The IELTS Speaking test is a comprehensive assessment of your speaking abilities in English, consisting of three parts: Part 1 (Introduction and Interview), Part 2 (Long Turn), and Part 3 (Two-Way Discussion). The examiners evaluate candidates based on fluency and coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. It’s quite common to encounter a question like “Describe A Time When You Borrowed Something” as it tests your narrative skills and ability to use descriptive language effectively.

In this article, we will walk you through how to tackle the question “Describe a time when you borrowed something” with sample answers and detailed analysis.

II. Main Content

1. Part 1: Introduction and Interview

Common Questions in Part 1:

• Do you often borrow things from others?
• What was the last thing you borrowed?
• Do you prefer borrowing or buying?
• Who do you usually borrow things from?

Sample Question and Suggested Answer:

Question: Do you often borrow things from others?

Answer: Honestly, I rarely borrow things from others unless it’s absolutely necessary. Typically, I prefer to have my own items to avoid any inconvenience or misunderstandings. However, there are exceptions, such as borrowing a book from a friend if I find it very interesting and I don’t want to buy it.

2. Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card:

Describe a time when you borrowed something. You should say:

• What you borrowed
• Who you borrowed it from
• Why you borrowed it
• And explain how you felt about borrowing it

Suggested Answer:

Well, one particular instance stands out vividly in my mind. Last year, I borrowed a laptop from my colleague, Anna. My own laptop had broken down unexpectedly just a week before a major work presentation. Anna was incredibly kind and understanding; she lent me her spare laptop without a second thought. I borrowed it because I had some critical project files and presentations that needed to be completed urgently.

Using Anna’s laptop was both a relief and a bit stressful. On one hand, I was immensely grateful to her for saving me in a time of crisis. On the other, I was anxious about ensuring I didn’t damage it or lose any of her data. Fortunately, everything went smoothly, and I managed to finish my work on time. After that experience, I realized the importance of having reliable backup equipment and the value of a good friend.

Bullet Points Questions:

• How often do you borrow things?
• Have you ever faced any issues when borrowing items?
• Do you think borrowing things is a good habit?

Suggested Answer:

Before this incident, I didn’t often borrow things, but since then, I have realized that sometimes it’s inevitable. I have had minimal issues when borrowing items, mainly because I make it a point to use them responsibly. Borrowing can be seen as a double-edged sword; it fosters a sense of community and trust, but it also requires a high degree of responsibility and consideration for the lender’s belongings.

3. Part 3: Two-Way Discussion

Example Questions from the Examiner:

Question: In what situations would people generally borrow things?

Suggested Answer: Typically, people borrow things when they have a temporary need or when it is impractical to buy something. For example, someone might borrow gardening tools for a one-time project or borrow a dress for a special occasion. Borrowing caters to the need for short-term use and can be more economical.

Question: How has the concept of borrowing changed over time?

Suggested Answer: The concept of borrowing has evolved significantly over time. In the past, borrowing was more based on personal relationships and trust within communities. Nowadays, with the advent of the sharing economy, people are more open to borrowing from strangers through platforms like Airbnb or Uber. This shift has broadened our access to resources but also requires new levels of regulation and trustworthiness.

III. Vocabulary and Important Structures

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, incorporating high-level vocabulary and complex sentence structures is crucial. Here are some essential words and phrases:

1. Grateful /ˈɡreɪt.fəl/ – Adj. feeling or showing an appreciation for something done or received.

   • Example: I was extremely grateful for her help.

2. Responsible /rɪˈspɒn.sə.bəl/ – Adj. being the primary cause of something and so able to be blamed or credited for it.

   • Example: It’s important to be responsible when borrowing others’ belongings.

3. Evolved /ɪˈvɒlvd/ – Verb. to develop gradually over time.

   • Example: The concept of borrowing has evolved significantly.

4. Economical /ˌiː.kəˈnɒm.ɪ.kəl/ – Adj. giving good value or service in relation to the amount of money, time, or effort spent.

   • Example: Borrowing can be more economical than purchasing new items.

IV. Tips for High Scores in Speaking

1. Practice Regularly: Consistent practice can significantly improve fluency and confidence.
2. Expand Vocabulary: Learn new words and phrases and practice using them in sentences.
3. Listen and Imitate: Listen to native speakers and try to imitate their pronunciation and intonation.
4. Record Yourself: Recording your speech can help you identify areas for improvement.

Borrowing a Laptop

By thoroughly preparing and understanding the nuances of the question “Describe a time when you borrowed something,” you’ll be well-equipped to impress your IELTS examiner with a coherent, fluent, and well-structured response.

For more tips and techniques, consider checking out this article: How to Use ‘That’ in Sentences for IELTS.