Cue Card

Describe a time you saw an interesting animal

You should say:

• What it was
• Where you saw it
• What it did
• And why you thought it was interesting.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. Do you like taking care of animals?
2. Do you think it’s safe for animals to live in a city?
3. What kinds of problems can having a pet bring?
4. How are pets different nowadays compared to pets in the past?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I was on a solo hike in the mountains of Colorado when I stumbled upon a majestic elk. It was huge, with antlers that seemed to stretch up to the trees. I froze, not wanting to scare it away. The elk looked at me, its large brown eyes curious, but not afraid. It was as if it was sizing me up, wondering what this two-legged creature was doing in its territory.

I stood there for what felt like hours, mesmerized by the elk's grandeur. It began to move closer, its hooves clicking on the rocky terrain. I held my breath, unsure of what to expect. But instead of attacking me, the elk started to sniff around me, its wet nose twitching as it investigated its surroundings. It was a surreal experience, having this wild animal so close to me, yet seemingly unafraid.

As I watched the elk, I realized that we're not so different, humans and animals. We both have our own territories, our own ways of communicating and interacting with the world. The elk was simply living its best life, unaware of the human world just beyond the trees. It was a humbling experience, a reminder of the beauty and wonder of the natural world.

The elk eventually wandered off, leaving me to continue my hike. But the encounter stayed with me, a reminder of the magic that can happen when we venture into the unknown. And it's a memory that I'll cherish forever, a reminder of the beauty and wonder of the natural world.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

stumbled upon

to find or discover something by chance

I stumbled upon a great new restaurant in the city.

She stumbled upon an old photo album in her attic.

sizing me up

to look at someone or something carefully in order to form an opinion or make a decision

The boss was sizing me up during the job interview.

The dog was sizing up the new cat in the house.

Sample Part 3 Answers

Do you like taking care of animals? I have to say, I've always been an animal lover, and I think taking care of them is not only a responsibility, but also a huge reward. I remember when I was a kid, my family had a dog, and I was in charge of feeding it and taking it for walks. It was a big responsibility, but it taught me a lot about compassion and empathy. I think taking care of animals helps us develop a sense of responsibility and empathy, which is essential for our personal growth. Plus, it's just so fulfilling to see them thrive and happy under our care. For instance, when our dog would wag its tail and give me a big sloppy lick on the face after a long walk, it was the best feeling in the world.

Do you think it’s safe for animals to live in a city? I think it's a mixed bag, to be honest. On one hand, cities can be really harsh environments for animals, with all the noise, pollution, and lack of green spaces. I mean, have you ever seen a bird trying to build a nest in a tree surrounded by skyscrapers? It's just not the same as having a peaceful forest to call home. On the other hand, some cities are really making an effort to create animal-friendly spaces, like parks and wildlife reserves. For example, I visited a city once that had a huge park in the middle of downtown, complete with a lake and walking trails. It was amazing to see people and animals coexisting in harmony. So, while it's not always easy for animals to live in cities, I think it's definitely possible with a little creativity and planning.

What kinds of problems can having a pet bring? One of the biggest problems that comes to mind is the financial burden. I mean, pets can be expensive to care for, especially if they get sick or injured. I had a friend who had a cat that needed surgery, and it ended up costing her thousands of dollars. But aside from the financial aspect, I think one of the biggest challenges is the time commitment. Pets require a lot of attention and care, and if you're not prepared to put in the time, it can be really tough. For instance, if you have a dog, you need to take it out for walks and train it, which can be time-consuming. But despite the challenges, I think the benefits of having a pet far outweigh the drawbacks. There's just something about coming home to a wagging tail or a purring cat that makes it all worth it.

How are pets different nowadays compared to pets in the past? I think one of the biggest differences is the way we treat our pets. Nowadays, pets are really considered part of the family, and we're willing to spend a lot of money on them. I mean, have you seen the pet stores lately? They're like mini-malls for animals! We're talking gourmet food, designer clothing, and even pet spas. It's crazy! But in all seriousness, I think this shift in attitude is a good thing. We're recognizing that pets are not just animals, but living beings that deserve our love and respect. For example, I know someone who has a dog that's trained as a therapy animal, and it's amazing to see the impact it has on people's lives. So, while pets may be more pampered nowadays, I think it's a reflection of our growing understanding of the importance of animals in our lives.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

a mixed bag

something that has both good and bad parts

The city is a mixed bag - it's got a lot of great restaurants, but the traffic is terrible.