Describe an Useful Thing that you Once Borrowed - IELTS Speaking Cue Card Sample Answers

In the IELTS Speaking Part 2, as a test-taker, you have to be speaking on a certain topic for two minutes. You will also be given a minute to prepare your answer, so do not worry. 

This section of the Speaking module evaluates your ability to organize your thoughts coherently on the given topics, like this one on ‘Describe an Useful Thing that you Once Borrowed.’ You will have to present your ideas fluently by using proper words and appropriate grammar, ranging from simple to advanced. 

So, let us not wait any longer and start with the IELTS Speaking Part 2 question about describing an useful thing that you once borrowed from someone! 

Question

Sample Answer 1 - Describe a Useful Thing that you Once Borrowed

• What did you borrow?

All of us have borrowed something or the other atleast once in our lives. In some cases, we ask for an item due to an urgent need, and on other occasions, when something is convenient for us. An instance where I borrowed something that was useful to me was when I acquired a novel that I wanted to read.

• Who did you borrow it from?

I took this novel from my friend, an avid reader like myself. Since he knew that I was eagerly waiting for the newly launched book but did not have the money to buy it, he offered to lend me the book once he finished reading it. I was elated at this proposal and obtained the book from him as soon as he finished reading it.

• What did you use it for? (how it was useful to you)

I finished reading the first half of the book within two days of borrowing it. Since I was somewhat of a bookworm during high school, I spent most of my time at home reading the book. It was a wonderful experience and I discussed every chapter with my friend as I finished reading them.

• Explain why you borrowed it.

I borrowed the book when I was in high school and used to get a monthly allowance from my parents. I had already spent my monthly allowance for that month and did not have enough money to buy the newly launched book that I was so keen about. That is why it was fortunate for me that I could borrow this book from my friend. I finished reading the book within four days of borrowing it and returned it to its owner.

Sample Answer 2 - Describe a Useful Thing that you Once Borrowed

Let’s see, a time when I forgot something important/ I (once) borrowed something useful. It happened a few months ago when I had to attend a crucial exam for my accounting qualification.

• What did you borrow?
• Who did you borrow it from?

The test strictly required candidates to use black ball point pen to write the paper. I was sure that morning when I left for the exam that I had put two pens in my backpack. However, I was not sure of their ink colors. So by the time I reached the examination hall, I quickly opened my backpack to check. To my surprise, they were both blue pens.

• What did you use it for? (how it was useful to you)

This could have resulted in my answer booklet being disqualified and I would have had to re-take the exam. Since the exam was held twice a year only, this mistake would not only have cost me valuable time but also a lot of money for the upcoming exams.

• Explain why you borrowed it.

In panic, I looked around to see any familiar face to ask for help; however, I did not see anyone but the examiner. I took a deep breath and decided to ask him if he had a spare black pen that I could borrow. Luckily, he did. He was willing to lend me one and did not forget to remind me about the regulation. I was relieved and ready to sit for my exam, thanks to a kind examiner. 

Vocabulary to Use in the Describe an Useful Thing that you Once Borrowed IELTS Speaking Cue Card

• Disqualified: Prevent somebody from doing something, because they have broken the regulations.
  Eg: The police stopped the man in his car. He had been drinking and driving and he was disqualified from driving for 3 years.

• Upcoming: Something which is upcoming is going to happen soon.
  Eg: Brazil is preparing for the upcoming Olympic Games in 2016.

• Panic: A sudden feeling of fear.
  Eg: As the fire spread through the school, the students ran out in panic.

• Breath: An amount of air that enters your lungs at one time.
  Eg: He can count from 1 to 20 in one breath. 

Along with good preparation techniques, structure, and continuous practice, you would be able to build a familiarity with some common topics in the Speaking Section. It is important to remain calm in order to prepare a structure while elaborating on the same with personal insights to achieve a higher IELTS Band Score. Don't stop here and continue your journey to enhance your band scores in the speaking module!

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