Cue Card

Describe an experience you had volunteering

You should say:

• What it was
• Where it was
• Why you volunteered
• And explain how you felt about it.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. What are some ideal qualities required to be a good volunteer?
2. How can companies help society through voluntary work?
3. Do you think people nowadays should volunteer more?
4. How can technology help volunteers?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I'll never forget the first time I volunteered at a local soup kitchen. I was 19 years old and had just moved to a new city for college. I was feeling lost and disconnected from my community, so I decided to take a friend's advice and sign up to volunteer at a nearby soup kitchen. As I walked in, I was immediately struck by the sense of camaraderie in the air. The staff and volunteers were all working together like a well-oiled machine, and the smell of freshly cooked food filled the air. I was assigned to work in the kitchen, helping to prepare meals for the evening's service. As I chopped vegetables and stirred pots, I couldn't help but feel a sense of purpose that I hadn't felt in a long time.

As the evening wore on, I began to interact with the guests who came in for dinner. They were from all walks of life - families with young children, elderly couples, and individuals who had clearly been struggling on the streets. But despite their differences, they all shared a sense of gratitude and kindness that was palpable. One guest in particular stands out in my mind - a young mother who had just moved into a new apartment with her two kids. She was exhausted but relieved to have a hot meal and a safe place to rest for a few hours. As I served her and her kids, I felt a sense of connection that went beyond just serving food - I felt like I was helping to provide a sense of dignity and respect that they deserved.

That experience volunteering at the soup kitchen was a turning point for me. It made me realize that even in the midst of my own struggles, I had the power to make a difference in someone else's life. It taught me the value of empathy and compassion, and it showed me that even small acts of kindness can have a profound impact. From that day on, I made it a point to volunteer regularly, and it's a habit that has stayed with me to this day. It's a reminder that we all have the power to make a difference, one small act of kindness at a time.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

well-oiled machine

a group of people or a system that works together smoothly and efficiently

The team had been working together for months, and by the time the big project came around, they were a well-oiled machine.

The restaurant's staff were a well-oiled machine, able to handle the busy lunch rush with ease.

palpable

able to be felt or sensed strongly

The tension in the room was palpable as the two teams faced off in the championship game.

The excitement in the air was palpable as the crowd waited for the concert to start.

Sample Part 3 Answers

What are some ideal qualities required to be a good volunteer? I think one of the most important qualities of a good volunteer is empathy. When I was volunteering at a local food bank, I saw firsthand how much of a difference a little bit of empathy and understanding could make. The people who came in for food assistance were often struggling to make ends meet, and they were already feeling pretty down on their luck. The volunteers who were able to connect with them on a personal level, who took the time to listen to their stories and offer a kind word, were the ones who made the biggest impact. It wasn't just about handing out food - it was about treating people with dignity and respect. And I think that's something that's essential for any volunteer, no matter where they're serving.

How can companies help society through voluntary work? I had a really eye-opening experience when I volunteered with a company that was doing a community service day. They had brought in a team of employees to help out at a local park, and it was amazing to see how much they were able to accomplish in just a few hours. But what really struck me was the way the company had made volunteering a part of their company culture. They had a whole program set up to encourage employees to take time off to volunteer, and they even offered incentives for people who participated. It was clear that they saw the value in giving back to the community, and it was inspiring to see. I think more companies should follow their lead - not just because it's good for the community, but because it's also good for their employees. It's a great way to build camaraderie and teamwork, and it can even help with recruitment and retention.

Do you think people nowadays should volunteer more? I definitely think that people should volunteer more. When I was in college, I volunteered at a nursing home, and it was an incredible experience. Not only did I get to make a difference in the lives of the residents, but I also learned so much from them. They had lived through so much history, and they had such valuable insights to share. But what really stuck with me was the way that volunteering made me feel. It gave me a sense of purpose and fulfillment that I hadn't experienced before. And I think that's something that's missing from a lot of people's lives nowadays. We're so focused on our own problems and our own goals that we forget about the people around us. Volunteering is a way to break out of that bubble and connect with others in a meaningful way. Plus, it's just good for our mental and physical health - studies have shown that volunteering can reduce stress and anxiety, and even help us live longer.

How can technology help volunteers? I've seen firsthand how technology can make a huge difference for volunteers. When I was volunteering at a disaster relief organization, we were using a platform that allowed us to coordinate our efforts and communicate with each other in real-time. It was amazing to see how much more efficient we were able to be, and how much more effective we were at getting aid to the people who needed it. But what really impressed me was the way that technology was able to connect us with other volunteers and organizations. We were able to share resources and expertise, and work together to make a bigger impact. And that's something that I think is really exciting - the potential for technology to amplify our efforts and help us make a bigger difference in the world.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

make a difference

to have a positive effect or impact on something

I think one of the most important qualities of a good volunteer is empathy. When I was volunteering at a local food bank, I saw firsthand how much of a difference a little bit of empathy and understanding could make.

down on their luck

experiencing a period of bad luck or misfortune

The people who came in for food assistance were often struggling to make ends meet, and they were already feeling pretty down on their luck.

community service

work done for the benefit of the community, often as a volunteer

I had a really eye-opening experience when I volunteered with a company that was doing a community service day.

give back

to contribute to the community or society in a positive way, often in return for benefits received

It was clear that they saw the value in giving back to the community, and it was inspiring to see.

build camaraderie

to develop a sense of friendship and teamwork

It's a great way to build camaraderie and teamwork, and it can even help with recruitment and retention.

make a bigger impact

to have a greater effect or influence on something

And that's something that I think is really exciting - the potential for technology to amplify our efforts and help us make a bigger impact in the world.