Cue Card

Describe the last book you read

You should say:

• What type/kind of book it was
• What it was about
• Where you read it
• How you felt about the book

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. In your country, who encourages children to read most: schools or parents?
2. Do you prefer paper books or e-books?
3. Do you think printed books will continue to exist?
4. Do you think parents should continue reading?
5. What kind of books do children read?

Sample Cue Card Answer

The last book I read was 'The Nightingale' by Kristin Hannah. I just finished it a few days ago, and I'm still reeling from the experience. It's a historical fiction novel set in France during World War II, and it tells the story of two sisters and their struggles to survive and resist the Nazi occupation. I was completely absorbed in the story from start to finish, and I found myself thinking about the characters and their experiences long after I finished reading.

What struck me most about this book was the way it portrayed the human side of war. It's easy to get caught up in the big picture, the politics and the battles, but this book really drove home the impact that war has on individuals and families. The characters were so well-developed and complex, and I loved watching them grow and change throughout the story.

One of the things that really stood out to me was the way the author wove together the different storylines and plot threads. The book jumps back and forth in time, and at first, it was a bit disorienting, but as I got further into the story, I realized that it was a deliberate choice to reflect the fragmented nature of memory and experience. It was a really effective way to tell the story, and it added to the overall sense of tension and suspense.

I also appreciated the way the author explored the complexities of female relationships and the ways in which women supported and empowered each other during a time of great hardship. The bond between the two sisters was especially compelling, and I loved watching them navigate their differences and come to a deeper understanding of each other.

Overall, I would highly recommend 'The Nightingale' to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or is looking for a compelling and emotional read. It's a powerful and thought-provoking book that will stay with you long after you finish reading.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

reeling from the experience

to be deeply affected or shocked by something

I was reeling from the news of the accident.

The team was reeling from their loss in the championship game.

absorbed in the story

completely engaged or engrossed in something

I was absorbed in the book and didn't notice the time.

She was absorbed in her work and forgot to eat lunch.

human side of war

the personal and emotional aspects of war, rather than just the military or political aspects

The documentary showed the human side of war, highlighting the struggles of civilians.

The novel explored the human side of war, focusing on the experiences of individual soldiers.

Sample Part 3 Answers

In your country, who encourages children to read most: schools or parents? In the United States, I think it's a combination of both schools and parents who encourage children to read. However, if I had to pick one, I'd say schools play a more significant role in fostering a love for reading in kids. Schools provide a structured environment where children are exposed to a wide range of books and reading materials, and teachers often make reading a fun and interactive experience through activities like read-aloud sessions and book clubs. Additionally, schools often have well-stocked libraries and reading programs that cater to different age groups and reading levels, making it easier for kids to find books that interest them. While parents also play a crucial role in encouraging their children to read, schools provide a more formal setting that helps kids develop a reading habit from an early age.

Do you prefer paper books or e-books? Personally, I prefer paper books over e-books. There's something tactile and sensory about holding a physical book in my hands, feeling the weight of the pages, and flipping through them that I just can't replicate with an e-book. I love the smell of paper and ink, and the way the pages yellow with age. Plus, I find that I retain information better when I read physical books, maybe because I'm more engaged with the physical act of turning pages and underlining text. That being said, I do appreciate the convenience of e-books, especially when I'm traveling or commuting, but if I had to choose, I'd always opt for a paper book.

Do you think printed books will continue to exist? I'm a bit of an optimist, so I believe that printed books will continue to exist, even in the age of e-books and digital media. There's something special about holding a physical book that just can't be replicated with a screen. Plus, many people, like me, still prefer the tactile experience of reading a physical book. Additionally, there's a growing trend of people seeking out unique, artisanal, and collectible books, which suggests that there's still a strong demand for printed books. Of course, the way we consume books may change, and we may see more hybrid models emerge, but I think printed books will always have a place in our culture.

Do you think parents should continue reading? Absolutely, I think parents should continue reading, not just for themselves, but also to set a good example for their kids. Reading is one of the best ways to relax and reduce stress, and it's essential for personal growth and development. When parents read, they're showing their kids that reading is a valuable and enjoyable activity, which can help foster a love for reading in their children. Moreover, reading can help parents stay informed, expand their knowledge, and improve their critical thinking skills, all of which can benefit their parenting and relationships with their kids. By continuing to read, parents can stay engaged, motivated, and inspired, which can have a positive impact on their entire family.

What kind of books do children read? Children's reading habits are incredibly diverse, and it really depends on their age, interests, and reading level. For younger kids, picture books with colorful illustrations and simple stories are often a hit. As kids get older, they tend to move on to early readers, chapter books, and eventually, more complex novels. Many kids also enjoy reading non-fiction books, especially those about animals, science, and history. Some popular book genres among kids include fantasy, adventure, and graphic novels. Of course, every child is different, and what one kid loves to read may not be the same for another, but overall, kids tend to enjoy books that are engaging, relatable, and fun.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

foster a love for reading

to encourage or promote a strong interest in reading

Schools play a significant role in fostering a love for reading in kids.

structured environment

a well-organized and controlled setting

Schools provide a structured environment where children are exposed to a wide range of books and reading materials.

tactile and sensory

relating to the sense of touch or physical sensations

There's something tactile and sensory about holding a physical book in my hands.

retain information

to remember or keep information in one's mind

I find that I retain information better when I read physical books.

artisanal

made in a traditional or non-mechanized way, often with great skill or craftsmanship

There's a growing trend of people seeking out unique, artisanal, and collectible books.

hybrid models

a combination of different things, especially different systems or technologies

We may see more hybrid models emerge, but I think printed books will always have a place in our culture.

set a good example

to behave in a way that others can follow or imitate

When parents read, they're showing kids that reading is a valuable and enjoyable activity.

stay engaged

to remain interested and involved

By continuing to read, parents can stay engaged, motivated, and inspired.

hit

something that is very popular or successful

Picture books with colorful illustrations and simple stories are often a hit with younger kids.