Cue Card

Describe an item of clothing someone gave you

You should say:

• What the item of clothing was
• Who gave it to you
• When they gave it to you
• And explain why they gave you this item of clothing.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. Have you ever given clothes to someone else?
2. Why do people dress casually in their free time, but dress more formally at work?
3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of wearing a uniform at work?
4. Why do people from different cultures wear different kinds of clothes?

Sample Cue Card Answer

My grandmother gave me a faded denim jacket with a patch of a sunset on the back. It's the most meaningful piece of clothing I own. She bought it for me during a road trip we took together when I was 12. We drove across the country, stopping at quirky roadside attractions and eating at diners. She let me pick out the jacket at a vintage shop in New Mexico, and I was so excited to wear it on the rest of our trip.

I loved that jacket because it made me feel like a real traveler, like I was a part of the adventure. My grandmother would tell me stories about her own travels when she was my age, and I felt like I was following in her footsteps. When we got back home, I wore that jacket everywhere – to school, to the park, even to bed. It was my security blanket, my good luck charm.

As I got older, the jacket got worn out, and I had to retire it to the back of my closet. But I still take it out sometimes and remember that trip with my grandmother. It's a reminder that even though she's no longer with me, her spirit of adventure and love for me lives on. That jacket is more than just a piece of clothing – it's a connection to my past, to my grandmother, and to the memories we made together.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

to follow in someone's footsteps

to do the same things that someone else has done before you

She followed in her mother's footsteps and became a doctor.

He followed in his father's footsteps and joined the military.

Sample Part 3 Answers

Have you ever given clothes to someone else? I recall a time when I gave my younger cousin a jacket that I had outgrown. It was a really cool denim jacket with embroidery on the back, and I had worn it all the time when I was in high school. But as I got older, I realized it was a bit too small for me, and I thought it would be perfect for my cousin, who was just starting to get into that whole teenage style thing. I remember he was really excited when I gave it to him, and he wore it all the time. It was great to see him enjoy something that had held so many memories for me.

Why do people dress casually in their free time, but dress more formally at work? I think people dress casually in their free time because it's a way to unwind and express themselves in a more relaxed way. When you're at work, you have to present a certain image, but when you're off the clock, you can let your hair down, so to speak. For me, putting on a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt is like a signal to my brain that I'm done with the workday and can just chill out. Plus, it's just more comfortable! On the other hand, dressing up for work is a way to show respect for the job and the people you're interacting with. It's like putting on a uniform, but instead of a literal uniform, it's a uniform of professionalism.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of wearing a uniform at work? One advantage of wearing a uniform at work is that it can really simplify your morning routine. I mean, think about it - when you have to wear a uniform, you don't have to spend time deciding what to wear, which can be a huge time-saver. Plus, it can also create a sense of equality among coworkers, since everyone is dressed the same. But on the other hand, wearing a uniform can also be kind of limiting. For example, if you work in a creative field, you might feel like a uniform stifles your self-expression. And let's be real, sometimes uniforms can just be uncomfortable or unflattering, which can affect your mood and productivity throughout the day.

Why do people from different cultures wear different kinds of clothes? I think people from different cultures wear different kinds of clothes because it's a way to connect with their heritage and traditions. For example, in some African cultures, clothing is a way to signify status or occupation, while in other cultures, it's more about modesty or spirituality. When I traveled to Japan, I was struck by the way that traditional clothing, like kimonos, were still worn on special occasions. It was beautiful to see how clothing could be a way to honor one's roots and connect with the past. Plus, it's also just a way to express oneself and show pride in one's cultural identity.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

let your hair down

to relax and be yourself, without worrying about what others think

I like to let my hair down on the weekends and just wear sweatpants and a t-shirt.