Cue Card

Describe an important decision made with the help of another person

You should say:

• What the decision was
• Who helped you make the decision
• When they helped you
• How they helped you make the decision
• And explain how you felt about the situation.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. Should we trust the advice given by strangers when making decisions?
2. Who are more likely to make decisions?
3. Who can be helpful when making decisions?
4. Do you think it’s advisable to listen to others’ advice when making decisions?
5. When young people are making decisions, who can be helpful?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I was stuck. I'd been offered my dream job, but it meant relocating to a new city, away from my family and friends. I was torn between pursuing my career goals and maintaining the comfort and security of my current life. That's when I turned to my best friend, Rachel. We'd been friends since college, and I valued her opinion above anyone else's.

We sat down at a coffee shop, and I laid out my dilemma. Rachel listened attentively, asking pointed questions and making thoughtful noises. She didn't try to sway me one way or the other; she simply helped me articulate my thoughts and feelings. As we talked, I realized that my fear of leaving wasn't about the job itself, but about the unknown. I was scared of starting over, of making new friends, of navigating a new city.

Rachel shared her own experience of moving to a new city for work. She told me about the struggles she faced, but also about the opportunities she'd discovered. She reminded me that I was capable of adapting and thriving in new environments. Her words of encouragement and empathy gave me the clarity I needed. I realized that this decision wasn't just about the job; it was about trusting myself to take the leap.

With Rachel's help, I made the decision to take the job. It wasn't easy, but it was the right choice for me. I learned that sometimes, all we need is someone to reflect our thoughts and feelings back at us, to help us see things from a different perspective. Rachel's guidance and support gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams, even if it meant stepping out of my comfort zone.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

stuck

unable to move or make progress

I've been stuck on this problem for hours.

She's stuck in a dead-end job.

torn

having conflicting feelings or opinions

I'm torn between going to the beach or the mountains for vacation.

He's torn between his loyalty to his friend and his duty to tell the truth.

articulate

to express thoughts or feelings clearly and effectively

She articulated her concerns about the project.

He struggled to articulate his feelings about the situation.

Sample Part 3 Answers

Should we trust the advice given by strangers when making decisions? When it comes to making decisions, I think it's natural to seek advice from others, but trusting strangers can be a bit tricky. On one hand, strangers can offer a fresh perspective, unbiased by personal relationships or emotions. They might have experienced similar situations and can share valuable insights. However, on the other hand, strangers don't know us or our specific circumstances, so their advice might not be tailored to our needs. Moreover, we don't know their motivations or expertise, so it's hard to gauge the reliability of their advice. Ultimately, I think it's essential to approach advice from strangers with a critical and open-minded perspective, considering multiple viewpoints before making a decision.

Who are more likely to make decisions? Research suggests that men and women have different decision-making styles, but it's not necessarily about who's more likely to make decisions. However, studies have shown that women tend to be more collaborative and inclusive in their decision-making, often seeking input from others and considering multiple perspectives. Men, on the other hand, tend to be more independent and decisive, relying on their own judgment and expertise. But it's essential to remember that these are general trends and not absolute differences. Ultimately, effective decision-making is not about gender, but about the ability to weigh options, consider different viewpoints, and make informed choices.

Who can be helpful when making decisions? When it comes to making decisions, having the right people around can be incredibly valuable. I think mentors, coaches, or trusted friends and family members can be incredibly helpful. They know us, our strengths, and our weaknesses, and can offer guidance and support. They can also provide a sounding board for our ideas and concerns, helping us to clarify our thoughts and feelings. Additionally, people with expertise in the area we're making a decision about can be super helpful, providing valuable insights and advice. Ultimately, having a supportive network of people who care about us and want to help can make a big difference in our decision-making process.

Do you think it’s advisable to listen to others’ advice when making decisions? I think listening to others' advice can be incredibly valuable when making decisions. When we're faced with a tough choice, it's natural to feel uncertain or overwhelmed. That's where others can come in – friends, family, mentors, or even strangers. They can offer a fresh perspective, share their experiences, and provide valuable insights that we might not have considered. However, it's essential to remember that ultimately, the decision is ours to make. We need to take others' advice into consideration, but also trust our own instincts and judgment. It's about finding a balance between seeking guidance and staying true to ourselves.

When young people are making decisions, who can be helpful? When young people are making decisions, I think it's essential to have supportive and experienced individuals around them. Parents, teachers, or mentors can play a significant role in guiding them. They can offer valuable advice, share their own experiences, and provide a reality check. Additionally, peers who have gone through similar situations can be incredibly helpful, offering a relatable perspective and empathy. It's also important for young people to have access to resources and information, such as online tools, workshops, or counseling services, to help them make informed decisions. Ultimately, having a supportive network of people who care about their well-being can make a big difference in their decision-making process.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

seek advice

to ask for guidance or opinion from someone

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fresh perspective

a new and original point of view

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weigh options

to consider the advantages and disadvantages of different choices

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sounding board

a person who listens to and provides feedback on someone's ideas

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stay true to oneself

to remain faithful to one's own values, principles, and instincts

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