Cue Card

Describe an indoor game you played as a child

You should say:

• What the game was
• Who you played it with
• Why you played it
• And explain how you felt about it.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. What kind of indoor games do children like to play nowadays?
2. What’s the difference between the games children play now and the ones they played in the past?
3. Can children benefit from playing computer games?
4. What’s the difference between games for boys and girls?

Sample Cue Card Answer

Growing up, I was a total indoor kid. Rain or shine, you could find me cozied up in our living room, surrounded by couch cushions, blankets, and a sea of board games. But there was one game that stood out from the rest – a game that required zero equipment, zero setup, and zero supervision. I'm talking about the art of 'Hide the Thimble'.

For those who may not be familiar, Hide the Thimble is a game of stealth, strategy, and a healthy dose of sibling rivalry. The rules were simple: one person would close their eyes, count to ten, and then shout 'Ready or not, here I come!' while the rest of us scrambled to find the most creative hiding spot in the house. I'm talking about squeezing behind the curtains, hiding inside cardboard boxes, or even attempting to hold your breath and remain completely still behind a chair.

What I loved most about Hide the Thimble was the thrill of the unknown. Would I be found in record time or would I manage to evade detection for an impressive 10 minutes? The anticipation was almost too much to bear. And let's not forget the satisfaction of being the last one standing – the ultimate hiding champion. It was a feeling like no other, and it's a sensation I still chase to this day, albeit in more adult forms.

Looking back, I realize that Hide the Thimble taught me some valuable life skills – creativity, quick thinking, and the importance of a good hiding spot. But more than that, it reminded me of the simple joys of childhood, a time when the biggest worry was getting caught, not getting caught up in the chaos of adult life. It's a feeling I try to recapture whenever I can, whether it's through a spontaneous game of hide-and-seek with friends or a quiet moment of solitude in a crowded coffee shop. So the next time you're feeling stressed, take a cue from your inner child and find a good hiding spot – you never know what you might discover.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

Ready or not, here I come!

A phrase used to signal the start of a game, particularly hide-and-seek, where the seeker is about to start looking for the hidden players.

The kids shouted 'Ready or not, here I come!' and started searching for their siblings.

After counting to ten, she yelled 'Ready or not, here I come!' and began her search.

Sample Part 3 Answers

What kind of indoor games do children like to play nowadays? You'd be surprised at the variety of indoor games kids enjoy today. I mean, sure, some classics like hide and seek, Simon says, and tag are still popular, but many kids are also into more strategic games like Minecraft, Roblox, or even escape rooms. What's fascinating is how these games often blend physical and digital elements, encouraging kids to problem-solve, collaborate, and think creatively. For instance, in Minecraft, kids build structures, mine resources, and fight off monsters, all while learning about geometry, physics, and critical thinking. It's amazing to see how these games can foster a sense of community and teamwork, even when played indoors.

What’s the difference between the games children play now and the ones they played in the past? One major difference is the level of technology involved. When I was a kid, we relied on our imagination, board games, and simple toys. Nowadays, kids have access to incredibly sophisticated digital tools, like video games, virtual reality, and online platforms. This has opened up new possibilities for interactive storytelling, educational content, and social interaction. For example, games like Minecraft and Roblox offer virtual worlds where kids can build, explore, and learn in a highly immersive environment. This shift towards digital gaming has also led to a greater emphasis on STEM education and coding skills, which is really exciting.

Can children benefit from playing computer games? Absolutely! While some people might view computer games as a waste of time, research has shown that they can have numerous cognitive, social, and emotional benefits for kids. For instance, games can improve hand-eye coordination, problem-solving skills, and multitasking abilities. They can also enhance creativity, spatial reasoning, and critical thinking. Moreover, many educational games are designed to teach specific subjects, like math, science, or language arts, in an engaging and interactive way. Of course, it's essential for parents and caregivers to monitor screen time and ensure that kids maintain a balance between gaming and other activities, but when done responsibly, computer games can be a valuable learning tool.

What’s the difference between games for boys and girls? To be honest, I think the distinction between 'boys' games' and 'girls' games' is becoming increasingly outdated. While some games may still be marketed towards specific genders, many kids are now free to explore a wide range of interests and genres, regardless of their sex. That being said, there are some differences in the types of games that boys and girls tend to enjoy. For example, boys might be more drawn to action-adventure games, sports games, or strategy games, while girls might prefer games that focus on creativity, role-playing, or social simulation. However, it's essential to remember that these are general trends, and individual preferences can vary greatly. Ultimately, the most important thing is to encourage kids to explore different types of games and find what they enjoy.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

get a kick out of

to enjoy or find pleasure in something

I get a kick out of playing video games with my friends.

She gets a kick out of solving puzzles and brain teasers.