Cue Card

Describe something difficult you would like to succeed in doing

You should say:

• What it is
• Why it is difficult
• What you need to do
• And explain why you would like to be successful at it.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. What are some of the reasons for failure?
2. Why are some people successful?
3. How do you celebrate success?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I've always been fascinated by the art of freediving. The idea of holding your breath and descending into the depths of the ocean, surrounded by an alien world, is both terrifying and exhilarating. For me, the challenge of freediving is not just about the physical feat, but also about the mental toughness required to push past the fear of the unknown. I've tried it a few times, but I've never been able to get past the 20-foot mark. My mind starts racing, my heart rate spikes, and I'm convinced I'm going to pass out. But I'm determined to succeed. I want to be able to dive to 50 feet, to explore the ocean floor, to experience the weightlessness and freedom that comes with it.

The thing is, freediving isn't just about holding your breath; it's about slowing down your heart rate, conserving energy, and trusting your body to adapt. It's about being present in the moment, letting go of fear and anxiety, and embracing the uncertainty. It's a meditation, a dance with the ocean, a test of wills. And I'm hooked. I've started training, practicing breathing exercises, and studying the techniques of experienced freedivers. I've also been working on my mental game, trying to quiet my mind and build confidence.

Succeeding in freediving would be a huge accomplishment for me, not just because of the physical challenge, but because it would prove to myself that I can push past my fears and limitations. It would show me that with dedication and practice, I can overcome even the most daunting obstacles. And who knows, maybe one day I'll be able to explore the ocean floor, to discover new species, to experience the thrill of weightlessness. The possibility is intoxicating, and it's what drives me to keep trying, to keep pushing myself to succeed.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

push past

to overcome or move beyond a difficulty or obstacle

push past your fears

push past your limits

weightlessness

the state of being without weight or gravity

the weightlessness of being in space

the weightlessness of freediving

Sample Part 3 Answers

What are some of the reasons for failure? I think one of the main reasons people fail at something they want to succeed in is because they're not willing to put in the time and effort required to master it. For example, let's say someone wants to learn how to play the guitar, but they only practice for a few minutes a day and expect to become a rockstar overnight. It's just not realistic. To truly succeed, you need to be willing to put in the work and make sacrifices. I've seen people who want to start a business, but they're not willing to put in the long hours and hard work required to get it off the ground. They expect everything to fall into place easily, and when it doesn't, they give up. But the truth is, success rarely happens overnight. It takes perseverance, dedication, and a willingness to learn from your mistakes.

Why are some people successful? I believe that one of the key factors that sets successful people apart is their ability to focus on the process, not just the outcome. When you're working towards a goal, it's easy to get caught up in the end result and lose sight of the steps you need to take to get there. But successful people understand that it's the small, daily actions that ultimately lead to success. They're able to break down their goals into manageable tasks and stay focused on making progress, even when the end result seems far away. For instance, if someone wants to write a book, they might set a goal to write 500 words every day, rather than just focusing on the end goal of publishing a book. By focusing on the process, they're able to make steady progress and stay motivated, even when the task seems daunting.

How do you celebrate success? When I achieve something I've been working towards, I like to take a step back and reflect on the journey that got me there. I think it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of the moment and forget about all the hard work and struggles that led to the success. So, I try to take some time to appreciate the progress I've made and the lessons I've learned along the way. I might treat myself to something nice, like a favorite meal or activity, but I also try to share my success with others and acknowledge the people who supported me along the way. For example, if I've just finished a big project at work, I might take my team out for a celebration or write a thank-you note to my colleagues who helped me. By acknowledging the people and efforts that contributed to my success, I'm able to stay grounded and appreciate the value of my achievement.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

break down

to separate something into smaller parts or tasks in order to make it more manageable