Cue Card

Describe a time when you were very busy

You should say:

• when it was
• where you were
• what you were doing; and
• explain why you were busy.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. Are you often busy?
2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of being busy?
3. Do you think children should learn to handle pressure by playing games or by real life experience?
4. What kind of pressure do people experience at work?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I'm a morning person, so I like to get a jumpstart on my day. My alarm goes off at 5:30, and I'm out the door by 6:30 to grab a coffee before my 7:00 am meeting. I know, I know, it sounds crazy, but hear me out. I'm a freelance writer, and my schedule is always packed. I've got deadlines to meet, articles to write, and clients to please. Some days are more chaotic than others, but last Wednesday was something else. I had a meeting with a new client, a conference call with my team, and a looming deadline for a 2,000-word article. And to top it all off, my internet was down, so I had to navigate the city to find a decent coffee shop with Wi-Fi.

I swear, my feet were moving a mile a minute as I rushed from one place to the next. I was typing away on my laptop during my meeting, trying to sneak in a few sentences while my client was talking. I know it's not the most polite thing to do, but desperate times call for desperate measures, right? The conference call was a blur, but I managed to keep up with the conversation while simultaneously researching and outlining my article. I was a multitasking machine, but my brain was about to explode.

Somehow, I managed to meet my deadline, and the article turned out better than I expected. My client was happy, my team was impressed, and I was relieved. It was one of those days where I felt like I was in the zone, you know? Everything just clicked, and I was able to power through the chaos. Of course, it didn't hurt that I had a few cups of coffee coursing through my veins. But seriously, it was a great feeling, knowing that I could handle whatever the day threw my way.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

in the zone

completely focused and able to perform at a high level

She was in the zone during the game, scoring point after point.

He was in the zone, writing code for hours without taking a break.

Sample Part 3 Answers

Are you often busy? To be honest, I'd say I'm often busy, but it's a good kind of busy. I've always been someone who thrives on having a lot on my plate. When I'm not busy, I tend to feel a bit restless and like I'm not making the most of my time. So, I try to stay active and engaged in various projects and activities that keep me on my toes. For example, I'm currently taking a course on the side, volunteering at a local non-profit, and working on a personal project in my free time. It can get overwhelming at times, but I've learned to prioritize and manage my time effectively, so I can enjoy the sense of accomplishment that comes with being busy.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of being busy? I think one of the biggest advantages of being busy is that it forces you to be more focused and intentional with your time. When you've got a lot on your plate, you can't afford to waste time on non-essential things, so you learn to prioritize what's truly important. This helps you develop a sense of discipline and responsibility, which can be really beneficial in all areas of life. On the other hand, one of the downsides of being busy is that it can be exhausting, both physically and mentally. If you're not careful, you can burn out and lose sight of what's truly important. For instance, I've had times when I've been so focused on meeting deadlines that I've neglected my relationships with loved ones or my own self-care. So, it's all about finding that balance and making sure you're not sacrificing your well-being for the sake of being busy.

Do you think children should learn to handle pressure by playing games or by real life experience? I think it's a combination of both, to be honest. Games can be a great way to teach kids about pressure and how to handle it in a low-stakes environment. For example, my little cousin loves playing competitive video games, and it's amazing to see how she's learned to stay calm and focused under pressure. However, I also think that real-life experiences are invaluable in teaching kids about pressure. When kids are faced with real-life challenges, they learn to develop coping mechanisms and problem-solving skills that they can apply to all areas of life. For instance, my niece had to deal with a lot of pressure when she was preparing for her school play, but she learned so much from the experience and developed a sense of confidence that she wouldn't have gotten from just playing games.

What kind of pressure do people experience at work? I think one of the most common types of pressure people experience at work is the pressure to meet deadlines. When you've got a project due soon, it can be overwhelming to feel like you're racing against the clock. I've definitely experienced this myself, especially when I was working on a tight deadline for a project. Another type of pressure people experience at work is the pressure to perform. When you're in a competitive industry or working in a high-stakes environment, there can be a lot of pressure to deliver results and meet expectations. For example, I have a friend who works in sales, and she's always under pressure to meet her quarterly targets. It can be tough, but she's learned to manage her stress and stay focused on her goals.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

on my plate

to have a lot of tasks or responsibilities to deal with

I've got a lot on my plate right now, so I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed.

She's got a lot on her plate with work and family responsibilities.

burn out

to become exhausted or depleted, often due to prolonged stress or overwork

I'm worried that I'm going to burn out if I don't take a break soon.

She burned out from working too much overtime and had to take a leave of absence.

low-stakes

not involving high risk or serious consequences

The game was low-stakes, so it was a great way to relax.

The company is using a low-stakes approach to test out a new product.