Cue Card

Describe an interesting discussion you had with a friend

You should say:

• What the discussion was about
• The opinions that were shared by you and your friend
• Why you think the discussion was interesting
• And explain how you felt about it.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. When do children normally form their own views?
2. Do children have strong opinions?
3. Should parents demand that children obey them?
4. What careers require good communication skills?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I was grabbing coffee with my friend Rachel the other day, and we stumbled upon this fascinating conversation about social media addiction. She's a total TikTok junkie, and I'm more of a casual observer, so we had a pretty interesting dynamic going on. She was telling me about this new challenge that's been going viral, where people are documenting their entire day on TikTok, from waking up to bedtime. I was amazed by how invested she was in it, and she was equally perplexed by my skepticism.

As we delved deeper into the conversation, we started talking about the psychological effects of social media on our brains. Rachel brought up this concept of 'variable rewards,' where our brains are wired to respond to unpredictable rewards, like likes and comments on social media. It's like a slot machine, where you're constantly checking your phone for that next hit of dopamine. I had never thought about it that way, and it made me realize just how insidious these platforms can be.

But what really struck me was when Rachel shared her own struggles with social media addiction. She told me about how she'd find herself mindlessly scrolling through her feeds for hours, feeling like she was wasting her time, but unable to stop. It was like she was trapped in this never-ending cycle of consumption. I realized that we're all struggling with this in some way, and it's not just about individual willpower – it's about the way these platforms are designed to keep us hooked.

Our conversation ended up being a real wake-up call for me. It made me think about my own social media habits and how I can be more mindful of my screen time. And it also made me appreciate the value of real-life conversations, like the one we had, where we can dive deep into topics and really connect with each other. In a world where social media dominates our lives, it's refreshing to remember that there's still so much value in human connection.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

variable rewards

A psychological concept where our brains are wired to respond to unpredictable rewards, such as likes and comments on social media.

The social media algorithm is designed to provide variable rewards, keeping users engaged for hours.

Sample Part 3 Answers

When do children normally form their own views? I think children start forming their own views from a relatively young age, but it really depends on the child and their environment. For me, I remember having my own opinions and views from around 8 or 9 years old. I think this is because my parents encouraged me to think for myself and express my thoughts and feelings openly. They would often ask me questions like 'what do you think about this?' or 'how do you feel about that?' which helped me develop my critical thinking skills and form my own opinions. As I got older, I started to realize that my views weren't always the same as my parents or friends, and that was okay. In fact, it was more than okay - it was necessary for me to grow and learn as an individual.

Do children have strong opinions? Absolutely, children have strong opinions! I mean, who doesn't remember being a kid and being convinced that they knew better than their parents? But in all seriousness, children are naturally curious and often have strong feelings about things that matter to them. I think it's great that kids have strong opinions because it shows they're engaged and passionate about life. Of course, as they get older, they may realize that their opinions might not always be right, but that's all part of the learning process. My friend's kid is a great example of this - she's only 6, but she's already got strong opinions about what games to play at recess and what books to read at bedtime. It's hilarious and adorable, but also a great way to see her develop her critical thinking skills and assert her independence.

Should parents demand that children obey them? I don't think parents should demand that children obey them without explanation or discussion. I mean, kids need boundaries and rules, of course, but they also need to understand why those rules are in place. When I was a kid, my parents would often explain the reasoning behind their decisions, and that helped me understand and respect their rules. If parents just demand obedience without explanation, kids might feel like they're being treated unfairly or that their opinions don't matter. And let's be real, who likes being told what to do without being given a reason? It's all about finding that balance between setting boundaries and encouraging independence and critical thinking. My friend and I were just discussing this the other day, and we both agreed that our parents did a great job of finding that balance when we were kids.

What careers require good communication skills? I think good communication skills are essential for any career, but some careers definitely require them more than others. For example, if you're a teacher, you need to be able to communicate complex ideas to your students in a way that's clear and engaging. Or if you're a doctor, you need to be able to explain medical information to your patients in a way that's easy to understand. My friend is actually a journalist, and she needs to be able to communicate with sources, conduct interviews, and write articles that are clear and concise. She's always saying how important it is to be able to communicate effectively in her job, and I can see why. Good communication skills are key to success in so many careers, and it's something that I think is often overlooked until it's too late.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

think for myself

to make your own decisions and have your own opinions, without being influenced by others

My parents encouraged me to think for myself and express my thoughts and feelings openly.

critical thinking skills

the ability to analyze information, evaluate evidence, and form a judgment or decision

They would often ask me questions like 'what do you think about this?' or 'how do you feel about that?' which helped me develop my critical thinking skills.

assert her independence

to show that you are able to act and make decisions on your own, without needing others to help you

It's hilarious and adorable, but also a great way to see her develop her critical thinking skills and assert her independence.

without explanation or discussion

without giving a reason or talking about something

I don't think parents should demand that children obey them without explanation or discussion.

finding that balance

to find a middle point between two things that are opposite

It's all about finding that balance between setting boundaries and encouraging independence and critical thinking.

complex ideas

ideas or concepts that are difficult to understand

If you're a teacher, you need to be able to communicate complex ideas to your students in a way that's clear and engaging.

clear and concise

easy to understand and not using too many words

She needs to be able to communicate with sources, conduct interviews, and write articles that are clear and concise.