Cue Card

Describe a time when you helped a child

You should say:

• when it was
• how you helped them
• why you helped them; and
• explain how it made you feel.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. Do you often help children?
2. Do you think it’s necessary to do volunteer work?
3. What can schools do to encourage volunteering?
4. Who benefits more from volunteering: the volunteer or the person being helped?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I was volunteering at a local after-school program when I met this tiny human, let's call her Sophie. She was maybe 6 or 7 years old, with the biggest brown eyes and the most infectious smile. She was struggling to tie her shoelaces, and it was clear she was getting frustrated. I sat down next to her, and we started working on it together. At first, she was hesitant to let me help, but with a little patience and some silly jokes, she opened up.

As we worked on those shoelaces, I realized that Sophie wasn't just struggling with the physical task, she was also struggling with feeling like she wasn't good enough. She kept saying 'I'm so stupid, I'll never get it.' It broke my heart. So, I shared with her a time when I struggled with tying my shoelaces as a kid, and how my mom had to help me every morning. I told her that it's okay to ask for help and that everyone struggles sometimes.

With renewed confidence, Sophie tried again, and this time, she got it! The look on her face was pure joy. It was like she had conquered the world. In that moment, I realized that helping a child isn't just about fixing a problem, it's about giving them the tools to believe in themselves. It's about showing them that they're capable and that they matter.

That experience taught me that even the smallest moments of kindness can have a profound impact on a child's life. It's not about grand gestures; it's about being present, listening, and offering a helping hand. Sophie may have learned how to tie her shoelaces that day, but I learned something much more valuable – the power of empathy and the importance of believing in others.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

break someone's heart

to cause someone a lot of emotional pain or sadness

The news of her mother's illness broke her heart.

The thought of losing my best friend broke my heart.

conquered the world

to achieve something very difficult or challenging

After finishing the marathon, she felt like she had conquered the world.

He felt like he had conquered the world when he landed his dream job.

grand gestures

big, impressive actions or displays of feeling

He made a grand gesture by proposing to her in front of the whole family.

The company made a grand gesture by donating a million dollars to charity.

Sample Part 3 Answers

Do you often help children? I'd say I have a pretty regular routine of helping out with kids, whether it's through my job or just in my personal life. I've got a bunch of younger cousins and siblings, so I'm always happy to lend a hand, whether that's helping with homework or just hanging out and being a positive influence. I think it's really important for kids to have good role models in their lives, and I try to be that for them whenever I can. Plus, it's just so rewarding to see them learn and grow - it's amazing how much of an impact you can have on their little lives.

Do you think it’s necessary to do volunteer work? I absolutely think that volunteering is necessary, not just for the people or organizations you're helping, but also for yourself. When you volunteer, you're not just giving back to the community - you're also learning so much about yourself and the world around you. It's a great way to challenge yourself, step out of your comfort zone, and gain some real perspective on what's important. Plus, it's just a great way to meet like-minded people and feel like you're part of something bigger than yourself. I've had some of the most meaningful experiences of my life through volunteering, and I think everyone should try to make it a regular part of their routine.

What can schools do to encourage volunteering? I think schools can do a lot to encourage volunteering, starting with just making it a part of the curriculum. Whether it's through service projects, volunteer days, or just incorporating social responsibility into the lesson plans, there are so many ways to get kids involved and excited about giving back. One thing that I think is really effective is when schools partner with local organizations or charities, so kids can see the direct impact of their work. It's also great when schools recognize and reward students for their volunteer work - it's amazing how much of a difference a little recognition can make in motivating kids to get involved.

Who benefits more from volunteering: the volunteer or the person being helped? I think it's a total win-win situation - both the volunteer and the person being helped benefit in different ways. For the person being helped, it's obvious - they're getting the support and assistance they need. But for the volunteer, it's just as powerful. When you volunteer, you're not just giving your time - you're also gaining experience, skills, and a sense of purpose. You're also getting to meet new people and be part of a community that shares your values. Plus, there's just something so fulfilling about knowing you're making a difference in someone's life - it's an incredible feeling that's hard to find anywhere else.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

give back

give back to the community

giving back to the community

step out of your comfort zone

challenge yourself, step out of your comfort zone

make a difference

make a difference in someone's life

making a difference in someone's life

part of something bigger than yourself

feel like you're part of something bigger than yourself