Cue Card

Describe something important that has been kept in your family for a long time

You should say:

• What it is
• When you family got it
• How your family got it
• And explain why it is important for your family.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. What kinds of things do families keep for a long time?
2. What’s the difference between the things people value today and the things they valued in the past?
3. What kinds of things are kept in museums?
4. What influence has technology had on museums?

Sample Cue Card Answer

My grandmother's locket has been passed down through generations of women in my family. It's a beautiful, antique gold necklace with a small, delicate pendant in the shape of a heart. But it's not just any locket - it's a family heirloom that holds a deep significance and a story that I'm proud to share. The locket was originally given to my great-great-grandmother by her husband, a soldier, before he went off to war. She wore it every day, and it became a symbol of their love and commitment to each other.

As the years went by, the locket was passed down to my great-grandmother, then to my grandmother, and eventually to my mother. Each of them added their own chapter to the locket's story, and it became a tangible connection to our family's history. I remember my grandmother telling me stories of how she wore the locket on her wedding day, and how it brought her good luck and happiness throughout her marriage.

When my mother passed the locket down to me, I felt a mix of emotions - excitement, gratitude, and a sense of responsibility. I knew that I was not only receiving a beautiful piece of jewelry but also a piece of our family's heritage. I've worn the locket on special occasions, like my wedding day and the birth of my children, and it's served as a reminder of the strong women who came before me and the love that has been passed down through our family.

The locket is more than just a family heirloom - it's a symbol of the love, strength, and resilience that has been woven into the fabric of our family's history. It's a reminder that even though times and circumstances may change, the bonds that tie us together remain unbroken. As I look at the locket, I'm reminded of the importance of preserving our family's stories and traditions, and I feel grateful to be a part of this legacy.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

passed down

given or transferred to someone, typically from an older to a younger person, especially within a family

The locket was passed down to my mother from her mother.

The family recipe was passed down from generation to generation.

tangible connection

a physical object or sensation that provides a clear and direct link to something, such as a memory or a feeling

The locket served as a tangible connection to our family's history.

The smell of freshly baked cookies is a tangible connection to my childhood.

piece of our family's heritage

something that is considered to be an important part of a family's history, culture, or traditions

The locket is a piece of our family's heritage that has been passed down through generations.

The old family farm is a piece of our heritage that we want to preserve.

Sample Part 3 Answers

What kinds of things do families keep for a long time? You know, families keep all sorts of things for a long time, but the ones that really stand out are the ones that hold sentimental value. For my family, it's my grandmother's old recipe book. It's been passed down for generations, and every time we make one of her famous dishes, it's like she's right there with us. The book itself is old and worn, but the memories and stories that come with it are what make it truly special. My mom remembers helping her mom make cookies from that book when she was a kid, and now she makes them with me. It's a tradition that's been kept alive through that one book. We've even added our own recipes to it over the years, so it's become a real family heirloom.

What’s the difference between the things people value today and the things they valued in the past? I think the biggest difference between what people value today and what they valued in the past is the shift from material possessions to experiences. My grandparents grew up during a time when resources were scarce, so they placed a high value on things like furniture, jewelry, and other physical items that would last a lifetime. Nowadays, it seems like people are more focused on collecting experiences, like traveling, trying new foods, and attending events. Don't get me wrong, we still value our possessions, but it's not the same as it used to be. I mean, my grandma's old dining room set is still in our family, but it's not as important to me as the memories I've made with my friends on our annual camping trips. It's like, what's the point of having a fancy table if you're not making memories with the people you love?

What kinds of things are kept in museums? Museums are like time capsules, preserving all sorts of artifacts and relics from the past. I recently visited the Smithsonian in DC, and it was amazing to see all the historical objects on display. They had everything from ancient Egyptian mummies to the Wright brothers' Flyer. But what really caught my attention was the exhibit on American culture, with artifacts like Dorothy's ruby red slippers from The Wizard of Oz and the original Star-Spangled Banner. It's incredible to think that these objects have been preserved for so long and are still able to evoke emotions and tell stories today. Museums are a great way to learn about history and appreciate the significance of these objects in a way that's both entertaining and educational.

What influence has technology had on museums? Technology has completely transformed the way we experience museums. I mean, think about it – you can now take a virtual tour of the Louvre from your living room, or use an app to scan a QR code and learn more about a specific artifact. It's amazing. But what's even more impressive is how technology has helped museums make their collections more accessible to people who may not be able to physically visit. For example, the Google Arts & Culture platform has partnered with museums around the world to create digital exhibits that can be explored online. It's incredible to think that someone in a remote village can now see and learn about the same artifacts that I can see in person. Technology has also helped museums preserve their collections for future generations. Digital archiving and 3D scanning are just a couple of examples of how technology is helping to preserve our cultural heritage.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

passed down

to give something to someone in a younger generation, usually a family member, so that they can have it or use it

The family recipe book was passed down from my grandmother to my mother to me.