Cue Card

Describe an experience when you were with someone else but felt bored

You should say:

• When it was
• Who you were with
• What you did
• And explain why you were bored.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. Why do people get bored?
2. Why are some people less interested in reading books nowadays?
3. Why do some people choose boring jobs?
4. Are all the boring jobs going to be done by robots in the future?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I was at a music festival with my friends, surrounded by thousands of people, and yet I felt like I was the only one who wasn't having the time of their life. The music was loud, the lights were flashing, and everyone around me was dancing and singing along, but I just couldn't shake off the feeling of boredom. I tried to get into it, I really did. I danced along to the songs I knew, I cheered along with the crowd, but it all felt so forced.

I think what struck me the most was how everyone else seemed to be having the time of their lives. They were all laughing, taking selfies, and screaming the lyrics to the songs. Meanwhile, I was just going through the motions, pretending to have a good time. It was like I was trapped in some kind of bizarre social experiment, where I was the only one who didn't get the memo.

I started to wonder if it was me, if I was just not cut out for this whole 'having fun' thing. Was I just too boring? Too serious? Too old? But then I realized that it wasn't me, it was just that I wasn't feeling it. And that's okay. It's okay to not be okay, to not be having the time of your life, even when everyone around you is. It's okay to feel bored, to feel like you don't quite fit in.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

going through the motions

to do something without any enthusiasm or interest, just to get it done

I've been going through the motions at work all week, I need a vacation.

She's been going through the motions in her relationship, it's clear she's not happy.

Sample Part 3 Answers

Why do people get bored? I think people get bored when they're not being challenged or stimulated in some way. For me, it's when I'm doing something repetitive or routine, like folding laundry or waiting in line. My mind starts to wander and I feel like I'm just going through the motions. I think it's because our brains are wired to crave novelty and excitement, and when we're not getting that, we can feel restless and unfulfilled. It's like our minds are saying, 'Okay, I've got this, what's next?' And if there's no 'next,' we start to feel bored.

Why are some people less interested in reading books nowadays? I think some people are less interested in reading books nowadays because of the way we consume information has changed so much. With social media and the internet, we're constantly being fed bite-sized pieces of information, and our attention spans have gotten shorter. Reading a book requires a different kind of focus and commitment, and I think some people just aren't used to that anymore. Plus, with so many other forms of entertainment available, like streaming services and video games, some people might just find reading too slow or old-fashioned. But for me, there's still something special about getting lost in a good book, and I think that's what keeps me coming back to it.

Why do some people choose boring jobs? I think some people choose boring jobs because they value stability and security over excitement and adventure. Maybe they have a family to support, or they're just not comfortable with taking risks. For some people, a boring job might be a means to an end – it's not their passion, but it pays the bills and allows them to pursue other interests outside of work. I've had friends who have chosen jobs that might seem boring to me, but they're actually really happy with the routine and predictability of it all. It's all about what you prioritize, I guess.

Are all the boring jobs going to be done by robots in the future? I don't think all boring jobs will be done by robots in the future, but I do think automation will definitely change the job market. I mean, we're already seeing it happen with self-checkout lanes and chatbots. But there are some jobs that require human touch and creativity, and I think those will always be in demand. Plus, I think people will always want to work with other people, even if it's just for the social aspect. That being said, I do think some boring jobs will be automated, and that might actually be a good thing – it could free people up to pursue more creative and fulfilling work. But it's also going to require us to adapt and learn new skills, which can be scary.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

going through the motions

to do something without enthusiasm or interest, often because it is a routine or habit

I feel like I'm just going through the motions when I'm folding laundry.

bite-sized pieces

small and easily digestible amounts of information

With social media, we're constantly being fed bite-sized pieces of information.

lost in a good book

completely absorbed and engaged in reading a book

I love getting lost in a good book on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

means to an end

something done in order to achieve a particular goal or purpose

For some people, a boring job might be a means to an end.

human touch

the quality of being personal and relatable, often in a way that is unique to humans

I think people will always want to work with other people for the human touch.

free people up

to give people the opportunity to do something else, often something more enjoyable or fulfilling

Automation might free people up to pursue more creative and fulfilling work.