Cue Card

Describe an invention that is useful in your daily life

You should say:

• what the invention is
• what it can do
• how popular it is
• how difficult it is to use; and,
• explain why it is useful.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. What kinds of qualities do inventors usually have?
2. Do you think the only people that can invent new things are scientists?
3. Which inventions do you think should be improved?
4. Are there any other inventions that make the world a better place?
5. Is every invention beneficial to society?
6. Who should pay inventors’ salaries?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I'm obsessed with my smart coffee mug. It's not just any mug, it's a game-changer. This thing is like having a personal coffee butler. It knows exactly how I like my coffee - temperature, creamer, sugar, the works. I just tell it my preferences through an app, and it takes care of the rest. No more burnt tongues or lukewarm coffee for me.

But here's the best part: it's also a portable coffee maker. I can take it to the office, and it'll brew a fresh cup right at my desk. No more lines at the coffee shop or mediocre office coffee. It's like having my own personal coffee shop in a mug.

And let's not forget about the environmental benefits. No more disposable cups or lids. This mug is made from sustainable materials and is dishwasher safe. I feel like I'm doing my part for the planet, one cup at a time.

But what really gets me is the community around it. There's an app where users share their favorite coffee recipes and brewing methods. I've discovered so many new flavors and techniques. It's like being part of a secret coffee society.

I know what you're thinking - it's just a mug. But trust me, it's so much more than that. It's a daily ritual, a moment of peace in a chaotic world. And it's not just about the coffee; it's about the experience. It's about taking a moment for myself, savoring the flavors, and appreciating the little things in life.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

game-changer

something that completely changes a situation or activity for the better

The new policy was a game-changer for the company.

Her new job was a game-changer for her career.

takes care of the rest

to handle or manage a situation or task

I'll take care of the rest, don't worry about it.

The app takes care of the rest, so you don't have to lift a finger.

Sample Part 3 Answers

What kinds of qualities do inventors usually have? In my opinion, inventors are usually people who are naturally curious about the world around them. They're the kind of individuals who are always asking 'what if?' and 'why not?' and are not afraid to challenge the status quo. They're also incredibly persistent and resilient, as they often face numerous setbacks and failures before achieving success. Additionally, inventors tend to be creative problem solvers, able to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions to complex problems. But most importantly, they're passionate about making a positive impact on the world and improving people's lives through their creations.

Do you think the only people that can invent new things are scientists? I don't think that's the case at all. While scientists and engineers often have the technical expertise to create new inventions, I believe that anyone can be an inventor. Inventors come from all walks of life, and their inventions can be driven by a wide range of factors, from personal experience to social need. For example, a stay-at-home parent might invent a new product to make childcare easier, or an artist might invent a new medium or technique. The key is not the person's profession, but rather their creativity, resourcefulness, and willingness to take risks. Ultimately, anyone who is passionate about solving a problem or making a difference can be an inventor.

Which inventions do you think should be improved? One invention that I think should be improved is the smartphone. While smartphones have revolutionized the way we communicate and access information, they can also be a source of distraction and addiction. I think it would be great if smartphones could be designed with more features that promote healthy usage habits, such as built-in time tracking and app blockers. Additionally, I think smartphones could be made more sustainable, with features like longer battery life and more eco-friendly materials. By improving smartphones, we could make them more beneficial to both individuals and society as a whole.

Are there any other inventions that make the world a better place? One invention that I think has made a huge positive impact on the world is the water filter. Access to clean drinking water is essential for human health, and water filters have made it possible for people in many parts of the world to have safe drinking water. This has had a ripple effect on public health, reducing the incidence of water-borne illnesses and improving overall quality of life. Additionally, water filters have also helped to reduce the amount of plastic waste generated by bottled water. It's a simple invention, but one that has had a profound impact on the world.

Is every invention beneficial to society? Unfortunately, I don't think that every invention is beneficial to society. While many inventions have improved our lives in countless ways, some have also had negative consequences. For example, the invention of the internal combustion engine has contributed to air pollution and climate change, while the invention of social media has contributed to the spread of misinformation and social isolation. In some cases, the negative consequences of an invention may not be immediately apparent, and it may take time to fully understand the impact of a new technology or product. Ultimately, I think it's up to us as a society to carefully consider the potential consequences of new inventions and work to mitigate any negative effects.

Who should pay inventors’ salaries? That's a tough question. On the one hand, governments have a role to play in supporting innovation and providing funding for research and development. By paying inventors' salaries, governments can help to stimulate innovation and drive economic growth. On the other hand, private companies also have a role to play in supporting innovation, particularly in areas where there is a clear market demand. Ultimately, I think it's a combination of both government and private funding that is needed to support inventors and drive innovation forward. Governments can provide seed funding and support for early-stage research, while private companies can help to scale up and commercialize new inventions.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

think outside the box

to think creatively and come up with new and original ideas

The company needs someone who can think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions to our problems.