As an IELTS instructor with over 20 years of experience, I’ve encountered numerous speaking prompts. One that often arises, and can throw off even the most prepared candidate, is the question of lending money. More specifically, “Would you lend money to someone else?” This seemingly simple question delves into your values, financial habits, and ability to articulate complex ideas in English.
This article serves as your comprehensive guide to navigating this IELTS speaking topic. We’ll explore common variations of the question, analyze its underlying meaning, and equip you with the vocabulary and strategies to deliver a high-scoring response.
Understanding the Question: More Than Just Money
The examiner isn’t asking for your financial expertise or judging your generosity. This question assesses your ability to:
- Express Opinions and Justifications: Can you clearly state your stance and provide well-reasoned arguments to support it?
- Discuss Abstract Concepts: The prompt goes beyond concrete actions, probing your views on trust, responsibility, and personal relationships.
- Use a Range of Vocabulary: Can you discuss financial matters using appropriate terminology?
Tackling Different Variations
The question about lending money can manifest in various forms:
- Direct Question: “Would you lend money to a friend or family member?”
- Hypothetical Situation: “Imagine a close friend loses their job and needs financial help. What would you do?”
- Comparative Question: “Is it better to lend money or offer other forms of support?”
While the phrasing differs, the core skills being assessed remain the same.
Crafting Your Response: Key Considerations
1. Take a Stance
Don’t be afraid to express a clear opinion. Whether you’re generally inclined to lend money or prefer to avoid it, state your position confidently.
2. Provide Strong Justifications
This is where your vocabulary and ability to elaborate come into play. Consider these aspects:
- Conditions for Lending: “I would lend money to someone I trust implicitly, someone with a proven track record of responsibility.”
- Alternatives to Lending: “Instead of loaning a large sum, I might offer to help them find resources or connect them with financial advice.”
- Potential Impact on Relationships: “I’m wary of lending money to friends or family as it could strain the relationship if things become complicated.”
3. Illustrate with Examples
Personal anecdotes make your response relatable and memorable. You can draw upon:
- Past Experiences: Briefly share a time when you lent or borrowed money, highlighting the outcome.
- Hypothetical Examples: “If a close friend were facing a genuine emergency, I wouldn’t hesitate to offer financial assistance.”
Vocabulary to Enhance Your Answer
Incorporate these terms to demonstrate your fluency:
- Financial assistance
- Loan
- Borrow
- Repay
- Debt
- Interest-free
- Financial burden
- Strained relationship
- Financial security
- Charitable giving
Example Response
“I’m generally cautious about lending money, especially to friends and family. While I’d never hesitate to help someone in genuine need, I believe mixing finances and personal relationships can be risky. For instance, if I were to lend a significant sum and the borrower struggled to repay, it could create tension and potentially damage the relationship. Instead, I’d offer practical support like helping them find resources or exploring alternative solutions together.”
Conclusion: Confidence is Key
Remember, there’s no right or wrong answer. The examiner is interested in your ability to communicate effectively and showcase your language skills. By following these tips, you can approach this topic with confidence and demonstrate your IELTS speaking prowess.