The topic of describing a book you want to read again is a common one in IELTS Speaking tests. It allows examiners to assess your ability to discuss literature, express personal preferences, and articulate your thoughts on a familiar subject. This topic has appeared frequently in past IELTS exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about reading and books. Here are some potential questions and a sample answer for one:
- Do you enjoy reading books?
- What types of books do you prefer?
- How often do you read?
- Where do you usually read?
- Do you prefer physical books or e-books?
Let’s look at a sample answer for the question “Do you enjoy reading books?”:
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Absolutely! I’m quite passionate about reading. For me, books are not just a source of knowledge but also a gateway to different worlds and perspectives. I find that reading broadens my horizons and stimulates my imagination in ways that few other activities can. Whether it’s delving into a gripping novel or exploring a thought-provoking non-fiction work, I always feel enriched after spending time with a good book.”
IELTS Speaking candidate answering examiner's question
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe A Book You Want To Read Again.
You should say:
- What the book is
- When you first read it
- What it is about
- And explain why you want to read it again
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“The book I want to read again is ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ by Harper Lee. I first read it when I was in high school, about five years ago. It’s a novel set in the 1930s in the southern United States and tells the story of a lawyer, Atticus Finch, who defends a black man falsely accused of a crime. The story is narrated by Atticus’s young daughter, Scout.
I want to read it again because it left a strong impression on me. The themes of racial injustice and the loss of innocence are very powerful. I think now that I’m older, I’ll understand the deeper meanings better. Also, the characters, especially Atticus Finch, are very memorable and I’d like to revisit them.
The book teaches important lessons about empathy and standing up for what’s right, which I find inspiring. I remember being moved by the story when I first read it, and I’m curious to see how I’ll react to it now. I think rereading it will help me appreciate the author’s writing style more too.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“The book I’m eager to revisit is ‘One Hundred Years of Solitude’ by Gabriel García Márquez. I first immersed myself in this literary masterpiece during my university years, approximately a decade ago. This magnum opus of magical realism chronicles the multi-generational saga of the Buendía family in the fictional town of Macondo.
The narrative weaves together the personal and the political, the magical and the mundane, in a tapestry of extraordinary richness. Márquez’s prose is a tour de force, blending reality with fantasy in a way that challenges our perceptions of time, history, and human nature.
I’m compelled to rediscover this book for several reasons. Firstly, I believe that with the life experiences I’ve accumulated since my first reading, I’ll be able to glean new insights and appreciate the nuances I might have missed earlier. The book’s complex narrative structure and intricate character relationships warrant multiple readings to fully grasp their depth.
Moreover, Márquez’s masterful use of magical realism is something I’m now more equipped to analyze and appreciate. His ability to seamlessly integrate the supernatural into everyday life is both captivating and thought-provoking.
Lastly, I’m curious to see how my emotional response to the book’s themes of solitude, love, and the cyclical nature of time may have evolved. I anticipate that rereading this literary gem will be a profoundly enriching experience, offering fresh perspectives and a deeper connection to its timeless narrative.”
Person reading One Hundred Years of Solitude
Follow-up Questions:
- How has your taste in books changed over time?
- Do you think rereading books is valuable? Why or why not?
Sample Answer for Question 2 (Band 8-9):
“I firmly believe that rereading books is immensely valuable. Each time we revisit a book, we bring new experiences and perspectives, allowing us to uncover layers of meaning that we might have missed initially. It’s like revisiting an old friend – you discover new facets of their personality with each encounter.
Moreover, rereading allows us to appreciate the craftsmanship of the author more deeply. We can pay closer attention to the intricacies of the plot, the nuances of character development, and the subtleties of the writing style when we’re not solely focused on following the story.
Additionally, certain books, particularly classics or complex works, often require multiple readings to fully grasp their depth and significance. Each reading can reveal new insights and deepen our understanding of the themes and messages.
Lastly, rereading can be a comforting and nostalgic experience. Returning to a beloved book can evoke memories of the time and place where we first encountered it, providing a unique form of emotional resonance. In this fast-paced world, the act of rereading can be a mindful practice, allowing us to slow down and savor the written word.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: How do you think digital technology has changed people’s reading habits?
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I think digital technology has changed reading habits a lot. Many people now read e-books on devices like Kindles or tablets. This makes it easier to carry many books at once and read anywhere. Also, people can buy and download books instantly, which is convenient.
However, I think this has also led to shorter attention spans. People might be more likely to skim or jump between different texts instead of reading one book deeply. Social media and the internet have also affected reading habits, with many people spending time reading short posts or articles online instead of longer books.
On the positive side, technology has made books more accessible to many people. You can find free e-books online, and it’s easier for new authors to publish their work. But I think there’s still value in reading physical books, and many people still prefer the feel of a real book in their hands.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Digital technology has undeniably revolutionized reading habits in multifaceted ways. The advent of e-readers and tablets has transformed the very concept of a library, allowing readers to carry an entire collection in a single device. This portability and accessibility have democratized reading, making literature available at our fingertips.
However, this digital shift has also engendered some concerning trends. The constant connectivity and information overload characteristic of our digital age have led to more fragmented reading patterns. Many readers now gravitate towards shorter forms of content, such as blog posts or social media updates, potentially eroding the capacity for sustained, deep reading that longer works demand.
Conversely, technology has also opened up new avenues for interactive and multimedia reading experiences. Enhanced e-books with embedded videos, audio, or interactive elements are blurring the lines between different media and creating new forms of storytelling.
Moreover, the rise of online reading communities and platforms has fostered a more social dimension to reading. Readers can now easily share their thoughts, participate in virtual book clubs, and engage with authors directly, enriching the reading experience.
While these technological advancements offer numerous benefits, they also pose challenges to traditional reading habits. The tactile experience of physical books and the ability to disconnect from screens are qualities that many still value. Ultimately, I believe the key lies in striking a balance, leveraging the advantages of digital reading while preserving the irreplaceable aspects of traditional book reading.”
Digital technology's impact on reading habits
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Immerse oneself in (phrasal verb) /ɪˈmɜːs wʌnˈself ɪn/ – to become completely involved in something
Example: “I love to immerse myself in a good book on weekends.”Magnum opus (noun) /ˌmæɡnəm ˈəʊpəs/ – the greatest work of an artist, writer, or composer
Example: “Many consider ‘War and Peace’ to be Tolstoy’s magnum opus.”Chronicle (verb) /ˈkrɒnɪkl/ – to record a series of events in detail
Example: “The novel chronicles the family’s struggles over three generations.”Tapestry (noun) /ˈtæpɪstri/ – a complex or intricately woven situation or series of events
Example: “The author weaves a rich tapestry of characters and plotlines.”Glean (verb) /ɡliːn/ – to gather information in small amounts
Example: “On my second reading, I was able to glean new insights from the text.”Nuance (noun) /ˈnjuːɑːns/ – a subtle difference in meaning or opinion or attitude
Example: “The novel is full of emotional nuances that require careful reading to appreciate.”Engendered (verb) /ɪnˈdʒendəd/ – to cause or give rise to
Example: “The book’s controversial themes engendered much debate among readers.”Erode (verb) /ɪˈrəʊd/ – to gradually destroy or diminish
Example: “Some worry that digital media is eroding people’s ability to concentrate on long texts.”
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing books and reading:
Expand your vocabulary: Use a wide range of descriptive words and literary terms. Practice incorporating advanced vocabulary naturally into your speech.
Develop your ideas: Don’t just state your opinions; explain them with examples and personal experiences. This demonstrates your ability to communicate complex thoughts in English.
Use a variety of grammatical structures: Incorporate complex sentences, conditionals, and different tenses to showcase your language proficiency.
Practice fluency: Work on speaking smoothly without long pauses. Use linking words to connect your ideas coherently.
Engage with the topic: Show genuine interest and enthusiasm when discussing books and reading. This can positively influence the examiner’s perception of your communication skills.
Be reflective: When discussing why you want to reread a book, demonstrate critical thinking by analyzing how your perspective might have changed over time.
Stay relevant: Always address the question directly, but feel free to expand on your answers with related ideas and examples.
Remember, consistent practice and exposure to a wide range of English language materials, especially literature, can significantly improve your performance in the IELTS Speaking test.
Describe a shopping center you often visit to practice your speaking skills further. Additionally, you might want to describe a park you enjoy visiting for exercise as another topic to expand your vocabulary and fluency.
By following these tips and continuously expanding your English language skills, you’ll be well-prepared to discuss books and reading, as well as a wide range of other topics in your IELTS Speaking test.
