Cue Card

Describe a time when your car broke down

You should say:

• Where it happened
• When it happened
• Who you were with at the time
• And what impact the car breaking down had.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. Who likes to travel more: older people or younger people?
2. Are there fewer people using private cars because of improved public transport?
3. What aspects of public transportation need to be improved?
4. What are the advantages and disadvantages of private transport?

Sample Cue Card Answer

So, I was driving home from work on a Friday evening, feeling pretty good after a long week. I had just gotten off the highway and was cruising down the main road when suddenly, my car just died on me. I mean, it just stopped running, no warning, no nothing. I coasted to the side of the road and put on my hazards, feeling pretty frustrated. I got out of the car and popped the hood, but I'm no mechanic, so I had no idea what I was looking at.

I ended up calling a tow truck and waiting for what felt like an eternity for them to arrive. When they finally showed up, the driver took one look at my car and told me that my alternator had gone out. I was like, 'Okay, that sounds expensive.' And it was. But you know what they say, 'when life gives you lemons, make lemonade.' So, I decided to make the most of it and use the time to catch up on some podcasts while I waited for the repairs.

It actually ended up being a pretty nice day, despite the initial frustration. The sun was out, and I got to enjoy the fresh air while I waited. And when my car was finally fixed, I felt like I was driving a brand new vehicle. It's funny how a breakdown can make you appreciate the little things, like a working car.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

broke down

to stop working or functioning

My car broke down on the side of the road.

I broke down in tears when I heard the news.

coasted to the side of the road

to slowly move a vehicle to a safe location after it has stopped working

I coasted to the side of the road when my car broke down.

She coasted her bike to the curb when she got a flat tire.

popped the hood

to open the hood of a car to investigate or repair it

I popped the hood to take a look at the engine.

He popped the hood and started tinkering with the engine.

Sample Part 3 Answers

Who likes to travel more: older people or younger people? In my experience, I think younger people tend to enjoy traveling more than older people. I base this on my own life, really. When I was in my early twenties, I had this insatiable desire to explore new places and experience different cultures. I remember taking a road trip with friends to the beach, and we had a blast. We drove for hours, singing along to our favorite songs and chatting excitedly about what we would do when we arrived. As I've gotten older, I've noticed that my priorities have shifted, and I don't have the same level of energy or freedom to travel as much as I used to. I think this is because younger people tend to have fewer responsibilities, like mortgages and families, which gives them more flexibility to pick up and go on a whim.

Are there fewer people using private cars because of improved public transport? I think the improvement in public transportation has definitely led to a decrease in private car usage, at least in my city. I've noticed that the buses and trains are always packed during rush hour, and there are more bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly areas popping up all over town. I think this is because people are becoming more environmentally conscious and realizing that using public transportation is not only better for the planet, but also more cost-effective. For example, I used to drive to work every day, but once the new train line opened up, I started taking that instead. It's been a game-changer – I can use the time to catch up on work or read a book, and I don't have to worry about parking or traffic jams.

What aspects of public transportation need to be improved? One thing that I think needs to be improved is the reliability of public transportation. I've had my fair share of experiences where the bus or train is late, or it breaks down, leaving me stranded. It's frustrating, especially when you're on a tight schedule. I think if public transportation systems could work on being more punctual and efficient, that would make a big difference. For instance, I was on my way to a job interview once, and the bus broke down on the side of the road. I had to call a taxi, which made me late, and it was really stressful. If the bus had been running on time, I would have arrived feeling much more composed and confident.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of private transport? I think one of the biggest advantages of private transport is the freedom and flexibility it offers. When I'm driving my own car, I can go wherever I want, whenever I want, without having to worry about schedules or routes. It's also more convenient for road trips or traveling with a group of people. However, the downside is that it can be expensive – gas, maintenance, parking – it all adds up. And of course, there's the environmental impact to consider. On the other hand, public transportation is generally more affordable and better for the environment, but it can be less convenient and less flexible. For example, I was on a road trip with friends once, and we were able to stop at all these quirky roadside attractions that we wouldn't have been able to visit if we were taking public transportation.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

on a whim

to do something suddenly, without planning or thinking about it carefully

I decided to take a road trip on a whim and ended up having the best time.