Cue Card

Describe an unusual experience you had while traveling

You should say:

• Where you went
• When you traveled
• Who you were with
• What you did there
• And explain why it was unusual.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. What are some popular attractions that people like to visit?
2. Why do many people like to travel abroad?
3. What do people usually do during long holidays?
4. Do you think there will be more ecotourism in the future?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I was trekking through the Himalayas, and my guide, a gruff but kind Nepali man named Tenzing, had warned me about the altitude sickness. But I was determined to reach the summit, no matter what. So when I started feeling dizzy and disoriented, I pushed on, thinking it was just my body's way of protesting the grueling climb. That's when I stumbled upon a tiny monastery, perched precariously on the edge of a cliff. The monks welcomed me with open arms, and I collapsed onto a nearby bench, feeling like I was going to pass out. They brought me tea and cookies, and one of them started playing this haunting melody on a flute. It was like nothing I'd ever heard before - it was like the music was speaking directly to my soul. I felt my body relax, my mind clear, and suddenly I was transported to a different realm. I know it sounds crazy, but I swear, in that moment, I felt like I was one with the universe.

The monks told me later that the music was a traditional healing melody, passed down through generations. They believed that the vibrations from the flute could heal the body and calm the mind. I don't know if it was the music, the tea, or the sheer exhaustion, but I felt like I was reborn. I spent the next few hours with the monks, learning about their way of life, and listening to their stories. It was an experience that changed me in ways I'm still discovering. And it's funny, because I never did make it to the summit, but I wouldn't trade that experience for anything in the world.

Looking back, I realize that sometimes the best experiences are the ones we don't plan for. If I had stuck to my original plan, I would have missed out on that incredible encounter. It's a lesson I've carried with me ever since - to be open to the unknown, to trust in the universe's plan, and to never underestimate the power of a good cup of tea and a haunting melody.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

one with the universe

a feeling of being completely connected and in harmony with the world around you

I felt like I was one with the universe when I was watching the sunset on the beach

The music made me feel like I was one with the universe

Sample Part 3 Answers

What are some popular attractions that people like to visit? One of the most unusual experiences I had while traveling was visiting the Hang Son Doong cave in Vietnam. It's the world's largest cave and it's truly breathtaking. What struck me most was the sheer scale of it - it's so massive that it can fit an entire city block, including skyscrapers, inside it. But what really made the experience stand out was the fact that we had to trek through the jungle for hours to get there, and then crawl through narrow passages to reach the entrance. It was like going on an adventure, and the sense of accomplishment when we finally made it inside was incredible.

Why do many people like to travel abroad? I think many people like to travel abroad because it allows them to experience different cultures and ways of life. For me, one of the most memorable experiences was visiting a small village in rural Japan. I was struck by the hospitality of the locals, who welcomed me into their homes and shared their traditional way of life with me. It was fascinating to see how different their daily routines and customs were from mine, and it really opened my eyes to the diversity of human experience. I think that's what draws people to travel - the opportunity to broaden their horizons and gain new perspectives.

What do people usually do during long holidays? During long holidays, people usually like to relax and unwind, and for me, one of the most relaxing experiences was taking a boat trip down the Mekong River in Laos. The scenery was stunning - lush green forests, towering cliffs, and picturesque villages along the way. But what really made the experience special was the people I met along the way. I met fellow travelers from all over the world, and we shared stories and laughter as we drifted down the river. It was a truly rejuvenating experience, and I think that's what people are looking for during long holidays - a chance to slow down and connect with others.

Do you think there will be more ecotourism in the future? I definitely think there will be more ecotourism in the future, and one experience that made me realize this was visiting the Galapagos Islands. The islands are home to an incredible array of unique wildlife, and it was amazing to see how tourism was being managed in a way that protected the environment. The Ecuadorian government has implemented strict regulations to ensure that tourism is sustainable and responsible, and it was inspiring to see how this was benefiting both the local community and the environment. I think as people become more aware of the impact of their travel choices, they'll be more likely to opt for ecotourism, which not only supports conservation efforts but also provides a unique and enriching experience for the traveler.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

off the beaten path

to go to places that are not typically visited by tourists

If you want to experience the real culture of a place, you need to go off the beaten path and explore the local neighborhoods.