Cue Card

Describe an indoor or outdoor place where it was easy for you to study

You should say:

• Where it was
• When you go there
• What you study there
• Who you go with
• Why you would study in this place

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. Do you like to study by yourself or with others?
2. Do you prefer to study at home or study in other places?
3. What’s the difference between learning face-to-face with teachers and learning by yourself?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I'm one of those people who can't study at home. There's just too much distraction - the TV, my phone, the fridge... you name it. So, I had to find a spot where I could focus. That spot turned out to be the rooftop garden of my university's library. It's this hidden gem that not many students know about, and it's perfect. The first time I stumbled upon it, I was blown away by the tranquility of the place. The garden is surrounded by tall trees, and the sound of birds chirping and leaves rustling in the wind is incredibly soothing. Plus, it's got plenty of natural light, which is essential for me. I mean, who needs a stuffy library when you can study under the sun?

What I love most about this spot is the sense of community. You'll often find students from different departments studying together, sharing notes, and collaborating on projects. It's amazing to see how a shared goal can bring people together. Sometimes, I'll join a group, and we'll work together on a problem set or study for an exam. Other times, I'll just sit alone, lost in my own world, and that's okay too. The rooftop garden has a way of making you feel like you're part of something bigger than yourself, even when you're alone.

One of the best things about studying on the rooftop garden is the change of scenery. When you're stuck inside all day, it's easy to get cabin fever. But up on the roof, you can see the city, the trees, the sky... it's a constant reminder that there's a whole world out there waiting to be explored. And that's exactly what I need to stay motivated. Sometimes, I'll take a break and just gaze out at the view, feeling grateful for this little slice of paradise in the middle of the city.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

hidden gem

a place or thing that is not well-known but is very valuable or enjoyable

The rooftop garden is a hidden gem that not many students know about.

The small café on the corner is a hidden gem for coffee lovers.

Sample Part 3 Answers

Do you like to study by yourself or with others? I personally prefer to study by myself. I find that when I'm alone, I can really focus on the material and absorb it better. For me, studying with others can be distracting, and I often end up getting sidetracked by conversations or debates that aren't necessarily related to the topic at hand. When I'm by myself, I can set my own pace and review the material as many times as I need to without feeling like I'm holding anyone else back. Plus, I can take breaks whenever I want, which helps me stay refreshed and retain the information better.

Do you prefer to study at home or study in other places? I actually prefer to study in other places, like the library or a quiet coffee shop. There's something about being in a different environment that helps me stay motivated and focused. At home, it's easy to get comfortable and fall into bad habits, like watching TV or browsing social media. But when I'm in a public place, I feel like I'm in'study mode' and I'm more likely to stay on track. Plus, being around other people who are also studying or working can be really inspiring – it's like we're all in it together, even if we're not actually working on the same thing.

What’s the difference between learning face-to-face with teachers and learning by yourself? I think the biggest difference between learning face-to-face with teachers and learning by yourself is the level of interaction and feedback. When you're learning with a teacher, you can ask questions and get immediate feedback, which is really helpful for clarifying things you don't understand. Plus, teachers can provide guidance and support, which can be especially important if you're struggling with a particular concept. On the other hand, learning by yourself requires a lot more self-motivation and discipline, but it can also be really empowering to take charge of your own learning and figure things out for yourself. I think a combination of both is probably the most effective way to learn – you can get the benefits of teacher guidance and feedback, but also develop the skills and confidence to learn independently.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

get sidetracked

to be distracted or interrupted and lose focus on the main task or activity

studying with others can be distracting, and I often get sidetracked by conversations or debates

set my own pace

to work or study at a speed that is comfortable for oneself, without being rushed or slowed down by others

when I'm by myself, I can set my own pace and review the material as many times as I need to

stay motivated

to maintain a strong desire or enthusiasm to do something, especially to learn or work

being in a different environment helps me stay motivated and focused

fall into bad habits

to start doing something regularly that is not good for you, often because it is easy or enjoyable

at home, it's easy to fall into bad habits, like watching TV or browsing social media

stay on track

to continue doing something in a steady and consistent way, without getting distracted or interrupted

when I'm in a public place, I feel like I'm in'study mode' and I'm more likely to stay on track

take charge of your own learning

to be responsible for your own learning and make decisions about what and how you learn

learning by yourself requires a lot more self-motivation and discipline, but it can also be really empowering to take charge of your own learning