20.
Describe a time when you broke something
You should say:
What it was
When/where that happened
How you broke it
And explain what you did after that
I remember a time about two years ago when I accidentally broke my mother’s favorite vase.
It was a beautiful porcelain vase that she had bought during a trip to Japan, and it had a
delicate cherry blossom design. It was one of her most treasured decorations and was kept on
a glass shelf in our living room.
One afternoon, I was cleaning the shelf and tried to move the vase to dust underneath it.
Unfortunately, I lost my grip for just a second, and it slipped out of my hands. It shattered
into pieces before I could even react. The sound was so loud that my mother came running
from the kitchen. I felt absolutely terrible and guilty because I knew how much she loved it.
After that, I carefully collected the pieces and tried to glue them back together, but it was
beyond repair. To make up for it, I saved some money and bought her a similar vase as a gift.
Although she appreciated the gesture, she told me it wasn’t the same — and she was right.
That incident taught me to be much more careful and patient, especially when handling
fragile things. Even now, whenever I see a vase, I’m reminded of that small but unforgettable
mistake.
Part 3
1. What kind of things are more likely to be broken by people at home?
Generally, the items most likely to be broken at home are fragile household objects, such as
glassware, mirrors, plates, or decorative ornaments. These are things people handle
frequently, so even a small mistake can lead to accidents. Electronic devices, like
smartphones or remote controls, also get damaged quite often, especially if they’re dropped
or used carelessly.
2. What kind of people like to fix things by themselves?
People who like to fix things by themselves are usually practical, patient, and detail-oriented
individuals. They enjoy solving problems and take pride in being self-reliant. For example,
many DIY enthusiasts love repairing or creating things because it gives them a sense of
accomplishment and helps them save money.
3. Do you think clothes produced in the factory are of better quality than those made by
hand?
Not necessarily. Factory-produced clothes are often more consistent in quality because
they’re made using advanced machinery and strict production standards. This ensures that
every piece looks almost identical, and the stitching or fabric cutting tends to be quite precise.
However, factory garments are usually made in bulk, so the materials might not always be
premium, and they often lack the personal touch or individuality of handmade clothing.
4. Do you think handmade clothes are more valuable?