Cue Card

Describe an expensive gift that you would like to give someone but have to save for

You should say:

• what the gift is
• who you will give the gift to
• how long it will take to save up for it; and,
• explain why you would like to give this person a gift.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. What do young people like to save money for?
2. Is it easy for people to save money to buy something expensive?
3. Should children have pocket money?
4. Should children learn how to wisely use money at school or at home?
5. How do people save money?
6. Why can’t some people save money?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I've always wanted to give my sister a luxury item that she's been eyeing for years - a custom-made, one-of-a-kind, diamond-encrusted violin. She's a talented musician, and I know how much this gift would mean to her. But let's be real, it's not exactly within my budget. I mean, we're talking about a price tag that's easily in the five-figure range. I'm talking private lessons with a renowned violinist, handcrafted by a master luthier, and adorned with diamonds that would make a Kardashian jealous.

The thing is, my sister is more than just a talented musician - she's also an incredibly hard worker. She's always putting others before herself, and I know that she would never splurge on something like this for herself. So, I want to be the one to make it happen for her. I've already started setting aside a portion of my paycheck each month, and I'm hoping to reach my goal within the next year or so.

It's funny, because people always talk about the importance of saving for the future, but it's not often that you get to save for something that's truly meaningful. For me, this gift is about more than just the monetary value - it's about showing my sister how much I care, and how much I believe in her talent. And when she finally gets to hold that violin in her hands, I know it'll all be worth it.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

break the bank

to spend a lot of money, often more than one can afford

I'd love to give my sister that custom violin, but it would break the bank.

set aside

to save or reserve something, often money, for a specific purpose

I've been setting aside a portion of my paycheck each month to save for the violin.

Sample Part 3 Answers

What do young people like to save money for? You know, I think young people like to save money for things that bring them joy and freedom. For me, it's about saving up for a dream trip to Japan. I've always been fascinated by the culture, food, and scenery, and I'd love to experience it all firsthand. I've been eyeing this amazing tour package that includes a visit to Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, and it's definitely not cheap. But I'm willing to save up for it because I know it'll be an adventure of a lifetime.

Is it easy for people to save money to buy something expensive? Honestly, it can be tough for people to save money for something expensive. It requires a lot of discipline and patience. For me, it's hard to resist the temptation of buying smaller things I want in the moment, like a new video game or a fancy dinner. But when I think about the big picture and how much I want to take that trip to Japan, I know it's worth the sacrifice. I've started setting aside a certain amount each month and tracking my progress, which helps me stay motivated.

Should children have pocket money? I think children should definitely have pocket money, but with some guidance on how to use it wisely. When I was a kid, my parents gave me a weekly allowance, and it taught me the value of money and how to make smart choices. I remember saving up for weeks to buy a new bike, and the sense of accomplishment I felt when I finally had enough money was amazing. It's essential for kids to learn how to manage money early on, so they can develop good habits that'll last a lifetime.

Should children learn how to wisely use money at school or at home? I think it's a combination of both. Schools can provide a foundation in personal finance and budgeting, but it's also crucial for parents to reinforce those lessons at home. My parents were great role models when it came to managing money, and they taught me how to prioritize needs over wants. They also encouraged me to start saving for long-term goals, like college and big-ticket items. I think schools can provide a more theoretical understanding, but it's the practical application at home that really drives the lessons home.

How do people save money? There are so many ways people save money, but for me, it's all about setting clear goals and tracking progress. I use a budgeting app to keep tabs on my expenses and income, and I set aside a certain amount each month for my Japan trip. I also try to cut back on unnecessary expenses, like subscription services I don't use or eating out too often. It's all about making small sacrifices now so I can enjoy the bigger reward later. I also take advantage of sales and discounts whenever I can, and I've even started selling some of my old stuff online to put the money towards my trip.

Why can’t some people save money? I think some people struggle to save money because they don't have a clear goal in mind or a plan to achieve it. It's easy to get caught up in the moment and spend money on things that bring instant gratification, rather than thinking about the long-term benefits of saving. For me, it's about finding ways to make saving more enjoyable and rewarding. I've started a vision board with pictures of Japan, and every time I make a deposit into my savings account, I feel like I'm one step closer to making that vision a reality. It's all about finding the motivation and discipline to stick to your goals.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

break the bank

to spend all of one's money

I really want to buy that new video game, but it might break the bank.