Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a Book That Made a Strong Impression on You

The topic of describing a book that left a lasting impression is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests. It has appeared frequently in past exams and is likely to continue being a popular subject in future tests. This topic allows examiners to assess candidates’ ability to discuss personal experiences, express opinions, and demonstrate their language skills in describing complex emotions and ideas.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In the first part of the IELTS Speaking test, the examiner may ask you some general questions about books and reading. Here are some potential questions and a sample answer:

1. Do you enjoy reading books?
2. What kind of books do you prefer?
3. How often do you read?
4. Do you think reading is important? Why or why not?

Sample answer for “Do you enjoy reading books?” (Band 8-9):

“Absolutely, I’m an avid reader. There’s something magical about immersing myself in a good book. I find that reading not only broadens my horizons but also helps me unwind after a long day. It’s a great way to explore new ideas and experience different perspectives. Whether it’s fiction or non-fiction, I always feel enriched after finishing a book.”

Part 2: Long Turn

Here’s a sample cue card related to the topic:

Describe A Book That Made A Strong Impression On You
You should say:

• What the book was
• When you read it
• What it was about
• And explain why it made such a strong impression on you

Sample answer (Band 6-7):

“The book that made a strong impression on me is ‘1984’ by George Orwell. I read it during my last year of high school. It’s a dystopian novel about a totalitarian society where the government controls every aspect of people’s lives, including their thoughts.

The story follows Winston Smith, a man who starts to question the oppressive system he lives in. He begins a forbidden relationship and joins a secret rebellion against the government.

This book really struck me because it made me think about the importance of freedom and privacy. It showed how dangerous it can be when a government has too much power. The idea of ‘Big Brother’ watching everything was scary but also felt relevant to our world today with all the technology we have.

I was impressed by how Orwell predicted things like surveillance cameras and fake news long before they became real issues. The book’s ending was also very impactful and made me realize how hard it can be to fight against a powerful system.

Overall, ‘1984’ opened my eyes to the value of independent thinking and the need to protect our rights. It’s a book that still makes me think, even years after reading it.”

Sample answer (Band 8-9):

“The book that left an indelible impression on me is George Orwell’s seminal work, ‘1984’. I delved into this dystopian masterpiece during my final year of secondary education, and it profoundly altered my perception of society and governance.

Set in a totalitarian regime, the narrative revolves around Winston Smith, a disillusioned citizen who begins to question the oppressive system that permeates every facet of life. As Winston embarks on a clandestine relationship and aligns himself with a covert resistance movement, the reader is drawn into a world where individual thought is suppressed and reality is manipulated by those in power.

This book resonated deeply with me due to its prescient insights into the potential abuse of power and the erosion of personal freedoms. Orwell’s chillingly accurate predictions of mass surveillance, information control, and the manipulation of language for political ends were not only eerily prophetic but also alarmingly relevant in our current digital age.

The concept of ‘Big Brother’ and the omnipresent scrutiny it represents struck a chord with me, prompting me to critically examine the balance between security and privacy in our increasingly connected world. The psychological manipulation depicted in the novel, particularly the idea of ‘doublethink‘, challenged my understanding of truth and highlighted the malleability of human belief.

Perhaps most impactful was the novel’s unflinching conclusion, which subverted expectations and drove home the insidious nature of totalitarian control. It served as a stark reminder of the fragility of individual will when faced with systemic oppression.

In essence, ‘1984’ ignited a passion for questioning the status quo and valuing intellectual freedom. It instilled in me a deep appreciation for the power of literature to shape critical thinking and inspire social awareness. This book continues to inform my worldview, serving as a cautionary tale and a call to vigilance in protecting the fundamental rights that underpin a free society.”

IELTS Speaking: Describing a book that made a strong impression

Follow-up questions:

1. Has this book influenced your life in any way?
2. Would you recommend this book to others? Why or why not?
3. Do you think books can change people’s opinions or behavior?

Sample answer for “Has this book influenced your life in any way?” (Band 8-9):

“Without a doubt, ‘1984’ has had a profound impact on my life. It has made me far more vigilant about privacy issues and the potential for abuse of power. I now approach news and information with a more critical eye, always questioning the source and looking for potential biases. This book has also inspired me to be more politically engaged, as I’ve come to truly appreciate the value of democratic freedoms. On a personal level, it has sparked numerous thought-provoking discussions with friends and family, enriching my relationships through intellectual discourse. Overall, I’d say that reading ‘1984’ has significantly shaped my worldview and continues to influence my decisions and how I interpret current events.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this part, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

1. How do you think literature influences society?
2. Do you believe that some books should be censored? Why or why not?
3. In what ways has the digital age changed people’s reading habits?

Sample answer for “How do you think literature influences society?” (Band 8-9):

“Literature plays a pivotal role in shaping society by serving as a mirror that reflects our collective experiences and challenges our preconceptions. Well-crafted narratives have the power to evoke empathy, allowing readers to step into the shoes of characters from diverse backgrounds and broaden their perspectives. This increased understanding can lead to greater social cohesion and tolerance.

Moreover, literature often acts as a catalyst for social change by bringing attention to pressing issues. Books like ‘To Kill a Mockingbird‘ or ‘The Jungle‘ have historically influenced public opinion and even contributed to policy reforms. They provide a platform for marginalized voices to be heard and can spark important conversations about social justice and equality.

In the realm of ideas, literature serves as a testing ground for new concepts and philosophies. Dystopian novels, for instance, allow us to explore the potential consequences of current societal trends, prompting critical thinking about the direction we’re heading in as a civilization.

Furthermore, literature contributes to the preservation and evolution of language and culture. It keeps traditions alive while also pushing linguistic boundaries, enriching our modes of expression.

However, it’s important to note that literature’s influence is not always positive. Some works can perpetuate harmful stereotypes or promote destructive ideologies. This underscores the importance of critical reading and diverse representation in literature.

In essence, literature acts as both a reflection of society and a force for change, continuously shaping our collective consciousness and influencing the way we perceive and interact with the world around us.”

Literature's influence on society

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

1. Indelible impression /ɪnˈdelɪbl̩ ɪmˈpreʃn/ (phrase): A lasting effect or influence that cannot be forgotten.
   Example: “The book left an indelible impression on my mind.”

2. Seminal work /ˈsemɪnl wɜːk/ (noun phrase): An original and influential piece of writing.
   Example: “1984 is considered a seminal work in dystopian literature.”

3. Dystopian /dɪsˈtəʊpiən/ (adjective): Relating to or denoting an imagined state or society where there is great suffering or injustice.
   Example: “The dystopian world depicted in the novel was both fascinating and terrifying.”

4. To resonate /ˈrezəneɪt/ (verb): To evoke or suggest images, memories, and emotions.
   Example: “The themes in the book resonated deeply with my own experiences.”

5. Prescient /ˈpresiənt/ (adjective): Having or showing knowledge of events before they take place.
   Example: “Orwell’s prescient insights into surveillance culture are more relevant than ever.”

Describe a friend who is a good listener can be another interesting topic for IELTS Speaking, allowing you to showcase your ability to describe personal relationships and qualities.

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a book that made a strong impression on you:

1. Prepare thoroughly: Familiarize yourself with a variety of books and their themes. This will help you speak confidently and at length about different literary works.

2. Use sophisticated vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases related to literature and emotions. This demonstrates a wide-ranging lexical resource.

3. Provide specific details: When discussing the book, give concrete examples from the plot, characters, or themes to support your points.

4. Express personal opinions: Don’t just summarize the book; explain why it impressed you and how it affected your thoughts or behavior.

5. Practice fluency: Work on speaking smoothly and naturally, without long pauses or hesitations.

6. Develop your ideas: In Part 3, try to give extended answers that explore different aspects of the questions asked.

7. Use a variety of grammatical structures: Incorporate complex sentences and different tenses to showcase your grammatical range and accuracy.

8. Stay relevant: Always ensure your answers are directly addressing the question or topic at hand.

By following these tips and regularly practicing your speaking skills, you can improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test and increase your chances of achieving a high score.

Describe a book that you would like to read again is another common topic that can help you practice expressing your thoughts about literature in the IELTS Speaking test.