Cue Card

Describe an outdoor sport you played for the first time

You should say:

• What the sport is
• When you first played it
• Who you played it with
• How you learned to play the sport
• And how you felt about the sport

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of playing outdoor sports?
2. What kinds of outdoor sports are popular in your country?
3. What sports involve teamwork?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I'll never forget the first time I tried rock climbing. I was on a camping trip with friends in Yosemite, and we stumbled upon this massive granite wall that seemed to touch the sky. One of my friends, an avid climber, convinced me to give it a shot. I was hesitant at first, but he assured me it was a breeze. Yeah, right. As I laced up my shoes and chalked up my hands, my heart started racing. The wall looked a lot taller up close. My friend gave me a quick rundown of the basics, and I started my ascent. The first few feet were a breeze, but as I climbed higher, my arms started to shake, and my feet felt like they were stuck to the wall. I was terrified, but I didn't want to give up. I kept pushing, finding handholds and footholds that seemed invisible to me just moments before. The sense of accomplishment when I reached the top was indescribable. I felt like I was on top of the world – literally.

What struck me most about rock climbing was the mental game. It's not just about physical strength; it's about trust – trust in yourself, your equipment, and your belayer. It's about focus and perseverance. And it's about embracing the fear and pushing through it. As I rappelled back down, I realized that rock climbing wasn't just a sport; it was a metaphor for life. We're all climbing our own walls, facing our own fears, and pushing through our own doubts. And when we reach the top, the view is always worth it.

Now, I'm not saying I'm a pro climber or anything, but that experience sparked a newfound passion in me. I started climbing regularly, and it's become a way for me to clear my head, challenge myself, and connect with nature. And whenever I'm faced with a daunting task or a steep learning curve, I remind myself of that first climb. I think about the fear, the doubt, and the sense of accomplishment. And I know that I can push through anything, one handhold at a time.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

on top of the world

feeling extremely happy and successful

I felt on top of the world when I graduated from college.

She was on top of the world after landing her dream job.

face your fears

to confront and deal with something that frightens or worries you

I faced my fears and went skydiving for the first time.

She faced her fears and gave a speech in front of a large audience.

Sample Part 3 Answers

What are the advantages and disadvantages of playing outdoor sports? Playing outdoor sports has numerous advantages. For one, it allows you to connect with nature and get some much-needed vitamin D from the sun. Being outdoors can also boost your mood and energy levels, making you feel more alive and focused. Plus, many outdoor sports, such as hiking or cycling, can be done with minimal equipment, making them accessible to people of all income levels. However, there are also some disadvantages to consider. For example, playing outdoor sports can expose you to extreme weather conditions, such as blistering heat or freezing cold, which can be uncomfortable and even dangerous. Additionally, some outdoor sports, like skiing or rock climbing, can be expensive and require specialized gear, which can be a barrier for some people.

What kinds of outdoor sports are popular in your country? In the United States, some of the most popular outdoor sports include baseball, American football, and basketball. However, in recent years, there's been a growing interest in more individualized sports like hiking, trail running, and stand-up paddleboarding. These sports allow people to connect with nature and challenge themselves physically, which is really appealing to many Americans. For example, hiking is a great way to explore the country's many national parks and forests, and trail running is an excellent way to experience the beauty of nature while also getting a great workout. Stand-up paddleboarding, on the other hand, is a fun and relaxing way to enjoy the water and get some exercise at the same time.

What sports involve teamwork? Many outdoor sports involve teamwork, but one that comes to mind is soccer. Soccer is a fantastic team sport that requires communication, strategy, and coordination between players. When I played soccer for the first time, I was struck by how much I had to rely on my teammates to work together to achieve a common goal. We had to communicate effectively, anticipate each other's moves, and support each other to outmaneuver the opposing team. It was an exhilarating experience, and I loved the sense of camaraderie that came with working together towards a shared objective. Team sports like soccer teach you valuable skills like cooperation, discipline, and trust, which can benefit you far beyond the playing field.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

get some much-needed

to receive something that is necessary or desirable

I'm going to the beach to get some much-needed sun

After a long winter, I'm looking forward to getting some much-needed exercise