Cue Card

Describe a time you made a promise to someone

You should say:

• What the promise was
• Who you made the promise to
• Whether the promise was difficult to keep
• And explain why you made the promise.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. What kinds of promises do people often make?
2. Do parents from your country make promises to their children?
3. Do children make promises?
4. Do children keep their promises?
5. Why do some people make promises they cannot keep?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I was 19, and my grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. She was the matriarch of our family, the one who kept everyone together. I promised her I'd take care of her, no matter what. I had no idea what that meant, but I knew I had to keep my word. Fast forward a few years, and I found myself driving her to doctor's appointments, cooking her favorite meals, and even helping her with her medication. It was a steep learning curve, but I was determined to keep my promise.

There were times when she wouldn't recognize me, when she'd get frustrated and lash out. But I remembered the promise I made, and I'd take a deep breath and remind myself why I was doing this. I was doing it for her, for the woman who had always been there for me. I was doing it because I loved her, and I wanted to show her that love, even when it was hard.

Keeping that promise changed me. It taught me what it means to put someone else's needs before my own, to be selfless and patient. It taught me that sometimes, the hardest things we do are the most important. And even though my grandmother is no longer with me, I know that I kept my promise, and that gives me peace.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

keep one's word

to fulfill a promise or commitment

I promised to help him move, and I intend to keep my word.

She kept her word and showed up to the meeting on time.

steep learning curve

a difficult or challenging process of learning or adapting to something new

The new software had a steep learning curve, but eventually I got the hang of it.

The language barrier presented a steep learning curve for the exchange student.

Sample Part 3 Answers

What kinds of promises do people often make? People often make promises to support and reassure each other, especially during difficult times. For instance, a friend might promise to be there for you during a tough breakup or a family member might promise to help you move into a new apartment. These promises are usually made to show that they care and are committed to helping you through a challenging situation. By making a promise, they're essentially saying, 'I've got your back, and I'll do my best to follow through on my commitment.' It's a way of building trust and strengthening relationships.

Do parents from your country make promises to their children? In the US, it's common for parents to make promises to their kids, and these promises can range from small, everyday things like 'I'll take you to the park this weekend' to bigger, more significant commitments like 'I'll help you pay for college.' Parents make these promises to show their love and support, and to help their kids feel secure and confident. For example, a parent might promise to attend every one of their child's sports games or recitals, or to help them with their homework every night. These promises are an important part of building trust and creating a sense of stability for kids.

Do children make promises? Kids often make promises to their parents, siblings, or friends, and these promises can be both big and small. For instance, a child might promise to clean their room every week or to walk the dog every morning. Sometimes, kids might make promises they can't keep, like promising to eat all their vegetables or to go to bed on time. But as they get older, they start to understand the importance of keeping their promises and develop a sense of responsibility. Making promises is an important part of a child's social and emotional development, as it helps them learn about commitment, trust, and accountability.

Do children keep their promises? Well, kids, like adults, can struggle to keep their promises. Sometimes they might forget, or they might not fully understand the commitment they're making. For example, a child might promise to share a toy with their sibling, but then change their mind when the time comes. However, as kids grow and mature, they begin to understand the value of keeping their promises and the impact it has on their relationships. Parents and caregivers can play a big role in teaching kids the importance of keeping promises by modeling good behavior, setting clear expectations, and encouraging them to follow through on their commitments.

Why do some people make promises they cannot keep? Some people make promises they can't keep because they want to please others or avoid disappointing them. They might overcommit themselves or underestimate the challenges involved in keeping their promise. For instance, someone might promise to help a friend move on a Saturday, but then realize they have a prior commitment they forgot about. In other cases, people might make promises they can't keep due to circumstances beyond their control, like a sudden illness or a family emergency. Whatever the reason, breaking a promise can damage trust and relationships, so it's essential to be mindful of our commitments and communicate openly with others.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

break a promise

to fail to do something you said you would do

I promised to call her, but I broke my promise and forgot.

He broke his promise to help me with the project.