Cue Card

Describe a time when you changed your opinion

You should say:

• When it was
• What your original opinion was
• Why you changed your opinion
• And explain how you felt about it.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. Do children like to change their opinion?
2. When do people change their opinion?
3. Who do young people turn to for advice?
4. Do people like giving opinions about politics?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I used to think that social media was the devil's playground, a breeding ground for narcissism and superficiality. I mean, who needs to share every mundane detail of their life with the world, right? But then I started working with a non-profit that used social media to raise awareness about social justice issues. I saw firsthand how a single post could mobilize thousands of people to take action, to donate, to volunteer. It was incredible. I realized that social media wasn't just a platform for selfies and cat videos, but a powerful tool for change.

I started to see the world in a different light. I saw how social media could be used to amplify marginalized voices, to bring attention to important issues, and to create a sense of community. I started to use social media in a different way, too. I started sharing articles and videos that I thought-provoking, that challenged my own biases and assumptions. I started engaging in online discussions, listening to perspectives that were different from my own.

It wasn't easy, though. There were times when I felt overwhelmed by the noise, by the hate speech and the trolls. But I realized that those people were just a small minority, and that the vast majority of people online were kind, compassionate, and eager to learn. I learned to ignore the noise and focus on the signal, to seek out the good and the positive.

Changing my opinion about social media was a game-changer for me. It opened my eyes to a whole new world of possibilities, a world where technology and activism could intersect in powerful ways. It taught me to be more open-minded, to question my assumptions, and to seek out diverse perspectives.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

breeding ground

a place or situation that encourages the development or growth of something, often something unpleasant

The city's poverty-stricken neighborhoods were a breeding ground for crime.

The company's toxic culture was a breeding ground for bullying.

mobilize

to organize or inspire people to take action or work together for a particular purpose

The charity mobilized thousands of volunteers to help with the disaster relief efforts.

The politician's speech mobilized the crowd to demand change.

amplify

to increase or magnify the effect or importance of something

The microphone amplified the singer's voice so that it could be heard by the entire audience.

The media's coverage of the issue amplified its importance and sparked a national conversation.

Sample Part 3 Answers

Do children like to change their opinion? I think kids are actually really open to changing their opinions, especially when they're young. I mean, think about it - they're constantly learning new things and being exposed to different ideas and perspectives. My little cousin, for example, used to be absolutely convinced that broccoli was the worst thing in the world. But then she went to a cooking class and got to make her own pizza with broccoli on it, and suddenly she was like, 'Hey, this isn't so bad after all!' It just goes to show that kids are really receptive to new experiences and ideas, and they're not afraid to change their minds when they learn something new.

When do people change their opinion? I think people change their opinions when they're faced with new information or experiences that challenge their existing views. For me, it was when I traveled to a different country and saw firsthand how people lived in a completely different way. I had always thought that my way of life was the 'right' way, but being immersed in a different culture made me realize that there's no one 'right' way to do things. It was a real eye-opener, and it made me question a lot of my assumptions. Sometimes, it takes a big experience like that to make us realize that our opinions might not be as set in stone as we thought.

Who do young people turn to for advice? I think young people often turn to their friends or family members for advice, but I also think that social media plays a big role in shaping their opinions. I mean, think about it - if you're scrolling through Instagram and all your friends are talking about a certain issue or cause, you're probably going to start to form an opinion about it too. And if you're following influencers or celebrities who are passionate about something, you might start to feel like you should care about it too. It's not always a bad thing, of course - sometimes social media can be a great way to learn about new issues and get inspired to take action. But it's also important to remember that just because everyone online is talking about something, it doesn't necessarily mean it's true or that you have to agree with it.

Do people like giving opinions about politics? Honestly, I think some people love giving their opinions about politics, while others would rather avoid it altogether. I've got friends who are super passionate about politics and can't wait to share their thoughts with anyone who will listen. But I've also got friends who are like, 'Ugh, politics is so divisive - can't we just talk about something else?' I think it really depends on the person and their comfort level with conflict. Some people thrive on debating and discussing politics, while others prefer to steer clear of it. Me? I'm somewhere in the middle - I care about the issues, but I don't always feel like I have to share my opinion with everyone.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

open to

willing to consider or accept something

I'm open to trying new foods.

She's open to changing her opinion.

set in stone

fixed or unchangeable

I thought my opinion was set in stone, but then I learned something new.

The company's policies are set in stone, so we can't change them.

eye-opener

an experience or piece of information that makes you realize something new or surprising

Traveling to a different country was an eye-opener for me.

Reading that book was an eye-opener - I had no idea about the issue.

passionate about

feeling or showing strong enthusiasm and dedication to something

She's passionate about environmental issues.

He's passionate about playing music.

thrives on

enjoys or gets energy from something

He thrives on competition.

She thrives on creative projects.