Cue Card

Describe an experience when you received a call from a stranger in a public place

You should say:

• When you received this call
• Where you were
• What you were doing at that time
• What the call was about
• And how you felt about this call.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. Why do you think some people talk loudly on public transportation?
2. Should people be banned from talking loudly in public places?
3. Is it bad to talk on the phone in a public place?
4. Why do some people always break rules in public places?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I was at the grocery store, browsing through the produce section, when my phone rang. I didn't recognize the number, but I answered it anyway. On the other end was a woman who claimed to be a researcher from a local university. She said she was conducting a study on consumer behavior and wanted to ask me a few questions. At first, I was hesitant, but she seemed nice and the questions were harmless, so I agreed to participate. She asked me about my shopping habits, what I was buying, and why I chose certain products over others.

As we chatted, I started to feel a bit uneasy. The questions seemed to be getting more and more personal, and I began to wonder how she had gotten my number in the first place. I tried to politely wrap up the conversation, but she kept pushing for more information. That's when I started to feel like I was being scammed or something. I told her I had to go and hung up the phone, feeling a bit shaken.

Looking back, I realize that I should have been more careful about answering calls from unknown numbers, especially in a public place. It's a good reminder to always be mindful of our personal space and boundaries, even in seemingly innocuous situations. And if you're ever in a similar situation, don't be afraid to hang up or say no to someone who's making you feel uncomfortable. Your safety and security are worth it.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

answer calls from unknown numbers

to receive and respond to phone calls from people you don't know

consumer behavior

the study of how people make purchasing decisions and interact with products

personal space

the physical and emotional space that surrounds a person and is considered private

Sample Part 3 Answers

Why do you think some people talk loudly on public transportation? I think some people talk loudly on public transportation because they're often not aware of their surroundings. They might be so caught up in their conversation that they forget they're in a shared space with others. Maybe they're having a heated discussion or sharing exciting news with someone, and their emotions get the better of them. Additionally, the noise of the train or bus can make it difficult for them to gauge their own volume, leading them to speak louder than they would in a quieter environment. It's almost as if they're in their own little bubble, oblivious to the fact that others around them might be trying to relax or focus on their own things.

Should people be banned from talking loudly in public places? While I understand the frustration that comes with being disturbed by loud talkers in public, I don't think banning people from talking loudly is the solution. Instead, I think it's about finding a balance between respecting others' space and allowing people to express themselves. Perhaps what's needed is a gentle reminder, like a polite sign or a public service announcement, to encourage people to be mindful of their volume. This way, we can promote a culture of consideration without stifling people's ability to communicate. After all, public spaces are meant to be shared, and a little bit of noise is a small price to pay for the benefits of community and connection that come with them.

Is it bad to talk on the phone in a public place? I don't think it's inherently bad to talk on the phone in a public place, but it depends on the context. If you're having a quick, quiet conversation, it's probably not a big deal. However, if you're having a lengthy or loud conversation, it can be distracting and rude to those around you. I think the key is to be aware of your surroundings and adjust your behavior accordingly. For example, if you're on a crowded bus, it's probably best to keep your voice down or take the call outside. On the other hand, if you're in a quiet coffee shop or park, a quick phone call might not be a disturbance at all. It's all about being considerate of others and using your best judgment.

Why do some people always break rules in public places? I think some people break rules in public places because they feel a sense of anonymity, like they're just one face in a crowd and won't be held accountable for their actions. Others might break rules because they're trying to assert their individuality or rebel against what they see as overly restrictive norms. Then there are those who simply don't think about the impact of their actions on others, or they might be so caught up in their own needs and desires that they disregard the rules altogether. Whatever the reason, breaking rules in public places can have serious consequences, not just for the individual but also for the community as a whole. It's essential to strike a balance between personal freedom and respect for the greater good.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

get the better of

to overcome or dominate someone or something

Maybe they're having a heated discussion or sharing exciting news with someone, and their emotions get the better of them.

on the other hand

used to contrast two ideas or situations

On the other hand, if you're in a quiet coffee shop or park, a quick phone call might not be a disturbance at all.

strike a balance

to find a middle ground between two opposing things

It's essential to strike a balance between personal freedom and respect for the greater good.

assert their individuality

to express one's unique personality or characteristics

Others might break rules because they're trying to assert their individuality or rebel against what they see as overly restrictive norms.

rebel against

to resist or challenge authority or rules

Others might break rules because they're trying to assert their individuality or rebel against what they see as overly restrictive norms.

caught up in

completely involved or preoccupied with something

They might be so caught up in their conversation that they forget they're in a shared space with others.

in their own little bubble

completely absorbed in one's own thoughts or world

It's almost as if they're in their own little bubble, oblivious to the fact that others around them might be trying to relax or focus on their own things.