Cue Card

Describe an occasion when someone gave you positive feedback or suggestions

You should say:

• when it happened
• what feedback or suggestions you were given
• how the it impacted you; and
• explain how you felt about it.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. When should parents encourage their children?
2. Should parents always encourage their children?
3. Do you think negative feedback is more important than positive feedback?
4. Is negative feedback as important as positive feedback?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I was in my junior year of college, working on a group project for my marketing class. We were tasked with creating a social media campaign for a local business, and I was in charge of designing the ads. I spent hours perfecting the visuals, but when I presented them to my group, they were met with silence. One of my teammates, Rachel, finally spoke up and said, 'I think the design is great, but have you considered using a different font? The one you're using is a bit too playful for the brand.' At first, I felt defensive, but then I looked at the design again and realized she was right. The font did look a bit too casual for the brand's tone.

Rachel's feedback was like a breath of fresh air. It was constructive, specific, and actionable. She didn't just criticize my design; she offered a solution. I ended up changing the font, and the design looked so much better. But what really stuck with me was how Rachel delivered her feedback. She didn't make me feel bad about my work; she made me feel like I could improve it. She gave me a sense of agency and control over my project.

That experience taught me the power of positive feedback. When someone gives you feedback that is specific, timely, and actionable, it's like a gift. It shows that they care about your work and want to help you improve. It's not just about fixing mistakes; it's about growing and learning. And it's not just about the feedback itself; it's about how it's delivered. When someone gives you feedback with empathy and kindness, it can be a game-changer. It can make you feel seen, heard, and valued.

Looking back, I realize that Rachel's feedback was a turning point for me. It made me more open to feedback and more willing to take risks in my work. It also made me more mindful of how I give feedback to others. I try to be like Rachel – specific, kind, and constructive. Because when we give feedback that way, we're not just helping someone improve their work; we're helping them grow as a person.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

constructive criticism

feedback that is intended to help someone improve, rather than simply criticize

Rachel's feedback was constructive, so I was able to use it to improve my design.

My boss gave me some tough feedback, but it was constructive, so I knew she was trying to help me.

specific, timely, and actionable

feedback that is clear, relevant, and provides a clear course of action

Rachel's feedback was specific, timely, and actionable, so I knew exactly what to do to improve my design.

The feedback I got on my project was vague, so I didn't know what to do with it.

Sample Part 3 Answers

When should parents encourage their children? I think parents should encourage their children when they're trying something new or taking a risk. You see, when kids are stepping out of their comfort zone, they can be really nervous and uncertain. That's when a parent's encouragement can make all the difference. It's like when I was learning to ride a bike as a kid. My dad was always there to cheer me on and tell me I could do it, even when I was scared of falling off. His encouragement gave me the confidence to keep trying, and eventually, I mastered the skill. By encouraging their kids in these moments, parents can help build their resilience and self-confidence, which is essential for success in life.

Should parents always encourage their children? While encouragement is essential, I don't think parents should always encourage their children. There are times when kids need to learn from their mistakes and understand that not everything they do is perfect. If parents always praise their kids, they might create a false sense of entitlement or make them overly dependent on external validation. For instance, if a child doesn't put in much effort into a project but still expects praise, parents should use that opportunity to teach them about the importance of hard work and dedication. By striking a balance between encouragement and constructive criticism, parents can help their kids develop a growth mindset and a more realistic understanding of their abilities.

Do you think negative feedback is more important than positive feedback? I don't think negative feedback is more important than positive feedback, but I do think it's equally important. Negative feedback can be tough to hear, but it's often what helps us grow and improve. Think of it like a sports coach. A good coach doesn't just praise their players when they're doing well; they also point out areas for improvement. That's how players learn to refine their skills and become better athletes. In the same way, negative feedback can help us identify our weaknesses and work on them. However, it's crucial that negative feedback is delivered constructively, focusing on specific actions or behaviors rather than attacking the person. When done right, negative feedback can be incredibly valuable, but it should always be balanced with positive feedback to keep us motivated and encouraged.

Is negative feedback as important as positive feedback? I think negative feedback is just as important as positive feedback, but in a different way. Positive feedback is essential for building confidence and motivation, but negative feedback is what helps us refine our skills and avoid complacency. It's like the old saying goes: 'constructive criticism is the breakfast of champions.' Negative feedback can be tough to hear, but it's what helps us identify areas where we need to improve. When we receive negative feedback, we can use it to adjust our approach, try new strategies, and ultimately become better at what we do. By embracing both positive and negative feedback, we can create a more balanced and realistic understanding of ourselves and our abilities.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

stepping out of their comfort zone

to do something that makes you feel nervous or uncomfortable because it is new or different

false sense of entitlement

a feeling that you deserve special treatment or privileges, often because you have been given too much praise or rewards

growth mindset

the idea that your abilities and intelligence can be developed through hard work, dedication, and persistence