Task 1.1: CARE Framework (v1.1)
What This Task Is¶
You speak to one person who needs help deciding or preparing for something. You have 30 seconds to prepare and 90 seconds to speak. Give 2 useful suggestions, each with a reason and example. Keep a warm, supportive tone.
The CARE Framework¶
| Letter | Step | What to say |
|---|---|---|
| C | Connect | Greet them, name the problem, say you have two suggestions |
| A | Advise (Step 1) | Give step 1 + because + for example |
| R | Reinforce (Step 2) | Give step 2 + because + for instance |
| E | End result | Wrap up with how they'll feel |
Your Full Script (Memorize This)¶
Only 3 blanks to fill — everything else is memorized
C — Connect:
"Hi Juan, I heard about [situation]. That sounds extremely [tough/stressful/overwhelming/frustrating], but I have two suggestions that might help."
A — Advise (Step 1):
"First, my main recommendation would be to [step 1], because [reason]. For example, [detail]."
R — Reinforce (Step 2):
"On top of that, if I were in your shoes, I'd also [step 2]. This is incredibly important because [reason]. For instance, [detail]."
E — End Result (100% memorized):
"In short, these steps will absolutely help you feel more confident about the whole situation. I really hope this helps, and let me know how it goes."
Timing Map¶
| Time | Section | What to say |
|---|---|---|
| 0–10s | C — Connect | Greet + situation + "two suggestions" |
| 10–40s | A — Advise | Step 1 + because + for example |
| 40–70s | R — Reinforce | Step 2 + because + for instance |
| 70–90s | E — End result | Memorized closing |
Your 30-Second Prep¶
Write down 3 things on your notepad:
1. [situation] — from the prompt
2. [topic to research] — for step 1
3. [who to talk to] — for step 2
That's it. Everything else is already memorized.
The 5 Universal Steps (Pick Any 2)¶
| # | Step | Memorized "because" | "For example" (fill in bold) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | do some research online | because knowing your options will help you make a better choice | For example, watch a few YouTube videos about [topic] |
| 2 | talk to someone who's been through it | because hearing their experience will help you avoid mistakes | For instance, ask [who] how they handled it |
| 3 | start small and build up gradually | because taking small steps will help you build confidence | For example, just try it for [time] a day for one week |
| 4 | make a simple plan with clear deadlines | because having a clear plan will help you stay on track | For instance, write down [what] and set a goal for [when] |
| 5 | find someone to do it with you | because having a partner will help keep you accountable | For instance, ask [who] to join you [when] |
Recommended Combo: Steps 1 + 2 (Works for Any Prompt)¶
These two are universal — they work no matter what the prompt is about:
Step 1: "First, my main recommendation would be to do some research online, because knowing your options will help you make a better choice. For example, watch a few YouTube videos about [topic]."
Step 2: "On top of that, if I were in your shoes, I'd also talk to someone who's been through it, because hearing their experience will help you avoid mistakes. For instance, ask [who] how they handled it."
Quick Combo Guide¶
| Prompt about... | Pick these 2 |
|---|---|
| Starting something new | 1 (research) + 3 (start small) |
| Big decision | 1 (research) + 2 (talk to someone) |
| No motivation | 3 (start small) + 5 (find a buddy) |
| Overwhelmed | 4 (make a plan) + 3 (start small) |
| Struggling | 2 (talk to someone) + 4 (make a plan) |
| Don't know what to do | 1 (research) + 2 (talk to someone) |
Cheat Sheet: Filling the Blanks¶
Picking the right emotion (Connect)¶
| Situation | Say |
|---|---|
| Lonely, sad, homesick | "That sounds extremely tough" |
| Too much work, overwhelmed | "That sounds extremely stressful" |
| Scary decision, nervous | "That sounds extremely overwhelming" |
| Bad experience, unfair | "That sounds extremely frustrating" |
| If you freeze | "That sounds extremely tough" works for everything |
Reason formula¶
"because + [your step] + will help + [simple result]"
| Step | Reason |
|---|---|
| do research online | because knowing your options will help you make a better choice |
| talk to someone | because hearing their experience will help you avoid mistakes |
| start small | because taking small steps will help you build confidence |
| make a plan | because having a clear plan will help you stay on track |
| find a buddy | because having a partner will help keep you accountable |
"For example" formula¶
"For example/instance, + [who/when/how many/how long]"
Add ONE specific detail — a number, a time, a day, or a person:
| Generic (weak) | Specific (strong) |
|---|---|
| "for example, just try it" | "for example, try it for 15 minutes a day" |
| "for example, call someone" | "for example, call your sister every Sunday night" |
| "for example, go somewhere" | "for example, visit the mall near your apartment this weekend" |
End result formula (100% memorized)¶
"In short, these steps will absolutely help you feel more confident about the whole situation. I really hope this helps, and let me know how it goes."
Full Example: Starting a Business¶
Prompt: Juan is thinking about quitting his job to start his own business. Give him advice.
30-second prep notepad:
1. situation: quitting job to start a business
2. research: how to start a small business
3. who: a friend or mentor who runs a business
Full response:
"Hi Juan, I heard that you're thinking about quitting your job to start your own business. That sounds extremely overwhelming, but I have two suggestions that might help.
First, my main recommendation would be to do some research online, because knowing your options will help you make a better choice. For example, watch a few YouTube videos about how to write a business plan and estimate startup costs.
On top of that, if I were in your shoes, I'd also talk to someone who's been through it, because hearing their experience will help you avoid mistakes. For instance, ask a friend or mentor who runs a business how they handled the transition from their old job.
In short, these steps will absolutely help you feel more confident about the whole situation. I really hope this helps, and let me know how it goes."
Full Example: Noisy Neighbor¶
Prompt: Juan just moved into a new apartment but his neighbor plays loud music every night. He can't sleep. Give him advice.
30-second prep notepad:
1. situation: noisy neighbor, can't sleep
2. research: tenant rights and noise complaints
3. who: the building manager
Full response:
"Hi Juan, I heard that your neighbor plays loud music every night and you can't sleep. That sounds extremely frustrating, but I have two suggestions that might help.
First, my main recommendation would be to do some research online, because knowing your options will help you make a better choice. For example, watch a few YouTube videos about tenant rights and how to file a noise complaint in your area.
On top of that, if I were in your shoes, I'd also talk to someone who's been through it, because hearing their experience will help you avoid mistakes. For instance, ask your building manager how other tenants have handled similar situations.
In short, these steps will absolutely help you feel more confident about the whole situation. I really hope this helps, and let me know how it goes."
Full Example: Learning to Drive¶
Prompt: Juan wants to learn how to drive but he's nervous about getting behind the wheel. Give him advice.
30-second prep notepad:
1. situation: wants to learn to drive but nervous
2. research: beginner driving tips
3. who: a friend who recently got their license
Full response:
"Hi Juan, I heard that you want to learn how to drive but you're feeling nervous about it. That sounds extremely overwhelming, but I have two suggestions that might help.
First, my main recommendation would be to do some research online, because knowing your options will help you make a better choice. For example, watch a few YouTube videos about beginner driving tips and what to expect in your first lesson.
On top of that, if I were in your shoes, I'd also talk to someone who's been through it, because hearing their experience will help you avoid mistakes. For instance, ask a friend who recently got their license how they overcame their nerves during the first few lessons.
In short, these steps will absolutely help you feel more confident about the whole situation. I really hope this helps, and let me know how it goes."
Delivery Tips — This Is What Gets You 9¶
The template gets you 8. Delivery gets you 9.
Pause with Purpose¶
| Bad pause (nervous) | Good pause (confident) |
|---|---|
| "um... my recommendation is..." | "First... (pause) ...my main recommendation would be to..." |
| "and uh... also..." | "On top of that... (pause) ...if I were in your shoes..." |
Emphasize Key Words¶
| Line | How to say it |
|---|---|
| "That sounds extremely tough" | Slow down, sound empathetic |
| "my main recommendation" | Sound confident, deliberate |
| "this is incredibly important" | Sound convinced |
| "absolutely help you feel" | Sound warm, certain |
Smile While Speaking¶
The examiner can hear a smile in your voice. It makes everything sound warmer and more natural — even if you're speaking from memory.
Speak in Chunks¶
Bad: "First... my... main... recommendation... would... be..."
Good: "First, / my main recommendation / would be to / do some research online"
Common Mistakes to Avoid¶
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| "you MUST do this" | "my main recommendation would be to..." |
| Speaking about the topic, not to the person | Say "Juan" and use "you" |
| Finishing 20 seconds early | Add more detail to "for example" |
| Flat monotone voice | Stress key words, pause before phrases |
| Saying "um" or "sorry" | Pause silently instead — silence beats "um" |
| "What do you think?" at the opening | Save it — you haven't given advice yet |
Memorization Checklist¶
Practice saying each part out loud until you can do it without looking:
- C: "Hi Juan, I heard about . That sounds extremely , but I have two suggestions that might help."
- A: "First, my main recommendation would be to , because . For example, ___."
- R: "On top of that, if I were in your shoes, I'd also . This is incredibly important because . For instance, ___."
- E: "In short, these steps will absolutely help you feel more confident about the whole situation. I really hope this helps, and let me know how it goes."