You should say: what it was, when and where it happened, how you broke it, and explain what you did afterwards.
The model answers below are from a members-only video lesson
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Speaker: Joseph
I’d like to talk about a time when I broke my mom’s laptop, which, to this day, is probably one of the most stressful moments I’ve had at home.
This happened about three years ago when I was in my first year of university. It was during the exam season, and I was studying late at night in the living room. My mom had let me use her laptop because mine had suddenly stopped working. I remember I was exhausted and running on very little sleep.
At some point, I got up to make coffee and accidentally knocked over a full mug that was sitting a bit too close to the laptop. The coffee spilled directly onto the keyboard. I froze for a second, not fully processing what had just happened. Then I quickly tried to wipe it off and turned the laptop upside down, hoping it would somehow survive. Unfortunately, when I tried to turn it back on later, the screen just flickered and went completely black.
After that, I felt terrible. It wasn’t just about the device—it was the fact that it wasn’t mine. The next morning, I told my mom the truth and apologized. She was understandably upset, but she appreciated that I didn’t try to hide it. I ended up using some of my savings from a part-time job to pay for most of the repair. In the end, the motherboard had to be replaced, which was quite expensive.
Looking back, that experience taught me to be more careful and responsible, especially with things that don’t belong to me. It also made me realize that owning up to your mistakes immediately is always better than avoiding them. Even though it was a small incident in the grand scheme of things, it definitely left a lasting impression on me.
Speaker: Blondie
I’d like to talk about a time when I broke my best friend’s favorite mug, which meant a lot more to her than I initially realized.
This happened about two years ago when I was visiting her apartment for the weekend. We hadn’t seen each other in months because we were studying in different cities, so we were really excited to catch up. One evening, we were in the kitchen making tea and chatting nonstop.
The mug I broke was a handmade ceramic one that she had bought during a trip with her family. While I was reaching across the counter to grab some cookies, I accidentally knocked it over with my elbow. It fell straight onto the tiled floor and shattered instantly. The sound alone made my heart sink. I remember just standing there in shock for a second, staring at the broken pieces.
I immediately apologized, and I could tell she was disappointed, even though she tried to hide it. I felt awful because it wasn’t just an ordinary mug—it had sentimental value. The next day, I insisted on taking her to a local pottery shop so I could buy her a new one. Of course, it wasn’t the same, but I tried to choose something that matched her style. I also wrote her a small note to go with it, just to show how sorry I was.
Looking back, that incident taught me to be more mindful, especially in someone else’s home. It also reminded me that objects can carry emotional value beyond their practical use. Although it was a small accident, I still think about it sometimes because it made me realize how important it is to take responsibility and show genuine regret when you make a mistake.
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