Cue Card

Describe the time when you received your first cellphone

You should say:

• When it was
• Where you were
• Who gave you the cellphone
• What it was like
• And how you felt about it

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. For children, at what age do you think it’s suitable to allow them to use a cellphone?
2. Is it popular for children to use cellphones in your country?
3. What do teenagers in your country use cellphones for?
4. What are the advantages/disadvantages of using a cellphone?
5. Why are so many people addicted to cellphones?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I was 12 years old, and it was Christmas morning. I tore through the wrapping paper to find a sleek, silver Nokia flip phone. My parents had finally relented to my constant begging, and I was beyond excited. I spent hours setting it up, programming in my friends' numbers, and playing Snake II until the battery died. I felt like the coolest kid in school, whipping out my phone during lunch to show off my new toy. Little did I know, this was just the beginning of a lifelong love-hate relationship with my phone.

Looking back, it's crazy to think about how much my life changed with that first phone. I went from being a kid who had to use the landline to call my friends, to having the world at my fingertips. I could text my friends, play games, and even access the internet (albeit at a snail's pace). It was like having a tiny computer in my pocket, and I was hooked. Of course, my parents were worried about the impact it would have on my social skills, but I was too busy exploring the endless possibilities to worry about that.

Fast forward to today, and it's hard to imagine life without my phone. I use it to stay connected with friends and family, to navigate unfamiliar cities, and to document my life. But sometimes I catch myself mindlessly scrolling through social media, comparing my life to others, and feeling like I'm missing out. It's a constant struggle to find balance in this digital age, but I'm working on it. That first phone was just the beginning of a journey that's taken me to places I never could have imagined, and I'm excited to see where it takes me next.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

whipping out

to quickly take something out, often to show it off

I whipped out my phone to take a selfie

She whipped out her wallet to pay for the coffee

love-hate relationship

a relationship where you have strong feelings of both love and hate towards something

I have a love-hate relationship with my job

He has a love-hate relationship with his phone

Sample Part 3 Answers

For children, at what age do you think it’s suitable to allow them to use a cellphone? I think it's suitable for children to use a cellphone around the age of 12 or 13. At this age, they're usually in middle school and start to have more independence, like walking to school or going to extracurricular activities without their parents. Having a cellphone can be a great way for them to stay connected with their parents or guardians, especially in case of an emergency. Plus, it can also help them develop a sense of responsibility, as they learn to manage their screen time and prioritize their schoolwork. Of course, it's crucial for parents to set clear boundaries and rules for cellphone use, but I think 12 or 13 is a good age to introduce this technology.

Is it popular for children to use cellphones in your country? In the US, it's extremely common for kids to have cellphones, even at a relatively young age. I'd say by the time they're in high school, most kids have their own phone. It's not just about keeping in touch with parents, but also about socializing with friends, accessing information, and staying connected to the world. Many schools even incorporate cellphones into their curriculum, using educational apps and online resources to enhance learning. However, it's worth noting that some parents are starting to push back against this trend, advocating for a more balanced approach to screen time and encouraging kids to engage in outdoor activities and face-to-face interactions.

What do teenagers in your country use cellphones for? Teenagers in the US use cellphones for just about everything. Social media is a huge part of their online lives, with platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat being incredibly popular. They also use their phones to listen to music, watch videos, play games, and text their friends. But beyond just entertainment, cellphones have become an essential tool for teenagers to stay organized, with many using apps to keep track of their schedules, assignments, and reminders. Some teens even use their phones to create content, whether it's through YouTube, TikTok, or writing blogs. Overall, cellphones have become an integral part of the teenage experience in the US.

What are the advantages/disadvantages of using a cellphone? One of the biggest advantages of using a cellphone is the convenience it offers. With a phone, you have access to a wealth of information at your fingertips, can stay connected with loved ones, and can even use it as a tool for education or work. However, one of the major disadvantages is the potential for addiction. It's easy to get sucked into the endless scroll of social media or the constant stream of notifications, which can lead to a decrease in productivity, increased stress, and a negative impact on mental health. Additionally, the constant need to be connected can also lead to a sense of burnout and exhaustion. Ultimately, it's all about finding a balance and using cellphones in a way that enhances our lives, rather than controlling them.

Why are so many people addicted to cellphones? I think one of the main reasons people become addicted to cellphones is because of the way they're designed. Many apps, especially social media platforms, use algorithms that are specifically crafted to keep us engaged for as long as possible. They use tactics like infinite scrolling, notifications, and personalized content to activate our brain's reward system, releasing feel-good chemicals like dopamine. This can create a cycle of craving and consumption, where we feel compelled to constantly check our phones, even when there's no real need to. Additionally, the fear of missing out, or FOMO, can also play a role, as people feel pressure to stay connected and up-to-date with events and news. It's a complex issue, but ultimately, it's up to each individual to recognize the signs of addiction and take steps to establish a healthier relationship with their phone.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

at a relatively young age

at an age that is younger than expected or typical

In the US, it's extremely common for kids to have cellphones, even at a relatively young age.

push back against

to resist or oppose something

some parents are starting to push back against this trend, advocating for a more balanced approach to screen time.

integral part

a necessary or essential part of something

cellphones have become an integral part of the teenage experience in the US.

at your fingertips

easily accessible or available

With a phone, you have access to a wealth of information at your fingertips.

get sucked into

to become deeply involved or engaged in something, often in a way that is difficult to control

It's easy to get sucked into the endless scroll of social media or the constant stream of notifications.

burnout

a state of physical, emotional, or mental exhaustion

the constant need to be connected can also lead to a sense of burnout and exhaustion.

craft

to make or create something with skill and care

Many apps, especially social media platforms, use algorithms that are specifically crafted to keep us engaged for as long as possible.

activate

to make something start working or functioning

They use tactics like infinite scrolling, notifications, and personalized content to activate our brain's reward system.

fear of missing out

a feeling of anxiety or apprehension about potentially missing important events or experiences

the fear of missing out, or FOMO, can also play a role, as people feel pressure to stay connected and up-to-date with events and news.