Mastering IELTS Speaking: How to Eloquently Describe a Book Lover

The IELTS Speaking test often includes questions about people’s hobbies and interests, including reading. Being able to describe someone who enjoys reading books is a valuable skill that can help you score well in this part of the exam. Let’s explore how to effectively answer such questions and provide sample responses for different band scores.

Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In this section, the examiner may ask you general questions about reading. Here are some common questions you might encounter:

1. Do you enjoy reading books?
2. What kind of books do you like to read?
3. How often do you read?
4. Do you prefer reading physical books or e-books?

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

Examiner: Do you enjoy reading books?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Absolutely! I’m quite passionate about reading. There’s something incredibly satisfying about immersing myself in a good book. I find it not only entertaining but also intellectually stimulating. Reading allows me to explore new ideas and broaden my horizons in ways that few other activities can match.”

describe a person who loves reading books

Part 2: Long Turn

In this section, you’ll be given a cue card with a topic to speak about for 1-2 minutes. Here’s a sample cue card related to our theme:

Describe a person who enjoys reading books

You should say:
- Who this person is
- What kind of books they like to read
- How you know about their reading habits
- And explain why you think they enjoy reading so much

Sample Answer (Band 6-7):

“I’d like to talk about my friend Sarah, who’s a real bookworm. She’s been my classmate since high school, and I’ve always been impressed by her love for reading.

Sarah particularly enjoys fiction, especially fantasy and science fiction novels. She’s a huge fan of authors like J.R.R. Tolkien and Isaac Asimov. I know about her reading habits because she’s always carrying a book with her, even during lunch breaks at school.

I think Sarah enjoys reading so much because it allows her to escape into different worlds. She often talks about how books help her relax and unwind after a long day. Plus, she’s always been curious about new ideas, and reading satisfies that curiosity.”

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):

“I’d like to describe my uncle, Robert, who is an avid reader and has been a significant influence on my own reading habits. He’s a university professor in his mid-50s, and his passion for books is truly remarkable.

Robert has an eclectic taste in literature, ranging from classic novels to contemporary non-fiction. He’s particularly fascinated by historical biographies and philosophical works. I’ve been privy to his reading habits since childhood, as he would often regale us with interesting facts or thought-provoking ideas from his latest reads during family gatherings.

I believe Robert’s profound enjoyment of reading stems from his insatiable curiosity about the world. Books serve as a gateway to new knowledge and perspectives for him. Moreover, he finds the act of reading itself meditative and intellectually invigorating. It’s not just a hobby for him; it’s a way of life that continually enriches his understanding of the human experience and the world around us.”

Avid reader in library surrounded by books

Follow-up Questions:

1. How has this person’s love for reading influenced you?
2. Do you think their reading habits have affected their personality or outlook on life?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9) for Question 1:

“Robert’s passion for reading has had a profound impact on me. His enthusiasm for books is infectious, and it sparked my own interest in literature from a young age. He’s always been generous in sharing his favorite books and recommending titles that he thinks would resonate with my interests. This has significantly broadened my literary horizons and introduced me to genres and authors I might not have discovered on my own. Moreover, observing how reading has enriched his life and sharpened his intellect has motivated me to make reading a priority in my own life. I’ve come to appreciate how books can be a source of both entertainment and personal growth, much like they are for my uncle.”

Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic. Here are some potential questions and sample answers:

Examiner: Do you think reading habits are changing in the digital age?

Sample Answer (Band 7-8):
“Yes, I believe reading habits are definitely evolving in the digital era. With the rise of e-books and audiobooks, people now have more diverse options for consuming literature. This has made reading more accessible and convenient, especially for those with busy lifestyles. However, it’s also led to changes in how we read. Many people now prefer shorter formats like articles or blog posts, which can be quickly consumed on smartphones. While this allows for more frequent reading, it might be affecting our ability to concentrate on longer texts. That said, I think the core appeal of a good story or informative book remains unchanged, regardless of the format.”

Examiner: How do you think reading contributes to a person’s personal development?

Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Reading plays a crucial role in personal development on multiple levels. Firstly, it’s an unparalleled tool for acquiring knowledge and expanding one’s understanding of the world. Whether it’s fiction or non-fiction, books offer insights into different cultures, historical periods, and ways of thinking, which can broaden one’s perspectives and foster empathy.

Moreover, reading enhances critical thinking skills. Engaging with complex narratives or arguments in books challenges readers to analyze and evaluate information, improving their ability to think logically and form well-reasoned opinions. This skill is invaluable in both personal and professional contexts.

Additionally, reading can be a form of self-reflection and emotional growth. Many readers find that books help them better understand their own feelings and experiences by relating to characters or situations described in literature. This can lead to increased self-awareness and emotional intelligence.

Lastly, regular reading has been shown to improve vocabulary, writing skills, and overall communication abilities. This linguistic development can boost confidence and effectiveness in various aspects of life, from personal relationships to career advancement.

In essence, reading is a multifaceted activity that contributes to cognitive, emotional, and social development, making it an indispensable tool for personal growth and lifelong learning.”

describe a person who loves reading

Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores

To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a person who enjoys reading books, consider using these advanced vocabulary items and phrases:

1. Bibliophile /ˈbɪbliəʊfaɪl/ (noun): A person who loves or collects books.
   Example: “My grandfather is a true bibliophile; his personal library contains thousands of volumes.”

2. Voracious reader /vəˈreɪʃəs ˈriːdə/ (noun phrase): Someone who reads a great deal with enthusiasm.
   Example: “Sarah is a voracious reader, often finishing several books in a week.”

3. To be engrossed in /ɪnˈɡrəʊst ɪn/ (phrasal verb): To be completely focused on something.
   Example: “Whenever I see John, he’s always engrossed in a novel.”

4. To devour books /dɪˈvaʊə bʊks/ (idiomatic expression): To read books quickly and eagerly.
   Example: “My sister devours books, especially during her summer holidays.”

5. Literary prowess /ˈlɪtərəri ˈpraʊəs/ (noun phrase): Great skill or expertise in literature.
   Example: “The professor’s literary prowess was evident in his insightful analysis of classic novels.”

Examiner’s Advice

To excel in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a person who enjoys reading:

1. Use a range of vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases related to reading and literature to demonstrate your language proficiency.

2. Provide specific examples: When describing the person’s reading habits or preferences, give concrete examples to make your description more vivid and credible.

3. Discuss impacts and reasons: Go beyond simple descriptions and discuss how reading affects the person’s life or why they enjoy it so much. This shows depth of thought and analysis.

4. Practice fluency: Work on speaking smoothly and confidently about reading-related topics. Regular practice with a study partner can help improve your fluency.

5. Develop your ideas: In Part 3, try to give extended answers that explore different aspects of the questions. This demonstrates your ability to discuss abstract concepts in English.

Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about describing a book lover, but about showcasing your overall English language skills through this topic.

describe a hobby that you would like to try

By following these guidelines and incorporating advanced vocabulary and concepts, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle questions about reading and book lovers in your IELTS Speaking test. Good luck with your preparation!