Of course! "Borrowing things" is a very common and high-frequency topic in IELTS Speaking Part 1. It's designed to test your ability to talk about everyday habits and social interactions.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you tackle this topic, including vocabulary, sample answers, and tips for a higher band score.

Part 1: Common Questions & Sample Answers

Examiners will typically ask you 2-3 questions related to borrowing.

Question 1: Do you often borrow things from others?

• Bad Answer (Low Band): "Yes, I do. I borrow books and pens."
• Good Answer (High Band): "Yes, I do, though I try not to make it a habit. I'm generally quite self-sufficient, but there are definitely times when it's more convenient to borrow something rather than buy it. For instance, I've recently borrowed a power bank from a colleague when my phone battery was critically low, and I've also borrowed a specialized cookbook from a friend to try out a new recipe for a dinner party."

Question 2: What kinds of things do people usually borrow?

• Bad Answer (Low Band): "People borrow books, pens, and money."
• Good Answer (High Band): "That's a great question. People borrow a wide variety of things depending on their immediate needs. On a practical level, it's often everyday items like tools for a DIY project—like a drill or a ladder—kitchen appliances for a special occasion, or even a car for a day trip. Socially, people borrow books, movies, or music. In more formal or serious situations, people might borrow larger sums of money or valuable assets, but I think the most common borrowing revolves around convenience and saving money on something you'll only use once."

Question 3: Do you like to lend things to others?

• Bad Answer (Low Band): "Yes, I like to help my friends."
• Good Answer (High Band): "I'm generally happy to help out, but I have to admit I can be a bit selective. My main concern is usually whether the item will be returned in good condition. For example, I'm happy to lend my books or a DVD, but I'm much more cautious about lending expensive or fragile things like my laptop or my camera. It really comes down to the item and how well I know the person."

Question 4: What would you do if you needed something but couldn't afford to buy it?

• Bad Answer (Low Band): "I would borrow it from a friend."
• Good Answer (High Band): "That would depend entirely on what the item is and how urgent my need is. If it's something I need for a short-term project, like a specific power tool, my first thought would be to see if I could borrow it from a friend or a neighbor. It’s a great way to save money and avoid clutter. However, if it's something I need for the long term, like a new laptop for work, I would probably explore other options. I might look into second-hand marketplaces, layaway plans, or even consider taking on a small freelance job to save up for it. Borrowing isn't always the best long-term solution."

Vocabulary & Phrases to Boost Your Score

Using a range of natural and topic-specific vocabulary is key to scoring well.

Part 2: Cue Card Sample

Describe something you borrowed from a friend or a 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 (Band 8-9):

"Sure, I'd be happy to talk about that. I'd like to describe a rather memorable experience of borrowing something significant from my older brother.

What it was was his brand-new, high-end DSLR camera. It was a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, which is a professional-grade camera that costs a small fortune. I remember admiring it for months because he's a keen amateur photographer.

When I borrowed it was about two years ago, just before my university's annual cultural festival. I was the head of the photography team, and we were responsible for capturing all the events, from the live music performances to the art exhibitions. My own camera, a simple point-and-shoot, was simply not good enough for the low-light conditions and fast-paced action we were expecting.

Why I borrowed it was purely out of necessity and a desire to produce high-quality work for the university. I knew my brother was very protective of his equipment, but I also knew that this was a once-in-a-year opportunity to get some truly stunning shots. I approached him with a mix of excitement and nervousness, promising to take the utmost care of it.

And how I felt about borrowing it was a complex mix of emotions. Initially, I was incredibly excited and grateful for his trust. It felt like a huge responsibility, though. I was terrified of accidentally dropping it or, worse, getting it damaged. For the entire week I had the camera, I handled it like it was a piece of fine china, always using the strap and being extra careful in crowded areas. In the end, I managed to capture some fantastic photos, and my brother was really pleased with the results. So, while the experience was stressful at times, it was ultimately very rewarding, and it actually brought us closer because he saw how responsible I could be."

Part 3: Follow-up Discussion Questions

Examiners might ask more abstract questions about borrowing.

Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages of borrowing things?

• Advantages: It promotes a sense of community and trust. It's economically sensible and environmentally friendly as it reduces waste and the need for everyone to own every single item. It can also build stronger social bonds.
• Disadvantages: There's always a risk that the item might be lost or damaged, which can damage relationships. It can create an awkward situation if the item isn't returned on time. It can also lead to a dependency on others instead of being self-sufficient.

Q: Do you think children should be taught about borrowing and lending from a young age? Why?

• Absolutely. It's a fundamental social skill. Teaching children about borrowing helps them understand concepts like responsibility, trust, and empathy. They learn that they have a duty to return things and treat others' property with respect. It also teaches them to be grateful when someone helps them. This foundation is crucial for developing healthy relationships later in life.

Q: In today's society, is the concept of borrowing things changing?

• Definitely. The rise of the sharing economy, with services like car-sharing (Uber, Lyft) and tool-rental apps, has formalized and commercialized borrowing. People are now more comfortable with the idea of temporary ownership for a fee. Furthermore, with digital media, we've moved from borrowing physical items like CDs and DVDs to streaming content, which is a form of licensed access rather than traditional borrowing. The core human interaction of lending a personal item to a friend, however, still remains very much the same.