Cue Card

Describe a time when you got up early

You should say:

• When it was
• What you did
• Why you got up early
• And explain how you felt about it.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. Do you know anybody who likes to get up early?
2. Why do people like to get up early?
3. What kind of occasions require people to arrive early?
4. Why do some people like to stay up late?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I woke up at 4:30 AM on a typical Tuesday morning, feeling like I'd been hit by a truck. My alarm clock was blaring in my ear, and all I wanted to do was roll over and go back to sleep. But I had a goal in mind - to catch the sunrise at the beach before work. I'd been putting it off for weeks, and today was the day. I dragged myself out of bed, got dressed in the dark, and headed out the door.

The drive to the beach was a blur, but as I stepped out of the car, the crisp morning air slapped me awake. The sky was a deep shade of indigo, with hues of pink and orange creeping in. I walked along the shore, feeling the sand between my toes and the wind in my hair. The sun slowly rose above the horizon, casting a golden glow over the ocean. It was breathtaking.

As I stood there, watching the sun rise, I felt a sense of accomplishment wash over me. I'd gotten up early, pushed through the initial grogginess, and experienced something truly beautiful. It was a reminder that sometimes, it's worth getting out of our comfort zones and pushing ourselves to do something new. And as I headed back to my car, feeling more awake and alive than I had in weeks, I knew that this early morning adventure was exactly what I needed.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

hit by a truck

to feel extremely tired or exhausted

I felt like I'd been hit by a truck after staying up all night to finish my project.

Sample Part 3 Answers

Do you know anybody who likes to get up early? Actually, my grandma is a perfect example of someone who loves getting up early. She's always been an early riser, and I think it's because she enjoys the quiet morning hours to herself. She'll often wake up before the sun rises, make herself a cup of coffee, and spend some time reading the newspaper or working on her garden. She says it's her favorite time of day because it's so peaceful and she can get a lot done before the rest of the family wakes up. I've tried to adopt her habit, but unfortunately, I'm not a morning person like she is!

Why do people like to get up early? I think people like getting up early because it gives them a sense of control over their day. When you wake up early, you have a chance to set a positive tone for the rest of the day. You can exercise, meditate, or simply enjoy a quiet cup of coffee before the chaos of the day begins. It's a great way to prioritize your own needs and make time for self-care, which can be really energizing. Plus, research shows that waking up early can improve your mental clarity, boost your productivity, and even increase your creativity – so it's no wonder people swear by it!

What kind of occasions require people to arrive early? There are definitely situations where arriving early is crucial. For instance, if you're catching a flight, you'll want to get to the airport with plenty of time to spare. The same goes for job interviews, important meetings, or first dates – you want to make a good impression, and being punctual is key. Even for social events like concerts or sporting events, getting there early can be a good idea, especially if you want to grab a good seat or beat the crowds. It's always better to err on the side of caution and plan to arrive a little early, rather than risking being late and stressing yourself out.

Why do some people like to stay up late? I think some people enjoy staying up late because it's a time for them to unwind and relax after a long day. Maybe they've been busy with work or family obligations, and the evening hours are their only chance to pursue their own interests or hobbies. For creatives, like artists or writers, the nighttime can be a great time to focus on their work without distractions. Plus, the quiet and darkness can be really conducive to concentration and inspiration. Of course, it's not for everyone, but for some people, the nighttime is when they feel most alive and productive.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

get up early

to wake up and start one's day early in the morning

My grandma gets up early every day to enjoy the quiet morning hours.

set a positive tone

to establish a good or optimistic atmosphere or attitude

Waking up early can help you set a positive tone for the rest of the day.

make a good impression

to create a favorable or positive opinion or image

Arriving early to a job interview can help you make a good impression on the interviewer.

err on the side of caution

to take a more careful or cautious approach to avoid risks or problems

It's better to err on the side of caution and plan to arrive early to the airport.

unwind and relax

to calm down and reduce stress or tension

Some people like to stay up late to unwind and relax after a long day.