Cue Card

Describe an occasion when you could not use your mobile phone

You should say:

• When it was
• Where it was
• Why you couldn’t use your mobile phone
• And explain how you felt about it.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. Do you think it’s necessary to have rules regarding the use of mobile phones?
2. What do you think about children owning a mobile phone?
3. At what age should a child own a mobile phone?
4. Are people politer now than they were in the past?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I was on a solo hike in the mountains, miles from the nearest cell tower. My phone was dead, and I had no portable charger. The silence was deafening. No buzzing, no beeping, no social media notifications. Just me, the wind, and the sound of my own footsteps. At first, I felt anxious, like a part of me was missing. But as the hours passed, I started to feel a sense of freedom. I noticed the way the light filtered through the trees, the sound of the river in the distance, and the smell of the wildflowers. It was like my senses had been turned up to 11.

I thought about all the times I'd mindlessly scrolled through my phone on hikes before, missing out on the beauty around me. This time, I was present. I felt the sun on my skin, the rough bark of the trees, and the softness of the grass. I took a deep breath, and the fresh mountain air filled my lungs. It was exhilarating. I realized that my phone had become a crutch, a way to avoid the discomfort of being alone with my thoughts. But in that moment, I was alone, and it was liberating.

As the day wore on, I started to notice the little things – the way the light changed as the sun began to set, the sound of birds chirping, and the rustling of leaves. It was like I'd been living in black and white, and suddenly, the world was in color. I felt connected to nature, to myself, and to the present moment. It was a feeling I'd never experienced before, and it was addicting.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

off the grid

to be in a remote area without access to modern technology or amenities

The cabin was off the grid, so we had to use a generator for power.

I love going off the grid and disconnecting from the world for a while.

Sample Part 3 Answers

Do you think it’s necessary to have rules regarding the use of mobile phones? I definitely think it's necessary to have rules regarding the use of mobile phones. One reason for this is that mobile phones can be a huge distraction, especially in certain situations. For instance, I remember being in a meeting at work where someone's phone kept ringing and they kept answering it, disrupting the entire discussion. It was really frustrating. Having rules in place, such as turning off your phone during meetings or in quiet spaces, can help minimize distractions and promote more respectful behavior. This is especially important in professional or academic settings where focus and attention are crucial. By establishing clear guidelines, we can ensure that mobile phones are used in a way that complements our activities rather than hindering them.

What do you think about children owning a mobile phone? I think it's a double-edged sword when it comes to children owning a mobile phone. On the one hand, having a phone can be a great way for kids to stay connected with their parents or guardians, especially in case of an emergency. However, on the other hand, I worry that giving kids too much access to technology at a young age can be detrimental to their social and emotional development. I've seen kids as young as 10 years old glued to their screens, missing out on valuable playtime and human interaction. It's essential for parents to set boundaries and monitor their child's phone use to ensure they're not spending too much time on it. Perhaps setting limits on screen time or encouraging outdoor activities can help strike a healthy balance.

At what age should a child own a mobile phone? I think the ideal age for a child to own a mobile phone depends on the individual child and their level of maturity. Some kids might be ready for the responsibility of having a phone at 12 or 13, while others might not be ready until they're 16 or even older. It really depends on how well they can manage their time, prioritize tasks, and understand the potential risks associated with phone use. For me, it's not just about the age, but also about the child's ability to use the phone responsibly and safely. Perhaps a good starting point could be introducing a basic phone with limited features at a younger age, and gradually upgrading to a smartphone as they demonstrate their maturity and responsibility.

Are people politer now than they were in the past? I don't think people are necessarily politer now than they were in the past. In fact, I think the rise of mobile phones and social media has led to a decline in face-to-face communication and deepened social skills. People are more likely to hide behind their screens and interact with others through text or social media, rather than engaging in meaningful conversations. I've noticed that people are more prone to being abrupt or dismissive in their online interactions, which can sometimes translate to real-life interactions as well. However, I do think there are still many kind and considerate people out there, and it's up to us to make an effort to practice good manners and empathy in our daily lives, both online and offline.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

double-edged sword

Something that has both positive and negative consequences

Having a mobile phone can be a double-edged sword - it's convenient, but it can also be a distraction.