Cue Card

Describe an area of science that interests you

You should say:

• What it is
• What you know about it
• How you learned it
• And explain why you find it interesting.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. What has been the best invention in the last hundred years?
2. How has science influenced humanity?
3. What can individuals do to aid scientific research?
4. What are the benefits of international cooperation in science?

Sample Cue Card Answer

You know what's wild? The fact that there's a type of jellyfish that's immortal. The Turritopsis dohrnii, also known as the 'immortal jellyfish,' can transform its body into a younger state through a process called transdifferentiation. This means it can essentially revert back to its polyp stage and grow back into an adult again, making it theoretically immortal. I mean, can you imagine being able to just reboot your body whenever you want? It's like a jellyfish version of a system restore.

But what's even more fascinating is the potential applications of this process. Scientists are studying the Turritopsis dohrnii to understand how it's able to achieve this feat, and it could lead to breakthroughs in human regenerative medicine. Imagine being able to regrow lost limbs or organs, or even reverse the effects of diseases like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's. It's like something straight out of science fiction, but it's real, and it's happening right now.

The study of Turritopsis dohrnii is just one example of the many areas of science that interest me. From the mysteries of dark matter to the intricacies of the human brain, there's still so much we don't know about the world around us. And that's what makes science so exciting – the pursuit of knowledge, the thrill of discovery, and the potential to change the world.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

transdifferentiation

The process by which a cell changes its type or function to become a different type of cell.

The Turritopsis dohrnii's ability to transdifferentiate its cells is the key to its immortality.

Sample Part 3 Answers

What has been the best invention in the last hundred years? The best invention in the last hundred years, in my opinion, has been the development of the internet. This may seem like a pretty obvious choice, but hear me out. The internet has revolutionized the way we communicate, access information, and live our daily lives. I mean, think about it - just a few decades ago, if you wanted to research something, you had to physically go to a library or wait for a book to arrive in the mail. Now, with just a few clicks, you can access the entirety of human knowledge at your fingertips. It's truly mind-boggling. And it's not just about access to information - the internet has also enabled global connectivity on an unprecedented scale. I can video chat with my friends and family who live on the other side of the world, or collaborate with colleagues in real-time, no matter where they are in the world. It's amazing to think about how far we've come, and I believe the internet has been the driving force behind many of the advancements we've made in the past century.

How has science influenced humanity? Science has had a profound impact on humanity, and I think one of the most significant ways it's influenced us is by changing our understanding of the world and our place in it. I mean, think about it - just a few hundred years ago, people believed that the Earth was the center of the universe, and that the Sun and stars revolved around us. But through scientific discoveries, we've come to realize that we're actually just a tiny part of a vast, complex universe. This shift in perspective has had a profound impact on our culture, our philosophy, and our values. It's forced us to confront our own mortality and the fragility of our existence, and it's inspired us to explore, to innovate, and to push the boundaries of what's possible. Science has also given us the tools to address some of humanity's most pressing challenges, from disease and poverty to climate change and inequality. By applying scientific principles and methods to these problems, we've been able to make tremendous progress and improve the lives of millions of people around the world.

What can individuals do to aid scientific research? One way individuals can aid scientific research is by participating in citizen science projects. These are initiatives that allow ordinary people to contribute to scientific research by collecting data, analyzing samples, or even helping to analyze large datasets. For example, there are projects where people can help classify images of galaxies, or transcribe historical climate records. Not only do these projects help scientists collect valuable data, but they also help to engage the public in the scientific process and promote a greater understanding of the importance of science. Another way individuals can aid scientific research is by supporting organizations that fund scientific research, such as the National Science Foundation or the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. By donating to these organizations, individuals can help ensure that scientists have the resources they need to pursue groundbreaking research and make new discoveries.

What are the benefits of international cooperation in science? The benefits of international cooperation in science are numerous, but one of the most significant is the ability to tackle global challenges that require a coordinated effort. For example, climate change is a problem that affects every country on the planet, and it's going to take a global response to address it. By working together, scientists from different countries can share data, coordinate research efforts, and develop solutions that can be applied on a global scale. International cooperation also allows scientists to tap into a global pool of expertise and resources, which can be especially important for countries with limited resources. By collaborating with scientists from other countries, researchers can access cutting-edge technology, share best practices, and learn from each other's experiences. This can help to accelerate the pace of discovery and drive innovation in ways that wouldn't be possible through individual efforts alone.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

hear me out

to listen to someone's idea or explanation before making a judgment or decision

The best invention in the last hundred years, in my opinion, has been the development of the internet. This may seem like a pretty obvious choice, but hear me out.

at your fingertips

easily accessible or readily available

Now, with just a few clicks, you can access the entirety of human knowledge at your fingertips.

on an unprecedented scale

to a degree or extent that has never been seen or experienced before

the internet has also enabled global connectivity on an unprecedented scale.

push the boundaries

to go beyond what is considered normal or acceptable

Science has inspired us to explore, to innovate, and to push the boundaries of what's possible.

aid

to help or assist

One way individuals can aid scientific research is by participating in citizen science projects.

tap into

to access or make use of a resource or source of information

International cooperation also allows scientists to tap into a global pool of expertise and resources.