Hello everyone, and welcome back to IELTS TIME. Today’s episode is all about something we all experience but don’t always talk about: borrowing and lending things.This might seem like a simple topic, but it can take your answers in a lot of different directions — money, books, clothes, even personal values. And like always, the best way to prepare is to hear how other people talk about it from their own lives.
We’ll be hearing two sets of answers — one from Joseph and one from Blondie — and I’ll also share a personal story of mine that came to mind while putting this episode together.
Let’s jump in with Joseph’s responses first.
Have you ever borrowed money from someone?
No, I haven’t. I try to avoid borrowing money, even from friends or family. I prefer to manage within my means, even if that means cutting back a little. I just feel more comfortable knowing I don’t owe anyone anything — it gives me peace of mind.
Have you borrowed books from friends or classmates?
Definitely. Back in university, I often borrowed textbooks from friends, especially if I only needed a chapter or two. Books can be expensive, so sharing helped us all save a bit. I was always careful to return them in good condition.
What kinds of things do people usually borrow in your country?
In my country, people often borrow small household items — like tools, kitchen appliances, or even clothes for special occasions. It’s quite normal to ask a neighbor for a ladder or a friend for a suitcase if you’re going on a trip.
Do you like lending your belongings to others? Why or why not?
I’m not a huge fan of lending my things. I’m pretty careful about what I lend, especially if it’s something I use often or that’s valuable to me. If it’s something I don’t need right away, like a tool or a book, I’m more open to it, but I usually make sure I trust the person first. I just prefer to keep things simple and avoid any potential issues.
How do you feel when someone doesn’t return something they borrowed from you?
Honestly, it’s quite frustrating. It makes me feel like they don’t respect my things or our relationship. I try not to take it personally, but I do think twice before lending to that person again.
Have you ever had to remind someone to return something they borrowed?
Yes, more than once. It’s always a little awkward, especially if it’s a friend. I usually just bring it up casually, like, “Hey, do you still have that charger I lent you?” Most people appreciate the reminder.
Would you lend an expensive item, like a phone or laptop, to a friend?
Honestly, no, I wouldn’t. I use both my phone and laptop every single day — and not just for fun, but for work, communication, and even personal stuff like banking and messages. A phone is a very private item, and I can’t imagine handing it over to someone, even for a short time. The same goes for my laptop. It’s not just about the value; it’s also about how much I rely on those devices day to day. So for me, lending them just doesn’t make sense.
Do you think it’s better to borrow or buy something you only need for a short time?
I think it really depends on what it is. For things like a ladder or power drill, borrowing from a neighbor or a friend makes sense because I wouldn’t use them often enough to buy. But for things like a camera or formal wear, I’d probably just buy them if I need them, especially if they’re for something important. I wouldn’t feel comfortable borrowing those from anyone who’s not a close friend. Same goes for a suitcase – I’d rather just buy one if I’m traveling, since I wouldn’t want to borrow something that’s used for personal items.
How do you usually decide whether to lend something or not?
It really depends on who’s asking and what they need. If it’s someone I know well and trust, I’m usually happy to lend things out, especially if it’s for something short-term. But if it’s something I use often or it’s really valuable to me, I might hesitate a bit more. I also think about how careful the person is with their own stuff – if they’re always losing or breaking things, I’d be less likely to lend it.
Is borrowing and lending common in your culture?
Yeah, borrowing and lending are pretty common where I’m from, especially among friends and family. People tend to borrow things like tools, books, or even clothes for events. It’s often seen as a way to help each other out without having to buy something you only need once. That said, it’s usually more informal. If someone borrows something, they’ll return it quickly, and there’s an unspoken understanding of taking care of it. However, for bigger or more expensive items, people tend to be a bit more cautious.
That was Joseph’s perspective.I really like how grounded Joseph’s answers are. You can tell he’s someone who values independence and privacy — and honestly, I relate to that. Especially what he said about not lending a phone or laptop. That’s not just about money, it’s about how personal those devices are. I think a lot of people feel the same, even if they don’t always say it out loud.
I also like that little moment where he brought up reminding someone about a charger — it’s such a small thing, but it shows how normal these situations are, and how tricky they can be even when the item isn’t worth much.
Actually, speaking of awkward reminders… I had one of those moments myself in university.
I was out shopping with a friend. He found this pair of sneakers he really liked. The only problem? His phone had died, and he didn’t have enough cash on him. So, he turns to me and says, ‘Hey, could you spot me? I’ll pay you back later.’
The shoes were about 100 pounds, which for me as a student was not a small amount. I hesitated — but in that moment, it felt almost impossible to say no. You know, you’re standing right there, you’re friends, it’s kind of awkward.
So I paid.
And then… nothing. A few days passed. Then a week. He completely forgot.
Eventually I had to remind him — and yeah, it felt awful. I didn’t want to seem petty or like I didn’t trust him, but also… it was 100 pounds. I think he was a bit embarrassed too. He paid me back right away, but it left a bit of a weird feeling between us for a while.
That was the moment I started thinking twice before lending money — even to people I really liked.
That experience really made me think about how tricky borrowing and lending can be — it’s not just about the item or the money, but also trust, timing, and care. Everyone handles these situations differently, and in fact, we have another perspective to explore. Let’s hear from Blondie, who has a slightly different experience with borrowing and lending.
Have you ever borrowed money from someone?
Yes, I have — from my parents, actually. Earlier this year, I needed help with the down payment for my apartment, and they offered to lend me the money. Technically, it was a loan, but they never really expected me to pay it back. It was more like a way of supporting me as I was getting started in life. I still feel really grateful for that — it took a lot of pressure off my shoulders financially.
Have you borrowed books or other items from friends or classmates?
Oh, totally! I’ve definitely borrowed books from friends. A few of my friends and I are in a book club, so we often swap books we’ve finished reading. It’s a great way to save money and get recommendations!
What kinds of things do people usually borrow in your country?
I think it depends on the person and the situation. But generally, people in my country borrow things like tools for home repairs, clothes for a special occasion, or even cars for a short trip. It’s all about convenience and saving money.
Do you like lending your belongings to others? Why or why not?
I don’t mind lending my things, especially if it’s something small. I’m happy to help a friend out, as long as it’s not something super personal or expensive. I think it’s part of being a good friend.
How do you feel when someone doesn’t return something they borrowed from you?
It’s really frustrating when someone doesn’t return something they borrowed, especially if it’s something I need. I try to be understanding, but it can be annoying, and it makes me a little hesitant to lend them things again in the future.
Have you ever had to remind someone to return something they borrowed?
Yes, I have! I had to remind a friend to return a jacket she borrowed a few months ago. It was a little awkward, but I just sent a casual text like, “Hey, no rush, but are you still using that jacket? I need it for a party this weekend!” It worked out fine.
Would you lend an expensive item, like a phone or laptop, to a friend?
That’s a tough one. I’d have to say no, probably not. My phone is so personal and expensive; I wouldn’t lend it to anyone. For things like a laptop or an expensive camera, I would only lend it to my very best friends. I have a very small inner circle, maybe five people, and for them, I’d be willing to lend them something so expensive, even if it’s just for a project or because they want to try it out. I just trust them completely to take care of it.
Do you think it’s better to borrow or buy something you only need for a short time?
I think it’s definitely better to borrow something you only need for a short time, like a fancy dress for a wedding or a special tool for a one-time project. It’s more environmentally friendly and it saves you money in the long run.
How do you usually decide whether to lend something or not?
I usually think about two things: the person and the item. I ask myself, “Can I trust this person?” and “How much would it cost to replace this item if it got lost or broken?” If the answer to the first question is “yes” and the answer to the second is “not much,” then I’ll probably lend it.
Is borrowing and lending common in your culture?
It used to be quite common, but I think it’s becoming less so nowadays. In the past, people often borrowed things from neighbors or relatives — whether it was kitchenware, tools, or even clothes. But these days, people tend to prefer buying their own things, even if they only need them once.
I think part of the reason is that shopping has become more convenient and affordable, especially with online stores. Also, people might feel uncomfortable asking for favors or depending on others. So while borrowing and lending still happens, it’s definitely not as common as it used to be.
That’s a really interesting perspective from Blondie. She highlighted how borrowing used to be much more common, especially with neighbors or family, but nowadays, people are often more inclined to just buy things for convenience. It’s a sign of how shopping habits and the idea of borrowing have shifted over time. Still, Blondie made a strong point about how practical borrowing can be — like with books or clothes — and how it’s often a way to save money.
What really stands out is Blondie’s story about borrowing money from her parents. While she called it a “loan,” it felt more like support. Her parents were helping her with something important, and the fact that they didn’t pressure her to pay it back shows a lot of trust and care. That’s something really valuable when it comes to borrowing — it’s not always about the transaction, but the connection and support that come with it.
That’s a wrap for today’s episode on borrowing and lending. Whether it’s about saving money, supporting loved ones, or just convenience, everyone has their own take. Remember, in the IELTS Speaking test, it’s all about being genuine and sharing your personal experiences.”
Thanks for listening to IELTS TIME. Keep practicing, stay confident, and I’ll see you in the next episode.
Leave a Reply