Cue Card

Describe a time you were sleepy but had to stay awake

You should say:

• When it happened
• Why you were sleepy
• Why you had to stay awake
• And explain how you stayed awake.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. When do people need to stay awake when they feel tired?
2. How do people stay awake when they are tired?
3. Why do people feel tired a lot nowadays?
4. What kinds of people are sleep deprived?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I was on a red-eye flight from LA to New York, and I had a critical meeting with a potential investor for my startup the moment I landed. The problem was, I'd only gotten two hours of sleep the night before, and the hum of the engines was lulling me into a coma. I knew I had to stay awake, but my eyelids were heavy, and my brain was mush. So, I did what any self-respecting coffee addict would do – I ordered a venti-sized coffee from the flight attendant and prayed it would kick in before I face-planted into my lap.

As I sipped my coffee, I started to feel a slight buzz, but it wasn't enough to keep me from nodding off. That's when I spotted a guy across the aisle watching a movie on his tablet. I asked him if I could borrow it, and he handed it over without hesitation. I started watching this ridiculous action movie, and the explosions and car chases were just absurd enough to keep me entertained. Before I knew it, the coffee had kicked in, and I was wide awake, ready to take on the meeting.

But here's the thing – I didn't just stay awake; I also got inspired. Watching that movie on the plane sparked an idea for a new marketing campaign for my startup. It was a crazy, outside-the-box idea, but it just might work. And that's the thing about being sleepy but having to stay awake – sometimes, it forces you to think outside the box, to get creative, and to come up with solutions you wouldn't have thought of otherwise. So, the next time you're feeling tired but need to stay awake, don't just rely on coffee – try to find inspiration in the absurdity around you.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

red-eye flight

a late-night flight that arrives at its destination early in the morning

I took a red-eye flight from LA to New York to make it to the meeting on time.

face-plant

to fall forward, typically due to exhaustion or clumsiness

I was so tired, I almost face-planted into my lap on the plane.

Sample Part 3 Answers

When do people need to stay awake when they feel tired? You know, there are times when we all feel exhausted, but we just can't give in to our fatigue. For instance, when you're driving long distances, especially at night, you need to stay awake to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road. It's crucial to stay alert and focused to avoid accidents. I recall a time when I was driving back from a late-night concert, and I was so tired, but I knew I had to keep my eyes on the road and stay awake until I reached my destination safely. It was a struggle, but I managed to stay awake by keeping the windows open, blasting music, and taking short breaks at rest stops.

How do people stay awake when they are tired? When people are tired, they often rely on various strategies to stay awake. One common approach is to consume caffeine, whether it's through coffee, energy drinks, or chocolate. The caffeine helps increase alertness and temporarily masks the feeling of tiredness. Another tactic is to engage in physical activity, like stretching or jumping jacks, to get the blood flowing and oxygen pumping to the brain. I've also found that taking a cold shower can be invigorating and help me feel more alert. Additionally, some people use light therapy, exposure to natural light or bright artificial light, to regulate their circadian rhythms and stay awake. It's essential to find what works best for each individual to stay awake when feeling tired.

Why do people feel tired a lot nowadays? In today's fast-paced world, people often feel tired due to the demands of modern life. With the constant pressure to meet deadlines, work long hours, and maintain a social media presence, it's no wonder people are exhausted. The widespread use of technology, especially before bedtime, can disrupt sleep patterns and lead to chronic fatigue. Moreover, the lack of physical activity and poor diet can contribute to feelings of tiredness. I think another significant factor is the constant stress and anxiety that many people experience, making it difficult to relax and get quality sleep. As a result, people feel tired a lot nowadays, and it's essential to address these underlying issues to regain energy and well-being.

What kinds of people are sleep deprived? Sleep deprivation can affect anyone, but certain groups of people are more prone to it. For instance, new parents often experience sleep deprivation due to the demands of caring for a newborn. Students, especially those in higher education, may pull all-nighters to study for exams or complete assignments, leading to chronic sleep deprivation. Shift workers, such as nurses, doctors, and those in the service industry, often have irregular sleep schedules, disrupting their natural sleep-wake cycles. Additionally, people with demanding work schedules, like entrepreneurs or those in high-stress professions, may sacrifice sleep to meet deadlines or keep up with their workload. These individuals often rely on caffeine and other stimulants to get through their day, but ultimately, they need to prioritize sleep to maintain their overall health.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

burn the midnight oil

to work late into the night, often to meet a deadline