Cue Card

Describe an item you bought but do not use often

You should say:

• When you bought it
• Where you bought it
• Why you bought it
• And explain why you do not use it often

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. Are you an impulsive shopper?
2. Do you care about the pollution caused by packaging?
3. Do you take steps to help protect the environment?
4. Do people in your country care about waste classification?
5. How do you deal with items you don’t use any more?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I'm going to confess something to you - I'm a sucker for a good deal. And I'm not just talking about your run-of-the-mill discounts, I'm talking about the kind of deal that makes you feel like you're stealing. The kind of deal that makes you rationalize buying something you don't really need. For me, that something is a stand mixer.

I mean, who needs a stand mixer, right? I'm not exactly the next Great British Baking Show contestant. But there it was, sitting on the shelf, calling my name - a shiny, stainless steel behemoth of a mixer, just begging to be taken home. And the price? A whopping 75% off. I mean, it was practically free.

Fast forward a year, and that mixer is still sitting on my kitchen counter, looking pretty but doing absolutely nothing. I've used it a grand total of twice - once to make a batch of subpar cookies, and once to mix a cake that ended up in the trash. But you know what? I don't regret buying it. It's become a symbol of my own personal consumerism, a reminder that sometimes, even when we know we don't need something, we'll still buy it just because we can.

And I'm not alone. We've all been there - buying something on impulse, only to let it collect dust in our closets or on our shelves. But what if I told you that this mixer has become a conversation starter? A symbol of my own personal quirks and flaws? Maybe it's not just a mixer - maybe it's a reminder that it's okay to indulge every now and then, even if it doesn't make sense.

So the next time you're tempted to buy something you don't need, just remember - it might just become your new favorite conversation piece. And who knows, you might even use it someday.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

a good deal

something that is offered at a lower price than usual, often in a way that seems too good to be true

I got a good deal on that new TV

The sale was a good deal, but the quality was poor

rationalize

to make excuses or find reasons to justify something, often to avoid feeling guilty or anxious

I rationalized buying the expensive shoes by telling myself I deserved them

He rationalized his behavior by saying he was under a lot of stress

Sample Part 3 Answers

Are you an impulsive shopper? Honestly, I'd say I'm a bit of a sucker for a good sale. I mean, who isn't, right? But seriously, I've been known to make impulse purchases, especially when it comes to things I think I might need in the future. Like, I'll see something on sale and think, 'Oh, this is a great deal, I should totally get this.' And then it ends up sitting in my closet or on a shelf for months, unused. I'm trying to be more mindful of this, though, and really think about whether I'll actually use something before I buy it.

Do you care about the pollution caused by packaging? I'm definitely more aware of the impact of packaging on the environment than I used to be. I mean, have you seen the amount of plastic waste that comes with online shopping? It's crazy. I try to choose products with minimal or biodegradable packaging when I can, and I've even started avoiding certain brands that are notorious for their excessive packaging. It's not always easy, but I figure every little bit counts, right?

Do you take steps to help protect the environment? I'd like to think I do, yeah. I mean, I recycle, I try to use public transportation or walk/bike when I can, and I've even started using reusable bags and water bottles. But I know there's always more I could be doing. One thing I've been trying to do more of is buy second-hand or sustainable products. Like, I recently bought a really cool vintage jacket at a thrift store, and it's become one of my favorite things to wear. It's not only better for the environment, but it's also a great way to find unique stuff.

Do people in your country care about waste classification? I think people in my country are definitely becoming more aware of the importance of waste classification. I mean, there are recycling programs in place, and a lot of cities have implemented composting initiatives. But, if I'm being honest, I don't think it's always a top priority for people. I've seen people throw away plastic bottles and cans in the regular trash, and it's like, come on, guys! It's not that hard to recycle. But overall, I think there's a growing awareness and a desire to do better.

How do you deal with items you don’t use any more? I'm a bit of a sentimental hoarder, so it can be hard for me to get rid of things. But I've been trying to be more ruthless about it. If I haven't used something in a year, it's probably safe to get rid of it, right? I've started selling or donating items I no longer need, and it's actually been really liberating. Like, I recently got rid of a bunch of old clothes that were just taking up space in my closet, and it felt amazing to have that extra space. Plus, I made a bit of money from selling them, which is always a bonus.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

a sucker for a good sale

someone who is easily tempted to buy something because it is on sale, even if they don't really need it

I'm a sucker for a good sale, so I always end up buying way too much stuff during Black Friday.