Cue Card

Describe an interesting conversation you had with someone

You should say:

• When it was
• Who you had it with
• What you talked about
• And explain why you thought it was interesting.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. What do men like to talk about? How about women?
2. What is the difference between a face to face conversation and a phone call?
3. Why are some people nervous when making a presentation?
4. Is it appropriate to make jokes during a presentation?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I was on a bus ride home from work one evening when I struck up a conversation with a woman sitting next to me. She was an elderly lady, dressed in a bright floral dress and a warm smile. We started talking about the weather, and before I knew it, we were deep in conversation. She told me about her life, growing up on a farm in rural America, and how she had traveled the world with her husband before he passed away. She spoke about her children and grandchildren, and how they were the light of her life. I was captivated by her stories and her zest for life.

As we talked, I realized that she was not just sharing her life story with me, but also imparting wisdom and life lessons. She spoke about the importance of family, love, and following one's dreams. She shared with me her secrets to a happy life, which included always being kind, staying curious, and never giving up. I was struck by her positivity and enthusiasm, and how she had managed to maintain it despite facing many challenges in her life.

What struck me most about our conversation was the way she listened to me. She asked me questions about my life, and truly listened to my responses. She offered words of encouragement and support, and made me feel seen and heard. It was a truly uplifting experience, and one that I will always treasure. As I got off the bus, she handed me a small piece of paper with her phone number and said, 'Call me sometime, dear. I'd love to hear from you.' It was a small act of kindness, but it made a big impact on me.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

struck up a conversation

to start a conversation with someone, often in a casual or informal setting

I struck up a conversation with the woman sitting next to me on the bus.

She struck up a conversation with the stranger at the party.

zest for life

a quality of enthusiasm and energy for living

She had a zest for life that was infectious.

He had lost his zest for life after the accident.

impacting wisdom and life lessons

to share knowledge and insights gained from experience

She imparted wisdom and life lessons to her grandchildren.

He shared his experiences and insights with the young entrepreneur.

Sample Part 3 Answers

What do men like to talk about? How about women? You know, I've noticed that when it comes to conversations, men and women often have different preferences. From my experience, men tend to enjoy talking about things like sports, technology, and current events. They often engage in discussions about the latest games, new gadgets, or what's happening in the world of politics. On the other hand, women often seem to enjoy talking about relationships, family, and personal experiences. They might discuss their kids, their friends, or share stories about their daily lives. Of course, these are general tendencies, and there's a lot of overlap between the two. But overall, I think men tend to focus on more abstract or external topics, while women tend to focus on more personal and emotional ones.

What is the difference between a face to face conversation and a phone call? I think one of the biggest differences between a face-to-face conversation and a phone call is the level of intimacy and connection you can establish with the other person. When you're talking to someone in person, you can pick up on all sorts of nonverbal cues like body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice. You can also respond to each other in real-time, which creates a sense of immediacy and connection. On the other hand, phone calls can feel more distant and impersonal, especially if you're not used to talking to the person on the phone. You have to rely more on the tone of voice and the words being spoken, which can make it harder to read the other person's emotions and intentions. Plus, phone calls can be more prone to miscommunications and misunderstandings, since you can't see each other's reactions and adjust your communication style accordingly.

Why are some people nervous when making a presentation? I think one reason people get nervous when making a presentation is because they're worried about being judged or evaluated by their audience. When you're standing up in front of a group of people, you can feel like you're under a microscope, and that can be really intimidating. People might worry that they'll say something wrong, or forget what to say, or that their ideas won't be well-received. They might also feel like they're being evaluated not just on the content of their presentation, but on their personality, their confidence, and their overall credibility. This can create a lot of pressure and anxiety, especially if the stakes are high. But I think it's also worth noting that a little bit of nervousness can actually be a good thing. It can give you energy and motivation to perform well, and it can even make your presentation more engaging and memorable. The key is to channel that nervous energy into a positive and confident performance.

Is it appropriate to make jokes during a presentation? I think making jokes during a presentation can be a great way to break the ice and connect with your audience, but it's all about timing and context. If you can make a joke that's relevant to the topic and doesn't come across as forced or awkward, it can be a great way to lighten the mood and make your presentation more enjoyable. But if you're not careful, jokes can also fall flat or come across as insensitive. The key is to know your audience and to be mindful of the tone and atmosphere you're trying to create. If you're presenting to a group of people who are going through a tough time, for example, you might want to avoid making jokes that could be perceived as insensitive or dismissive. But if you're presenting to a group of people who are looking for a more lighthearted and entertaining experience, a well-timed joke can be just what the doctor ordered.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

break the ice

to do or say something to relax and make people feel more comfortable in a social situation

I told a joke to break the ice and get the conversation started.

The comedian's opening joke broke the ice and got the audience laughing.