As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I often get asked about common topics that appear in the IELTS Speaking test. One such topic is personal lending habits, often phrased as “Do you like lending things to others?”. While seemingly simple, this question allows examiners to assess your vocabulary, grammar, and ability to express personal opinions and experiences.
Understanding the Question
This question goes beyond a simple “yes” or “no”. It explores your:
- Attitudes: How do you feel about sharing your possessions? Are you generous or cautious?
- Experiences: Have you lent things before? What were the outcomes?
- Reasoning: What factors influence your decision to lend or not lend?
Successfully Answering the “Lending” Question
Here’s how to structure a comprehensive and engaging response:
1. State Your Stance
Clearly express your general feelings about lending. For example:
- “I’m generally quite open to lending things to friends and family.”
- “I can be hesitant to lend certain items, especially if they hold sentimental value.”
2. Elaborate with Examples
Provide specific instances to illustrate your point. You can discuss:
- Positive Experiences: “I once lent my favorite book to a classmate, and they enjoyed it so much that it sparked a great conversation about literature.”
- Negative Experiences: “I learned my lesson about lending valuable items when a friend accidentally broke my camera.”
- Exceptions: “I’m more cautious about lending expensive electronics, but I’m happy to share things like books or clothes.”
3. Explain Your Reasoning
Offer insights into what influences your decisions:
- Trust: “I’m more likely to lend to people I trust to take care of my belongings.”
- Value: “I’m less willing to lend items that are irreplaceable or have strong emotional significance.”
- Reciprocity: “I believe in the principle of sharing, but it’s important that lending is reciprocated when possible.”
4. Use a Range of Vocabulary
Showcase your vocabulary related to lending and borrowing:
- lend/borrow: “I prefer to borrow books rather than buy them.”
- share: “I’m happy to share my notes with classmates.”
- loan: “My friend asked for a loan of my car.”
- return: “It’s essential to return borrowed items promptly and in good condition.”
Example Response
“I’m generally happy to lend things to people I’m close to. For instance, I often lend books to my friends, and they always return them in good condition. However, I’m a bit more cautious about lending valuable items. I once lent my favorite headphones to a friend, and they came back damaged. It made me realize that it’s important to set boundaries, especially when it comes to possessions that are important to me.”
Tips for Success
- Be Honest: Don’t feel pressured to invent experiences. Authenticity is key.
- Stay Relevant: Keep your response focused on the topic of lending.
- Use Linking Words: Connect your ideas smoothly using words like “however,” “moreover,” “for example,” and “as a result.”
- Practice Speaking: Practice answering this and similar questions aloud to improve fluency and pronunciation.
Remember, the IELTS Speaking test assesses your ability to communicate effectively in English. By following these tips and structuring your response clearly, you can confidently tackle the “Do you like lending things to others?” question and demonstrate your language skills.