Cue Card

Describe a time you borrowed something from a friend or family member

You should say:

• What it was
• When you borrowed it
• Who you borrowed it from
• What you did with it
• And why you borrowed it

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. Why do some people like to borrow things instead of buying them?
2. What would you do if someone didn’t return money they’d borrowed from you?
3. Why are people embarrassed to borrow money from others?
4. What do you think about the sharing economy?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I'll never forget the time I 'borrowed' my best friend's prized possession - a vintage leather jacket. I use quotes because, let's be real, I basically hijacked it for an entire semester. I was going through a bit of a style crisis, and that jacket was my holy grail. I mean, who wouldn't want to channel their inner James Dean? I promised to return it, but as the weeks went by, it became an extension of my body. I wore it to every party, every date, and even to class. My friend would jokingly ask for it back, but I'd just give her my best 'who, me?' face.

Fast forward to the night before a big exam, and I'm frantically searching for a book I needed to study. I'm tearing my room apart, and my friend walks in, sees the jacket draped over my chair, and just loses it. I mean, I don't blame her - I'd had that jacket for months at this point. She's yelling at me, I'm apologizing, and we're both laughing. It was one of those ridiculous, only-in-college moments.

In the end, I returned the jacket, and our friendship survived. But what I took away from that experience was the value of boundaries and communication. If I had just asked to keep the jacket for an extended period or offered to buy her a new one, things wouldn't have escalated. It's funny how something as simple as a borrowed jacket can teach you a valuable lesson about relationships and responsibility.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

hijacked

to take control of something without permission

I hijacked the conversation and started talking about my own project.

style crisis

a period of uncertainty or confusion about one's personal style

After a breakup, she went through a style crisis and changed her wardrobe completely.

who, me?

an expression used to feign innocence or pretend not to know something

When asked about the missing cookies, he gave a 'who, me?' look.

Sample Part 3 Answers

Why do some people like to borrow things instead of buying them? I think some people prefer borrowing over buying because it allows them to experience or use something without the long-term commitment of ownership. For instance, I have a friend who loves trying out different musical instruments, but she can't afford to buy a new one every time she wants to try something new. So, she often borrows from friends or rents instruments for a short period. This way, she gets to explore her musical interests without breaking the bank or cluttering her apartment with instruments she might not use again. It's also a great way to test the waters, so to speak, before deciding if she really wants to invest in a particular instrument.

What would you do if someone didn’t return money they’d borrowed from you? Honestly, it's a tough spot to be in, but I think the first step would be to have an open and honest conversation with the person. I'd try to approach the conversation calmly and avoid being accusatory, as that can put the other person on the defensive. I'd explain how their not returning the money is affecting me and see if we can work out a payment plan that works for both of us. If that doesn't work, I might consider sending a polite but firm reminder, reiterating our agreement and the importance of paying me back. However, if the person continues to ignore me or make excuses, I'd have to reevaluate our friendship and consider setting boundaries or distancing myself from them.

Why are people embarrassed to borrow money from others? I believe people are often embarrassed to borrow money because it can make them feel vulnerable and exposed. When we borrow money, we're essentially admitting that we can't afford something on our own, which can be a blow to our pride. Additionally, there's often a fear of being seen as irresponsible or financially unstable, which can lead to feelings of shame and embarrassment. I've been in situations where I've had to borrow money from my parents, and even though I knew they were happy to help, I still felt a twinge of embarrassment. It's like I was admitting that I wasn't capable of managing my finances on my own. However, I've come to realize that borrowing money can be a normal part of life, and it's how we respond to it that matters – by being responsible, communicating openly, and making a plan to pay it back.

What do you think about the sharing economy? I think the sharing economy is a fantastic concept that's changing the way we live and interact with each other. The idea that we can share resources, skills, and assets with others is not only environmentally friendly but also fosters a sense of community and cooperation. For example, I've used bike-sharing services in my city, which has been a game-changer for me. I don't need to own a bike, but I can still enjoy the convenience and exercise of cycling whenever I want. Similarly, platforms like Airbnb and Couchsurfing have made traveling so much more accessible and affordable. Of course, there are also concerns around regulation and exploitation, but overall, I believe the sharing economy has the potential to create a more collaborative and sustainable world.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

break the bank

to spend all one's money

She loves trying out different musical instruments, but she can't afford to buy a new one every time she wants to try something new, so she often borrows from friends or rents instruments for a short period, so she doesn't break the bank.

test the waters

to try something out to see if it is a good idea

She often borrows instruments for a short period to test the waters, so to speak, before deciding if she really wants to invest in a particular instrument.

on the defensive

feeling the need to defend oneself

I'd try to approach the conversation calmly and avoid being accusatory, as that can put the other person on the defensive.

reiterate

to repeat something in order to emphasize it

If that doesn't work, I might consider sending a polite but firm reminder, reiterating our agreement and the importance of paying me back.

blow to one's pride

something that hurts one's self-respect

When we borrow money, we can't afford something on our own, which can be a blow to our pride.

game-changer

something that has a significant impact or effect

Using bike-sharing services in my city has been a game-changer for me.