Cue Card

Describe a time when you helped a friend

You should say:

• When it was
• How you helped them
• Why you help them
• And explain how you felt about it.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. How do people usually help each other?
2. What’s the difference between helping someone online and helping them in person?
3. Should schools be responsible for teaching students how to cooperate?
4. What are the differences between help from friends and help from family?

Sample Cue Card Answer

So, there was this one time when my friend Rachel was going through a tough breakup. She was a total mess, and I mean, who isn't after a breakup, right? But seriously, she was struggling to get out of bed, and I knew I had to do something. I mean, that's what friends are for, right? I started by just being present, you know? I'd show up at her place, we'd watch movies, I'd cook her favorite meals... just little things to take her mind off things.

But then I realized, she needed something more. She needed a distraction, something to get her out of her head. So, I convinced her to join me for a spontaneous road trip to the beach. I mean, who doesn't love the beach, right? We packed up my car, blasted some tunes, and just drove. We didn't have a plan, we just went. And you know what? It was exactly what she needed. We spent the day soaking up the sun, laughing, and just enjoying each other's company.

It was amazing to see the change in her. She started to open up, to talk about her feelings, and just let loose. And I was happy to be there for her, to listen, and just be a friend. It was a really powerful reminder that sometimes, all someone needs is someone to show up, to care, and to be present. And that's exactly what I did. I showed up, and it made all the difference.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

be present

to be fully engaged and attentive in the moment

I was present for my friend during a difficult time

Being present in nature can be very therapeutic

take her mind off things

to distract someone from their worries or problems

I tried to take her mind off the breakup by suggesting we go out

The movie was so engrossing, it took my mind off my troubles

show up

to be there for someone, to support and care for them

I showed up for my friend when she needed me

Just showing up to the meeting was a big deal for me

Sample Part 3 Answers

How do people usually help each other? When it comes to helping each other, people usually do so in ways that are both big and small. For instance, I remember a time when my friend was going through a tough breakup, and I just listened to her vent about her feelings for hours on end. I didn't try to offer any solutions or advice; I just let her talk and validated her emotions. Sometimes, all someone needs is someone to be present and listen to them without judgment. By doing so, I was able to help my friend feel heard and understood, which ultimately helped her process her emotions and move forward. It's moments like these that remind me of the power of simply being there for someone in need.

What’s the difference between helping someone online and helping them in person? I think the main difference between helping someone online and helping them in person is the level of emotional intimacy involved. When you're helping someone in person, you can pick up on nonverbal cues, like body language and tone of voice, which can give you a better sense of how they're feeling. For example, I once helped a friend move into a new apartment, and I could see the stress and anxiety in her eyes as she was trying to unpack everything. Being there in person allowed me to offer a reassuring presence and help her prioritize tasks, which made a huge difference in her stress levels. On the other hand, online help can be more practical, like sending a link to a useful resource or offering advice through a messaging app. However, it often lacks the emotional depth and empathy that comes with in-person interactions.

Should schools be responsible for teaching students how to cooperate? Absolutely, schools should play a role in teaching students how to cooperate with one another. When I was in school, we had group projects that required us to work together towards a common goal. At first, it was tough – we all had different work styles and opinions – but our teacher encouraged us to communicate openly and respectfully. Through those experiences, I learned how to compromise, listen to others, and build on each other's strengths. By teaching cooperation, schools can help students develop essential life skills, like conflict resolution and teamwork, that will benefit them far beyond the classroom. It's not just about academics; it's about preparing students to be collaborative and empathetic members of society.

What are the differences between help from friends and help from family? For me, the main difference between help from friends and help from family is the level of expectation versus obligation. When a friend helps me out, it's often because they genuinely want to support me, without any expectation of reciprocation. For instance, when I was going through a tough time financially, a friend offered to lend me some money without hesitation. It was a huge relief, and I appreciated the fact that they didn't make me feel guilty or obligated to pay them back immediately. On the other hand, help from family can sometimes come with unspoken expectations or a sense of obligation, which can be overwhelming. Of course, that's not always the case, but I think that's why help from friends can be especially meaningful – it's often given freely, without strings attached.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

be there for someone

to provide emotional support and presence for someone in need

I was there for my friend during her breakup, listening to her and offering words of encouragement.