Cue Card

Describe an occasion when you got lost

You should say:

• Where you were
• What happened
• How you felt
• And explain what you did to find where you were going.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. Why do some people get lost more easily than others?
2. Do you think it’s important to be able to read a map?
3. Do you think it’s important to plan your journey when you’re going somewhere new?
4. What can people do when they are lost?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I'll never forget the time I got lost in Tokyo's Shibuya district. I was on a solo trip, and my phone had died, so I was navigating the crowded streets with a paper map. I had been walking for hours, trying to find my way back to my hostel, but every street looked the same. The neon lights and giant video screens were overwhelming, and I felt like a small fish in a sea of people. I started to feel anxious, wondering if I'd ever find my way back. I approached a police officer, who kindly offered to help me. He pulled out his phone and started typing away, trying to find my hostel on the map. After a few minutes, he handed me a small piece of paper with the directions and a smile. I was so grateful for his kindness and patience.

As I continued on my way, I realized that getting lost had actually been a blessing in disguise. I stumbled upon a tiny alleyway that was filled with street food vendors and quirky shops. I tried some delicious yakitori and bought a unique souvenir. If I hadn't gotten lost, I would have never discovered that hidden gem. It was a great reminder that sometimes, the best experiences come from stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing the unknown.

Looking back, I realize that getting lost in Tokyo taught me a valuable lesson about resilience and adaptability. It showed me that even in unfamiliar surroundings, I'm capable of finding my way and making the most of unexpected situations. And, of course, it reminded me to always carry a portable charger for my phone!

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

blessing in disguise

an event or situation that seems unfortunate or difficult at first, but ultimately turns out to be beneficial

Getting lost in Tokyo was a blessing in disguise because I discovered a unique alleyway.

Losing my job was a blessing in disguise because it led me to start my own business.

Sample Part 3 Answers

Why do some people get lost more easily than others? I think some people get lost more easily than others because they might not pay attention to their surroundings. For instance, when I was on a trip to New York City, I noticed that my friend kept getting lost because she was too busy taking photos and didn't notice the street signs or the direction we were heading. On the other hand, I was paying close attention to the map and the streets, so I was able to navigate us back to our hotel. It just goes to show that being aware of your surroundings and paying attention to details can make a big difference in not getting lost.

Do you think it’s important to be able to read a map? I definitely think it's important to be able to read a map. When I was on a road trip with my family, we got lost in a rural area with no phone signal. Luckily, my dad had a physical map of the area, and he was able to use it to navigate us back to the main road. If he hadn't been able to read the map, we might have been stuck there for hours. Being able to read a map is a useful skill that can help you in unexpected situations like that. Plus, it's a good backup to have in case your phone or GPS isn't working.

Do you think it’s important to plan your journey when you’re going somewhere new? I think planning your journey is crucial when going somewhere new. Last year, I went to Japan for the first time, and I planned out my entire trip, including my transportation, accommodation, and itinerary. This helped me to avoid getting lost and made my trip much more enjoyable. I was able to focus on experiencing the culture and sights rather than worrying about how to get from one place to another. Planning your journey can also help you to make the most of your time and avoid wasting time trying to figure out where you are or where you're going.

What can people do when they are lost? When people are lost, they should try to remain calm and think clearly. One thing they can do is to try to find a landmark or a familiar location to get their bearings. They can also ask for directions from locals or use a map to try to figure out where they are and where they need to go. If they have a phone, they can try to call for help or use a GPS to navigate. It's also a good idea to find a safe place to wait for help to arrive, rather than trying to wander around and potentially get more lost. By staying calm and using these strategies, people can increase their chances of finding their way back.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

get one's bearings

to understand one's position or situation

When I got lost in the woods, I had to climb a tree to get my bearings and figure out which direction to go.