Cue Card

Describe an occasion when you forgot something important

You should say:

• When it was
• What you forgot
• Why you forgot it
• And explain how you felt about it.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. What kinds of things do people forget easily?
2. What kinds of people are more forgetful?
3. How can people improve their memory?
4. What do you think of people using calendars to remind themselves of things?

Sample Cue Card Answer

So, I'm going to share with you a pretty embarrassing story about a time when I totally spaced out on something super important. It was my best friend's birthday, and we had plans to meet up at a new restaurant in town. I had been looking forward to it all week, but somehow, it completely slipped my mind. I mean, I'm talking zero memory of it until my friend called me at 9 pm that night, wondering where I was.

I was mortified. I had been so caught up in a project at work that I just lost track of time and forgot to set a reminder. I felt awful, and my friend was understandably upset. We ended up rescheduling for the next day, but I was still beating myself up over it. I mean, how do you forget your best friend's birthday?

Looking back, it was a good lesson in prioritizing and managing my time better. I realized that I need to find a better balance between work and personal life. It's funny, because now my friend and I joke about it, and it's become a funny story we share with our friends. But at the time, it was a pretty cringeworthy moment.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

spaced out

to forget or be distracted from something

I spaced out during the meeting and missed the important announcement.

lost track of time

to lose awareness of time passing

I lost track of time while watching TV and didn't realize it was midnight.

beat myself up over

to feel guilty or regretful about something

I've been beating myself up over that mistake all day.

Sample Part 3 Answers

What kinds of things do people forget easily? You know, people often forget things that are not part of their daily routine. For instance, people might forget to buy something they needed, like milk, on their way home from work because it's not something they do every day. Or, they might forget a coworker's birthday because it's not something they're reminded of regularly. Our brains are wired to remember things we do frequently, like brushing our teeth or taking a shower, but when it comes to one-off events or tasks, our brains need a little extra help to remember. That's why people often forget things like appointments, anniversaries, or where they put their keys. It's not that people are forgetful, it's just that their brains are preoccupied with more pressing, everyday tasks.

What kinds of people are more forgetful? I think people who have a lot on their plate are more forgetful. When you're juggling multiple tasks, responsibilities, and deadlines, it's easy to let something slip your mind. Students, working parents, and entrepreneurs often fall into this category. Their brains are constantly switching between tasks, and that's when things start to fall through the cracks. For example, a student might forget about an assignment due date because they're too focused on studying for an exam. It's not that they're forgetful, it's just that their brains are overwhelmed.

How can people improve their memory? One way people can improve their memory is by creating habits. If you do something at the same time every day, like exercise or meal prep, you're more likely to remember it. Another way is to write things down. I mean, have you ever written down a shopping list and then remembered everything on it without even looking at it again? That's because the act of writing it down helps solidify it in your memory. And finally, getting enough sleep is crucial. When you're well-rested, your brain is more alert and able to absorb and retain information better.

What do you think of people using calendars to remind themselves of things? I think calendars are a great tool for people to stay on top of their schedules. In today's digital age, it's easy to set reminders and notifications on your phone or computer, and that can be really helpful. But, I also think there's something to be said for writing things down in a physical calendar. There's something about putting pen to paper that helps solidify the event or task in your memory. Plus, you can see the whole month laid out in front of you, which can help with planning and time management.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

slip your mind

to forget something

I was going to call my mom, but it slipped my mind.

I meant to buy milk, but it slipped my mind at the store.