In the IELTS Speaking test, you may encounter a task that requires you to describe a book character you relate to. This topic has been a recurring theme in past exams and is likely to appear in future tests as well. To help you excel in this task, let’s explore effective strategies and sample answers that can boost your performance.
Describe a place where you feel at home can be another interesting topic you might encounter in your IELTS Speaking test. However, let’s focus on describing a book character for now.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask you some general questions about books and reading. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Question: Do you enjoy reading books?
Answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely. I’m quite the bookworm, to be honest. I find reading to be an incredibly enriching experience that allows me to explore new worlds and broaden my horizons. Whether it’s fiction or non-fiction, I always feel a sense of accomplishment when I finish a good book. It’s not just about entertainment; I believe reading enhances my vocabulary and critical thinking skills as well.”
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Now, let’s look at a potential cue card for this topic:
Describe a book character you relate to
You should say:
- Who the character is
- What book they are from
- What they are like
- Why you relate to this character
Here are sample answers for different band scores:
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I’d like to talk about Harry Potter, the main character from J.K. Rowling’s famous series. Harry is an orphan who discovers he’s a wizard and attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He’s brave, loyal to his friends, and always tries to do the right thing, even when it’s difficult.
I relate to Harry because, like him, I’ve often felt like an outsider in certain situations. His determination to overcome challenges and his strong sense of friendship resonate with me. I admire how he stands up for what he believes in, even when facing powerful adversaries.
Harry’s journey of self-discovery and growth throughout the series mirrors many of the experiences we go through as we grow up. His struggles with identity and finding his place in the world are something I think many people can relate to, including myself.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“I’d like to discuss Atticus Finch, the principled and compassionate father figure from Harper Lee’s seminal work, ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’. Atticus is a small-town lawyer in the Depression-era South who defends a black man falsely accused of a crime, challenging the deep-seated racial prejudices of his community.
What strikes me most about Atticus is his unwavering moral compass and his ability to maintain his integrity in the face of overwhelming social pressure. He embodies the qualities of wisdom, empathy, and courage, consistently demonstrating these virtues to his children through his actions rather than mere words.
I find myself deeply relating to Atticus’s commitment to justice and his belief in the inherent dignity of every individual, regardless of their background. His approach to parenting, which emphasizes critical thinking and empathy, resonates strongly with my own values and aspirations.
Moreover, Atticus’s quiet strength and his ability to stand firm in his convictions, even when it means going against the grain of society, is something I strive to emulate in my own life. His character serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of moral courage and the power of individual action to effect change, even in the most challenging circumstances.”
Describe a valuable lesson you learned from someone is another topic that could help you practice your speaking skills, much like describing a book character.
Follow-up Questions:
- How has this character influenced your life?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Harry Potter has inspired me to be more courageous in my daily life. I try to stand up for what I believe in, even when it’s not the popular choice. His story has also taught me the value of true friendship and the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Atticus Finch has had a profound impact on my worldview and personal ethics. His unwavering commitment to justice has motivated me to be more socially conscious and to actively challenge prejudices when I encounter them. Moreover, his measured and empathetic approach to complex issues has influenced my own problem-solving strategies, both in my personal and professional life.”
- Do you think fictional characters can be good role models?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“Yes, I believe fictional characters can be great role models. They often face challenges and make decisions that we can learn from. Good characters usually demonstrate positive qualities like bravery, honesty, and kindness, which can inspire readers to develop these traits themselves.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Absolutely. Fictional characters, when well-crafted, can serve as powerful archetypal figures that embody universal human qualities and experiences. They provide a safe space for readers to explore complex moral dilemmas and emotional landscapes, fostering empathy and critical thinking. Moreover, the diversity of characters in literature offers a wide array of potential role models, allowing readers to find figures that resonate with their own experiences and aspirations, transcending the limitations of real-world examples.”
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here’s an example:
Question: How do you think reading fiction contributes to a person’s character development?
Band 6-7 Answer:
“I think reading fiction can really help in developing a person’s character. It exposes us to different perspectives and situations that we might not experience in our daily lives. This can make us more understanding and empathetic towards others. Also, when we read about characters overcoming challenges, it can inspire us to face our own problems with more courage.”
Band 8-9 Answer:
“Reading fiction plays a pivotal role in character development through several mechanisms. Firstly, it serves as a vehicle for vicarious experience, allowing readers to inhabit the minds and lives of diverse characters, thereby fostering empathy and broadening perspectives. This cognitive and emotional exercise enhances our capacity for understanding and relating to others in real life.
Secondly, fictional narratives often present complex moral dilemmas, challenging readers to engage in critical thinking and ethical reasoning. This process can refine one’s moral compass and decision-making skills, which are crucial aspects of character.
Moreover, the act of reading itself cultivates patience, concentration, and imagination – all valuable traits in personal development. The exposure to varied writing styles and vocabulary also enhances linguistic proficiency, which in turn can improve communication skills and self-expression, key components of personal growth and character formation.”
Describe a friend who is very organized could be another interesting topic to practice, as it requires you to describe a real person, much like describing a book character you relate to.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases
To elevate your speaking performance, consider using these advanced words and phrases:
-
Resonate (verb) /ˈrezəneɪt/ – to produce or be filled with a deep, full sound; to have particular meaning or importance for someone
Example: “The character’s struggles resonated with my own experiences.” -
Embody (verb) /ɪmˈbɒdi/ – to represent or express something in a tangible or visible form
Example: “Atticus Finch embodies the qualities of wisdom and integrity.” -
Unwavering (adjective) /ʌnˈweɪvərɪŋ/ – not changing or becoming weaker
Example: “His unwavering commitment to justice was admirable.” -
Seminal (adjective) /ˈsemɪnl/ – strongly influencing later developments
Example: “‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ is considered a seminal work in American literature.” -
Poignant (adjective) /ˈpɔɪnjənt/ – evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret
Example: “The character’s journey serves as a poignant reminder of the human capacity for growth.”
Describe a historic site in your area is another topic that could help you practice using descriptive language, which is also useful when talking about book characters.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a book character:
- Prepare diverse examples: Have a range of characters from different genres and periods to discuss.
- Focus on depth: Don’t just list traits, but explain how they manifest in the character’s actions and decisions.
- Make personal connections: Clearly articulate why and how you relate to the character.
- Use advanced vocabulary: Incorporate sophisticated words and phrases naturally in your responses.
- Maintain fluency: Practice speaking about characters to improve your ability to discuss them smoothly and confidently.
- Engage critically: Show your ability to analyze the character’s role in the story and their impact on you as a reader.
Remember, the key to success is not just knowing about characters, but being able to discuss them eloquently and insightfully. Regular practice with a variety of literary characters will significantly enhance your performance in this task.
Describe a new skill you want to learn could be an excellent topic to practice after mastering how to describe a book character, as it allows you to showcase your ability to discuss personal aspirations and future plans.