Cue Card

Describe a time when you waited for something special to happen

You should say:

• What you waited for
• Where you waited
• Why it was special
• And explain how you felt while you were waiting.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. On what occasions do people usually need to wait?
2. Who behaves better when waiting, children or adults?
3. Compared to the past, are people less patient nowadays? Why?
4. What are the positive and negative effects on society of waiting?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I'll never forget the Christmas I spent waiting for my grandfather to wake up from a coma. I was 12 years old, and it was supposed to be the best Christmas ever - new bike, new video games, the whole shebang. But instead, I spent it pacing the hospital hallways, waiting for a miracle. My grandfather had been in an accident, and the doctors said it was touch and go. I didn't understand what that meant, but I knew it wasn't good.

As the hours ticked by, the hospital room started to feel like a prison cell. The beeping of the machines, the smell of disinfectant, the endless stream of visitors asking how he was doing... it was all so overwhelming. But I refused to leave his side. I'd sit there, holding his hand, talking to him like he could hear me, willing him to wake up. I'd tell him about my day, about school, about my friends... anything to keep him company.

And then, on Christmas morning, something amazing happened. My grandfather's eyes flickered open, and he smiled at me. It was a weak smile, but it was enough. I was over the moon! The whole hospital room erupted in cheers and tears. It was like the whole world had come alive again. I learned that day that sometimes, the things we wait for are worth the wait. And sometimes, the wait itself is what makes the moment so special.

Looking back, I realize that waiting for my grandfather to wake up taught me patience, taught me to appreciate the little things, and taught me that sometimes, the best gifts come in unexpected packages. That Christmas was one I'll never forget, not just because of the miracle that happened, but because of the time I spent waiting, hoping, and praying for it to happen.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

touch and go

a situation in which something is uncertain or unpredictable

The patient's condition is touch and go.

The game was touch and go until the final minute.

the whole shebang

everything; the entire thing

I'm getting the whole shebang for my birthday - cake, presents, the works!

The new policy affects the whole shebang, from top to bottom.

will something to happen

to strongly desire or wish for something to happen

I willed myself to finish the marathon.

She willed her team to win the championship.

Sample Part 3 Answers

On what occasions do people usually need to wait? You know, I think people usually need to wait on a lot of different occasions, but one that comes to mind is when they're waiting for a special delivery or a package to arrive. Maybe it's a birthday present or a new gadget they've been wanting, and they're super excited to get their hands on it. They might be checking the tracking number every hour, waiting for that knock on the door or the notification that it's been delivered. It's like the anticipation builds up and they can't wait to finally get what they've been waiting for.

Who behaves better when waiting, children or adults? I think adults are generally better at waiting than children, but it's not always the case. I mean, have you ever seen a kid waiting in line for a new toy or a ride at an amusement park? They can get so restless and impatient, can't they? But adults, on the other hand, have usually learned to manage their expectations and calm themselves down while waiting. Although, I have to say, some adults can be pretty impatient too, especially when it comes to things like waiting in traffic or at the airport.

Compared to the past, are people less patient nowadays? Why? I think people are definitely less patient nowadays, and I think it's because of the instant gratification we get from technology. We're so used to getting what we want, when we want it, that waiting for anything feels like an eternity. I mean, think about it, with the internet, we can get answers to any question in seconds, we can order food and have it delivered in under an hour, and we can even video chat with someone on the other side of the world in real-time. It's like our brains have been rewired to expect things to happen fast, and when they don't, we get frustrated.

What are the positive and negative effects on society of waiting? I think waiting can have both positive and negative effects on society. On the one hand, waiting can teach us patience, perseverance, and anticipation, which are all valuable life skills. It can also give us time to reflect, think, and come up with new ideas. But on the other hand, excessive waiting can lead to frustration, anxiety, and a sense of hopelessness. It can also lead to a lack of productivity and a waste of time. I think it's all about finding a balance and learning to wait in a way that's healthy and productive.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

wait with bated breath

to wait anxiously or excitedly for something to happen

I've been waiting with bated breath for the new iPhone to come out.

She's been waiting with bated breath for her exam results.