Cue Card

Describe something important that you lost in the past

You should say:

• When this happened
• Where you lost it
• What it was
• What you did after it was lost
• And explain why it was important

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. What kinds of people lost things often?
2. What can we do to prevent losing important things?
3. What would you do if you saw something valuable that didn’t belong to you on the street?
4. What kinds of things have you lost so far?
5. What do you usually do to look for lost items?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I lost my grandmother's locket when I was 12 years old. It was a family heirloom that had been passed down for generations, and it held a picture of my great-grandparents on their wedding day. I remember feeling so responsible when my grandmother gave it to me, like I was the keeper of a precious family secret. But one day, while I was playing outside, it slipped off my neck and disappeared into the grass. I was devastated.

I spent hours searching for it, but it was gone. My grandmother was heartbroken, and I felt like I'd let her down. But as I grew older, I realized that the locket was more than just a piece of jewelry – it was a connection to my heritage and my family's history. Losing it made me appreciate the importance of holding onto memories and stories, even if the physical objects are gone.

Now, when I look at old family photos, I see the faces of people I've never met, but whose stories I've heard through my grandmother's tales. I realize that even though I lost the locket, I still have the stories, the memories, and the love that came with it. It's a reminder that what's truly important isn't the physical object, but the emotions and connections it represents.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

lost and found

to misplace something and then recover it, often with a deeper appreciation for its value

I lost my phone, but found it again and now I'm more careful with it.

She lost her job, but found a new one that she loves.

Sample Part 3 Answers

What kinds of people lost things often? I think people who are always on the go and have a lot on their plate tend to lose things more often. For example, students who have to juggle classes, assignments, and a social life might misplace their keys or phone charger. Similarly, working professionals who are constantly traveling or switching between different projects might forget their wallet or laptop. It's not that these individuals are careless, but rather, their busy schedules and multiple responsibilities make it easier to overlook things.

What can we do to prevent losing important things? One strategy that works for me is to designate a specific spot for important items like my keys, wallet, and phone. For instance, I always keep my keys on a hook near the entrance of my apartment, so I know exactly where to find them when I need to leave. Another approach is to use a tracking device or app, like Tile or Find My Phone, which can help locate lost items. Additionally, making it a habit to double-check for belongings before leaving a place, like a restaurant or public transportation, can also reduce the likelihood of losing something valuable.

What would you do if you saw something valuable that didn’t belong to you on the street? If I saw something valuable like a wallet or phone on the street, I would try to return it to its owner. First, I'd check if there's any identification or contact information inside the item, like a driver's license or a phone number. If there is, I'd reach out to the owner directly to arrange a meeting to return their belongings. If not, I'd turn it in to a lost and found or a nearby business, like a coffee shop or convenience store, in the hopes that the owner would come looking for it. It's always a good feeling to reunite someone with their lost property.

What kinds of things have you lost so far? I've lost my fair share of items over the years, but one thing that still stands out in my mind is my favorite childhood blanket. It was a soft, fuzzy blanket with a cute cartoon character on it that my grandmother had given me when I was a kid. I must have left it at my grandparents' house during a visit, and despite searching the entire house, it was never found. I was really attached to that blanket, and losing it was tough. Looking back, I wish I had been more careful with it, but it taught me to appreciate the things I have and to take better care of them.

What do you usually do to look for lost items? When I lose something, I usually start by retracing my steps and thinking about the last time I remember having the item. I'll go back to the places I've been and ask people if they've seen it. If it's something small, like a pen or a book, I'll search my usual spots, like my desk or backpack. If I still can't find it, I'll expand my search to other areas, like my room or the entire house. Sometimes, I'll even ask friends or family members to help me look. It's amazing how often a fresh pair of eyes can spot something that I've missed.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

on the go

moving from place to place, often in a hurry

She's always on the go, so she needs a reliable planner to stay organized.