Of course! "Lending things" is a very common and practical topic for IELTS Speaking Part 1. It's a great way to test your ability to talk about habits, experiences, and social norms.

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

Common IELTS Speaking Part 1 Questions

The examiner might ask you a variety of questions related to lending and borrowing. Here are the most common ones:

• Do you often lend things to others?
• What kinds of things do people usually lend to each other?
• Have you ever borrowed anything from your friends or family?
• Is it easy to borrow something from a friend in your country?
• Do you think it’s a good idea to lend money to friends?
• What would you do if someone borrowed something from you and broke it?
• Have you ever had anything important borrowed from you?

High-Scoring Vocabulary & Phrases

To get a higher band score (Band 7+), you need to move beyond simple words like "lend" and "borrow". Here are some excellent alternatives and phrases:

Verbs for Lending & Borrowing:

• Lend: to loan, to let someone use something, to advance (money)
• Borrow: to take on loan, to have something on loan, to use something temporarily
• Return: to give back, to return, to hand back

Nouns for Things:

• Small items: a pen, a charger, a book, a calculator, a small amount of cash
• Larger items: a car, a power tool (like a drill), a laptop, a piece of clothing
• Money: cash, a loan, some money, a bit of cash

Adjectives & Phrases to Describe the Situation:

• Positive: happy to, no problem at all, without hesitation, trust someone
• Negative / Reluctant: hesitant, a bit wary, reluctant, a bit precious about something, have second thoughts
• Neutral: common practice, a normal thing to do, depends on the item, it goes both ways

Idiomatic Expressions (Use carefully!):

• Lend a hand: to help someone. (e.g., "I was happy to lend a hand with the moving.")
• Lend an ear: to listen to someone. (e.g., "He needed someone to talk to, so I lent him an ear.")
• Borrow trouble: to create problems for yourself unnecessarily. (e.g., "Don't borrow trouble by worrying about things that might not happen.")
• The borrower is slave to the lender: A proverb meaning being in debt makes you dependent on the person you owe money to.

Sample Answers (Band 8-9 Level)

Here are sample answers to the common questions. Notice the structure, vocabulary, and natural flow.

Question: Do you often lend things to others?

Sample Answer: "To be honest, it really depends on what it is. For small, everyday things like a pen or a phone charger, I'm more than happy to lend them out without a second thought. However, when it comes to more valuable or personal items, like my laptop or my car, I do tend to be a bit more cautious and would only lend them to very close friends or family members whom I implicitly trust."

• Why it's good: It directly answers the question but adds nuance ("it really depends"). It uses excellent vocabulary ("implicitly trust," "cautious," "without a second thought"). It structures the answer clearly (small things vs. big things).

Question: What kinds of things do people usually lend to each other?

Sample Answer: "From what I've observed, people most commonly lend practical, low-risk items. I'd say the top three would be chargers for phones or laptops, books for a class or for leisure, and perhaps some cash for a small, immediate purchase, like buying a coffee. These things are generally replaceable, so there's less pressure involved. Lending larger items, like a car or expensive equipment, is far less common and usually reserved for people with a very strong relationship."

• Why it's good: It provides specific examples. It categorizes the items (practical, low-risk). It uses great vocabulary ("what I've observed," "reserved for," "far less common"). It shows an understanding of social dynamics.

Question: Have you ever borrowed anything from your friends or family?

Sample Answer: "Absolutely, it's a two-way street, isn't it? I've borrowed things countless times. Just last week, I had to borrow a power drill from my neighbor to put up some shelves. More frequently, I'll borrow books from my cousin or maybe a jacket from a friend if I'm caught in unexpected rain. I think borrowing is a normal part of community and friendship, as long as both parties are respectful and responsible."

• Why it's good: It starts with a natural-sounding phrase ("it's a two-way street"). It gives a recent, specific example (power drill). It generalizes well ("countless times"). It connects the topic to a bigger idea ("community and friendship").

Question: Do you think it’s a good idea to lend money to friends?

Sample Answer: "That's a tricky one, and I think it's something to be approached with extreme caution. While you want to help a friend in need, lending money can put a real strain on the relationship if things go south. I believe the golden rule is to never lend money you can't afford to lose. It's often better to just give the money as a gift if you're in a position to do so, or to help them find another solution, like a small loan from a bank or a credit union."

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• Why it's good: It acknowledges the complexity ("a tricky one"). It uses strong vocabulary ("approached with extreme caution," "put a real strain on the relationship"). It provides clear, wise advice ("golden rule"). It offers an alternative solution, showing critical thinking.

Key Tips for Success

1. Be Specific and Give Examples: Instead of saying "I lend books," say "I often lend my photography books to friends who are interested in the subject." This makes your answer more vivid and believable.
2. Show Nuance: Don't just give a "yes" or "no" answer. Use phrases like "It depends," "Generally speaking, but...", "On one hand, but on the other...". This shows you can think about a topic from different angles.
3. Connect to a Bigger Idea: Link the topic of lending to broader themes like trust, friendship, community, or social norms. This demonstrates a deeper level of thought.
4. Use a Range of Vocabulary: Actively try to use the words and phrases from the list above. Don't just repeat "lend" and "borrow."
5. Speak Naturally: Use fillers and discourse markers like "Well," "You know," "I mean," and "So..." to make your speech sound more fluent and less like you've memorized an answer.

By preparing with these ideas, you'll be ready to answer any question about "lending things" confidently and impress the examiner. Good luck