Cue Card

Describe a useful skill you learned in a math class in your primary/high school

You should say:

• What the skill was
• How you learned it
• Who taught it to you
• And why it was useful to you

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. Can computers help us with math?
2. What is the first subject learned by children in your country?
3. What methods can be applied to make math class more interesting?
4. How do you use math in your daily life?
5. Do you think everyone needs to learn math?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I'm not gonna lie, I was never the kid who loved math. I mean, who does, right? But there's one skill I picked up in Mrs. Johnson's 7th-grade algebra class that has been a total game-changer in my adult life. It's not about solving for x or graphing equations – it's about estimating. Yep, you read that right. Estimating. The ability to make a reasonable guess based on limited information has been ridiculously useful in all sorts of situations.

Think about it. How often do you need to make a quick decision without having all the facts? Whether it's deciding how much to tip at a restaurant, estimating the time it'll take to get to work, or even figuring out how much paint to buy for a DIY project, being able to make a decent estimate can save you time, money, and stress. And it's not just about math problems – it's about developing a sense of scale and proportion.

For example, when I'm cooking dinner, I can quickly estimate how much rice or pasta to make based on how many people I'm serving. It's not an exact science, but it's close enough. And when I'm planning a road trip, I can estimate how long it'll take to get from point A to point B, taking into account traffic, road conditions, and the number of coffee breaks we'll need along the way.

It's funny, because when I was in school, I thought estimating was just a lazy way of doing math. But now I realize it's actually a valuable skill that requires a combination of logic, experience, and creativity. And it's not just limited to math – it's a mindset that can be applied to all sorts of situations where you need to make a quick decision without having all the facts.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

game-changer

something that has a significant and positive impact

The new policy has been a game-changer for the company's productivity.

The new smartphone feature is a game-changer for people with disabilities.

save the day

to solve a problem or improve a difficult situation

The fire department saved the day by putting out the fire quickly.

The new employee saved the day by finding a solution to the software issue.

Sample Part 3 Answers

Can computers help us with math? One of the most useful skills I learned in my primary school math class was how to use computers to aid in calculations and problem-solving. I remember being introduced to graphing calculators and software that could help us visualize complex mathematical concepts. It was amazing to see how these tools could simplify tasks that would have taken us hours to complete by hand. For instance, we could use the calculator to quickly graph a quadratic equation and explore its properties, rather than spending hours plotting points on a coordinate plane. This not only saved us time but also allowed us to focus on the underlying math concepts rather than getting bogged down in tedious calculations.

What is the first subject learned by children in your country? In the United States, one of the first subjects learned by children is basic addition and subtraction facts. I remember learning these concepts in kindergarten and first grade, and it's amazing how fundamental they are to all of mathematics. Our teachers would use fun games and activities to help us memorize these facts, such as counting blocks or using number lines. As we progressed through elementary school, these basic facts became the building blocks for more complex math concepts, like multiplication and division. It's incredible to think about how those early lessons laid the foundation for all the math skills I use today.

What methods can be applied to make math class more interesting? One method that I think can make math class more interesting is incorporating real-world applications. In my high school math class, we did a project where we had to design and budget for a dream bedroom. We had to use mathematical concepts like geometry and algebra to calculate the cost of materials and furniture. It was amazing to see how math could be used to solve a real-world problem that we were all interested in. Our teacher also encouraged us to present our designs to the class, which made it feel more like a fun project rather than just a math assignment. By making math relevant and interactive, our teacher made the class so much more engaging and enjoyable.

How do you use math in your daily life? I use math in my daily life in ways that I never would have expected when I was in school. For example, when I'm cooking, I have to use fractions to scale recipes up or down depending on how many people I'm serving. I also use math when I'm shopping, comparing prices and calculating the best deals. But one of the most surprising ways I use math is when I'm planning my finances. I have to use percentages to calculate interest rates and investment returns, and I have to use algebra to balance my budget. It's amazing to see how the math concepts I learned in school are now helping me make informed decisions about my money and my future.

Do you think everyone needs to learn math? I strongly believe that everyone needs to learn math, regardless of their future career plans. Math is all around us, and it's not just about solving equations or calculating numbers. It's about problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical skills. In today's world, we're constantly faced with complex problems that require mathematical thinking, from understanding statistics and data to making informed decisions about our health and finances. By learning math, we're not just acquiring a skill, we're developing a way of thinking that will serve us well in all areas of life. Plus, math is a fundamental language that can help us understand the world around us, from the laws of physics to the patterns of nature.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

building blocks

the basic elements or principles of something

The basic math facts we learned in elementary school were the building blocks for all the math concepts we learned later.