Cue Card

Describe an important decision that you made

You should say:

• what the decision was
• how you made this decision
• what the outcome of the decision was; and,
• explain why it was important.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. Do you think children often have to make important decisions?
2. What kinds of important decisions do teenagers need to make after graduation?
3. Who can children turn to for help when making a decision?
4. Do you think advertisements influence our decisions when shopping?
5. Do you think advertising has a positive influence on society?
6. How do people usually make important decisions?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I was 25, fresh out of college, and had just landed my dream job at a prestigious marketing firm. I was making good money, working with big clients, and was on track to climb the corporate ladder. But something didn't feel right. I was miserable. I was spending 12 hours a day staring at a computer screen, feeling like a cog in a machine, and wondering where my creativity had gone. So, I made the crazy decision to quit my job and buy a one-way ticket to Europe. I know it sounds impulsive, but I had to get out of my comfort zone and shake things up. I spent the next few months backpacking through Europe, meeting fellow travelers, and learning about their stories. It was liberating and terrifying all at once.

That trip changed me. It made me realize that there's more to life than just a paycheck. I started to see the world in a different light, and I began to question my priorities. When I returned to the States, I started taking art classes and discovered a passion for painting. I never thought I'd be the artistic type, but it turned out to be my therapy. I started selling my art online and eventually landed a few local exhibitions. It's been a rollercoaster ride, but I've never been happier.

Looking back, quitting my job was the best decision I ever made. It forced me to confront my fears and take a leap of faith. It taught me that sometimes, you have to take a risk and trust that the universe will catch you. I'm not saying it's easy, but it's worth it. If I had stayed in that corporate job, I'd probably be miserable and unfulfilled. Instead, I'm living a life that's true to who I am, and that's the greatest reward of all.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

burnout

a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by prolonged stress

I was experiencing burnout from working long hours without a break

comfort zone

a situation or position in which a person feels safe or at ease

I had to get out of my comfort zone and try new things

take a leap of faith

to take a risk and do something without being sure of the outcome

I took a leap of faith and quit my job to pursue my passion

Sample Part 3 Answers

Do you think children often have to make important decisions? I think children, even at a young age, have to make important decisions that can impact their lives in various ways. For instance, choosing which activities to participate in after school or which friends to hang out with can shape their interests, social skills, and even their self-esteem. As they grow older, these decisions become more complex and can influence their academic path, relationships, and future goals. It's essential for children to learn decision-making skills early on, as it helps them develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and responsibility. By making choices, kids learn to weigh the pros and cons, consider different perspectives, and take ownership of their actions, which ultimately prepares them for the more significant decisions they'll face in life.

What kinds of important decisions do teenagers need to make after graduation? After graduation, teenagers face a multitude of important decisions that can significantly impact their future. One of the most critical decisions is choosing a career path or further education. This decision can determine their professional trajectory, financial stability, and overall happiness. They need to consider their passions, skills, and values when selecting a college major, vocational training, or entering the workforce directly. Additionally, they must decide whether to take a gap year, pursue internships, or volunteer opportunities to gain practical experience. These decisions require careful consideration, as they can influence their future earning potential, personal fulfillment, and long-term goals.

Who can children turn to for help when making a decision? When children are faced with making a decision, it's essential to have a supportive network to turn to for guidance. Parents, guardians, or caregivers are often the first point of contact, as they provide a sense of security and trust. Teachers, coaches, or mentors can also offer valuable advice, drawing from their expertise and experience. Friends can provide a different perspective, sharing their own experiences and insights. However, it's crucial for children to learn to weigh the opinions of others while also developing their own decision-making skills. By considering multiple viewpoints, kids can make informed decisions that align with their values and goals, rather than simply following others' advice.

Do you think advertisements influence our decisions when shopping? Advertisements undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping our purchasing decisions. Advertisers use various tactics to grab our attention, create emotional connections, and build brand loyalty. They often use persuasive language, eye-catching visuals, and celebrity endorsements to make products more appealing. Moreover, targeted online ads can reach us at the exact moment we're searching for something, making it more likely that we'll consider their product. While some argue that ads are just a form of information, they can indeed influence our choices by creating a perceived need or desire for a product. By being aware of these tactics, we can make more informed decisions and separate our genuine needs from clever marketing.

Do you think advertising has a positive influence on society? While advertising can have a negative impact, such as promoting materialism and unrealistic expectations, it also has a positive influence on society. Advertising can raise awareness about important social issues, promote cultural diversity, and support local businesses. Many organizations use advertising to educate the public about health concerns, environmental issues, or social causes, inspiring people to take action. Furthermore, advertising can drive economic growth by promoting products and services, creating jobs, and stimulating innovation. When done responsibly, advertising can be a powerful tool for good, fostering a more informed, empathetic, and engaged community.

How do people usually make important decisions? When faced with an important decision, people often follow a similar process, even if it's subconscious. First, they gather information, weighing the pros and cons of each option. This involves researching, seeking advice from others, and considering their own values and goals. Next, they evaluate the risks and potential outcomes, trying to anticipate how each choice might affect their lives. Finally, they trust their instincts, making a decision based on their gut feeling and intuition. This process can be influenced by emotions, personal biases, and past experiences, but ultimately, people strive to make choices that align with their priorities and aspirations.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

make important decisions

to choose between different options that have a significant impact on one's life

Children have to make important decisions about their education and career.

Teenagers need to make important decisions about their future after graduation.

weigh the pros and cons

to consider the advantages and disadvantages of something

When making a decision, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons of each option.

She weighed the pros and cons of moving to a new city before making a decision.

take ownership of their actions

to accept responsibility for one's decisions and actions

By making choices, kids learn to take ownership of their actions and decisions.

He took ownership of his mistakes and apologized to his friends.

consider different perspectives

to think about different points of view or opinions

When making a decision, it's essential to consider different perspectives.

She considered different perspectives before making a decision about her career.

influence our decisions

to have an effect on the choices we make

Advertisements can influence our decisions when shopping.

Her friends' opinions influenced her decision to try a new hobby.

make informed decisions

to make choices based on accurate and complete information

By being aware of advertising tactics, we can make informed decisions.

She made an informed decision about her education after researching her options.

drive economic growth

to stimulate or promote economic activity and development

Advertising can drive economic growth by promoting products and services.

The government's policies aim to drive economic growth and create jobs.

trust their instincts

to rely on one's intuition or gut feeling when making a decision

When faced with a difficult decision, she trusted her instincts and chose the option that felt right.

He trusted his instincts and invested in the business.