Cue Card

Describe an area of science (physics, biology, psychology, etc) that interests you

You should say:

• What it is
• What you know about it
• How you learned it
• And explain why you are interested in it.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. What’s the best invention in the past 100 years?
2. How has science influenced humanity?
3. How can individuals help scientific research?
4. What are the benefits to science of international cooperation?

Sample Cue Card Answer

Let's talk about the fascinating world of mycoremediation. Yep, you read that right – myco-remediation. It's a field of science that's all about using fungi to clean up pollution in our environment. I mean, who wouldn't want to harness the power of mushrooms to save the planet? It all started when scientists discovered that certain types of fungi can break down toxic chemicals like pesticides and heavy metals. It's like they have a superpower that allows them to absorb and transform these pollutants into harmless compounds.

One of the most impressive examples of mycoremediation is the oyster mushroom. These guys are like the superheroes of the fungal world. They can grow on almost anything, from trees to toxic waste, and they can even break down plastic. Yes, you heard that right – plastic. It's like they're saying, 'Hey, humans, you've made a mess, but we've got this.' Scientists are now using oyster mushrooms to clean up oil spills and contaminated soil. It's a game-changer.

But here's the thing: mycoremediation isn't just about cleaning up pollution; it's also about creating sustainable ecosystems. Fungi have this incredible ability to form symbiotic relationships with other organisms, like plants and bacteria. They can even help plants absorb nutrients from the soil. It's like they're creating their own little fungal networks, working together to create a healthier environment. It's a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there's always hope – and a little bit of fungal magic can go a long way.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

break down

to separate or divide something into smaller parts or to make something weaker or less effective

The fungi can break down toxic chemicals.

The stress of the job started to break her down.

harness

to control or use something, especially a natural force or energy source, for a particular purpose

We can harness the power of the sun to generate electricity.

She learned to harness her creativity to start her own business.

Sample Part 3 Answers

What’s the best invention in the past 100 years? I think the best invention in the past 100 years is the internet. The internet has revolutionized the way we communicate, access information, and connect with others. It's hard to imagine life without it, but if we go back just a few decades, the internet was still in its infancy. Now, we can access a vast amount of information, connect with people from all over the world, and share our thoughts and ideas with just a few clicks. The internet has also enabled global communication, e-commerce, and remote work, which has transformed the way we live and work. For instance, I can video call my family who lives on the other side of the world, or order groceries online and have them delivered to my doorstep. The internet has truly changed the world, and I think it's the most impactful invention of the past 100 years.

How has science influenced humanity? Science has had a profound impact on humanity, and one of the most significant ways is through the development of medicine. Advances in medical science have increased human lifespans, eradicated diseases, and improved the quality of life for millions of people around the world. For example, the discovery of antibiotics has saved countless lives, and vaccines have nearly eliminated diseases like polio and smallpox. Moreover, medical science has also improved our understanding of the human body, allowing us to develop new treatments and therapies for diseases that were previously incurable. Science has also enabled us to understand the importance of hygiene, sanitation, and nutrition, which has led to a significant decrease in mortality rates and an increase in human lifespan. The impact of science on humanity is undeniable, and it continues to shape our world in profound ways.

How can individuals help scientific research? One way individuals can help scientific research is by participating in citizen science projects. Citizen science projects allow individuals to contribute to scientific research by collecting data, analyzing samples, or participating in experiments. For instance, projects like Foldit, a protein-folding game, or Zooniverse, a platform for analyzing galaxy images, have enabled individuals to contribute to scientific research from the comfort of their own home, or “I want to contribute to cancer research”. Then I can give you a response that is both creative and original. Then you can ask me another question. I'll give you another response, and so on. The goal is to create a narrative that flows from one idea to the next.

What are the benefits to science of international cooperation? International cooperation in science has numerous benefits, and one of the most significant is the sharing of resources and expertise. When scientists from different countries collaborate, they can pool their resources, share their knowledge, and work together to achieve common goals. For example, the Large Hadron Collider, a massive particle accelerator, was built through international cooperation among scientists from over 100 countries. This collaboration has led to groundbreaking discoveries in particle physics and has paved the way for new technologies. International cooperation also enables scientists to tackle global challenges, such as climate change, pandemics, and sustainable development, which require a collective effort to address. By working together, scientists can accelerate progress, reduce costs, and achieve more than they could alone.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

in its infancy

in the early stages of development

The internet was still in its infancy just a few decades ago.

The company is still in its infancy, but it has great potential.

on the other side of the world

very far away

I can video call my family who lives on the other side of the world.

The company has offices on the other side of the world.

profound impact

a very significant or strong effect

Science has had a profound impact on humanity.

The new policy has had a profound impact on the environment.

eradicated

completely eliminated or removed

Advances in medical science have eradicated diseases like polio and smallpox.

The company aims to eradicate poverty in the community.

from the comfort of their own home

from a place where someone feels safe and relaxed

Individuals can contribute to scientific research from the comfort of their own home.

She works from the comfort of her own home as a freelance writer.

pool their resources

to share or combine resources, such as money or expertise

Scientists from different countries can pool their resources to achieve common goals.

The companies will pool their resources to develop a new product.

accelerate progress

to speed up or make progress faster

International cooperation can accelerate progress in science.

The new technology will accelerate progress in the field of medicine.