Cue Card

Describe a time when you ate something for the first time

You should say:

• What you ate
• When you ate it
• Where you were
• And explain how you felt about it.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. What kinds of foreign foods are popular in your country?
2. Do you think young people like to try new food? How about old people?
3. Should teachers and parents teach children how to cook?
4. Why do people like food from their own country?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I was 25, backpacking through Japan, and I stumbled upon this tiny ramen shop in Tokyo. I'd never had real ramen before, just the instant stuff in college. The owner, this gruff but kind old man, handed me a steaming bowl and said, 'You try, yes?' I took a sip of the broth, and it was like a punch to the taste buds. Rich, savory, umami – it was like nothing I'd ever tasted. The noodles were springy, the pork was tender... it was like a party in my mouth.

But what really got me was the atmosphere. The shop was cramped, with maybe 10 seats at the counter. The old man was cooking, his wife was serving, and their kids were running around, playing with the customers. It was chaos, but it was home. I felt like I'd stumbled into a family dinner, not just a meal. I ended up going back every day for a week, trying new bowls, meeting the regulars... it was like I'd found a second family.

That experience changed the way I think about food. Before, it was just fuel, something to fill me up. But that bowl of ramen showed me that food can be so much more. It can be community, comfort, love. Now, whenever I try something new, I'm not just tasting the flavors, I'm looking for that same sense of connection. And when I find it, man, it's like that first sip of ramen all over again – it's like coming home.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

a punch to the taste buds

a strong, intense, and often surprising sensation, usually used to describe a powerful or overwhelming experience

The spicy sauce was a punch to my taste buds.

The news was a punch to the gut.

a party in my mouth

a lively and enjoyable experience, often used to describe a pleasant and exciting sensation

The combination of flavors was a party in my mouth.

The fireworks display was a party in the sky.

coming home

returning to a place or situation that feels familiar and comforting, often used to describe a sense of belonging or nostalgia

The smell of freshly baked cookies is coming home to me.

Hearing that song always feels like coming home.

Sample Part 3 Answers

What kinds of foreign foods are popular in your country? In the United States, there's a huge variety of foreign foods that have become super popular over the years. I think one of the most popular ones is probably Chinese food. I mean, you can find Chinese restaurants in almost every city and town, and people just love the combination of flavors and spices they use. But it's not just Chinese food - we also have a huge following for Italian, Mexican, and Indian cuisine. I think what makes these foreign foods so popular is that they offer a taste of something new and exciting that's different from the usual burgers and fries. Plus, with the rise of social media, people are constantly discovering new foods and restaurants, which helps to fuel the popularity of foreign cuisine.

Do you think young people like to try new food? How about old people? I think young people are definitely more adventurous when it comes to trying new foods. When you're young, you're more open to new experiences, and food is no exception. I mean, think about it - when you're a kid, you're constantly being introduced to new foods, and you're more likely to be willing to try them. As you get older, you tend to stick to what you know and love, which is why I think older people might be a bit more hesitant to try new foods. But, that being said, I've met plenty of older people who are total foodies and love trying new things, so it really depends on the individual. I think the key is to be open-minded and willing to step out of your comfort zone, regardless of your age.

Should teachers and parents teach children how to cook? Absolutely, I think it's so important for teachers and parents to teach children how to cook. Not only is cooking a vital life skill, but it's also a great way to teach kids about nutrition, responsibility, and independence. When kids learn how to cook, they're not just learning how to follow a recipe - they're learning how to take care of themselves and make healthy choices. Plus, cooking can be a really fun and creative outlet for kids, and it's a great way to spend quality time together as a family. I think it's especially important for parents to take the lead on this, since they can model healthy cooking habits and make mealtime a positive and enjoyable experience for their kids.

Why do people like food from their own country? I think people like food from their own country because it's often tied to memories and emotions. When you eat food from your own culture, it can transport you back to a specific time and place, and evoke feelings of comfort and nostalgia. For example, when I smell the smell of my mom's cooking, it instantly takes me back to my childhood and makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I think that's because food is often closely tied to our sense of identity and community, and when we eat food from our own culture, it's like we're connecting with our roots. Plus, let's be real - there's just something about the taste of home-cooked food that can't be beat!

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

comfort zone

a situation or position in which a person feels safe or at ease

I think the key is to be open-minded and willing to step out of your comfort zone, regardless of your age.