Mastering the IELTS Speaking Topic: Describe a Book You Have Read

The IELTS Speaking test consists of three parts: Introduction and Interview (Part 1), the Long Turn (Part 2), and Two-way Discussion (Part 3). The overall goal is to evaluate your fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. One common topic that often comes up is describing a book you have read. Being prepared for this topic can significantly contribute to a high band score.

In this post, you’ll find guidance and examples for each part of the Speaking test, focusing on the topic “Describe a Book You Have Read”. This includes contextual and semantic keywords (LSI keywords) such as “favorite book,” “plot summary,” “character analysis,” and “author’s style.”

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

To begin, the examiner will typically ask you some general questions to introduce yourself. Here’s a list of common questions you might encounter, followed by a sample answer to one of these questions:

Possible Questions

1. What kinds of books do you like to read?
2. Do you prefer to read e-books or printed books? Why?
3. How often do you read books?
4. Who is your favorite author?

Sample Answer

Question: What kinds of books do you like to read?

Answer: “I generally enjoy reading historical fiction because it combines intriguing stories with rich, educational content. For instance, ‘The Book Thief’ by Markus Zusak is a brilliant example of this genre; it not only captures a poignant tale set in World War II but also sheds light on the human spirit during adversity. The author’s eloquent style and gripping narrative make it a memorable read.”

Part 2: Long Turn

For the long turn, you will be given a cue card with a specific topic. Here, you will describe a book you have read, complete with essential details. This section is your chance to shine, so make sure to speak for the full 2 minutes.

Cue Card

Describe a book you have read. You should say:

• What the book is and who the author is
• How you first heard about the book
• What the book is about
• And explain why you liked it

Sample Answer

“I would like to describe a book I read recently, titled ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ by Harper Lee. I first came across this book during a literature class in high school, and it was highly recommended by my teacher.

The book is set in the American South during the 1930s and revolves around a lawyer, Atticus Finch, who defends a black man falsely accused of raping a white woman. The story is narrated by Atticus’s young daughter, Scout, and it highlights the deep-seated racial prejudices of the era.

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What makes this book remarkable is not just the compelling plot, but also how it tackles grave social issues with subtlety and empathy. Harper Lee’s vivid descriptions and well-developed characters make you feel deeply connected to the storyline. Through Atticus’s character, the book eloquently conveys lessons about morality, justice, and human compassion.

Overall, ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ remains one of my favorite books because it offers profound insights into the human condition. It serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right, even when faced with overwhelming opposition.”

Possible Follow-up Questions:

1. What impact did the book have on you?
2. Would you recommend this book to others? Why or why not?
3. Have you read any other books by the same author?

Sample Responses:

1. “The book had a significant impact on me, chiefly by broadening my understanding of racial and social injustices. It made me reflect deeply on the existing prejudices in society and the role each of us plays in fostering equality.”
2. “Absolutely, I would recommend this book to others because it is not only a gripping narrative but also a profound social commentary. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in literature and social justice.”
3. “Yes, I have also read ‘Go Set a Watchman,’ which is essentially a sequel but written before ‘To Kill a Mockingbird.’ While it didn’t captivate me quite as much, it nonetheless provided additional depth to the characters and the social dynamics of the time.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this part, the examiner will ask you more abstract, discussion-based questions that typically relate to the topic of your Part 2 response. Here are some sample questions and answers.

Examiner’s Questions:

1. How do you think books compare to other forms of entertainment?
2. Do you think people read as much now as they did in the past?
3. How can reading books benefit individuals and society as a whole?

Sample Answers

1. “Books provide a richer experience compared to other forms of entertainment like movies or video games because they require the reader’s imagination and critical thinking. The depth of character development and intricate plots often found in books can hardly be matched by visual media.”
2. “I believe that people might be reading less traditional books due to the rise of digital entertainment. However, audiobooks and e-books have garnered significant popularity, indicating that while the format may change, the habit of reading persists.”
3. “Reading books can significantly benefit both individuals and society. On a personal level, reading improves cognitive functions, enhances empathy by exposing readers to diverse perspectives, and provides substantial knowledge. Societally, a well-read populace is generally more informed, open-minded, and capable of critical thinking, all of which are foundational for a robust democracy.”

Vocabulary and Structures for High Scores

Useful Vocabulary

1. Vivid descriptions (noun phrase): Descriptions rich in detail.
   • Example: “The author’s vivid descriptions bring the scenes to life.”
2. Moral conundrums (noun phrase): Difficult decisions involving ethics.
   • Example: “The book deals with various moral conundrums that challenge the reader’s own beliefs.”
3. Cognitive functions (noun phrase): Mental tasks and processes.
   • Example: “Reading has been shown to enhance cognitive functions such as memory and reasoning.”

Structures

1. Compound Sentences
   • Example: “Not only does the book captivate with its plot, but it also provides profound insights into the human condition.”
2. Relative Clauses
   • Example: “The main character, who is a lawyer, stands as a beacon of integrity.”
3. Complex Sentences
   • Example: “While the book tackles serious issues, it does so with a sensitivity that makes it accessible and gripping.”

Final Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test:

1. Practice regularly: Speak on various topics to build fluency and confidence.
2. Expand your vocabulary: Aim to use a range of vocabulary appropriately.
3. Be coherent and organized: Structure your answers logically.
4. Work on pronunciation: Clear and accurate pronunciation enhances understanding.

Remember, the key to succeeding in the IELTS Speaking test is to convey your ideas clearly and confidently while demonstrating your command of the English language.

For more practice, consider checking out related topics such as Describe a time when you were happy and Describe a park or garden you like.