Cue Card

Describe an interesting person that you have not met in person, and would like to know more about

You should say:

• who this person is
• how you know them
• what kinds of interesting things they have done; and,
• explain what you would like to know more about.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. Are there any differences between the relationship you have with your family, and the relationship you have with your friends?
2. Do people tend to feel lonely in a crowded city?
3. Where and how can people meet new people?
4. What can someone’s clothing reveal about someone’s personality?
5. Why do individuals from the same family have different personalities?
6. How does society influence someone’s personality?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I'm fascinated by the life of Emilie du Châtelet, an 18th-century French mathematician, physicist, and philosopher. Born into a noble family, she defied convention by pursuing a career in science, despite the societal norms that discouraged women from intellectual pursuits. I'd love to know more about her journey, how she navigated the male-dominated world of science, and what drove her to make groundbreaking contributions to the field of physics, including her work on the nature of fire and the behavior of light. Her story is a testament to the power of determination and passion.

What I find particularly intriguing about du Châtelet is her unconventional lifestyle. She had a long-term relationship with Voltaire, one of the most prominent writers of the time, and the two shared a love for science and philosophy. I'd love to know more about their conversations, debates, and collaborations. Did they challenge each other's ideas? Did they share a love for experimentation? The intersection of science, philosophy, and art in their relationship is a fascinating topic that I'd love to explore further.

Du Châtelet's legacy extends far beyond her scientific contributions. She was a true Renaissance woman, translating Newton's Principia Mathematica into French and writing her own treatise on the nature of happiness. I'd love to delve deeper into her thoughts on the human experience, morality, and the pursuit of happiness. What did she believe was the key to a fulfilling life? How did her scientific inquiry inform her philosophical views? Her story is a reminder that science and art are not mutually exclusive, but intertwined aspects of human curiosity.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

defied convention

to go against the usual or accepted way of doing something

She defied convention by becoming a scientist in a male-dominated field.

He defied convention by choosing an unconventional career path.

male-dominated world

an environment or industry where men hold most of the power and influence

The tech industry is still a male-dominated world, but there are efforts to increase diversity.

The male-dominated world of finance is slowly changing with more women in leadership roles.

unconventional lifestyle

a way of living that is not traditional or usual

She led an unconventional lifestyle, traveling the world and working remotely.

He had an unconventional lifestyle, living in a commune and working as an artist.

Sample Part 3 Answers

Are there any differences between the relationship you have with your family, and the relationship you have with your friends? I think there's a distinct difference between the relationships I have with my family and my friends. With family, there's a sense of obligation and responsibility that's inherent. I mean, you're born into a family, and you're automatically tied to them in a way that's hard to break. But with friends, it's a choice. You choose to invest time and energy into those relationships, and that choice creates a different dynamic. I feel like I can be more myself around my friends, you know, without the weight of family expectations. And at the same time, I feel like I can rely on my family in ways that I wouldn't dare rely on my friends. It's a different kind of trust, I suppose.

Do people tend to feel lonely in a crowded city? I think it's ironic that people can feel lonely in a crowded city, but it's true. I mean, you're surrounded by people, but you're not really connecting with anyone. It's like, you're just a face in the crowd, you know? And I think that's what can lead to feelings of loneliness. People crave connection, and when they don't get it, even in a crowded city, they can start to feel isolated. But at the same time, cities can be amazing places to meet new people and form connections. It's all about how you approach it, I suppose.

Where and how can people meet new people? I think people can meet new people in all sorts of places, but it's really about being open to new experiences. Like, I've met some of my closest friends through hobbies and interests. I joined a book club, and suddenly I had a whole group of people who shared my passion for reading. And then there are events and meetups, which can be great ways to meet new people who share similar interests. But I think the key is to be intentional about putting yourself out there and being open to new connections.

What can someone’s clothing reveal about someone’s personality? I think someone's clothing can reveal a lot about their personality, but it's not always a straightforward thing. Like, someone who dresses in all black might not necessarily be 'goth' or 'edgy.' They might just like the simplicity of black clothes. But at the same time, clothing can be a form of self-expression, and people often use it to convey their personality or values. I mean, someone who wears a lot of bright colors might be more outgoing and confident, while someone who dresses more conservatively might be more reserved. It's all about context, I suppose.

Why do individuals from the same family have different personalities? I think individuals from the same family can have different personalities because of the unique experiences they have within the family. I mean, even though they're raised by the same parents, they might have different relationships with those parents, or different experiences with their siblings. And then there's just the randomness of genetics, I suppose. People are complex, and there's no one-size-fits-all explanation for why siblings can be so different. But I think it's what makes family dynamics so interesting, right?

How does society influence someone’s personality? I think society has a huge influence on someone's personality, whether we realize it or not. I mean, we're constantly being bombarded with messages about what's 'cool' or 'acceptable,' and those messages can shape our values and behaviors. But at the same time, people have the power to resist those influences and forge their own paths. It's a delicate balance, I suppose. Society can provide a framework for our personalities, but ultimately, it's up to us to decide who we want to be and how we want to express ourselves.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

distinct difference

a clear and noticeable difference

I think there's a distinct difference between the relationships I have with my family and my friends.

inherent

existing naturally or automatically

With family, there's a sense of obligation and responsibility that's inherent.

weight of expectations

the pressure or burden of meeting someone's expectations

I feel like I can be more myself around my friends, without the weight of family expectations.

ironic

the opposite of what is expected or intended

I think it's ironic that people can feel lonely in a crowded city, but it's true.

face in the crowd

a person who is anonymous or unknown in a large group

It's like, you're surrounded by people, but you're not really connecting with anyone, just a face in the crowd.

crave

to strongly desire or need something

People crave connection, and when they don't get it, even in a crowded city, they can start to feel isolated.

intentional

done on purpose or with a specific goal in mind

But I think the key is to be intentional about putting yourself out there and being open to new connections.

reveal

to show or make something known

I think someone's clothing can reveal a lot about their personality, but it's not always a straightforward thing.

forge their own paths

to create or make one's own way in life

But at the same time, people have the power to resist those influences and forge their own paths.