Similar to describe a time when you celebrated a personal achievement, discussing childhood books is a common topic in IELTS Speaking tests that allows candidates to demonstrate their English proficiency through personal storytelling.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions examiners may ask:
- Do you enjoy reading books?
- What types of books did you read as a child?
- Do you think reading habits have changed with digital technology?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’m absolutely passionate about reading. As a child, I was completely immersed in fantasy novels and adventure stories. These days, while I still enjoy physical books, I’ve also embraced digital formats for their convenience, though I believe nothing quite matches the tactile experience of turning real pages.”
Part 2: Long Turn (Cue Card)
Describe a memorable book you read as a child
You should say:
- What the book was about
- When you read it
- Why you remember it so well
And explain how it influenced you
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to tell you about ‘The Little Prince’ by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, which profoundly impacted my childhood. I first encountered this masterpiece when I was around ten years old, and it left an indelible mark on my perspective about life.
The story revolves around a young prince who travels through space, visiting different planets and meeting unique characters. What stands out particularly in my memory is how the book masterfully weaves complex themes about human nature, love, and friendship into a seemingly simple narrative.
I vividly recall being completely captivated by the philosophical messages hidden within the story, particularly the famous quote about seeing with the heart. The book resonated deeply with me because it challenged my understanding of adult behavior and taught me to value genuine connections.
This book fundamentally shaped my worldview and sparked my interest in literature that explores deeper meanings. Even now, I frequently find myself reflecting on its lessons about responsibility and human relationships.”
Classic Little Prince book with illustrations
As with describe a book that left a lasting impression on you, providing specific details and personal reflections significantly enhances your response.
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I want to talk about ‘The Little Prince’, which I read when I was ten. It’s about a prince who travels to different planets. I liked the story because it was interesting and had good messages about friendship. The book taught me important things about life and helped me understand adults better. I still remember many parts of the story, especially the drawings and the fox character.”
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q: How have children’s reading habits changed over the years?
Band 8-9 Response:
“There has been a dramatic shift in children’s reading habits. While traditional books remain important, digital platforms have revolutionized how young people consume literature. Children today are increasingly gravitating towards interactive e-books and multimedia content, which can enhance engagement but might also impact attention spans. However, I believe we’re seeing a healthy balance emerge between digital and traditional reading formats.”
Similar to describe a memorable experience from a school trip, your responses should demonstrate analytical thinking and sophisticated vocabulary usage.
Key Vocabulary and Expressions
- Profoundly impacted (adv + v) – /prəˈfaʊndli ɪmˈpæktɪd/ – had a deep effect
- Indelible mark (adj + n) – /ɪnˈdelɪbl mɑːk/ – lasting impression
- Fundamentally shaped (adv + v) – /ˌfʌndəˈmentəli ʃeɪpt/ – basically influenced
- Resonated deeply (v + adv) – /ˈrezəneɪtɪd ˈdiːpli/ – connected strongly
- Masterfully weaves (adv + v) – /ˈmɑːstəfʊli wiːvz/ – skillfully combines
Examiner’s Tips
- Use specific examples and personal experiences
- Demonstrate range of vocabulary through synonyms
- Maintain coherent narrative structure
- Include appropriate idiomatic expressions
- Show genuine enthusiasm for the topic
Remember, just as describe a place you visited with your family, personal connection and authentic emotion in your response can significantly impact your score.
