partner in crime. One day, I noticed she was being super secretive about her boyfriend, Mike. She'd always been open with me about her relationships, so this was a red flag. I asked her what was going on, and she brushed it off, saying everything was fine. But I knew her too well. I could see the tension in her body language, and her usual bubbly personality was muted. I didn't push the issue, figuring she'd come to me when she was ready.

Weeks went by, and I noticed she was spending less and less time with Mike. When I asked her about it, she finally broke down and told me the truth. Mike had been cheating on her, and she was devastated. I was shocked and angry, but mostly, I was hurt that she didn't trust me enough to tell me the truth from the start. We had a heart-to-heart, and I reassured her that I was there for her, no matter what. Looking back, I realize that sometimes people don't tell us the whole truth because they're trying to protect us or themselves. But in the end, honesty is always the best policy, even if it's hard to hear.

That experience taught me the importance of open communication in relationships. It's not always easy to share the truth, but it's essential for building trust and strengthening bonds. I've carried this lesson with me, and it's helped me navigate complex situations in both my personal and professional life. I've learned to appreciate the value of honesty, even when it's difficult to hear.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

red flag

a warning signal or indicator of a problem

I noticed a red flag when she was being secretive about her relationship.

brushed it off

to dismiss or ignore something

She brushed off my concerns, saying everything was fine.

broke down

to become emotional or confess something

She finally broke down and told me the truth.

Sample Part 3 Answers

Why do people lie sometimes? People lie for a variety of reasons, but one of the most common reasons is to avoid hurting someone's feelings or to protect themselves from getting into trouble. For instance, imagine you're at a dinner party and someone asks you how you like the food, but it's actually not that great. You might say it's delicious just to spare the host's feelings. This kind of lie is often referred to as a 'white lie.' Another reason people lie is to get out of a difficult situation or to achieve a specific goal. For example, someone might exaggerate their skills on a job application to increase their chances of getting hired. However, lying can lead to a web of deceit and can damage relationships in the long run. It's a complex issue, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer, but understanding the motivations behind lying can help us navigate these situations more effectively.

How would you define a white lie? A white lie is a small, harmless lie told to avoid hurting someone's feelings or to make a situation more pleasant. It's a lie that doesn't have any malicious intent and is often used to maintain social harmony. For example, if a friend asks if you like their new haircut and you don't, you might say it looks great just to avoid hurting their feelings. White lies are often seen as a necessary part of social interaction, but it's essential to remember that they can still be hurtful if the truth comes out. It's a delicate balance between being kind and being honest, and it's crucial to consider the context and the potential consequences before deciding whether to tell a white lie.

Do you think it’s important to teach children to be honest? Teaching children the value of honesty is crucial for their development and future relationships. When children learn to be honest, they develop a strong moral compass and understand the importance of trust and integrity. Honesty helps children build strong relationships with their peers and family members, and it's essential for their emotional and social growth. Moreover, honesty helps children develop a sense of responsibility and accountability, which is critical for their future success. By teaching children the value of honesty, we're helping them develop a strong foundation for making good choices and building positive relationships throughout their lives.

What are some ways to teach children about honesty, except having parents or teachers teach them? While parents and teachers play a significant role in teaching children about honesty, there are other ways to reinforce this value. One way is through storytelling. Children's books and movies often feature characters who learn valuable lessons about honesty, and these stories can be a great way to start conversations about the importance of telling the truth. Another way is through role-playing. Children can practice making honest choices in a safe and controlled environment, which can help them develop the skills they need to make good decisions in real-life situations. Additionally, children can learn from observing honest behavior in their community, such as seeing a friend or family member own up to a mistake and apologize. By exposing children to different examples of honesty, we can help them develop a deeper understanding of its importance.

Some people say that liars are those who have a good memory. What do you think? The idea that liars have good memories is an interesting one. While it's true that some people might have better memories than others, it's not necessarily true that liars have good memories. In fact, research suggests that lying can actually impair memory. When we lie, we have to keep track of multiple versions of the truth, which can be cognitively demanding and lead to memory lapses. Moreover, the stress and anxiety of maintaining a lie can also affect our ability to recall information accurately. So, while some people might be able to keep track of their lies, it's not necessarily because they have good memories, but rather because they're skilled at manipulating information. It's a complex issue, and there's no straightforward answer, but it's clear that lying can have unintended consequences on our cognitive abilities.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

white lie

a small, harmless lie told to avoid hurting someone's feelings or to make a situation more pleasant

I told a white lie to my friend when I said I liked his new haircut.

She told a white lie to her sister to avoid hurting her feelings.