Cue Card

Describe a time you enjoyed your free time

You should say:

• When it was
• Where you were
• What you did
• And how you felt about it

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. What do people in your country like to do when they have free time?
2. Do you think parents should make plans for their children?
3. Do you think most people are able to manage their free time?
4. Compared to the past, how do people spend their free time now?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I'll never forget the summer I spent backpacking through Europe. We're talking no itinerary, no plan, just a one-way ticket to Paris and a sense of adventure. My friends and I would spend our days exploring hidden alleys, trying new foods, and laughing until our sides hurt. It was the ultimate freedom. We'd wake up every morning with no alarm clock, no deadlines, and no stress. Just the sound of birds chirping and the smell of freshly baked croissants wafting from the nearby bakery.

One day, we stumbled upon a tiny little beach town on the French Riviera. We spent the day soaking up the sun, playing games, and watching the sunset over the Mediterranean. It was one of those moments where time stood still, and all that mattered was the present. We didn't need anything else; we were content with just being. No schedules, no distractions, just the sound of the waves and the warmth of the sun on our skin.

That summer was a reminder that free time isn't just about doing nothing; it's about living in the moment, being present, and enjoying the little things. It's about embracing the unknown and letting go of our worries. When we're free from the constraints of our daily routines, we can truly be ourselves and experience life to the fullest. And that, to me, is the greatest luxury of all.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

living in the moment

focusing on the present and enjoying the current experience without worrying about the past or past

We spent the day living in the moment, soaking up the sun and watching the sunset.

When we're living in the moment, we can truly be ourselves and experience life to the fullest.

Sample Part 3 Answers

What do people in your country like to do when they have free time? In my experience, people in the United States love to unwind and relax during their free time. One thing that's really popular is outdoor activities like hiking, camping, or simply taking a walk in a nearby park. I think this is because being in nature has a way of calming the mind and rejuvenating the body. For example, I have a friend who loves to go on long hikes in the mountains every weekend. She says it helps her clear her head and feel more connected to the world around her. Plus, it's a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the beautiful scenery. I've joined her on a few occasions, and I can attest to the fact that it's an amazing way to spend free time.

Do you think parents should make plans for their children? I think parents should strike a balance between planning activities for their kids and giving them some freedom to make their own choices. When I was growing up, my parents would often plan family outings or activities, but they also made sure to give me and my siblings some time to do our own thing. I think this helped us develop our own interests and learn how to entertain ourselves. For example, my parents would plan a family game night or a trip to the museum, but they'd also let us have some downtime to play with our friends or pursue our own hobbies. This helped us learn how to prioritize and make the most of our free time.

Do you think most people are able to manage their free time? Honestly, I think a lot of people struggle to manage their free time effectively. With the rise of social media and constant connectivity, it's easy to get sucked into mindless scrolling or binge-watching TV shows. I've definitely been guilty of this myself! But I've found that having a hobby or activity that I'm passionate about helps me make the most of my free time. For example, I love to play guitar, and I try to set aside some time each week to practice. This helps me unwind and feel more fulfilled. I think having a clear idea of what you want to do with your free time can make all the difference in managing it effectively.

Compared to the past, how do people spend their free time now? I think the way people spend their free time has changed significantly over the years. With the rise of technology, people are spending more time indoors and staring at screens. For example, when I was a kid, we'd spend hours playing outside with our friends, exploring the neighborhood, or riding our bikes. Nowadays, it seems like kids are more likely to be glued to their tablets or gaming consoles. But at the same time, technology has also opened up new opportunities for people to pursue their interests and connect with others. For instance, I've joined online communities for guitar enthusiasts, and it's been amazing to connect with people from all over the world who share my passion. So while the way we spend our free time may have changed, I think it's also brought some new and exciting opportunities.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

strike a balance

to find a middle ground between two opposing things

I try to strike a balance between work and play.

She strikes a balance between her career and family life.