Cue Card

Describe a time when you were excited

You should say:

• Where you were
• When it was
• Who you were with
• And explain why you were excited.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. What personal events do people usually celebrate?
2. How do people celebrate these personal events?
3. How much time do people need to prepare for such celebrations?
4. Do you think it's necessary to spend a lot of money on such celebrations?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I was 25 years old, and I had just landed my dream job as a graphic designer at a trendy startup in Brooklyn. I mean, this was the company I had been stalking on Instagram for years, and now I was going to be a part of it. I remember walking into the office on my first day, and it was like stepping into a Pinterest board. There were exposed brick walls, a foosball table, and a kitchen stocked with LaCroix and avocado toast. I was basically salivating. My new colleagues were all super cool and friendly, and we spent the first hour chatting about everything from our favorite TV shows to our go-to brunch spots.

But the real excitement hit when my boss showed me my first project: designing a campaign for a major fashion brand. I mean, this was the kind of client I had only dreamed of working with. I spent the next few days in a creative frenzy, brainstorming ideas and sketching out concepts. And when I presented my work to the team, they loved it. Like, really loved it. They were all high-fiving me and telling me how talented I was, and I just felt like I was on top of the world.

Looking back, it was a really pivotal moment for me. It was the first time I felt like I was truly living my dream, and it was exhilarating. I mean, I was doing what I loved, and people were recognizing my talent. It was like a switch had flipped, and suddenly I felt like I could conquer anything. And even though it's been a few years since then, I still get that same feeling whenever I start a new project. It's like a rush of adrenaline and creativity all mixed together.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

on top of the world

feeling extremely happy and successful

I felt like I was on top of the world when I landed my dream job.

After winning the award, she was on top of the world.

pivotal moment

a moment that changes the course of events or has a significant impact

Landing my dream job was a pivotal moment in my career.

The company's pivot to online sales was a pivotal moment in their success.

Sample Part 3 Answers

What personal events do people usually celebrate? You know, people usually celebrate personal events that mark significant milestones in their lives. For me, one of the most exciting personal events is a wedding. I mean, it's a time when two people come together and promise to love and cherish each other for the rest of their lives. It's a beautiful occasion that brings families and friends together, and it's a time for celebration, joy, and new beginnings. I've had the pleasure of attending a few weddings in my life, and each one has been unique and special in its own way. From the beautiful decorations to the delicious food, and from the heartfelt speeches to the lively music, weddings are truly unforgettable experiences.

How do people celebrate these personal events? People celebrate personal events in so many different ways, but one thing that's common to most celebrations is food. I mean, who doesn't love a good party with great food, right? But seriously, food plays a huge role in many cultures when it comes to celebrating personal events. For example, in many Asian cultures, it's customary to serve a variety of dishes, including traditional favorites and special occasion foods. And let's not forget the cake – whether it's a wedding cake, a birthday cake, or a graduation cake, it's always a highlight of the celebration. The way people celebrate personal events is often a reflection of their cultural heritage and personal style, and that's what makes each celebration so unique and special.

How much time do people need to prepare for such celebrations? The amount of time people need to prepare for a celebration can vary greatly, depending on the type of event and the individual's preferences. For example, planning a wedding can take months, if not years, of preparation. From finding the perfect venue to choosing the right flowers, every detail is carefully considered to make the day truly special. On the other hand, a birthday party might require much less preparation, but still, people often spend weeks planning the perfect celebration. I think the key is to find a balance between planning and spontaneity – too much planning can make the celebration feel stiff and formal, while too little planning can make it feel disorganized and chaotic.

Do you think it's necessary to spend a lot of money on such celebrations? I don't think it's necessary to spend a lot of money on celebrations. What's most important is the thought and effort that goes into making the day special, not the price tag. Of course, some people may feel that splurging on a celebration is a way to show their love and appreciation for the person being honored, and that's okay too. But for me, it's the personal touches and meaningful gestures that make a celebration truly unforgettable. A heartfelt speech, a homemade gift, or a special song can mean so much more than an expensive present or a lavish party. Ultimately, it's the love and joy that matters, not the price tag.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

break a leg

a phrase used to wish someone good luck, especially before a performance or a challenging situation

You're going to do great on your presentation, break a leg!

I'm so nervous about this job interview, wish me luck, break a leg!