Cue Card

Describe something interesting that your friend has done but you haven’t

You should say:

• What it was
• Where your friend did it
• When your friend did it
• And explain why it was interesting

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. Are people influenced more by their friends or their parents?
2. Are people influenced by famous people?
3. Do you think more and more people are becoming self-centered?
4. Why are there many self-centered people?
5. What have you learned from your friends?

Sample Cue Card Answer

My friend Rachel has this crazy habit of buying old, beat-up cars and restoring them to their former glory. I'm talking cars that are literally on their last legs, with rust eating away at the chassis and engines that haven't turned over in years. She's got this vision, though - she can see the beauty in the broken, the potential in the discarded. And she's got the skills to back it up, too. I've watched her take apart an engine, diagnose the problem, and put it all back together again like it's nobody's business.

The most impressive part, though, is that she doesn't just stop at restoration. She takes these cars and turns them into works of art. She'll paint them in these bold, eye-catching colors, add custom interiors, and even install state-of-the-art sound systems. It's like she's not just fixing a car, she's creating a piece of art that just happens to have wheels. I've seen people stop and stare when she drives by, mesmerized by the sheer beauty of what she's created.

I've always been fascinated by her process, the way she can take something broken and make it new again. It's not just about the technical skills, either - it's about the creativity, the vision, and the patience. I mean, I can barely keep my own car running, let alone restore a classic. But Rachel, she's got this gift. And it's not just about the cars, either - it's about the sense of pride and accomplishment she gets from bringing something back to life.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

on their last legs

something or someone that is very old or in very bad condition

The car was on its last legs, but Rachel managed to restore it to its former glory.

After years of neglect, the old house was on its last legs, but the new owners were determined to fix it up.

Sample Part 3 Answers

Are people influenced more by their friends or their parents? I think it's interesting to consider how our relationships shape us. For me, I've found that my friends have had a profound impact on my life. One of my closest friends, Rachel, has been a huge influence on my love for travel. She's always been the adventurous type, and her enthusiasm is infectious. She's the one who convinced me to take a spontaneous road trip to Yellowstone, which ended up being one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I think what I've learned from Rachel is that sometimes you just have to take the leap and be open to new experiences, even if they scare you. My parents, on the other hand, have always been more cautious and encouraged me to play it safe. Don't get me wrong, their advice and guidance have been invaluable, but I think Rachel's influence has helped me develop a sense of independence and confidence that I might not have otherwise had.

Are people influenced by famous people? I think it's undeniable that famous people have a significant impact on our culture and society. One person who has really inspired me is the actress Emma Watson. I've always admired her commitment to social justice and her willingness to speak out on issues that matter. What I find particularly impressive is how she uses her platform to amplify the voices of others, rather than just promoting her own brand. For example, her work with the UN's HeForShe campaign has been instrumental in raising awareness about gender equality. I think what I've learned from Emma Watson is the importance of using my own privilege and platform to make a positive impact, no matter how small it may seem.

Do you think more and more people are becoming self-centered? Honestly, I think social media has played a huge role in the rise of self-centeredness. It's easy to get caught up in curating a perfect online image and comparing our lives to others. But I've noticed that some people take it to an extreme. My friend Alex, for instance, is always posting about his latest accomplishments and possessions. At first, I thought it was just harmless bragging, but over time, I realized that it was actually a cry for attention and validation. What I've learned from Alex is that true happiness and fulfillment come from within, and that seeking external validation can be a never-ending cycle. I've tried to be more mindful of my own social media use and focus on building meaningful relationships rather than seeking likes and followers.

Why are there many self-centered people? I think one reason why self-centeredness is so prevalent is that it's often a coping mechanism for deeper insecurities. My friend Jamie, for instance, comes from a big family and always felt like he needed to compete for attention. As a result, he developed a bit of a self-centered streak. But when I got to know him better, I realized that beneath the bravado, he was actually really insecure and seeking validation. What I've learned from Jamie is that self-centeredness is often a symptom of a deeper issue, and that by addressing those underlying insecurities, we can work towards becoming more empathetic and compassionate individuals.

What have you learned from your friends? One thing I've learned from my friends is the value of taking risks and stepping out of my comfort zone. My friend Mike, for instance, is always trying new things, whether it's rock climbing or learning a new language. At first, I thought he was crazy, but seeing how it's enriched his life has inspired me to be more adventurous. What I've learned from Mike is that growth happens outside of our comfort zones, and that taking calculated risks can lead to incredible rewards. I've started taking more risks in my own life, whether it's trying new hobbies or speaking up in meetings, and it's been incredibly liberating.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

take the leap

to take a risk and do something that might be scary or difficult

She convinced me to take a spontaneous road trip to Yellowstone, which ended up being one of the most incredible experiences of my life.

play it safe

to avoid taking risks and do something that is safe and easy

My parents have always been more cautious and encouraged me to play it safe.

infectious enthusiasm

enthusiasm that is exciting and spreads to others

Her enthusiasm is infectious.

sense of independence

the state of being able to think and act for oneself

I think Rachel's influence has helped me develop a sense of independence and confidence that I might not have otherwise had.

amplify the voices of others

to make the voices and opinions of others louder and more heard

What I find particularly impressive is how she uses her platform to amplify the voices of others, rather than just promoting her own brand.

curate a perfect online image

to carefully select and present a perfect image of oneself on social media

It's easy to get caught up in curating a perfect online image and comparing our lives to others.

cry for attention and validation

a desperate attempt to get attention and approval from others

I realized that it was actually a cry for attention and validation.

beneath the surface

hidden or not immediately apparent

But when I got to know him better, I realized that beneath the bravado, he was actually really insecure and seeking validation.

step out of my comfort zone

to do something that is outside of one's usual routine or comfort level

One thing I've learned from my friends is the value of taking risks and stepping out of my comfort zone.

calculated risks

risks that are carefully thought out and considered

What I've learned from Mike is that growth happens outside of our comfort zones, and that taking calculated risks can lead to incredible rewards.