(2025) IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topic Borrowing/ Lending

Oh sure, I’ve borrowed books quite a bit., Especially during high school.
I often borrow textbooks from the top performing students to compare their notes.
It was a great way to pick up some valuable study strategies and insights I might have overlooked in class.

Yeah, actually I did. I remember one time in college, I went to the canteen on my own.
After picking out my food, I suddenly realized I had forgotten my phone and didn’t carry any cash with me.
It was quite awkward, especially with the long line behind me.
I had no choice but to ask the person behind me if she could kindly cover for me and thankfully she was kind enough to help.

No, I don’t really enjoy doing so, unless they’re pretty close to me.
Generally, I avoid it because there’s always the risk of not getting the item back.
People often forget to return things, especially money.
You might end up being criticized for asking, like being called cheap for wanting your stuff back.
So I usually prefer to steer clear or putting myself in that kind of situation.

Honestly, it’s one of my biggest pet peeves.
When that happens, it always makes me feel awkward and big anxious.
I guess it’s because I have a people-pleasing side. So I don’t want others to think I’m being cheap or overly attached to material things.
But at the same time, you know I do want my stuff back, which puts me in a bit of a dilemma and causes a lot of Inner conflict.
That’s actually, why I mentioned earlier that I’m not fond of blending things out.

No, I don’t really like borrowing books from other people and if I really need some books I would definitely go to a bookstore and flip through some pages.
If I really like it I would buy it in a physical store or online if there’s any good discounts.

No, I have to say I’ve never borrowed money from others. Even if I’m having a tough time financially, I won’t ask help from others like my friends. I think it feels a little bit awkward and embarrassed, and to some extent it will spoil our relationship.
Even if I need money, I think perhaps it’s better to ask help from family members.

Well, it depends on who is asking. I mean, if the person who is close to me, I’d happy to lend whatever they need, but if I know the person who is careless and irresponsible, I’d probably say no.

Well of course I feel a bit annoyed and upset if it’s because he or she is very busy or forget to return my things, I think it’s OK or I will tell others because I don’t want to let others end up in the same situation as me.