The ability to describe a captivating story or novel is a crucial skill for IELTS Speaking candidates. This topic frequently appears in IELTS exams and is likely to remain relevant in future tests. Let’s explore how to excel in this task and achieve a high band score.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In this section, the examiner may ask questions like:
- Do you enjoy reading stories or novels?
- What kind of stories do you prefer?
- Have you read any interesting books lately?
Here’s a sample answer for the first question:
Examiner: Do you enjoy reading stories or novels?
Candidate (Band 8-9): Absolutely! I’m an avid reader and I find great pleasure in immersing myself in various narratives. Reading not only broadens my horizons but also stimulates my imagination. I particularly enjoy how stories can transport me to different worlds and allow me to experience life from diverse perspectives.
Part 2: Long Turn
Cue Card
Describe a story or novel that was interesting to you.
You should say:
- What the story or novel was about
- When you read it
- Why you found it interesting
And explain how it impacted you.
Sample Answer (Band 8-9)
I’d like to talk about a novel that truly captivated me – “1984” by George Orwell. This dystopian masterpiece revolves around the life of Winston Smith, who lives in a totalitarian society where the government, led by Big Brother, maintains absolute control over every aspect of people’s lives.
I first read this book during my final year of high school, and I found myself completely engrossed in its pages. What made it particularly interesting was its chillingly accurate portrayal of a surveillance state and the concept of “doublethink” – the ability to simultaneously accept two contradictory beliefs.
The novel’s exploration of themes such as government overreach, manipulation of truth, and the power of language to shape thought resonated deeply with me. It prompted me to reflect on the nature of freedom, individuality, and the potential consequences of unchecked authority.
The impact of “1984” on me was profound and long-lasting. It sharpened my critical thinking skills and made me more aware of the importance of questioning information sources. Moreover, it sparked my interest in political philosophy and the dynamics of power in society.
In essence, this book not only provided an engaging story but also served as a stark warning about the dangers of totalitarianism and the value of independent thought. It’s a novel that has stayed with me long after I turned the last page, continually inspiring me to remain vigilant and value my individual freedom.
Follow-up Questions
Examiner: How has this book influenced your view of modern society?
Candidate (Band 8-9): Reading “1984” has undoubtedly sharpened my perception of contemporary issues. It’s made me more attuned to instances of privacy infringement and data manipulation in our digital age. I find myself drawing parallels between the novel’s depiction of surveillance and our current reality of ubiquitous cameras and online tracking. Moreover, the book has heightened my awareness of how language can be used to influence public opinion, particularly in political discourse and media reporting.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Examiner: Do you think classic literature is still relevant in today’s world?
Candidate (Band 8-9): Absolutely, I believe classic literature remains incredibly relevant in our modern society. These works often explore timeless themes such as love, power, morality, and the human condition, which continue to resonate with readers across generations. Take “Pride and Prejudice” for instance – its examination of social class and gender roles still offers valuable insights into contemporary societal dynamics.
Moreover, classic literature serves as a window into different historical periods, helping us understand how societies have evolved over time. This historical perspective can provide valuable context for current events and social issues. Additionally, the rich language and complex narrative structures found in classic works can enhance our critical thinking and analytical skills, which are increasingly important in our information-saturated world.
That being said, I think it’s crucial to approach classic literature with a discerning eye, acknowledging both its merits and its potential outdated elements. This critical engagement can spark meaningful discussions about how societal values have changed and what lessons we can still draw from these enduring works.
Examiner: How do you think digital technology has changed the way people engage with stories?
Candidate (Band 7-8): Digital technology has significantly transformed our interaction with stories in several ways. Firstly, e-books and audiobooks have made literature more accessible and portable, allowing people to carry entire libraries on their devices. This convenience has encouraged more frequent reading, especially during commutes or travels.
Additionally, social media platforms and online forums have created spaces for readers to discuss and share their thoughts on books instantly, fostering a global community of literature enthusiasts. This has led to the rise of virtual book clubs and online reading challenges, making the reading experience more interactive and social.
However, some argue that digital formats may be affecting our attention spans and ability to engage deeply with longer, more complex narratives. The constant notifications and distractions from our devices can make it challenging to immerse ourselves fully in a story.
Despite these concerns, I believe digital technology has overall enriched our engagement with literature by providing new formats and platforms for storytelling, such as interactive fiction and multimedia narratives. These innovations are expanding the boundaries of what we consider a “story” and how we experience it.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
-
Captivating (adjective) /ˈkæp.tɪ.veɪ.tɪŋ/: Very attractive or interesting
Example: The novel’s captivating plot kept me engaged throughout. -
Engrossed (adjective) /ɪnˈɡrəʊst/: Having all your attention or interest absorbed by someone or something
Example: I was so engrossed in the book that I lost track of time. -
Resonate (verb) /ˈrez.ə.neɪt/: To have particular meaning or importance for someone
Example: The themes of love and loss in the story resonated deeply with me. -
Profound (adjective) /prəˈfaʊnd/: Very great or intense
Example: The novel had a profound impact on my worldview. -
Ubiquitous (adjective) /juːˈbɪk.wɪ.təs/: Seeming to be everywhere
Example: The author’s ubiquitous influence can be seen in many modern works.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test when describing a story or novel:
- Prepare diverse examples: Have a range of books or stories ready to discuss, covering different genres and themes.
- Focus on personal impact: Explain how the story affected you emotionally or intellectually, not just summarize the plot.
- Use sophisticated vocabulary: Incorporate advanced words and phrases related to literature and storytelling.
- Provide detailed explanations: Elaborate on your points with specific examples from the story.
- Practice fluency: Work on speaking smoothly and confidently about literary topics.
Remember, the key to success is not just knowing the story, but being able to articulate your thoughts about it clearly and engagingly.
describe a person you know who likes to read a lot to further enhance your speaking skills on literature-related topics.