Of course! "Borrow something" is a very common and practical topic for IELTS Speaking. It can appear in Part 1 (daily routines), Part 2 (a story), or Part 3 (society and habits).

Here’s a complete guide to help you tackle this topic effectively, with vocabulary, sample answers, and key tips.

Part 1: General Questions

In Part 1, the examiner asks simple, personal questions. You need to give answers that are a bit longer than just "yes" or "no."

Q: Do you often borrow things from other people?

• Good Answer:

  "Yes, I do, but not as frequently as I used to. I'd say it mostly happens with practical items rather than money. For example, I might borrow a power bank from a friend if my phone is about to die, or perhaps a specific book for a university assignment. It’s usually for a short-term need."

Q: What kinds of things do people usually borrow?

• Good Answer:

  "I think people borrow a wide variety of things. The most common are probably everyday necessities, like cooking ingredients—maybe a cup of sugar or some eggs. People also borrow tools for home repairs, like a drill or a ladder. In the digital age, we also 'borrow' things like streaming service passwords or music playlists. So, it ranges from physical items to digital access."

Q: Is it easy for you to borrow things from others?

• Good Answer:

  "Generally, yes, I find it quite easy, but it really depends on who I'm asking. With close friends or family, it's very straightforward; we have a lot of trust. However, I might think twice before asking a colleague or an acquaintance, as I don't want to impose or seem like I'm taking advantage. So, the ease of borrowing is often tied to the relationship."

Part 2: Cue Card

This is where you tell a longer story. The key is to structure it well: Introduction, The Situation, The Action, The Result/Conclusion.

Cue Card:

Describe something you borrowed from a friend or family member. You should say:

• what it was
• when you borrowed it
• why you borrowed it
• and explain how you felt about borrowing it.

Sample Answer (Structure & Key Vocabulary)

(Introduction) "I'd like to talk about a time I borrowed a somewhat unusual item from my best friend, Leo. It wasn't a book or a charger, but something a bit more personal and significant: his professional DSLR camera."

(The Situation - When & Why) "This happened about a year ago, during the spring semester of my university. I was taking a course in photography, and our final project required us to submit a portfolio of 10 high-quality images. The problem was, the only camera I owned was my smartphone, which, while good for casual photos, just didn't have the professional features needed for this assignment. The project was worth a huge portion of my grade, so I was quite stressed about it."

(The Action - What you did) "I knew Leo was an avid photographer and had invested in a fantastic Canon EOS 5D. So, I plucked up the courage and asked him if I could possibly borrow it for a week. I explained my situation, how important the project was, and promised to take the utmost care of it. He was surprisingly generous and agreed, as long as I bought a large memory card and handled it with care. For the next few days, I was like a kid in a candy shop. I took it everywhere, experimenting with different lenses and settings, capturing everything from the campus architecture to the details of nature in the botanical gardens."

(The Result & How you felt) "In the end, the project was a great success, and I ended up getting a high distinction, which I honestly don't think I would have achieved without that camera. As for how I felt about borrowing it, I was initially a bit nervous and anxious. I was terrified of damaging or losing such an expensive piece of equipment, and I felt a huge sense of responsibility. However, Leo's trust in me was really touching, and it made me determined to be extra careful. It was a great experience not only for my studies but also for our friendship, as it showed we could rely on each other."

Part 3: Discussion

Here, you discuss more abstract ideas related to the topic. Use conditional sentences, discuss pros and cons, and talk about trends.

Q: Do you think it's a good idea to borrow money from friends?

• Advanced Answer:

  "That's a tricky one, and I'd say it's generally a bad idea. While it might seem convenient in the short term, borrowing money from friends can put a serious strain on the relationship. The main problem is that it blurs the line between personal affection and financial obligation. If the friend can't repay the money on time, it can lead to awkwardness and resentment. However, there are exceptions, like for an emergency. The key is to establish clear terms, perhaps even writing it down, and to be prepared for the fact that you might lose the money along with the friendship. In most cases, it's better to seek financial help from a bank or a family member who is more detached from the emotional side of things."

Q: In what ways has technology changed the way people borrow things?

• Advanced Answer:

  "Technology has revolutionized the concept of borrowing, making it more accessible and less permanent. The most obvious change is the rise of the 'sharing economy' or 'access economy.' Instead of owning things, people can now just access them when needed. For example, through apps like Airbnb, you're 'borrowing' a house for a few nights, and with services like Lime or Bird, you're 'borrowing' a scooter for a short trip. This is a huge shift from traditional borrowing, which was usually for items you needed for a longer period, like a book or a tool. Furthermore, digital borrowing has become seamless. We can 'borrow' e-books from a library, stream movies from a service we subscribe to, or even share a Netflix password. So, technology has made borrowing more about temporary access to experiences or services rather than physical possessions."

Q: Do you think the attitude towards borrowing has changed compared to the past?

• Advanced Answer:

  "Absolutely. I think the attitude has shifted significantly. In the past, there was often a stronger cultural emphasis on self-reliance and not being indebted to others. Owning your own things was a sign of stability and success. Borrowing might have been seen as a last resort or a sign of financial hardship. Nowadays, especially among younger generations, attitudes are much more relaxed. There's less stigma attached to not owning things. The focus has moved from ownership to experience and convenience. Concepts like minimalism and sustainability also play a role, as borrowing or renting is seen as a way to reduce consumption and waste. So, borrowing has transformed from a necessity into a lifestyle choice."

Key Vocabulary & Phrases

• To lend (verb): To give something to someone for a temporary period. (e.g., "My friend lent me his camera.")
• To borrow (verb): To take something from someone for a temporary period. (e.g., "I borrowed a camera from my friend.")
• To ask to borrow something: The standard phrase.
• To lend someone a hand (idiom): To help someone. (Note: This is about helping, not lending objects).
• To pluck up the courage: To force yourself to do something that is difficult or scary.
• An imposition (noun): Something that causes trouble or extra work for someone. (e.g., "I didn't want to be an imposition.")
• To take care of something: To be responsible for something and keep it safe.
• To be under pressure: To feel stressed by demands or expectations.
• To rely on someone: To depend on someone for help or support.
• A strain on a relationship: To cause damage or tension in a relationship.
• The sharing economy / access economy: Modern economic models based on temporary access to goods or services.
• To blur the lines: To make it difficult to distinguish between two different things or ideas.

By using this structure and vocabulary, you can give a comprehensive, fluent, and impressive answer on the topic of "borrow something." Good luck with your IELTS preparation