Cue Card

Describe an activity you do in your free time when you are alone

You should say:

• What the activity is
• How often you do it
• Who you would like to do it with
• And explain why you like to do this activity.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. How do you usually plan your free time?
2. Do young people in your country work longer hours now than in the past?
3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of flexible work time?

Sample Cue Card Answer

When I'm alone, I love to get lost in the world of painting. I set up my easel in my tiny studio, put on some soothing music, and let my brushstrokes dance across the canvas. It's meditative, really. The world outside fades away, and it's just me, the paint, and the silence. I find myself completely absorbed in the process, experimenting with colors and textures, and watching my emotions come alive on the canvas.

I've always been fascinated by the way art can evoke emotions and spark imagination. As I paint, I feel like I'm tapping into a part of myself that's hard to access in my daily life. It's like I'm having a conversation with my subconscious, and the paint is the language we're speaking. Sometimes, I'll spend hours on a single piece, and when I finally step back, I'm surprised by what I've created.

It's not about creating a masterpiece; it's about the journey. The process of painting is my happy place – a space where I can be completely myself, without judgment. When I'm alone, painting becomes my therapy, my escape, and my passion project all rolled into one. It's a reminder that even in solitude, I can find joy and connection with my own creativity.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

get lost in

to become completely absorbed or engrossed in an activity

I got lost in the book and forgot about time.

She got lost in thought during the meeting.

Sample Part 3 Answers

How do you usually plan your free time? To be honest, I don't really plan my free time that much. I mean, I'm not one of those people who makes a schedule for every hour of the day. But, I do try to make the most of my downtime. When I've got a day off or a few hours to myself, I usually start by doing something that relaxes me, like taking a walk or listening to music. Then, I might think about what I want to accomplish or what I've been putting off, and I'll make a mental note to tackle those things. But, I also leave some room for spontaneity, you never know what might come up or what I might feel like doing in the moment.

Do young people in your country work longer hours now than in the past? I think that's a really interesting question. From what I've observed, it seems like a lot of young people in the US are working longer hours than ever before. I mean, with the rise of the gig economy and remote work, it can be hard to disconnect from work and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Plus, there's a lot of pressure to be constantly connected and responsive, which can make it feel like you're always on the clock. But, at the same time, I think there's also a growing movement towards valuing work-life balance and taking care of oneself. So, while some young people might be working longer hours, others are making a conscious effort to prioritize their free time and well-being.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of flexible work time? I think one of the biggest advantages of flexible work time is that it allows people to work in a way that's tailored to their individual needs and rhythms. For example, some people might be more productive in the morning, while others might be night owls. With flexible work time, you can work when you're most focused and energized. On the other hand, one of the disadvantages is that it can be hard to disconnect from work and maintain boundaries. If you're working from home or have a flexible schedule, it can be tempting to work all the time, which can lead to burnout. Additionally, flexible work time can also make it difficult to separate work and personal life, which can lead to conflicts with family and friends.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

make the most of

to use something to its fullest potential

I'm going to make the most of my vacation and try all the activities I can.