Cue Card

Describe a toy you liked in your childhood

You should say:

• What kind of toy it was
• When you received it
• How you played with it
• And explain how you felt about it.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. How do advertisements influence children?
2. Should advertising aimed at children be prohibited?
3. Do you think parents should buy more toys for their kids or spend more time with them?
4. What’s the difference between toys kids played with in the past and the toys they play with now?

Sample Cue Card Answer

My favorite childhood toy was a small, plush rabbit with a built-in music box. I must have been around 4 or 5 years old when I got it, and it quickly became my constant companion. The rabbit was soft and cuddly, with a sweet melody that played when you wound it up. I would spend hours holding it, listening to the music, and making up stories about its adventures.

What I loved most about that toy was the sense of comfort it brought me. Whenever I was feeling anxious or scared, I would cling to that rabbit and let the soothing music calm me down. It was more than just a toy - it was a security blanket, a confidant, and a friend all rolled into one.

As I grew older, the rabbit became a reminder of my childhood innocence and wonder. I would look at it and remember the countless hours I spent playing, imagining, and exploring the world around me. It was a symbol of a time when life was simpler, and my biggest worry was what game to play next.

Looking back, I realize that toy taught me the value of comfort and companionship. It showed me that even in times of uncertainty, there's always something that can bring us peace and solace. And as an adult, I've carried that lesson with me, seeking out things that bring me comfort and joy, whether it's a favorite book, a cozy blanket, or a good friend.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

security blanket

Something that provides comfort and reassurance

The toy rabbit was my security blanket as a child.

For some people, their phone is a security blanket - they feel anxious without it.

Sample Part 3 Answers

How do advertisements influence children? Advertisements have a profound impact on children, shaping their perceptions and desires from a young age. One of the most significant ways ads influence kids is by creating a sense of need or want for a particular product. For instance, a child might see a toy commercial on TV and suddenly become fixated on getting that toy, not because they truly need it, but because the ad has created a perceived need. This can lead to a lifelong pattern of consumerism, where kids grow up believing that happiness and fulfillment come from acquiring material possessions. Furthermore, ads often use catchy jingles, colorful graphics, and relatable characters to grab kids' attention, making them more susceptible to the message being conveyed. As a result, children may develop brand loyalty and begin to identify themselves with certain products or companies, which can be both a blessing and a curse.

Should advertising aimed at children be prohibited? While it's understandable to want to protect children from the potential negative influences of advertising, prohibiting ads aimed at kids altogether might not be the most effective solution. Instead, I think it's essential to focus on educating children about the true nature of advertising and how to critically evaluate the messages they're being fed. By teaching kids to think critically about ads, we can empower them to make informed decisions and develop a healthier relationship with consumerism. Moreover, some ads can actually have positive effects, such as promoting educational or pro-social values. Rather than a blanket ban, I think it's more productive to establish guidelines and regulations that ensure ads aimed at children are transparent, honest, and respectful of their developmental stage.

Do you think parents should buy more toys for their kids or spend more time with them? In my opinion, spending quality time with children is far more valuable than buying them an abundance of toys. While toys can provide temporary entertainment and stimulation, they can't replace the emotional connection and sense of security that comes from spending time with a loving parent. When parents engage with their kids, they're not only building a stronger relationship but also providing a sense of stability and consistency that's essential for healthy development. Furthermore, excessive toy-buying can lead to a culture of disposability and instant gratification, where kids learn to expect instant pleasure without putting in any effort. By contrast, shared activities like playing games, reading, or simply hanging out can foster a sense of joy, creativity, and problem-solving that will benefit kids throughout their lives.

What’s the difference between toys kids played with in the past and the toys they play with now? One of the most striking differences between toys from the past and present is the level of technology integration. Many modern toys are equipped with screens, sensors, and other digital features that provide an immersive and often educational experience. In contrast, toys from the past tended to be more low-tech and encouraged imaginative play, creativity, and social interaction. For example, kids used to play with dolls, action figures, or building blocks, which required them to use their imagination and creativity to create their own stories and scenarios. While technology can certainly enhance the play experience, I think it's essential to strike a balance between digital play and more traditional, hands-on activities that promote social, emotional, and cognitive development.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

have a profound impact

to have a significant and lasting effect on something or someone

Advertisements have a profound impact on children, shaping their perceptions and desires from a young age.

create a sense of need or want

to make someone feel like they need or want something

Advertisements create a sense of need or want for a particular product.

brand loyalty

the tendency of a customer to continue buying products from the same brand

Children may develop brand loyalty and begin to identify themselves with certain products or companies.

think critically

to carefully consider and evaluate information in order to form an opinion or make a decision

By teaching kids to think critically about ads, we can empower them to make informed decisions.

pro-social values

values that promote social responsibility and the well-being of others

Some ads can actually have positive effects, such as promoting educational or pro-social values.

quality time

time spent with someone or something that is enjoyable and fulfilling

Spending quality time with children is far more valuable than buying them an abundance of toys.

culture of disposability

a way of life in which things are used once and then thrown away

Excessive toy-buying can lead to a culture of disposability and instant gratification.

strike a balance

to find a middle ground between two opposing things

I think it's essential to strike a balance between digital play and more traditional, hands-on activities.