Describe an occasion you borrowed something from somebody

Sample Answer 1

I believe that sharing things with others is a good habit. In everyday life, many people borrow and lend items to each other. Some might feel uncomfortable about lending and borrowing things, but it is a practice that has existed for a long time. Today, I would like to discuss a book I borrowed from my best friend. It was during last spring when my final exams were going on.

I remember the weather was sweltering during those days. I studied at the library near my house and found an excellent environment to check in there. One day I forgot to bring my economics book while looking at the library and could not find it after that. I was worried and started panicking as my economics exam was two days after that, and I badly needed that book to prepare. I called my best friend, who was a year older than me and had given the same exam last year. Fortunately, she still had the same book and said I could borrow the book from her. I straight away rushed to her place and sighed with relief when she gave me the book. She also said she could help me prepare for the exam; it was a nice gesture from her. So I studied hard for the next two days and felt confident about the exam despite losing some precious preparation time. Fortunately, my exam went well, and I returned the book to her the next day with a note of thanks.

After a few months of my result, I was amazed that I scored the highest marks in economics. I felt so elated and grateful to my best friend. I bought some sweets for her to express my gratitude. Without her help, my score would not have been possible for me. So this was a time when I borrowed a book from someone.

Sample Answer 2

Last year I applied for a master’s degree because I wanted to further my education. I was accepted by one of the very prestigious universities, but didn’t have the money for the course.

The tuition was quite expensive and there was no installment plan available, so I had to pay it in one go. So I had no choice but to borrow some from my parents and promised to pay back this year.

As a result, I’ve been working pretty hard and have almost made enough money to repay the debt. Studying and working part-time at the same time isn’t easy, but I think that life is only meaningful if you always try to achieve a goal or overcome some difficulty.

I don’t think borrowing money is something bad either, as long as you keep your promise.

Sample Audio

Click on the audio to listen to the sample answer above. Pay attention to the intonation and pronunciation of the words

Vocabulary

• Further: to a greater distance or degree, or at a more advanced level 
  Eg: Rose wished to take the matter further, so she filed charges against him. 
• Installment plan: a method of paying for something in which the buyer pays part of the cost immediately and then makes small regular payments until the debt is completely paid 
  Eg: Rose likes to buy things on the installment plan. 
• Overcome: to defeat or succeed in controlling or dealing with something
  Eg: John overcame his obstacles with great difficulty. 

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