Cue Card

Describe a time when you had to wait in line for a long time

You should say:

• When it was
• Where you were
• Why you were there
• And explain how you felt about having to wait for a long time.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. Do people from your country like to wait in line?
2. Do you think technology has reduced the amount of time people wait in line?
3. What do you think of people who cut in line?
4. How can companies improve their customer service?

Sample Cue Card Answer

So, I'm going to tell you about the time I waited in line for a new iPhone. It was a few years ago, and I was determined to get my hands on the latest model. I got to the store at 5 am, thinking I'd be one of the first in line. But, to my surprise, there were already about 50 people ahead of me. I was like, 'Okay, this is gonna be a long day.'

As the hours passed, the line just kept growing. People were getting restless, but I was determined to get that phone. I brought a chair, snacks, and a book to pass the time. But even with all my prep, the wait was brutal. I think I waited for around 8 hours before I finally got my hands on that phone. It was a real test of patience, but it was worth it in the end.

Looking back, it was a pretty crazy experience. I mean, who waits in line for 8 hours for a phone? But, at the time, it seemed like the right thing to do. And hey, I got a great story out of it. So, if you ever find yourself in a similar situation, just remember: it's all about perspective. You can either get frustrated or make the most of it.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

make the most of it

to find a way to enjoy or benefit from a difficult or unpleasant situation

I got stuck in traffic, but I made the most of it by listening to my favorite podcast.

The flight was delayed, but we made the most of it by exploring the airport.

Sample Part 3 Answers

Do people from your country like to wait in line? Honestly, I don't think people from my country, or anywhere for that matter, enjoy waiting in line. It's just one of those universal experiences that we all seem to dread. I mean, think about it, when you're waiting in line, you're essentially stuck in limbo, unable to do anything productive or enjoyable. You're just standing there, slowly inching forward, watching the minutes tick by. And it's not just the waiting itself that's frustrating, it's the feeling of being trapped, of being at the mercy of the line's pace. I think that's why you see so many people getting restless, checking their watches, or trying to find ways to distract themselves while they wait. It's just human nature to want to be in control of our time, and waiting in line takes that away from us.

Do you think technology has reduced the amount of time people wait in line? I definitely think technology has helped reduce wait times in many areas. Take online shopping, for example. You can browse, select, and pay for products all from the comfort of your own home, without ever having to wait in a physical line. And even when you do need to go to a physical store, many places now offer services like mobile checkout or self-service kiosks that can significantly speed up the process. Plus, with the rise of apps and digital queues, you can often reserve a spot in line or get notified when it's your turn, which can save you from having to physically wait in line for hours. Of course, there are still times when technology can't replace human interaction, but overall, I think it's definitely helped alleviate some of the waiting woes.

What do you think of people who cut in line? Ugh, don't even get me started on line cutters! I think it's just about the most inconsiderate thing you can do to someone. I mean, when you cut in line, you're essentially saying that your time is more valuable than everyone else's. You're disrupting the natural order of things and forcing others to wait even longer. And it's not just about the time itself, it's about the principle. When someone cuts in line, it's like they're taking advantage of everyone else's patience and good nature. I've seen people get really upset when someone cuts in front of them, and I don't blame them. It's just not cool. If you're running late, own up to it and wait your turn like everyone else. Don't make others pay for your lack of planning.

How can companies improve their customer service? One thing companies can do to improve customer service is to focus on transparency and communication. When you're waiting in line or waiting for a response, it's the uncertainty that can be the most frustrating. If companies can keep customers informed about wait times, or provide regular updates on the status of their request, it can go a long way in reducing anxiety and improving the overall experience. Another thing companies can do is to offer alternatives to waiting in line. For example, some banks now offer virtual queues, where you can reserve a spot in line and get a text when it's your turn. It's little things like that which can make a big difference in how customers perceive the company's customer service. And finally, I think companies should empower their employees to make decisions and take action to resolve customer issues quickly. When customers feel like they're being helped by someone who genuinely cares, it can turn a negative experience into a positive one.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

in limbo

a state of uncertainty or suspension

The project was left in limbo after the funding was cut.

I've been waiting for a response to my job application, but it's been in limbo for weeks.

at the mercy of

completely under the control or influence of someone or something

The hikers were at the mercy of the storm.

The company was at the mercy of the market trends.

own up to

to accept responsibility for something

She owned up to her mistake and apologized.

He owned up to his role in the project's failure.