Cue Card

Describe someone you know who has recently moved to a new place

You should say:

• who they are
• what the new place is like
• why they moved; and,
• explain whether their move had a positive impact on you.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. Why do some young people keep moving?
2. What’s the difference between living alone and living with other people?
3. Is it beneficial for young people to live by themselves?
4. Besides cooking, are there any other skills that people need to learn if they are to live on their own successfully?
5. What kinds of people tend to live by themselves?
6. How can parents and teachers help young people live independently?

Sample Cue Card Answer

My best friend, Rachel, just moved to Portland, Oregon, from New York City. I've known her since college, and I've never seen her so excited and terrified at the same time. She's always been a city girl, so the thought of trading in her subway card for a bike helmet and a raincoat was daunting. But she was ready for a change of pace and a chance to reboot her life.

The first time we video-called after the move, I was surprised by how different she looked. Her hair was longer, her skin was paler, and she had this... relaxed vibe about her. She told me about her new job at a startup, her tiny studio apartment in a hip neighborhood, and her newfound love for hiking. It was like she'd shed her old skin and emerged as a new person.

But it wasn't all rainbows and unicorns. She struggled to find her tribe in a new city, and the grey skies didn't help. There were days when she felt like she'd made a huge mistake, leaving behind her friends, family, and the only life she'd ever known. I'd listen to her vent about the loneliness, the boredom, and the uncertainty. And then, slowly, she started to find her footing.

Now, when we talk, I hear a sense of wonder in her voice. She's discovered hidden gems in the city, like a secret garden in an abandoned lot and a coffee shop that serves the best pour-overs. She's joined a book club, taken up painting, and even started volunteering at a local animal shelter. It's like she's finally found her rhythm in this new place.

Rachel's move taught me that change can be both exhilarating and terrifying. It's a chance to rediscover yourself, to find new passions, and to create a life that's truly yours. And even when the going gets tough, it's the little things – a good cup of coffee, a beautiful sunset, or a supportive friend – that make all the difference.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

reboot her life

to start again from the beginning, often in a new and improved way

After the divorce, she decided to reboot her life by moving to a new city.

He rebooted his career by switching to a new industry.

shed her old skin

to change one's appearance, behavior, or attitude, often in a dramatic way

After the breakup, she shed her old skin and started dating again.

He shed his old skin and became a more confident person.

find her footing

to become comfortable and confident in a new situation

It took her a few weeks to find her footing in the new job.

He found his footing in the new city after meeting some new friends.

Sample Part 3 Answers

Why do some young people keep moving? I think some young people keep moving because they're searching for a sense of belonging and identity. My friend, Alex, for example, recently moved to a new city for college. She's always been someone who thrives on new experiences and meeting new people, so I think she was drawn to the idea of starting fresh in a new place. But, on a deeper level, I think she was also trying to figure out who she is outside of her family and high school friends. She's always been a bit of a free spirit, and moving to a new city gave her the freedom to explore different interests and hobbies without the pressure of what others might think.

What’s the difference between living alone and living with other people? For my friend, Rachel, living alone has been a game-changer. She used to live with roommates, but after a few years, she realized she needed her own space to focus on her art. Now, she loves having the freedom to create whenever she wants, without worrying about disturbing anyone else. On the other hand, living with others can be really beneficial for people who thrive on social interaction. My brother, for example, lives with a few friends, and they always have impromptu jam sessions or movie nights. It's a great way for him to stay connected with others and have a sense of community.

Is it beneficial for young people to live by themselves? I think it can be really beneficial for young people to live by themselves, but it depends on the individual. For someone like Rachel, who values her alone time and needs space to focus, living alone has been incredibly empowering. She's learned to be more self-sufficient and independent, which has boosted her confidence. However, for others, living alone might be isolating or lonely. It's essential for young people to consider their own needs and personality before making the decision to live alone.

Besides cooking, are there any other skills that people need to learn if they are to live on their own successfully? Definitely! One of the most important skills is time management. When you live with others, you can often rely on someone else to pick up the slack or remind you of important tasks. But when you're living alone, you need to be able to prioritize your tasks, manage your schedule, and stay organized. My friend, Mike, for example, had to learn how to budget and manage his finances when he moved out of his parents' house. It was a steep learning curve, but now he's much more responsible with his money.

What kinds of people tend to live by themselves? I think people who value independence and alone time tend to live by themselves. They might be introverted or creative types, like artists or writers, who need space to focus on their work. But it's not just limited to those types – anyone who wants to have control over their environment and lifestyle might choose to live alone. My friend, Emma, for example, is a total neat freak, and she loves being able to keep her space exactly how she wants it. She's always been someone who values her alone time, so living alone has been a great fit for her.

How can parents and teachers help young people live independently? I think one of the most important things parents and teachers can do is encourage young people to take on small responsibilities and tasks. For example, my parents started giving me chores and allowing me to manage my own schedule when I was a teenager. It helped me develop a sense of responsibility and time management skills. Teachers can also play a role by assigning projects that require independence and self-motivation. By giving young people the opportunity to practice these skills, parents and teachers can help them build confidence and prepare for living on their own.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

start fresh

to begin again from the beginning, often in a new or different way

She moved to a new city to start fresh after a breakup.

free spirit

a person who is independent and unconventional in their thoughts and actions

She's a free spirit who loves to travel and try new things.

game-changer

something that has a significant and positive impact

Getting a new job was a game-changer for her career.