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Describe an occasion when you waited a long time for something nice

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Cue Card

Describe an occasion when you waited a long time for something nice

You should say:

  • when it was
  • what you were waiting for
  • how long you waited
  • why you waited for a long time; and,
  • explain how you felt about the experience.

Sample Part 3 Questions

  1. On what kind of occasions do people have to wait for a significant increase in sales?
  2. What do people do while waiting?
  3. Are most people able to wait patiently?
  4. Do you like to wait for a long time?
  5. Why do most children have difficulties waiting for a long time?
  6. Do people queue up for public transport?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I'm a sucker for a good concert, and I've been waiting for my favorite band to come to town for what felt like an eternity. I'm talking years, folks. I've been refreshing their tour dates page like it's my job, and finally, the day arrived. They announced a show in my city, and I was the first in line to snag tickets. I mean, I was literally the first – I set up camp outside the venue at 6 am, coffee in hand, ready to take on the day.

The hours ticked by at a glacial pace, but I didn't care. I was too busy replaying their entire discography in my head, singing along at the top of my lungs, and making friends with the fellow fans in line. We swapped stories, shared snacks, and commiserated about how long we'd been waiting for this moment. It was like we were all in on some secret joke, and the punchline was finally within reach.

When the doors finally opened, I was like a kid on Christmas morning. I sprinted to my spot in the general admission pit, and let me tell you, it was worth every minute of that wait. The band tore through their setlist like they were possessed, and I was right there with them, screaming every lyric at the top of my lungs. It was pure, unadulterated joy – the kind of feeling that only comes from waiting for something truly special.

As I looked around at the sea of sweaty, smiling faces, I realized that the wait had been part of the experience. It had built anticipation, created a sense of community, and made the payoff all the sweeter. Sometimes, the best things in life are worth waiting for – and this concert was proof.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

sucker for
someone who is easily deceived or manipulated, often because they are too eager or enthusiastic
I'm a sucker for a good rom-com
He's a sucker for a free t-shirt
glacial pace
moving very slowly, like a glacier
The line at the DMV was moving at a glacial pace
The plot of the movie was unfolding at a glacial pace

Sample Part 3 Answers

On what kind of occasions do people have to wait for a significant increase in sales? One occasion when people often have to wait a long time is when they're waiting for a new product release, especially if it's a highly anticipated one. For example, think about the latest iPhone or a new sneaker design. People will often camp out overnight or wait in line for hours just to be one of the first to get their hands on it. This is because they're excited about the new features or design, and they want to experience it as soon as possible. The waiting time is often filled with anticipation and excitement, and it can even become a fun experience in itself, like a mini-event.

What do people do while waiting? While waiting, people often try to find ways to make the time pass more enjoyably. Some might listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks, while others might read a book, play games on their phone, or chat with friends and family. Some people even use the waiting time to be productive, like responding to emails or making phone calls. I think people do this because they want to make the most of their time and not let it go to waste. By doing something they enjoy, they can take their mind off the waiting and make the experience more pleasant.

Are most people able to wait patiently? Honestly, I don't think most people are able to wait patiently, especially in today's fast-paced world. We're so used to getting things quickly, whether it's food, information, or entertainment, that waiting can be frustrating. I think this is because our brains are wired to expect instant gratification, and when that doesn't happen, we can get restless. However, I believe that waiting can be a good thing, as it allows us to slow down and appreciate the things we're waiting for. It's all about perspective, and some people are better at waiting patiently than others.

Do you like to wait for a long time? Personally, I'm not a fan of waiting for a long time. I think it's because I'm a bit of a planner, and I like to know what's going to happen and when. When I have to wait, it can be frustrating because I feel like I'm not in control. However, I've learned to use waiting time to my advantage. For example, I might use the time to people-watch, which can be really interesting, or I might take a few deep breaths and try to relax. It's all about finding ways to make the waiting more enjoyable, and I'm working on being more patient.

Why do most children have difficulties waiting for a long time? I think children have a hard time waiting for a long time because they don't have a good sense of time yet. To them, waiting can feel like an eternity, and they might not understand why they have to wait. Additionally, children are often more impulsive and have a harder time regulating their emotions, which can make waiting even more challenging. As a result, they might get restless, fussy, or even throw tantrums. However, I believe that teaching children to wait can be an important life skill, as it helps them develop patience, self-control, and empathy.

Do people queue up for public transport? In some cities, people do queue up for public transport, especially during rush hour. For example, in cities like Tokyo or New York, you'll often see people lining up in an orderly fashion to board the subway or bus. However, in other cities, people might not be as inclined to queue up, and you might see more chaos and disorder. I think it's because queuing up is a cultural phenomenon that's influenced by factors like social norms, personal space, and the overall attitude towards waiting. When people do queue up, it's often because they understand that it's the most efficient way to get on the transport quickly and safely.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

camp out
to stay outside a place, usually a store or a venue, for a long time, usually overnight, in order to be one of the first people to get something
People camped out overnight to get tickets to the concert.
make the most of
to use something or a situation to its fullest potential or advantage
I'm going to make the most of my vacation and visit all the tourist attractions.
people-watch
to observe and study people in a public place, often for entertainment or interest
I love to people-watch at the airport and guess where they're going.
throw a tantrum
to have a sudden and intense outburst of anger or frustration, often accompanied by loud crying or shouting
The child threw a tantrum when he didn't get the toy he wanted.
queue up
to line up in a row, often in an orderly fashion, in order to wait for something
People queued up for hours to get into the concert.

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