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Describe something useful you borrowed from someone else

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Cue Card

Describe something useful you borrowed from someone else

You should say:

  • What it was
  • When you borrowed it
  • Who you borrowed it from
  • And explain why you borrowed it.

Sample Part 3 Questions

  1. What kinds of things do people borrow from each other?
  2. What kinds of things do people not like to lend to others?
  3. What do you think about copying an idea from someone else?
  4. Is it always necessary to get permission to use something that belongs to someone else?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I want to talk about the most unlikely thing that changed my life - a recipe for homemade pasta sauce from my neighbor, Mrs. Thompson. I know what you're thinking - what's so special about pasta sauce? But hear me out. Mrs. Thompson's sauce was more than just a recipe, it was a lesson in community and connection. She shared it with me during a particularly tough time in my life, and it became a symbol of the power of human connection in the digital age.

I was going through a breakup and feeling lost, and Mrs. Thompson, who I barely knew at the time, showed up at my doorstep with a jar of her famous sauce and a listening ear. She told me that this sauce had been passed down from her Italian grandmother and was a staple in her family for generations. As I cooked it for the first time, the aroma transported me to a place of comfort and warmth.

What struck me was the way Mrs. Thompson's sauce brought people together. Every time I made it, I felt compelled to share it with others - friends, family, even strangers. It sparked conversations, created connections, and reminded me that even in the darkest times, there's always hope. I realized that this sauce was more than just a recipe, it was a tool for building bridges and fostering empathy.

In a world where we're increasingly isolated, Mrs. Thompson's sauce taught me the value of human connection. It reminded me that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a profound impact on someone's life. And it inspired me to pay it forward, to share my own'sauce' with others - whether it's a skill, a story, or simply a listening ear.

So, the next time you're feeling lost or disconnected, I encourage you to borrow something from someone else - a recipe, a book, a piece of advice. You never know the impact it might have on your life and the lives of those around you. And who knows, you might just create a ripple effect of kindness that spreads far beyond your wildest dreams.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

pay it forward
to do something good for someone else after someone has done something good for you
She paid it forward by volunteering at the local soup kitchen after receiving help from a stranger.

Sample Part 3 Answers

What kinds of things do people borrow from each other? One thing that people often borrow from each other is tools. I think this is because tools can be really expensive, and not everyone needs them all the time. For example, I borrowed a drill from my neighbor last weekend to hang a picture in my living room. I only needed it for a few minutes, but it would have been a hassle to buy a whole drill just for that one task. By borrowing it, I was able to get the job done quickly and easily, and my neighbor was happy to help out.

What kinds of things do people not like to lend to others? I think people are often hesitant to lend out their favorite books or personal items that hold sentimental value. For instance, I have a friend who loves to read and has a huge collection of rare novels. She's always careful about who she lends them to, because she's worried that they might get damaged or lost. She's even been known to make people promise to return the book by a certain date, just to make sure it comes back to her safely. I think this is because, for her, those books are more than just something to read - they're a part of who she is.

What do you think about copying an idea from someone else? I think copying an idea from someone else can be a bit of a gray area. On the one hand, it's natural to be inspired by other people's ideas and want to build on them. But on the other hand, it's also important to make sure you're not just copying someone else's work without giving them credit. For example, if someone comes up with a great idea for a new product, it's okay to use that as inspiration for your own project - as long as you're not just copying their design exactly and passing it off as your own. I think the key is to use other people's ideas as a starting point, and then add your own unique twist to make it something new and original.

Is it always necessary to get permission to use something that belongs to someone else? I don't think it's always necessary to get permission to use something that belongs to someone else, but it's always a good idea to ask. For instance, if you're at a party and you want to use someone's phone charger, it's polite to ask them if it's okay first. They might say no, or they might have a reason why you can't use it - and it's always better to ask and make sure it's okay, rather than just taking something that doesn't belong to you. On the other hand, if you're using a public resource, like a park or a library, you don't need to get permission to use it - it's already available for everyone.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

borrowed time
a period of time that is extended beyond what is normally expected or allowed
The company has been living on borrowed time for months, trying to stay afloat despite financial difficulties.

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