Reading enthusiasts make fascinating subjects for IELTS Speaking tasks, particularly in Part 2. This topic frequently appears in IELTS examinations, as it allows candidates to demonstrate their vocabulary range and ability to describe personalities and habits comprehensively.
A young woman passionately reading books in a cozy library setting
Part 1: Introduction Questions
Common questions examiners ask about reading:
- Do you enjoy reading?
- What types of books do you prefer?
- How often do you read?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’m quite passionate about reading. I particularly gravitate towards literary fiction and philosophical works because they challenge my perspective and help me broaden my horizons. I try to dedicate at least an hour each day to reading, usually in the evening when I can fully immerse myself in the story.”
Similar to describe a person who is passionate about their hobby, discussing reading habits requires detailed observation and description skills.
Part 2: Cue Card
Describe a person who enjoys reading
You should say:
- Who this person is
- What they like to read
- How you know about their reading habits
- And explain why you think reading is important to them
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about my university professor, Dr. Sarah Thompson, who is an avid reader with an insatiable appetite for knowledge. She consistently demonstrates her love for reading through her extensive personal library and the way she eloquently incorporates literary references into her lectures.
Dr. Thompson predominantly gravitates towards historical non-fiction and classical literature. I’ve noticed she particularly relishes works by Virginia Woolf and James Joyce, often drawing parallels between their writing styles and contemporary social issues. Her profound understanding of these texts is evident in how she articulates complex ideas with remarkable clarity.
describe an indoor or outdoor place where you study easily reminds me of how Dr. Thompson created her own reading sanctuary in her office, where she spends countless hours absorbed in books.
Reading appears to be fundamentally integral to her identity. It’s not merely a hobby but rather a way of life that has shaped her worldview and enhanced her intellectual capacity. Through reading, she continually expands her understanding of human nature and cultivates critical thinking skills, which she then shares with her students.”
Follow-up Questions:
Q: How has technology affected reading habits?
A (Band 8-9): “Technology has fundamentally transformed how people engage with written content. While digital platforms offer unprecedented accessibility, they’ve also led to more fragmented reading patterns and potentially shorter attention spans. However, we’re seeing an interesting paradigm shift where traditional and digital reading formats are beginning to coexist harmoniously.”
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q: What role does reading play in modern society?
A (Band 8-9): “Reading serves as a cornerstone of intellectual development in modern society. It fosters critical thinking, enhances emotional intelligence, and facilitates cultural understanding. In our increasingly digital world, the ability to comprehend and analyze complex texts has become even more crucial for professional success and personal growth.”
describe a person who has influenced your lifestyle choices often relates to how reading mentors can shape our habits and perspectives.
Key Vocabulary and Expressions
- Avid reader /ˈævɪd ˈriːdə/ (adj. + n.): Someone who reads frequently and enthusiastically
- Insatiable appetite /ɪnˈseɪʃəbəl ˈæpɪtaɪt/ (adj. + n.): An endless desire for something
- Eloquently /ˈeləkwəntli/ (adv.): Speaking or writing in a fluent and persuasive manner
- Paradigm shift /ˈpærədaɪm ʃɪft/ (n.): A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions
describe an activity you enjoyed in your free time as a child can be connected to early reading experiences that shaped lifelong habits.
