Cue Card

Describe an occasion when you spent a lot of time with a young child

You should say:

• who the child was
• when you spent time with them
• what you did together
• why you spent time with them; and,
• explain how you felt about it.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. Do you think children should have a lot of toys?
2. Where do children usually play?
3. Do you think children have too many rules to follow at home?
4. Do you think children should always follow rules?
5. Do you think it’s necessary for parents to make decisions for their children?
6. Do you think it’s good for parents to help their children choose their friends?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I spent a week at my sister's house, watching my 4-year-old niece, Emma. She's a tiny human with a huge personality. The first day, I thought I was in trouble. We were at the park, and she insisted on feeding the ducks. I was trying to explain that we didn't have any bread, but she just wouldn't listen. She kept pointing at the ducks, saying 'they're hungry, they're hungry!' I swear, she almost convinced me that those ducks were on the brink of starvation.

The next day, we decided to have a dance party. I put on some music, and Emma started twirling around the living room. She spun so fast, she fell over, but she just giggled and got back up again. I joined in, and before I knew it, we were both laughing and spinning around like lunatics. It was infectious. Even my sister, who was working from home, couldn't help but join in.

As the days went by, I realized that Emma's energy was exhausting, but also exhilarating. She had this ability to find joy in the smallest things – a butterfly outside the window, a pretty rock on the ground, a silly face I made. It was like she had this superpower to appreciate the tiny details that we adults often overlook.

One afternoon, we were playing with playdough, and Emma started making these intricate little creations. She was so focused, so calm. I sat next to her, and we worked in silence for a while. It was one of those moments where time just stood still. I looked over at her, and she looked up at me with this huge smile on her face. In that moment, I felt like I was seeing the world through her eyes – a world full of wonder, full of possibility.

That week with Emma was a reminder that childhood is a state of mind. It's about being present, being curious, and finding joy in the smallest things. As adults, we often get caught up in our own worries and stress, but spending time with Emma reminded me that it's okay to slow down, to appreciate the little things, and to find joy in the everyday moments.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

on the brink of

very close to something, especially something bad or unpleasant

The company is on the brink of bankruptcy.

The patient is on the brink of death.

infectious

able to spread or be transmitted, often used to describe a laugh or a smile

Her laughter was infectious, and soon the whole room was laughing.

His enthusiasm was infectious, and it motivated the whole team.

Sample Part 3 Answers

Do you think children should have a lot of toys? I think it's great when kids have a variety of toys to choose from, but I don't think it's necessary for them to have a huge collection. What's more important is that they have a few toys that really spark their imagination and creativity. When I spent time with my niece, I noticed that she had a ton of toys, but she only played with a few of them regularly. The rest just ended up being clutter. I think it's better to have a smaller selection of high-quality toys that encourage learning and exploration, rather than a huge quantity of cheap, plastic ones that might just end up in the trash.

Where do children usually play? You know, I think kids can play just about anywhere, but I've noticed that they tend to have the most fun when they're in nature. When I was a kid, I used to love playing in the park or in my backyard. There's something about being outside, surrounded by trees and fresh air, that just seems to bring out the best in kids. Even now, when I'm with my niece, I try to take her to the park or on a hike as often as possible. She loves exploring and running around outside, and it's great exercise for her too.

Do you think children have too many rules to follow at home? I think it's great that parents want to establish rules and boundaries for their kids, but sometimes I think they can be a bit too strict. I mean, kids need some freedom to make their own choices and learn from their mistakes, right? When I was spending time with my niece, I noticed that her parents had a lot of rules in place, which was great for keeping her safe, but sometimes it felt like she was missing out on some of the fun. I think it's all about finding a balance between keeping kids safe and giving them the freedom to be kids.

Do you think children should always follow rules? I think kids should definitely follow rules, but I also think it's okay for them to question them sometimes. I mean, kids are naturally curious, and they need to learn how to think for themselves. When I was with my niece, I encouraged her to ask 'why?' whenever she was given a rule or instruction. It's not about being disobedient, it's about understanding the reasoning behind the rule and learning to make good choices. By asking questions, kids can develop critical thinking skills and become more independent.

Do you think it’s necessary for parents to make decisions for their children? I think parents should definitely make decisions for their kids when it comes to their safety and well-being, but as kids get older, I think they should be given more autonomy to make their own choices. When I was spending time with my niece, I noticed that her parents were always making decisions for her, even when it came to small things like what to wear or what to eat. I think it's great that they want to take care of her, but I also think she needs to learn how to make her own decisions and take responsibility for herself.

Do you think it’s good for parents to help their children choose their friends? I think parents should definitely be involved in their kids' social lives, but I don't think they should dictate who their kids can and can't be friends with. When I was a kid, my parents always encouraged me to be friends with kids who were kind and respectful, but they never told me who to be friends with. I think that's the right approach. Kids need to learn how to navigate social situations and make their own friends, and parents should be there to offer guidance and support, not to make decisions for them.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

spark their imagination

to inspire someone to think creatively

What's more important is that they have a few toys that really spark their imagination and creativity.

clutter

a crowded and disorganized collection of things

The rest just ended up being clutter.

bring out the best in

to cause someone to show their best qualities or behavior

There's something about being outside, surrounded by trees and fresh air, that just seems to bring out the best in kids.

establish rules and boundaries

to set clear limits and guidelines for behavior

I think it's great that parents want to establish rules and boundaries for their kids, but sometimes I think they can be a bit too strict.

find a balance

to find a middle point between two extremes

I think it's all about finding a balance between keeping kids safe and giving them the freedom to be kids.

think for themselves

to make decisions and form opinions independently

Kids need to learn how to think for themselves.

take responsibility for themselves

to be accountable for one's own actions and decisions

I think it's great that they want to take care of her, but I also think she needs to learn how to make her own decisions and take responsibility for herself.

dictate

to tell someone what to do or how to behave

I don't think they should dictate who their kids can and can't be friends with.