Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Describe a Book You Borrowed from a Library

The topic of describing a book borrowed from a library 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 a candidate’s ability to discuss personal experiences, express opinions, and demonstrate vocabulary related to literature and reading habits.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, the examiner may ask questions about your reading habits and library experiences. Here are some common questions you might encounter:

1. Do you often borrow books from libraries?
2. What types of books do you usually borrow?
3. How often do you visit libraries?
4. What do you think about the importance of libraries in today’s digital age?

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

Examiner: Do you often borrow books from libraries?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I’d say I’m quite a frequent visitor to my local library. I try to go there at least once a month to browse through the new arrivals and check out a couple of books. I find it’s a great way to discover new authors and genres without having to invest in buying every book I’m curious about. Plus, there’s something nostalgic and comforting about the atmosphere in libraries that I really enjoy.”

IELTS Speaking: Describing borrowed library books

Part 2: Long Turn

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

Describe a book that you borrowed from a library
You should say:

• What the book was
• When you borrowed it
• Why you chose this book
• And explain how you felt about the book

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to talk about a fascinating book I recently borrowed from my local library. The book was ‘Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind‘ by Yuval Noah Harari. I came across this book about two months ago while browsing through the non-fiction section of the library.

What drew me to this particular book was its intriguing premise – a comprehensive overview of human history from the Stone Age to the present day. I had heard rave reviews about it from friends and seen it mentioned in several articles online, so I was eager to delve into it myself.

The book exceeded my expectations in every way. Harari’s writing style is incredibly engaging, making complex historical and anthropological concepts accessible and thought-provoking. I found myself constantly amazed by the connections he drew between different periods of human history and the insights he offered into our species’ development.

What I particularly appreciated about the book was how it challenged many of my preconceptions about human progress and civilization. It made me question long-held beliefs and opened my eyes to new perspectives on our shared history.

Overall, I felt intellectually stimulated and thoroughly entertained throughout my time reading this book. It sparked numerous discussions with friends and family, and I found myself recommending it enthusiastically to anyone who showed interest. Borrowing this book from the library was definitely a rewarding experience, and it has reignited my passion for exploring more non-fiction works in the future.”

Follow-up Questions:

1. How has this book influenced your perspective on human history?
2. Would you recommend this book to others? Why or why not?

Sample Answers (Band 8-9):

1. “This book has profoundly altered my understanding of human history. It’s made me realize that many aspects of our society that we take for granted, such as money, nations, and even human rights, are actually relatively recent social constructs. It’s encouraged me to think more critically about the narratives we’re taught in school and to question the inevitability of our current social and economic systems.”

2. “Absolutely, I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to others. It’s incredibly thought-provoking and accessible, making it suitable for anyone with an interest in history, anthropology, or just understanding the world better. The book’s ability to synthesize vast amounts of information into a coherent narrative is remarkable, and I believe it offers valuable insights that can broaden anyone’s perspective on human civilization.”

IELTS Speaking: Discussing 'Sapiens' by Yuval Noah Harari

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, the examiner might ask more abstract questions related to books, libraries, and reading habits. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

Examiner: How do you think libraries will change in the future?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I believe libraries will undergo a significant transformation in the coming years. While they’ll likely continue to house physical books, I think they’ll increasingly evolve into multifunctional community spaces. We’re already seeing this trend with libraries offering digital resources, hosting events, and providing spaces for collaborative work.

In the future, I envision libraries becoming hubs for digital literacy, offering courses and resources to help people navigate the increasingly complex digital landscape. They might also incorporate more advanced technologies, such as virtual reality stations for immersive learning experiences or 3D printing facilities to support creativity and innovation.

Moreover, I think libraries will play a crucial role in preserving local culture and history in the digital age. They might curate digital archives of community stories, photos, and artifacts, ensuring that local heritage is not lost in the vast sea of online information.

However, despite these changes, I believe the core mission of libraries – to provide free access to knowledge and foster lifelong learning – will remain unchanged. The methods may evolve, but the fundamental purpose will continue to be vital to society.”

Examiner: Do you think physical books will become obsolete in the future?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“That’s an interesting question, and it’s one that’s been debated quite a bit in recent years. While digital books and e-readers have certainly gained popularity, I don’t think physical books will become completely obsolete, at least not in the foreseeable future.

There are several reasons for this. Firstly, many people, myself included, still prefer the tactile experience of reading a physical book. There’s something special about the feel of paper, the smell of a new book, and the satisfaction of turning pages that digital formats can’t quite replicate.

Secondly, studies have shown that reading physical books can lead to better comprehension and retention of information compared to reading on screens. This is particularly important in academic settings, where deep understanding of complex texts is crucial.

However, I do think we’ll see a continued shift towards digital formats for certain types of books, particularly reference materials, textbooks, and perhaps some genres of fiction. The convenience and portability of e-books make them very attractive for many readers.

In the end, I believe we’ll likely see a coexistence of physical and digital books, with readers choosing the format that best suits their needs and preferences for different types of reading material.”

Key Vocabulary and Phrases

To achieve a high score in IELTS Speaking, it’s important to use a range of sophisticated vocabulary and phrases. Here are some examples from the sample answers above:

1. Frequent visitor (adj. + noun): Someone who goes to a place often.
   Example: “I’m a frequent visitor to the local art gallery.”

2. Browse through (phrasal verb): To look at something casually.
   Example: “I love to browse through bookstores on weekends.”

3. Check out (phrasal verb): To borrow an item from a library.
   Example: “I checked out three books on gardening last week.”

4. Discover new authors (verb phrase): To find and become familiar with writers one didn’t know before.
   Example: “Book clubs are a great way to discover new authors.”

5. Nostalgic and comforting (adj. + adj.): Evoking a sentimental longing for the past and providing a feeling of ease.
   Example: “The smell of freshly baked bread is both nostalgic and comforting for me.”

6. Intriguing premise (adj. + noun): An interesting or fascinating basic idea or principle.
   Example: “The movie had an intriguing premise about time travel.”

7. Rave reviews (adj. + noun): Very enthusiastic and positive critiques.
   Example: “The new restaurant has been getting rave reviews from food critics.”

8. Exceed expectations (verb phrase): To be better or greater than what was anticipated.
   Example: “The concert exceeded my expectations with its amazing performances.”

9. Thought-provoking (adj.): Stimulating careful consideration or attention.
   Example: “The documentary raised several thought-provoking questions about climate change.”

10. Reignite passion (verb phrase): To revive a strong enthusiasm or interest.
    Example: “Attending the workshop reignited my passion for photography.”

IELTS Speaking: Practicing advanced vocabulary

Examiner’s Advice

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when describing a book you borrowed from a library, consider the following tips:

1. Structure your answer: Use the cue card points as a guide to organize your response logically.

2. Use descriptive language: Employ a variety of adjectives and adverbs to make your description vivid and engaging.

3. Show personal engagement: Express your opinions and feelings about the book to demonstrate your ability to reflect on experiences.

4. Incorporate advanced vocabulary: Use sophisticated words and phrases relevant to the topic of books and reading.

5. Provide specific details: Include particular information about the book, such as the author’s name, publication date, or specific events in the story.

6. Use a range of tenses: Demonstrate your grammatical range by using past, present, and future tenses appropriately.

7. Practice fluency: Aim to speak smoothly and confidently, avoiding long pauses or hesitations.

8. Extend your answers: In Part 3, develop your responses with explanations, examples, and personal opinions.

9. Stay on topic: Ensure your answers are relevant to the questions asked, especially in Parts 1 and 3.

10. Be authentic: While it’s good to prepare, avoid memorizing answers. Speak naturally and genuinely about your experiences and thoughts.

Remember, the key to success in IELTS Speaking is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Practice regularly, learn how to use ‘that’ in sentences for IELTS, and focus on improving your overall communication skills to achieve your desired band score.