Describe a Time When You Were Influenced by a Book or Article

The Speaking test in the IELTS examination assesses your ability to communicate effectively in English. Examiners evaluate your fluency, coherence, lexical resource, grammatical range, accuracy, and pronunciation. Among various topics, “Describe a time when you were influenced by a book or article” is a common and engaging question theme. Understanding the criteria and preparing adequately can help you excel in this segment.

Let’s dive into a detailed breakdown of each part of the IELTS Speaking test, focusing on how you can adeptly handle the question “Describe a time when you were influenced by a book or article.”

II. Main Content

1. Part 1: Introduction and Interview

In Part 1, you will be asked familiar questions about your life, home, work, studies, and interests. Some questions might revolve around books and literature.

Example Question:

“Do you enjoy reading books? Why or why not?”

Suggested Answer:

“Yes, I absolutely love reading books. They offer me an escape from reality and provide a vast reservoir of knowledge and perspectives. For example, reading fiction allows me to experience different cultures and time periods, while nonfiction books, like self-help guides, empower me to improve various aspects of my life.”

2. Part 2: Long Turn

Cue Card:

Describe a time when you were influenced by a book or article. You should say:

• what the book or article was
• when and where you read it
• what you learned from it
• and explain how it influenced you.

Suggested Answer:

“I clearly remember a time when I was profoundly influenced by a book titled “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. I read this book about a year ago, in the comfort of my home, after hearing numerous positive reviews from friends and colleagues.

atomic-habits-book-cover|atomic habits book cover|Book cover of “Atomic Habits” by James Clear on a wooden table.

The core message of the book revolves around the power of tiny changes to transform our habits and, ultimately, our lives. It emphasizes that monumental improvements come from consistently practicing small, positive actions over time. From this book, I learned the importance of creating a system of habits, rather than relying on sheer willpower to achieve my goals.

This book significantly influenced my daily routines. For instance, I incorporated a habit-stacking technique, which allowed me to seamlessly integrate new habits into my existing routine. As a result, I have become more productive and organized, and I feel more in control of my personal development journey.”

3. Part 3: Two-way Discussion

In Part 3, you will engage in a more abstract discussion based on the topic in Part 2.

Example Question:

“Why do you think books or articles have a significant impact on people?”

Suggested Answer:

“Books and articles have a profound impact on people for several reasons. Firstly, they are repositories of knowledge and experience, often reflecting the distilled wisdom of the authors’ lifetimes. When readers engage with such content, they can learn from the mistakes and triumphs of others, accelerating their personal growth.

Furthermore, through stories and detailed analyses, books and articles can evoke deep emotional responses and connect with readers on a personal level. This emotional connection can lead to substantial behavioral changes and shifts in perspective. For instance, an inspiring biography can motivate individuals to overcome challenges in their own lives, while a well-researched article on sustainable living can prompt significant changes in someone’s lifestyle choices.”

III. Key Vocabulary and Phrases

To achieve a high band score, it’s crucial to employ sophisticated vocabulary and phrases. Here are some key terms and examples:

Vocabulary List:

1. Escapism (/ɪˈskeɪpɪzəm/): The tendency to seek distraction and relief from unpleasant realities.
   • “Reading provides me with an escape from reality, a form of escapism that is both comforting and enlightening.”
2. Empower (/ɪmˈpaʊər/): To give someone the authority or power to do something.
   • “Nonfiction books, like self-help guides, empower me to improve various aspects of my life.”
3. Monumental (/ˌmɒnjʊˈmɛntl/): Great in importance, extent, or size.
   • “It emphasizes that monumental improvements come from consistently practicing small, positive actions over time.”
4. Habituation (/həˌbɪtʃuˈeɪʃən/): The process of becoming accustomed to something.
   • “I have become more productive and organized, thanks to the habituation of better routines.”

Phrasal Verbs and Phrases:

1. A vast reservoir of knowledge: A large amount of information.
   • “Books offer me a vast reservoir of knowledge and perspectives.”
2. Profoundly influenced: Deeply affected.
   • “I was profoundly influenced by a book titled ‘Atomic Habits’ by James Clear.”

IV. Examiner’s Advice

Tips for High Scores:

1. Fluency and Coherence:

   • Practice talking about different topics and structuring your answers logically.
   • Use linking words and phrases to connect your ideas smoothly.

2. Lexical Resource:

   • Expand your vocabulary by reading extensively.
   • Use idiomatic expressions and phrasal verbs where appropriate.

3. Grammatical Range and Accuracy:

   • Practice using a variety of sentence structures.
   • Be mindful of tenses, subject-verb agreement, and other grammatical rules.

4. Pronunciation:

   • Work on your intonation, stress, and rhythm.
   • Record yourself and listen for pronunciation errors to correct them.

Remember, consistent practice and a deep understanding of the criteria can lead you to success in the IELTS Speaking test. Good luck!