Cue Card

Describe a time when you received money as a gift

You should say:

• Who gave it to you
• When you received it
• What you did with it
• And explain how you felt about it

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. In your country, do parents give their children money for doing housework?
2. Is it important for children to have a good attitude towards money?
3. What you think of the saying: the love of money is the root of all evil?
4. Is it important to teach children how to manage their pocket money?
5. What kinds of occasions require people to send money as a gift?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I was 16 and had just landed my first job at a local ice cream shop. I was beyond excited to start earning my own money, but little did I know, my grandma had other plans. On my first day of work, she handed me a crisp $100 bill with a warm smile. 'For your first paycheck,' she said. I was taken aback - I hadn't even earned my first dollar yet! But she just winked and said, 'Consider it a head start.'

That $100 bill felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. I didn't have to worry about making ends meet or stressing about affording the things I wanted. It was like a safety net, a reminder that I had someone in my corner who believed in me. And let me tell you, it made all the difference. I worked harder than ever, knowing that I had a cushion to fall back on.

Looking back, that gift was more than just a wad of cash - it was a vote of confidence. It showed me that my grandma trusted me to make smart decisions and that she was invested in my success. And honestly, it's a feeling that's stuck with me to this day. When I'm feeling uncertain or doubting myself, I think back to that $100 bill and remember that I've got people in my life who believe in me, even when I don't believe in myself.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

a weight has been lifted off my shoulders

a feeling of relief or freedom from a burden or worry

After paying off my debt, a weight was lifted off my shoulders.

When I finally quit my stressful job, a weight was lifted off my shoulders.

Sample Part 3 Answers

In your country, do parents give their children money for doing housework? In the US, it's pretty common for parents to give their kids some sort of allowance for helping out around the house. I think this practice is great because it teaches kids the value of hard work and responsibility from a young age. For example, my parents used to pay me a few bucks each week for mowing the lawn or helping with the dishes. It wasn't a lot of money, but it was enough to make me feel like I was earning something for my efforts. Plus, it helped me learn how to budget and save for things I wanted, like a new video game or a fun outing with friends.

Is it important for children to have a good attitude towards money? Absolutely, having a good attitude towards money is crucial for kids. It sets them up for a lifetime of financial stability and smart decision-making. When I was a kid, my parents always encouraged me to think carefully about how I spent my money. They'd ask me questions like, 'Do you really need that toy, or is it just something you want?' or 'How long do you think that video game will keep you entertained?' It helped me develop a sense of delayed gratification and understand that money doesn't grow on trees. Now, as an adult, I'm grateful for those lessons because they've helped me make smart financial decisions and avoid debt.

What you think of the saying: the love of money is the root of all evil? I think this saying is a bit extreme, but it does contain some truth. While money itself isn't inherently evil, an excessive love of money can definitely lead people down a dark path. I've seen friends and acquaintances get caught up in the pursuit of wealth and status, and it's consumed their lives. They're always stressed about making more, spending more, and keeping up appearances. It's like they've lost sight of what's truly important – relationships, experiences, personal growth. For me, money is just a tool to facilitate the things that bring joy and fulfillment. It's not the end goal.

Is it important to teach children how to manage their pocket money? Teaching kids how to manage their pocket money is essential for their financial literacy and independence. When I was a kid, my parents gave me a piggy bank and encouraged me to divide my allowance into three jars: save, spend, and give. It was a simple system, but it taught me how to prioritize and make smart decisions about my money. Now, as an adult, I'm glad I developed those habits early on. It's helped me avoid financial stress and make conscious choices about how I allocate my resources. I think all parents should teach their kids these skills – it's a gift that will last a lifetime.

What kinds of occasions require people to send money as a gift? In the US, it's common to send money as a gift for milestone events like weddings, graduations, and birthdays. For example, when my cousin got married, we gave her and her husband a cash gift to help them start their new life together. It's a practical way to show your support and celebration. Sometimes, people also send money as a gift during holidays like Christmas or Hanukkah, especially if they can't be there in person. It's a thoughtful way to show you're thinking of them, even from afar. Of course, the amount and occasion may vary depending on the culture and relationship, but overall, sending money as a gift is a kind and generous gesture.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

the value of hard work

the importance of working hard to achieve something

It teaches kids the value of hard work and responsibility from a young age.

budget

a plan for how to spend money

It helped me learn how to budget and save for things I wanted.

delayed gratification

the ability to wait for something you want instead of wanting it immediately

It helped me develop a sense of delayed gratification and understand that money doesn't grow on trees.

the root of all evil

the cause of many problems

I think this saying is a bit extreme, but it does contain some truth.

keep up appearances

to pretend that everything is okay even if it's not

They're always stressed about making more, spending more, and keeping up appearances.

financial literacy

the ability to manage money effectively

Teaching kids how to manage their pocket money is essential for their financial literacy and independence.

milestone events

important events in someone's life, such as weddings or graduations

It's common to send money as a gift for milestone events like weddings, graduations, and birthdays.