Cue Card

Describe a time when you had a problem using your computer

You should say:

• when it happened
• where it happened
• what the problem was; and,
• explain how you solved the problem.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. Why do people often have problems when using a new product?
2. How do people use technology to help them study?
3. Do people spend too much time looking at a screen?
4. Do you think parents should limit the amount of time their children use a mobile phone?
5. What do people do with their phones?
6. What do you think about people who are addicted to playing computer games?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I was in the middle of a huge project, trying to meet a tight deadline, when my laptop just froze on me. I'm talking complete shutdown, won't-turn-back-on, my-heart-is-racing kind of freeze. I tried everything - unplugging it, plugging it back in, even bribing it with a new battery - but nothing worked. I was stuck, and my project was slipping further and further away.

I finally managed to get it to a repair shop, but the diagnosis was bleak: my hard drive had crashed, and all my files were gone. I mean, I'd backed up most of my stuff, but there were a few crucial documents that were nowhere to be found. I was in a panic, imagining all the late nights and early mornings I'd have to redo.

But then something weird happened. As I was waiting for the repair guy to work his magic, I started thinking about how much I relied on my computer. Like, I use it for everything - work, social media, even ordering food. And I realized that maybe this crash was a blessing in disguise. It forced me to take a step back, re-evaluate my priorities, and remember that there's a whole world outside of my screen.

Fast forward a few days, and my laptop was back up and running. But something had shifted. I started using it more intentionally, setting boundaries and taking breaks. And you know what? My productivity went up, and my stress levels went down. It was a weird kind of freedom, but it was real.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

frozen

my laptop just froze on me

my computer froze up

tight deadline

trying to meet a tight deadline

working under a tight deadline

bribing

even bribing it with a new battery

trying to bribe the computer into working

bleak

the diagnosis was bleak

the outlook was bleak

panic

I was in a panic

I started to panic

blessing in disguise

maybe this crash was a blessing in disguise

it turned out to be a blessing in disguise

Sample Part 3 Answers

Why do people often have problems when using a new product? I think people often struggle with new products because they're not used to the way they work. For example, when I got my new smartphone, it took me a while to figure out how to use the camera. I mean, it's not just about pointing and shooting anymore - there are all these different modes and settings that I had to learn about. I think it's because our brains are wired to resist change, so when we're faced with something new, it can be overwhelming. But once we take the time to learn the basics, it's amazing how quickly we can adapt and start using the product with ease.

How do people use technology to help them study? I think technology has been a game-changer for studying. For me, it's all about organization and access to information. I use my laptop to take notes in class, and then I can access them from my phone or tablet later. I also love using apps like Quizlet to make digital flashcards and play study games. But what really helps me is being able to look up information online and watch video tutorials to supplement my notes. It's amazing how much more I can learn when I can see and hear the information, rather than just reading it in a textbook.

Do people spend too much time looking at a screen? I definitely think some people spend too much time staring at screens. I mean, I've caught myself scrolling through social media for hours, and it's like, what am I even doing? But at the same time, screens are such a big part of our lives now. I use my phone to check the time, respond to messages, and even track my fitness goals. So, it's not like we can just cut out screens entirely. I think it's all about finding a balance and being mindful of how much time we're spending in front of a screen. Maybe setting a timer or designating screen-free zones in our homes can help us stay on track.

Do you think parents should limit the amount of time their children use a mobile phone? I think parents should definitely set some boundaries around phone use for their kids. I mean, it's not healthy for kids to be staring at screens all day - it can affect their eyesight, their social skills, and even their mental health. But at the same time, phones can be a great tool for kids to learn and communicate with their friends. So, it's all about finding a balance. Maybe setting a daily time limit or designating phone-free times, like during meals or before bed, can help kids develop healthy phone habits from a young age.

What do people do with their phones? People do so many things with their phones - it's crazy! I use mine to listen to music, check my email, and even order food. But I think what people do most with their phones is communicate with others. Whether it's texting, social media, or video calls, phones have made it so easy to stay connected with friends and family, no matter where we are in the world. And let's be real, we also use our phones to take selfies and document our lives - it's like, we're curating this online persona, you know?

What do you think about people who are addicted to playing computer games? I think it's really easy to get sucked into gaming - I mean, it's designed to be engaging and addictive, right? But when it starts to interfere with other areas of your life, that's when it becomes a problem. I've seen friends who are so into gaming that they neglect their work, their relationships, and even their health. It's like, gaming can be a fun hobby, but it shouldn't take over your life. I think it's all about finding a balance and setting boundaries, like limiting gaming time or taking breaks. And if it's really affecting your life, maybe seeking help from a professional or a support group can make a big difference.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

get used to

to become accustomed to something new or unfamiliar

it took me a while to get used to the way the new smartphone works

game-changer

something that completely changes the way something is done or thought about

technology has been a game-changer for studying

staring at screens

looking at a screen for a long time, often without looking away

I've caught myself staring at screens for hours

find a balance

to find a middle point between two extremes

it's all about finding a balance between screen time and other activities

set boundaries

to establish limits or rules for something

parents should set boundaries around phone use for their kids

curating

to carefully select and present something

we're curating this online persona

sucked into

to become completely engaged or absorbed in something

it's easy to get sucked into gaming

take over

to become the most important or dominant thing

gaming shouldn't take over your life