The topic “describe a book you couldn’t finish” is a relatively common one in IELTS Speaking tests. It has appeared in past exams and is likely to be featured in future tests due to its relevance to everyday life and its ability to assess a candidate’s language skills in discussing personal experiences and opinions about literature.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask questions related to reading habits and preferences. Here are some possible questions and a sample answer:
- Do you enjoy reading books?
- What types of books do you usually read?
- Have you ever stopped reading a book before finishing it?
Sample answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I do enjoy reading books. I find it to be a great way to unwind and expand my knowledge. I typically gravitate towards non-fiction books, particularly those related to history and science. They pique my curiosity and offer insights into various subjects. As for stopping a book before finishing it, I have done that on a few occasions. Sometimes, a book just doesn’t resonate with me or fails to capture my interest despite my initial expectations.”
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card:
Describe a book you couldn’t finish reading
You should say:
- What the book was
- When you tried to read it
- Why you couldn’t finish it
- And explain how you felt about not finishing it
Unfinished book on bedside table with bookmark
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“The book I couldn’t finish was ‘1984’ by George Orwell. I tried to read it last summer when I had some free time. I picked it up because it’s considered a classic and many of my friends recommended it.
However, I found it hard to get through. The writing style was quite dense, and the dystopian world Orwell created was pretty depressing. I made it about halfway through before I gave up.
I felt a bit disappointed in myself for not finishing it. I know it’s an important book, and I wanted to understand why it’s so famous. But at the same time, I realized that not every book is for everyone, and it’s okay to stop reading something if you’re not enjoying it.”
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“The book I couldn’t bring myself to finish was ‘Infinite Jest’ by David Foster Wallace. I embarked on this literary journey last winter, intrigued by its reputation as a monumental work of postmodern fiction.
However, as I delved deeper into the narrative, I found myself grappling with its labyrinthine structure and encyclopedic scope. Wallace’s penchant for lengthy footnotes and tangential narratives, while undoubtedly clever, proved to be a significant hurdle. Despite my persistent efforts, I found myself floundering around the 300-page mark of this 1000-page tome.
I must admit, abandoning the book left me with a sense of ambivalence. On one hand, I felt a twinge of intellectual inadequacy, as if I had failed to rise to the challenge posed by this acclaimed work. On the other hand, I came to the realization that reading should be an enriching experience, not an arduous task. This experience taught me to be more discerning about my reading choices and to value my time and mental energy.”
Follow-up questions:
- Do you think it’s important to finish every book you start? Why or why not?
- How do you choose which books to read?
Sample answers:
Band 6-7:
“I don’t think it’s always necessary to finish every book. If a book isn’t enjoyable or useful, it’s okay to stop. Life is short, and there are so many books out there. As for choosing books, I usually go by recommendations from friends or popular book lists online.”
Band 8-9:
“I believe that perseverance in reading can be valuable, as some books reveal their merits slowly. However, I also think it’s important to recognize when a book isn’t serving your intellectual or emotional needs. Regarding book selection, I tend to curate my reading list based on a combination of critical reviews, recommendations from trusted sources, and my personal interests in certain themes or literary styles.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: Let’s talk more about reading habits. Do you think people are reading less nowadays? Why or why not?
Sample answer (Band 6-7):
“I think people are probably reading less books these days. With smartphones and social media, people have less time for reading. Also, there are many other forms of entertainment now, like streaming services and video games, which compete for people’s attention.”
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“The landscape of reading has undoubtedly undergone a significant transformation in recent years. While it might appear that traditional book reading has declined, I believe it’s more accurate to say that reading habits have diversified. The proliferation of digital platforms has led to increased consumption of short-form content, such as articles and blog posts. However, we’ve also seen a resurgence in audiobook popularity, suggesting that people are adapting their reading habits to fit busier lifestyles. It’s not necessarily that people are reading less, but rather that the format and medium of reading have evolved.”
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
Gravitate towards (phrasal verb) – /ˈɡrævɪteɪt təˈwɔːdz/ – to be attracted to or move towards something
Example: “I tend to gravitate towards historical fiction when choosing books.”Pique one’s curiosity (idiom) – /piːk wʌnz ˌkjʊəriˈɒsəti/ – to arouse interest or curiosity
Example: “The mysterious title piqued my curiosity, prompting me to pick up the book.”Labyrinthine (adjective) – /ˌlæbəˈrɪnθaɪn/ – complicated and difficult to understand
Example: “The novel’s labyrinthine plot made it challenging to follow at times.”Monumental (adjective) – /ˌmɒnjʊˈmentl/ – very important or impressive
Example: “War and Peace is considered a monumental work of literature.”Curate (verb) – /kjʊəˈreɪt/ – to select, organize, and look after items in a collection
Example: “I carefully curate my reading list to ensure a diverse range of genres and authors.”
Person curating a personal reading list
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing books and reading habits:
Expand your vocabulary: Use a variety of descriptive words and phrases related to literature and reading. This demonstrates your language proficiency and ability to discuss the topic in depth.
Practice expressing opinions: Be prepared to give and explain your views on various aspects of reading and literature. Use phrases like “In my opinion,” “I believe that,” or “From my perspective” to introduce your thoughts.
Use examples: Whenever possible, support your points with specific examples from books you’ve read or experiences you’ve had. This adds authenticity to your responses.
Develop your ideas: Don’t just give short answers. Elaborate on your points, explaining the ‘why’ and ‘how’ behind your statements.
Stay on topic: While it’s good to expand on your answers, make sure you’re addressing the question asked. Listen carefully to the examiner and respond accordingly.
Use a range of tenses: When discussing books, you’ll likely need to use different tenses (past for books you’ve read, present for general habits, future for reading plans). Practice using these accurately.
Work on fluency: Aim to speak smoothly and confidently. It’s okay to pause briefly to gather your thoughts, but try to maintain a natural flow in your speech.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is practice. The more you engage with English-language content about books and reading, and the more you practice articulating your thoughts on these topics, the more comfortable and proficient you’ll become.