Cue Card

Describe something you bought that was difficult to use at first

You should say:

• What it was
• Where you bought it
• What you did to use it successfully
• And how you felt about it.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. What kinds of products do young people think are useful but old people may not?
2. Do you think a product’s instruction guide helps users use the product better?
3. What do you usually do if you don’t know how to use something you’ve bought?
4. Do you think it’s necessary to produce so many new products nowadays?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I'll never forget the day I bought my first Instant Pot. I was so excited to dive into the world of pressure cooking, but what I got was a kitchen gadget that seemed to have a language of its own. The manual was thicker than a novel, and the buttons looked like they belonged on a spaceship control panel. I mean, what's the difference between'saute' and'sear'? And don't even get me started on the 'yogurt' button - who uses that? I felt like I needed a degree in engineering just to boil some water.

The first few attempts at cooking were, um, interesting. Let's just say I won't be winning any culinary awards anytime soon. But I was determined to master this beast. I watched YouTube tutorials, read online forums, and even joined an Instant Pot Facebook group (yes, that's a thing). Slowly but surely, I started to get the hang of it. I learned that the'saute' button is actually really useful for browning meat, and that the 'yogurt' button is perfect for making, well, yogurt.

Fast forward a few months, and I'm now an Instant Pot ninja. I can whip up a mean beef stew or cook a perfect hard-boiled egg with ease. And you know what? I'm glad I struggled at first. It forced me to learn and experiment, and now I have a newfound appreciation for the art of pressure cooking. So, if you're struggling with a new gadget or skill, don't give up. Keep at it, and you'll be a pro in no time.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

had a language of its own

something is very difficult to understand or use

The instructions had a language of its own, I had to watch a video to understand them.

winning any culinary awards

to be very good at something, especially cooking

She's been taking cooking classes and is now winning culinary awards with her dishes.

get the hang of it

to become comfortable and proficient with something

It took me a few tries to get the hang of riding a bike, but now I love it.

Sample Part 3 Answers

What kinds of products do young people think are useful but old people may not? I think young people find smart home devices super useful, but older folks might not see the point. For instance, smart speakers like Alexa or Google Home can be really convenient for playing music, setting reminders, or controlling other smart devices with just your voice. But for older people who are used to doing things the traditional way, it might be harder to understand the benefits of having a device that can do all that. I mean, why bother with voice commands when you can just get up and flip a switch, right? But for young people who are already comfortable with technology, these devices can be a game-changer. They can make life so much easier and more efficient.

Do you think a product’s instruction guide helps users use the product better? Honestly, I think instruction guides can be really helpful, but only if they're well-written and easy to follow. I remember when I bought my first smartphone, the manual was like a novel! It was so thick and overwhelming. But then I realized that the manufacturer had also made a bunch of video tutorials online, which were way more helpful. Seeing someone actually use the phone and explain each feature step-by-step made it so much easier for me to understand. So, I think instruction guides can be useful, but they need to be concise and visual, not just a bunch of text.

What do you usually do if you don’t know how to use something you’ve bought? When I'm stuck with a new product, I usually try to figure it out on my own first. I'll read the manual, look for tutorials online, or watch YouTube videos. But if I'm still having trouble, I'll ask a friend or family member for help. My brother is super tech-savvy, so I often call him when I'm struggling with something. He's always patient and explains things in a way that makes sense to me. If all else fails, I might contact the manufacturer's customer support, but that's usually a last resort. I hate waiting on hold or dealing with automated systems!

Do you think it’s necessary to produce so many new products nowadays? I think there's a fine line between innovation and overproduction. On the one hand, new products can be amazing and really improve our lives. For example, electric cars are a game-changer for the environment, and smartphones have revolutionized the way we communicate. But on the other hand, it feels like there's a new gadget or gizmo coming out every week, and it's just not sustainable. All that waste and consumption can't be good for the planet. I think companies should focus on making a few high-quality products that really make a difference, rather than churning out cheap, disposable stuff that's just going to end up in a landfill.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

game-changer

something that completely changes a situation or activity, often in a very good way

Smartphones have been a game-changer for communication.

Electric cars are a game-changer for the environment.