Cue Card

Describe the home of someone you know well and visit often

You should say:

• whose home it is
• how often you go there
• what their home is like; and
• explain how you feel about the home.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. What are the differences between the buildings in a city and the buildings in the countryside?
2. Do you prefer living in a city or in the countryside?
3. What are the risks of living in a city?
4. Is it expensive to decorate a home where you live?

Sample Cue Card Answer

My grandmother's house is a sensory overload in the best possible way. The moment you step inside, you're hit with the smell of fresh-baked cookies wafting from the kitchen, where she's always whipping up a new batch for the neighborhood kids. The walls are a deep, warm yellow that seems to glow, and the floors creak under your feet in a comforting way that says, 'I've been here for decades, and I've got stories to tell.'

The living room is a treasure trove of knick-knacks and trinkets she's collected over the years. There's the vintage typewriter that still works, the faded photographs of her and my grandfather's travels, and the hand-carved wooden rocking chair that's been passed down through generations. And then there's the garden out back – a riot of color and life, where she grows her own herbs and veggies, and the smell of fresh-cut grass is always in the air.

But what really makes her house feel like home is the way it's always changing. She's always rearranging the furniture, trying out new recipes, and adding to her collection of weird and wonderful artifacts. It's like the house is a living, breathing thing, and every time I visit, I find something new to discover.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

sensory overload

an overwhelming amount of sensory stimuli

The fireworks display was a sensory overload, with explosions of color and sound in every direction.

whipping up

to prepare or create something quickly and easily

She whipped up a batch of cookies in under an hour.

treasure trove

a collection of valuable or interesting things

The attic was a treasure trove of antique furniture and vintage clothing.

riot of color

a vibrant and intense display of colors

The garden was a riot of color, with flowers blooming in every direction.

Sample Part 3 Answers

What are the differences between the buildings in a city and the buildings in the countryside? One thing that really stands out to me when I visit my grandparents' house in the countryside is the stark contrast between the buildings there and the ones in the city where I live. For one, the buildings in the city are so much taller and closer together - it's not uncommon to see skyscrapers and high-rise apartments lining the streets. In contrast, the buildings in the countryside are much shorter and more spread out. My grandparents' house, for example, is a cozy little bungalow with a big yard and plenty of space to roam around. It's a really peaceful atmosphere, and it's amazing how different it feels from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Do you prefer living in a city or in the countryside? You know, I've always been a city girl at heart, but visiting my grandparents in the countryside has really made me appreciate the charms of rural life. There's something so peaceful about waking up to the sound of birds chirping and falling asleep to the sound of crickets - it's a totally different rhythm from the constant hum of traffic and sirens in the city. Plus, I love how close-knit the community is in the countryside - everyone knows each other, and there's a real sense of neighborliness that's hard to find in the city. That being said, I do love the energy and diversity of the city, so I think I'd have to say I'm a bit of both - I love visiting the countryside, but I'm happy to call the city my home.

What are the risks of living in a city? One thing that's always on my mind when I'm walking around the city is safety. There are just so many more people and cars and potential hazards in the city - it can be overwhelming. I've had friends who have been pickpocketed or mugged, and it's just a constant worry. Plus, there's the air and noise pollution, which can be really bad for your health. And then there's the cost of living - everything from rent to food to transportation is just so much more expensive in the city. It can be really tough to make ends meet, especially if you're on a tight budget. But despite all these risks, I think the benefits of city living - the job opportunities, the cultural events, the diversity - make it all worth it for me.

Is it expensive to decorate a home where you live? Actually, I think decorating a home in the city can be really affordable if you know where to look. There are so many thrift stores and vintage shops where you can find amazing one-of-a-kind pieces for a fraction of the cost of buying new. And because there are so many people living in small apartments, there's always someone getting rid of something they no longer need, so you can often find great deals on gently used furniture and decor. Plus, with the rise of online shopping, it's easier than ever to find affordable decor options that fit your style. Of course, if you're looking for high-end designer pieces, that's a different story - but for the average person, I think decorating a home in the city can be really accessible.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

at heart

to be someone's true nature or character

I'm a city girl at heart

He's a musician at heart

close-knit

a group of people who know and support each other well

The community in the countryside is really close-knit

My family is very close-knit

make ends meet

to have enough money to pay for the things you need

It's hard to make ends meet on a tight budget

She works two jobs to make ends meet