The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about books that have had a significant impact on candidates’ lives. This topic allows examiners to assess your ability to articulate personal experiences, reflect on abstract concepts, and demonstrate critical thinking skills. Let’s explore how to effectively respond to questions about a book that changed your perspective on life, a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests across countries like India, China, Vietnam, and beyond.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask general questions about reading habits and preferences. Here are some typical questions you might encounter:

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

Let’s look at a sample answer for the first question:

Examiner: Do you enjoy reading books?

Candidate (Band 7-8 response): Absolutely! I find great pleasure in reading books. It’s not just a hobby for me, but a way to broaden my horizons and gain new perspectives on various aspects of life. I particularly enjoy delving into non-fiction books that challenge my thinking and expand my knowledge base.

describe a favorite book you read as a child

Part 2: Long Turn

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

Describe A Book That Changed Your Perspective On Life. You should say:

• What the book was
• When you read it
• What it was about
• How it changed your perspective on life

Remember, you have one minute to prepare and should speak for 1-2 minutes. Here are sample responses for different band scores:

Band 6-7 Response:

The book that really changed my view on life was “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho. I read it about two years ago when I was feeling a bit lost in my career. The story is about a young shepherd who goes on a journey to find his personal legend, which is like his life’s purpose. It taught me that everyone has a special path in life, and that we should follow our dreams even if they seem impossible.

What really struck me was how the book showed that obstacles are actually opportunities for growth. This made me rethink some of the challenges I was facing at work. Instead of seeing them as problems, I started to see them as chances to learn and improve myself.

The book also emphasized the importance of living in the present moment and being aware of the signs that life gives us. This idea resonated deeply with me and made me more mindful in my daily life. I started paying more attention to the world around me and the people I interact with.

Overall, “The Alchemist” changed my perspective by showing me that life is a journey of self-discovery, and that pursuing our dreams can lead to personal fulfillment. It encouraged me to be more courageous in following my own path, even when it’s not the conventional one.

Band 8-9 Response:

The book that profoundly altered my worldview was “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor Frankl. I stumbled upon this remarkable work about three years ago during a period of intense self-reflection. Frankl, a psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor, recounts his harrowing experiences in Nazi concentration camps and extrapolates profound insights about human nature and the search for purpose in life.

The core premise of the book revolves around Frankl’s theory of logotherapy, which posits that the primary motivational force in humans is the search for meaning. This concept resonated deeply with me and prompted a paradigm shift in how I perceive life’s challenges and setbacks.

Frankl’s assertion that we cannot control what happens to us, but we can always control how we respond to it, was particularly transformative. It compelled me to reevaluate my approach to adversity and instilled in me a sense of agency even in the most trying circumstances. I began to view difficulties not as insurmountable obstacles, but as opportunities for growth and self-discovery.

Moreover, the book underscored the importance of finding purpose in life, not through grand achievements, but through the way we face unavoidable suffering and the attitude we adopt in challenging situations. This perspective revolutionized my understanding of success and fulfillment, shifting my focus from external validation to internal growth and meaning.

In essence, “Man’s Search for Meaning” fundamentally altered my outlook on life by illuminating the power of purpose and the human capacity for resilience. It inspired me to cultivate a more mindful and purposeful approach to life, fostering a deeper appreciation for the present moment and the inherent meaning in everyday experiences.

describe a book that inspired you

Follow-up Questions:

1. Do you think books have the power to change people’s lives? Why or why not?
2. In your opinion, what makes a book life-changing?

Sample answer for question 1 (Band 8-9):

Absolutely, I firmly believe that books possess an extraordinary power to transform lives. They serve as windows into different worlds, perspectives, and experiences that we might never encounter in our daily lives. A well-written book can challenge our preconceptions, broaden our horizons, and inspire us to think critically about our beliefs and actions.

Books have the unique ability to convey complex ideas and emotions in a way that allows readers to internalize and reflect upon them deeply. This process of engagement with new thoughts and ideas can catalyze personal growth and lead to significant shifts in one’s worldview. Moreover, books can provide solace and guidance during difficult times, offering insights and strategies for navigating life’s challenges.

Furthermore, the immersive nature of reading allows for a level of empathy and understanding that few other mediums can match. By stepping into the shoes of characters or absorbing the experiences of others through non-fiction, readers can develop greater compassion and a more nuanced understanding of the world around them.

In essence, books are not merely sources of information or entertainment; they are powerful tools for personal transformation, capable of reshaping our thoughts, beliefs, and actions in profound and lasting ways.

IELTS Speaking Task on Life-Changing Books

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

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

Examiner: How do you think technology has impacted people’s reading habits?

Candidate (Band 7-8 response): Technology has undoubtedly revolutionized the way people read. On one hand, e-books and audiobooks have made literature more accessible than ever before. People can now carry entire libraries on their smartphones or tablets, allowing them to read anytime, anywhere. This convenience has encouraged more frequent reading among many individuals who might not have had the time or inclination to carry physical books.

However, technology has also introduced new challenges to traditional reading habits. The constant bombardment of information from social media and other digital platforms has shortened attention spans, making it more difficult for some people to engage with longer, more complex texts. Additionally, the rise of bite-sized content and quick summaries online has led to a culture of skimming rather than deep reading.

Despite these challenges, I believe technology has ultimately democratized access to knowledge and literature. Features like adjustable font sizes, text-to-speech, and instant dictionary lookups have made reading more inclusive for people with different needs and preferences. Moreover, online book communities and recommendation algorithms have helped readers discover new books and connect with like-minded individuals, fostering a vibrant digital reading culture.

Examiner: Do you think schools should focus more on teaching classic literature or contemporary works?

Candidate (Band 8-9 response): This is a nuanced issue that warrants careful consideration. Both classic literature and contemporary works offer unique benefits to students, and I believe a balanced approach is crucial for a well-rounded education.

Classic literature provides students with a foundational understanding of literary traditions, historical contexts, and enduring themes that have shaped human thought over centuries. These works often grapple with universal human experiences and moral dilemmas that remain relevant today. Studying classics can also enhance students’ ability to interpret complex language and symbolism, skills that are valuable across various disciplines.

On the other hand, contemporary works offer insights into current social issues, modern writing styles, and diverse perspectives that may be more immediately relatable to students. These books can spark engagement with present-day challenges and help students develop critical thinking skills in the context of their own lived experiences. Contemporary literature also often reflects the diversity of our globalized world, exposing students to a wider range of voices and cultures.

Ideally, schools should strike a balance between classic and contemporary literature. This approach would allow students to appreciate literary heritage while also remaining connected to contemporary discourse. It could involve pairing classic texts with modern reinterpretations or thematically related contemporary works, encouraging students to draw connections across time periods and cultural contexts.

Moreover, the selection of both classic and contemporary works should be thoughtfully curated to represent diverse voices and experiences, ensuring that students are exposed to a rich tapestry of literary perspectives. This balanced and inclusive approach would not only enhance students’ literary appreciation but also foster empathy, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of both historical and current social dynamics.

describe a teacher who had an impact on you

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To elevate your responses and demonstrate a sophisticated command of English, consider incorporating these words and phrases:

1. Paradigm shift /ˈpærəˌdaɪm ʃɪft/ (noun): A fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions.
   Example: Reading that book caused a paradigm shift in my understanding of social justice.

2. Profound /prəˈfaʊnd/ (adjective): Very great or intense; having or showing great knowledge or insight.
   Example: The author’s profound insights into human nature left a lasting impact on me.

3. Resonated with (phrasal verb): To evoke a feeling of shared emotion or belief.
   Example: The protagonist’s struggle resonated with my own experiences of overcoming adversity.

4. Extrapolate /ɪkˈstræpəˌleɪt/ (verb): To extend the application of a method or conclusion to an unknown situation.
   Example: I was able to extrapolate the book’s lessons to various aspects of my personal and professional life.

5. Catalyze /ˈkætəˌlaɪz/ (verb): To cause or accelerate a reaction or change.
   Example: The book catalyzed a significant transformation in my worldview.

describe a memorable conversation you had recently

Impact of Technology on Reading Habits

Examiner’s Advice for High Scores in IELTS Speaking

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing books that have changed your perspective:

1. Develop your ideas fully: Don’t just state facts; explain your thoughts and provide specific examples from the book to support your points.

2. Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate sophisticated vocabulary and idiomatic expressions naturally throughout your responses.

3. Maintain fluency: Practice speaking at length without long pauses. Use linking words to connect your ideas smoothly.

4. Demonstrate critical thinking: Show that you can analyze the book’s impact on you and relate it to broader themes or issues.

5. Be authentic: While it’s important to use advanced language, ensure your responses reflect your genuine thoughts and experiences.

6. Practice, practice, practice: Regularly discuss books and their impact with others to build confidence and fluency in expressing these ideas.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about the content of your answers, but how articulate, fluent, and confident you are in expressing your ideas.