Cue Card

Describe a time when someone asked for your opinion

You should say:

• who asked for your opinion
• why they wanted to know your opinion
• what your opinion was; and
• explain how you felt about being asked for your opinion.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. Why do some people dislike giving their opinion?
2. Are there any apps designed to collect opinions about products and services?
3. Why do people like to express their opinions on the internet nowadays?
4. What are the disadvantages of sharing opinions on the internet?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I was at a dinner party a few months ago, and my friend Rachel turned to me and said, 'I'm thinking of quitting my job to start my own business. What do you think I should do?' I was taken aback, not just because it was a huge decision, but also because she was asking me for my opinion. I mean, I'm no expert on entrepreneurship, but I guess she valued my perspective. So, I took a deep breath and shared my thoughts. I told her that it was a scary but exciting prospect, and that she should consider what she hoped to achieve by starting her own business. Was it financial freedom, creative autonomy, or something else? I also asked her about her plan, her savings, and her support system. I didn't tell her what to do, but I helped her think through the pros and cons.

What struck me about that conversation was how much Rachel's question had made me think about my own life. When was the last time someone had asked for my opinion on something that mattered? And how often do we seek out diverse perspectives when making big decisions? It's easy to get caught up in our own echo chambers, but seeking out others' opinions can be a powerful way to gain new insights and challenge our assumptions.

As we talked, I realized that Rachel wasn't looking for a definitive answer from me. She was looking for a sounding board, someone to help her think through her ideas and concerns. And that's what I tried to be. I didn't have all the answers, but I had questions, and sometimes that's just what someone needs. So, the next time someone asks for your opinion, don't be afraid to share your thoughts. You might just help someone gain a new perspective, and who knows, you might even learn something new about yourself.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

taken aback

surprised or shocked, often in a way that makes you unable to speak or react

I was taken aback by the news.

She was taken aback by his question.

think through

to consider something carefully and thoroughly

I need some time to think through this decision.

Can you help me think through this problem?

echo chamber

a situation in which people only hear or consider information that agrees with their own opinions

Social media can be an echo chamber if you only follow people who share your views.

The company's echo chamber made it hard for them to see the flaws in their plan.

Sample Part 3 Answers

Why do some people dislike giving their opinion? I think some people dislike giving their opinion because they're afraid of being judged or criticized by others. When you share your thoughts and feelings, you're putting yourself out there, and that can be a vulnerable feeling. Some folks might worry that their opinion will be met with disagreement or even ridicule, and that can be a pretty daunting prospect. Plus, in today's polarized world, it's easy to feel like sharing your opinion can lead to conflict or drama, and who needs that? By keeping their opinions to themselves, these individuals might feel like they're avoiding potential stress or discomfort.

Are there any apps designed to collect opinions about products and services? Absolutely! There are tons of apps and websites out there that are specifically designed to collect opinions about products and services. Take apps like Yelp, for example. Yelp is all about collecting reviews and ratings from customers about their experiences at local businesses. It's a great way for people to share their opinions and help others make informed decisions about where to eat, shop, or hang out. Another example is Survey Junkie, which is an app that rewards users for taking surveys and sharing their opinions about various products and services. These types of platforms make it easy for companies to gather feedback and understand what their customers are thinking.

Why do people like to express their opinions on the internet nowadays? I think people love expressing their opinions online because it's just so easy and convenient. With social media, you can share your thoughts and feelings with a huge audience in just a few clicks. Plus, the internet provides a level of anonymity that can be really liberating. When you're online, you can be whoever you want to be and say whatever you want to say without fear of immediate judgment or repercussions. It's like having a megaphone to share your thoughts with the world, and that can be a really powerful feeling. Plus, the internet never forgets, so your opinions can live on forever and potentially reach a huge audience.

What are the disadvantages of sharing opinions on the internet? One major disadvantage of sharing opinions online is that it can be really hard to take them back. Once you've posted something, it's out there forever, and it can be tough to delete or retract it. This can be especially problematic if you've shared something in the heat of the moment or without thinking it through. Another downside is that online opinions can be easily misinterpreted or taken out of context, which can lead to misunderstandings or even conflict. And let's not forget about the trolls and cyberbullies out there who might try to tear you down or harass you for sharing your opinions. It's a risk you take when you put yourself out there online.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

putting yourself out there

to make oneself vulnerable or exposed to criticism or judgment

When you share your thoughts and feelings, you're putting yourself out there, and that can be a vulnerable feeling.

polarized world

a situation where people have strongly opposing views or opinions

In today's polarized world, it's easy to feel like sharing your opinion can lead to conflict or drama

make informed decisions

to make decisions based on accurate and reliable information

It's a great way for people to share their opinions and help others make informed decisions about where to eat, shop, or hang out

level of anonymity

a state of being unknown or unidentified

the internet provides a level of anonymity that can be really liberating

megaphone

a device that amplifies the sound of a person's voice

It's like having a megaphone to share your thoughts with the world, and that can be a really powerful feeling

take something back

to retract or withdraw something previously said or done

One major disadvantage of sharing opinions online is that it can be really hard to take them back

heat of the moment

a state of intense emotion or excitement

This can be especially problematic if you've shared something in the heat of the moment or without thinking it through

taken out of context

removed from the situation or circumstances in which something was said or done

online opinions can be easily misinterpreted or taken out of context, which can lead to misunderstandings or even conflict