Cue Card

Describe something you want to replace

You should say:

• What it is
• Where it is
• How you got it
• And explain why you want to replace it

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. What are some other things you want to replace?
2. What kinds of things do young people like to replace?
3. Why do old people like to hoard things?
4. Who do you think will want new things: children or old people?
5. What’s the difference between new things and old things?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I'm here to talk about something that's been on my mind lately - the humble alarm clock. Yeah, that annoying thing that wakes us up every morning, disrupting our peaceful sleep and jolting us into the harsh reality of a new day. I mean, who invented this torture device, anyway? It's time to rethink the way we start our day, and I'm here to make the case for replacing the traditional alarm clock with something better.

Think about it - our alarm clocks are basically just noise-making machines that shock us awake, often leaving us feeling groggy and disoriented. And don't even get me started on the snooze button. It's like, what's the point of that, really? We're just delaying the inevitable, and making ourselves late in the process. It's time to wake up (pun intended) and realize that there are better ways to start our day.

So, what's the alternative? For me, it's all about simulating a sunrise. Imagine waking up to a gentle, gradual increase in light, mimicking the way the sun rises in the morning. No jarring noises, no harsh awakenings. Just a peaceful, natural transition from sleep to wakefulness. It's an idea that's already being explored in the world of smart lighting, and I think it's the future of waking up.

Of course, there are other alternatives too - like wake-up lights that use a simulated sunrise, or even smartwatches that can monitor our sleep patterns and wake us up during a light sleep phase. The point is, it's time to rethink the way we start our day, and explore new ways to wake up that are more gentle, more natural, and more humane. So, let's ditch those annoying alarm clocks and start our days with a little more kindness - to ourselves, and to our sleep-deprived brains.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

wake-up call

a sudden realization or event that prompts someone to take action or make a change

The company's financial struggles were a wake-up call for the CEO to re-evaluate the business strategy

The health scare was a wake-up call for me to start taking care of my body

Sample Part 3 Answers

What are some other things you want to replace? One thing I've been thinking about replacing is my old backpack. I've had it since college, and it's been with me through thick and thin. However, it's starting to show its age, with frayed straps and a worn-out lining. I've been eyeing a new one that's more comfortable and has better compartments for my laptop and other essentials. I think it's time to retire my trusty old backpack and upgrade to something that will make my daily commute easier and more efficient.

What kinds of things do young people like to replace? I think young people, especially teenagers and young adults, love to replace their phones. It's like, every year or two, there's a new model that comes out, and suddenly everyone wants it. I mean, I've seen people upgrade their phones just to get the latest features or to keep up with the latest trends. It's not just about the functionality; it's also about the status symbol that comes with having the latest and greatest device. And let's be real, who doesn't love the feeling of getting a brand-new phone, all shiny and untouched?

Why do old people like to hoard things? I think older people tend to hoard things because they've lived through different times and have a different perspective on material possessions. For them, holding onto things might be a way to hold onto memories and experiences. My grandmother, for example, still has all these old trinkets and decorations that she's collected over the years, and each one has a story behind it. She can't bear to part with them because they remind her of special moments and people in her life. It's not just about the physical object itself, but about the emotional value it holds.

Who do you think will want new things: children or old people? I think children are more likely to want new things. Kids are naturally curious and love exploring new things, whether it's a toy, a game, or even a new pair of shoes. They get bored easily and are always looking for the next exciting thing. Plus, they're still developing their sense of identity, so they're more likely to want things that reflect their changing interests and personalities. On the other hand, older people tend to be more set in their ways and might be more attached to what they already have.

What’s the difference between new things and old things? To me, the difference between new things and old things is the story they tell. New things are like a blank canvas, waiting for you to create memories and experiences with them. They're exciting and full of possibilities. Old things, on the other hand, have a history and a character that's developed over time. They've been worn in, broken in, and loved. My grandfather's old watch, for example, has been passed down through generations, and every scratch and scuff tells a story about the people who've worn it before. New things can't replicate that kind of depth and meaning.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

starting to show its age

to begin to look or feel old

My car is starting to show its age, I need to get a new one.

through thick and thin

through good times and bad

I've been with my best friend through thick and thin, we've been through everything together.

frayed

worn or damaged, often referring to fabric or rope

The frayed edges of the rope made it look old and worn out.

retire

to stop using or doing something because it is old or no longer needed

I'm going to retire my old backpack and get a new one.

upgrade

to replace something with a newer or better version

I'm going to upgrade my phone to the latest model.

status symbol

something that shows a person's wealth or social status

A luxury car is often seen as a status symbol.

hoard

to collect and keep things, often in a way that is excessive or unreasonable

My grandmother used to hoard old trinkets and decorations.

hold onto

to keep or retain something

My grandmother can't bear to part with her old trinkets.

emotional value

the value something has because of the emotions or memories it evokes

The old watch has emotional value because it's been passed down through generations.