If you are preparing for the IELTS Speaking, you might find need a sample “describe a book that you enjoyed reading”, a fun topic that gives you a chance to showcase your fluency and vocabulary while sharing something personal. Whether it comes up in part 2 or part 3 of the IELTS speaking section, giving a detailed and engaging response can help you shine. In this blog, we’ll also share some tips to help you structure your answer effectively, so you feel confident on test day.
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The IELTS cue card, also known as the candidate task card, is a key component of Part 2 of the IELTS speaking test. It assesses your ability to speak fluently and coherently on a given topic for 1-2 minutes. You will be provided with a cue card containing prompts and given 1 minute to prepare your response. The examiner will evaluate your fluency and coherence, lexical resources, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation.
In this blog, we will discuss the topic “Describe a book that you enjoyed reading,” which is a commonly asked cue card question in IELTS Speaking Part 2. The blog includes a band 8+ sample answer, a list of useful IELTS vocabulary, and tips to help you answer confidently and naturally during the test, ultimately boosting your overall IELTS band score.
To answer your cue card, it's important to follow a logical approach or strategy. When responding, make sure to address the question directly and maintain a clear structure. Also, avoid making the examiner feel that you are struggling to organize your thoughts. Your answer will be assessed based on four criteria: fluency and coherence, grammatical range and accuracy, and pronunciation. To score well in IELTS Speaking Part 2, keep these four key aspects in mind.
Now, let’s look at what you should include when responding to the cue card on “Describe a book that you enjoyed reading.”
Refer to the image below to see what your IELTS Speaking section 2 cue card will look like.
This is the first sample response for achieving an 8+ band score in your cue card round.
A book that I truly enjoyed reading, which required a lot of thought, is “The God of Small Things” by Arundhati Roy. I picked up this book after hearing many positive reviews from friends and family, and I am glad to share my thoughts about it here.
This novel tells the story of a family living in the state of Kerala, India, and how their lives are impacted by a tragic event. Reading this book prompted me to think deeply about themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships. The author skillfully weaves together different narrative threads and shifts back and forth in time, which can be challenging to follow but adds depth to the story. It made me ponder how small moments in our lives can have a significant impact on our futures and how our decisions can shape the lives of those around us.
What I enjoyed most about this book was the author’s use of language and imagery, which created a vivid and immersive world. The writing was beautiful, and I found myself constantly re-reading certain sentences and paragraphs to fully appreciate their meaning. The characters were incredibly well-developed, and I became emotionally invested in their stories. “The God of Small Things” was a challenging and thought-provoking read that I thoroughly enjoyed. It prompted me to reflect deeply on the complexities of human nature and how our actions can lead to unintended consequences.
This is the second sample response for achieving an 8+ band score in your cue card round.
In 2023, during the winter, I read an interesting book titled “Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone” by J.K. Rowling. I remember this time clearly because I was bundled up in my blanket, reading it during Christmas.
This book is the first in the series and introduces Harry Potter, a young boy who discovers he is a wizard and is invited to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The story includes exciting adventures, encounters with fantastic creatures, and an intriguing mystery surrounding the Philosopher's Stone.
I found the book enjoyable because J.K. Rowling combines elements of fantasy and adventure with engaging storytelling. The world of Hogwarts is richly imagined, and characters like Hermione and Ron feel real and relatable. Each time I picked up the book, it transported me to a world of magic and wonder. It was a memorable and enjoyable reading experience.
This is the third sample response for achieving an 8+ band score in your cue card round.
As an avid reader, I have a significant collection of books at home. I've been reading since childhood, diving into numerous fairy tales and fantasy series that have greatly influenced my early years. This passion for reading has developed into a lifelong habit, and I would like to share an exciting book I recently read.
One of the most captivating books I have encountered is "The Best Laid Plans" by Sidney Sheldon. I have been a fan of his work for years and have read many of his novels. His writing always keeps me hooked, compelling me to read until the very end without pause. I finished this particular book just last month; it is a suspenseful thriller that kept me reading through the night because I couldn't bear to put it down.
The story revolves around Oliver, a charismatic attorney who rises to political fame, and his jilted fiancée, Leslie, who seeks revenge after he betrays her. The narrative begins with Leslie supporting Oliver by donating money to his political campaigns, but she feels deeply hurt when he returns from a business trip, married to another woman. This betrayal rekindles memories of her past heartaches, prompting Leslie to vow revenge against Oliver.
The book is gripping as it details Leslie's intricate plans for revenge and the lengths Oliver must go to in order to survive them. It also weaves in a compelling mix of political drama and schemes, which adds to the overall excitement. I enjoyed every page and found myself gasping at each unexpected twist. It was absolutely fantastic, and I had a wonderful time reading it.
These are three sample answers for the cue card topic “Describe a book that you enjoyed reading.” In the next section, we will discuss the lexical resources used in these samples.
The samples provided include some challenging words that you should incorporate into your IELTS cue cards responses. In this section, we offer these words from the above samples along with their meanings to help improve your vocabulary for the IELTS exam.
| Words | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Imagery | language that produces pictures in the minds of the people reading or listening |
| Immersive | seeming to surround the audience, player, etc. so that they feel completely involved in something |
| Unintended | not planned or meant. |
| Philosopher's | a person who has developed a set of ideas and beliefs about the meaning of life |
| Captivating | something that's completely enthralling and holds your attention |
| Charismatic | a person who possesses special traits that attract, inspire, or fascinate other people |
| Attorney | a person, typically a lawyer, appointed to act for another in business or legal matters. |
| Rekindles | to make somebody have the same feelings, thoughts, etc. again, or to make something active again |
| Gripping | exciting; holding your attention |
| Intricate | having many small parts or details put together in a complicated way |
| Compelling | that forces or persuades you to do or to believe something |
Overall, these are some advanced words you can use in your cue card round. In addition, the next section will cover the follow-up questions that may be asked during the IELTS Speaking Part 3.
After you complete the cue card round, IELTS Speaking Part 3 will begin, continuing with the topic from Part 2. You can expect the examiner to ask you 4-5 follow-up questions related to your cue card topic, such as “Describe a book that you enjoyed reading.” It is essential to provide detailed answers along with examples and personal experiences. Here are some possible follow-up questions you might encounter after finishing your IELTS Speaking Part 2:
1. Do you prefer books or movies?
Ans. I enjoy both reading books and watching movie adaptations, but I always prefer books. They often contain a range of emotions and subtle details that are typically trimmed down or skipped in movies. However, I do watch movies regularly, even if they are not adaptations of books.
2. Do you think it is important to read the book before watching the movie version?
Ans. I don’t think it is necessary. Whether or not to read a book before watching its movie adaptation is a matter of personal preference. Some people read the book after watching the movie to gain deeper insight into the story and explore the characters more, while others watch the movie first to see how it is portrayed.
3. Do boys and girls like the same kind of books?
Ans. On average, there is some similarity between the genres of books that girls and boys read. Especially among young readers, both tend to enjoy fictional fantasies and suspense-thriller books that keep them engaged. However, the choice of reading a particular kind of book ultimately depends on the individual. While some may not like fiction, others might only read fictional works.
4. What kind of books do people in India like to read?
Ans. I don’t believe that a person’s region or country significantly affects their reading preferences. It truly comes down to individual choice and the quality of the book. For example, "Mahabharata" is famous worldwide, attracting readers from various countries because it is a mythology or history. Thus, there is no single type of book that all Indians, or people in general, prefer. Reading choices are entirely individual.
In this section, we present several tips and tricks to help you excel in the cue card round and aim for a band score of 8 or higher. Consider the following:
In conclusion, the IELTS Speaking section can be one of the most challenging parts of the exam, but with the right strategies, you can succeed. We have explored the cue card topic “Describe a book that you enjoyed reading” along with sample answers. You will also find helpful phrases and tips to excel in the speaking round. If you are looking for additional guidance or want to further develop your speaking skills, consider checking out our affordable offline or online IELTS classes. Our experts will support you every step of the way.
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