Cue Card

Describe a time when your computer broke

You should say:

• When it was
• What you were doing
• Why you did about it
• And explain how you felt about the situation.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. What do people usually use their computer for?
2. Should students be allowed to use computers at school?
3. What do you think of people who are addicted to their computer?
4. Do you think computers make our life simpler or more complex?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I was in the middle of a critical project deadline, staring at my computer screen with a mix of frustration and desperation. My laptop, which I'd lovingly named 'Bertha', had decided to stage a rebellion against me. The screen flickered and went black, taking all my unsaved work with it. I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. I'd been working non-stop for hours, and now it seemed like all my efforts had been for nothing. I frantically pressed the power button, willing Bertha to come back to life, but she was dead. I mean, really dead. Like, 'I-need-to-call-a-priest-to-perform-last-rites' dead.

I tried to troubleshoot, but it was clear that Bertha's demise was more than just a simple reboot away. I'd been putting off upgrading my computer for months, and now I was paying the price. I thought about all the times I'd ignored those pesky 'update your software' notifications, and how I'd been running on outdated operating systems for far too long. It was like I'd been playing a game of digital Jenga, and now the whole thing had come crashing down.

As I sat there, staring at Bertha's lifeless screen, I realized that this was more than just a minor setback. It was a wake-up call. I'd been so focused on meeting deadlines and delivering results that I'd forgotten the importance of taking care of the tools that make it all possible. I vowed then and there to never take my computer – or my digital life – for granted again. I mean, who needs a computer when you can have a pen and paper, right? But seriously, it was a hard lesson learned, and one that I won't soon forget.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

to suddenly and violently resist or oppose someone or something

The workers staged a rebellion against the company's new policies.

The computer staged a rebellion against me, freezing up at the worst possible moment.

to feel a strong emotional shock or surprise

I felt punched in the gut when I heard the news.

The plot twist punched me in the gut – I didn't see it coming.

to perform a ceremony or ritual to mark the end of something

The priest performed last rites for the dying man.

I performed last rites for my old computer, mourning its passing.

Sample Part 3 Answers

What do people usually use their computer for? People use their computers for a wide range of activities, but I think one of the most common uses is for communication. Whether it's checking email, scrolling through social media, or video chatting with friends and family, computers have made it easier than ever to stay connected with others. I mean, think about it - just a few decades ago, if you wanted to talk to someone who lived far away, you had to write a letter or make a long-distance phone call. Now, you can just hop on your computer and be face-to-face with someone in a matter of seconds. It's amazing how much of a difference this has made in our daily lives, and it's hard to imagine going back to the way things used to be.

Should students be allowed to use computers at school? I think students should definitely be allowed to use computers at school, but with some limits, of course. Computers can be such a powerful tool for learning, and they can really help students get a head start on their education. For example, my little sister is in elementary school, and she uses a computer program to practice her reading and math skills. It's amazing to see how much more engaged she is when she's working on the computer, and her grades have really improved as a result. Plus, in today's digital age, it's essential that students learn how to use computers safely and effectively, so they can be prepared for the workforce when they graduate.

What do you think of people who are addicted to their computer? To be honest, I think it's really sad when people become addicted to their computers. I mean, I know it's easy to get sucked into the virtual world, especially with all the social media and online games out there. But when it starts to interfere with your real life, that's when it becomes a problem. I have a friend who's really into online gaming, and sometimes he'll play for hours on end, neglecting his schoolwork and his relationships with his friends and family. It's like he's lost touch with reality, and it's hard to watch. I think it's essential for people to find a healthy balance between their online and offline lives, so they can stay connected with the world around them.

Do you think computers make our life simpler or more complex? I think computers have both simplified and complicated our lives, depending on how you look at it. On the one hand, computers have made it so much easier to do everyday tasks, like paying bills, shopping, and communicating with others. I mean, think about it - you can do all of these things from the comfort of your own home, without ever having to leave your house. It's amazing how much time and effort computers have saved us. On the other hand, computers have also introduced a whole new level of complexity into our lives. For example, with the rise of social media, we're constantly bombarded with information and notifications, which can be overwhelming. Plus, there's the risk of cyberbullying, online harassment, and identity theft, which can be really scary. So, while computers have definitely made some things easier, they've also introduced some new challenges that we need to navigate.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

get a head start

to start something before others, often in order to gain an advantage

She got a head start on her project by beginning it a week early.

He got a head start on his competition by practicing every day.