Cue Card

Describe a time when you received money as a present

You should say:

• Who gave it to you
• When you received it
• What you did with it
• 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 do 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 gifts?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I was 16 and had just landed my first part-time job at a local bookstore. It was the holiday season, and my parents surprised me with a check for $500 as a gift. I was floored - it was the most money I'd ever held in my hands. At first, I thought it was a mistake, but my parents explained that they wanted to encourage me to save for college and start building good financial habits. I was determined to make the most of it, so I opened my first savings account and started researching ways to invest. It was a defining moment for me, as it taught me the value of responsible spending and the importance of long-term planning.

What struck me most about receiving that money was the sense of autonomy it gave me. I felt like I had the power to make choices about my financial future, and that was incredibly empowering. Of course, I also learned that money isn't everything - my parents' thoughtfulness and trust in me meant more than the actual cash. But the experience sparked a fascination with personal finance that has stayed with me to this day.

Looking back, I realize that receiving money as a gift can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it can be a great motivator and a chance to learn valuable life skills. On the other hand, it can also create unrealistic expectations or a sense of entitlement. For me, it was a turning point that taught me to approach money with a sense of responsibility and gratitude.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

make the most of it

to use an opportunity or situation to achieve the best possible results

I made the most of my summer internship by networking with as many people as I could.

She made the most of her layover by exploring the city.

long-term planning

the process of thinking about and preparing for the future, often involving setting goals and making decisions that will have an impact years from now

The company's long-term plan involves expanding into new markets.

She's always been focused on long-term planning, saving for retirement since her 20s.

Sample Part 3 Answers

In your country, do parents give their children money for doing housework? Well, in my country, it's pretty common for parents to give their kids some pocket money for doing chores around the house. I think this is a great way to teach kids the value of hard work and responsibility. When I was growing up, my parents would give me a weekly allowance for helping out with tasks like taking out the trash, feeding our pet, and doing my laundry. It wasn't a lot of money, but it was enough for me to buy some treats or save up for something I really wanted. I think this system helped me develop a strong work ethic and understand that money doesn't just magically appear – it's earned through effort.

Is it important for children to have a good attitude towards money? I believe it's crucial for kids to have a healthy relationship with money from a young age. When I was a kid, my parents made sure I understood that money wasn't just for spending, but also for saving and giving. They encouraged me to put a portion of my allowance into a piggy bank, which taught me the importance of saving for long-term goals. They also showed me the value of donating to charity, which helped me develop empathy and a sense of social responsibility. By instilling these values in me, my parents helped me develop a positive attitude towards money that has stayed with me into adulthood.

What do 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 highlight the dangers of prioritizing money above all else. When I think about it, I recall a time when a close friend of mine got a high-paying job, but ended up working long hours and sacrificing time with loved ones. They became so focused on making more money that they lost sight of what truly mattered. It was a real wake-up call for me, and I realized that while money is necessary, it shouldn't be the sole driving force in our lives. A balanced approach, where we prioritize relationships, personal growth, and happiness alongside financial stability, is what I think is truly important.

Is it important to teach children how to manage their pocket money? Teaching kids how to manage their pocket money is vital for their financial literacy and independence. When I was a kid, my parents gave me a clear allowance system, where I had to allocate my money into different jars for saving, spending, and giving. This simple system taught me how to budget and make smart financial decisions. By making mistakes and learning from them, I developed essential skills that have served me well into adulthood. I think it's essential for parents to have open conversations with their kids about money management, so they can navigate the complexities of personal finance with confidence.

What kinds of occasions require people to send money as gifts? In my culture, it's common to give money as a gift during special occasions like weddings, graduations, and birthdays. I remember when my cousin got married, our family and friends gave her and her husband a monetary gift to help them start their new life together. It was a thoughtful way to show our love and support. Similarly, when I graduated from college, my relatives gave me money to help me pay off student loans or start my career. These gestures not only provided financial assistance but also symbolized their pride and encouragement. Money gifts can be a practical and meaningful way to celebrate milestones and show we care.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

the love of money is the root of all evil

a phrase that suggests that an excessive love of money can lead to evil or immoral behavior

He became so consumed by his desire for wealth that he lost sight of what truly mattered.

The phrase 'the love of money is the root of all evil' cautions against prioritizing financial gain above all else.