Cue Card

Describe something you do that helps you study or work

You should say:

• What it is
• How you learned it
• When you do it
• And how you feel about the method.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. What’s the typical routine of someone in your country?
2. What is the difference between an old person’s routine and a young person’s routine?
3. What do you like to do in your spare time?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I'm a big fan of the Pomodoro Technique. It's a time management method that's ridiculously simple, but it's been a game-changer for my productivity. The idea is that you work in focused 25-minute increments, followed by a 5-minute break. After four cycles, you take a longer break of 15-30 minutes. It sounds silly, but it works.

I use this technique to study for exams or work on big projects. I'll set a timer on my phone, and for those 25 minutes, I'm completely focused on the task at hand. No social media, no email, no texting. Just me and the material. It's amazing how much you can get done in that short amount of time.

The breaks are just as important as the work sessions. It gives me a chance to recharge, grab a snack, or stretch my legs. It's also a great way to avoid burnout. I used to try to study for hours on end, but that just led to frustration and exhaustion. With the Pomodoro Technique, I can work in manageable chunks, and I feel more in control.

I've also found that it helps me stay motivated. When you're working in short bursts, you can see progress more easily. You can say, 'Okay, I've got this one task done, now I can move on to the next one.' It's a great feeling, and it keeps me going even when the work gets tough.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

game-changer

something that has a significant and positive impact

The new policy has been a game-changer for our company.

The Pomodoro Technique has been a game-changer for my productivity.

Sample Part 3 Answers

What’s the typical routine of someone in your country? You know, I think a typical routine for someone in the US is pretty busy. I mean, most people wake up early, around 6 or 7 am, and start their day with a cup of coffee and maybe some breakfast. Then they head to work or school, which can be a pretty long commute, depending on where you live. After a long day, they usually come home, spend some time with family or friends, and then wind down with some TV or a book before bed. It's a pretty standard routine, but it can vary depending on the person and their lifestyle. For me, personally, I like to mix it up a bit. I'll often take a walk or do some yoga in the morning to get my blood flowing, and then I'll spend some time reading or learning something new before bed. It's all about finding that balance, you know?

What is the difference between an old person’s routine and a young person’s routine? I think one of the biggest differences between an old person's routine and a young person's routine is the pace of life. Older people tend to have a more relaxed pace, they've got more free time and they can take things easy. They might spend more time on hobbies, like gardening or reading, and they might have more time to travel. Younger people, on the other hand, are usually pretty busy. They're working or studying, and they've got a lot of responsibilities. They might have to juggle work, school, and social life, so their routine is often more packed. For example, my grandma loves to garden and spend time with her friends, she's got a lot of free time and she can do whatever she wants. On the other hand, my friends and I are always on the go, we're always running from one thing to another. It's a big difference, but I think it's just part of life.

What do you like to do in your spare time? Spare time is a precious thing for me! When I've got some free time, I love to learn new things. I'm really into online courses and podcasts, so I'll often spend my spare time listening to those or watching educational videos. I find it really interesting to learn about different subjects, like science or history, and it's a great way to relax. I also love to read, I'll often get lost in a good book and forget about everything else. It's a great way to unwind and escape reality for a bit. I think it's really important to have hobbies and interests outside of work or school, it keeps your mind fresh and it's a great way to meet new people. For example, I've met some really interesting people through online forums and book clubs, it's been really cool.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

wind down

to relax and calm down, often before bed

I like to wind down with a book before bed.

juggle

to manage multiple things at the same time

I'm juggling work and school right now, it's tough.

on the go

always moving or traveling from one place to another

I'm always on the go, I don't have much free time.