Cue Card

Describe a time when someone apologized to you

You should say:

• When it was
• Who apologized to you
• Why they apologized to you
• And explain how you felt about it.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. On what occasions do people usually apologize to others?
2. Do people in your country like to say sorry?
3. Do you think people should apologize for everything they do wrong?
4. Why do some people refuse to say sorry to others?

Sample Cue Card Answer

So, I want to tell you a story about a time when someone apologized to me, and it really stuck with me. It was a few years ago, when I was working at a coffee shop. I was a barista, and I had a regular customer who would come in every morning and order a large coffee. One day, I accidentally spilled coffee all over his shirt and pants. He was on his way to an important meeting, and I felt terrible. He was understandably upset, but instead of yelling at me, he took a deep breath and said, 'It's okay, accidents happen.'

But then, something unexpected happened. He came back to the coffee shop the next day, and he apologized to me. He said, 'I'm sorry for snapping at you yesterday. I know it wasn't your fault, and I shouldn't have taken my frustration out on you.' I was taken aback. No one had ever apologized to me like that before. It was such a small act, but it had a huge impact on me. It made me realize that everyone has bad days, and it's how we respond to those bad days that really matters.

That experience taught me the importance of apologizing and taking responsibility for our actions. It's not always easy to say sorry, but it's a crucial part of building strong relationships and maintaining a positive community. When we apologize, we show that we value the other person's feelings and that we're willing to take responsibility for our actions.

So, I want to leave you with a challenge today. Next time someone wrongs you, I want you to think about that customer who apologized to me. Remember how it made me feel, and think about how you can respond in a way that shows you value the other person's feelings. It might just change the way you interact with people, and who knows, it might just change the world.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

Apologize

to say sorry for something you have done

He apologized for his mistake.

She apologized for being late.

Take responsibility

to accept that you are responsible for something

He took responsibility for the mistake.

She took responsibility for her actions.

Sample Part 3 Answers

On what occasions do people usually apologize to others? In my experience, people usually apologize to others when they've caused some kind of harm or inconvenience. For instance, if someone accidentally bumps into you on the street, they'll often say sorry for startling you or spilling your coffee. It's a way of showing that they're taking responsibility for their actions and that they're considerate of how their behavior might have affected you. I think this is especially true in situations where someone's mistake has caused you to miss an opportunity or experience some kind of loss. Apologizing in these situations helps to diffuse any tension and shows that the person is committed to making things right.

Do people in your country like to say sorry? I think people in the US are generally pretty quick to apologize when they've done something wrong. It's considered polite and respectful to acknowledge when you've made a mistake and to take responsibility for it. In fact, saying sorry is often seen as a sign of strength, not weakness. When someone apologizes, it shows that they're willing to listen to others, consider their feelings, and make amends. Of course, not everyone is equally good at apologizing, but overall, I think Americans tend to value apologizing as a way of maintaining good relationships and showing respect for others.

Do you think people should apologize for everything they do wrong? While I think apologizing is important, I don't think people should apologize for every little thing they do wrong. If someone accidentally steps on your toe, a simple 'excuse me' or 'I'm so sorry' is enough. But if someone has done something more serious, like hurt your feelings or damaged your property, a more sincere apology is in order. The key is to consider the impact of your actions on others and to apologize when it's clear that you've caused harm. Apologizing for every tiny mistake can come across as insincere or even annoying, so it's essential to use your judgment and apologize when it really matters.

Why do some people refuse to say sorry to others? I think some people refuse to say sorry because they're afraid of looking weak or vulnerable. They might feel like apologizing is a sign of defeat or that it undermines their authority. Others might be afraid of being taken advantage of or of being seen as responsible for something that wasn't entirely their fault. In some cases, people might also struggle with apologizing because they're not used to it or because they don't know how to express themselves in a way that feels authentic. Whatever the reason, refusing to apologize can damage relationships and make it harder to move forward. Apologizing is a sign of strength, not weakness, and it's an essential part of building trust and respect with others.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

make amends

to do something to fix a problem or make up for a mistake

She apologized and offered to make amends by paying for the damages.