Describe a Story or a Novel that Particularly was Interesting to You

The IELTS speaking test involves prior preparation to crack the test with a high band score. In this test, you will be given an IELTS cue card (Speaking) topic and will be asked to speak for 2 to 3 minutes. It is also known as the individual long-turn test. In this article, we will look into the topic describe a story or novel that was interesting to you with 4 sample answers and follow-up questions that will be helpful for you to clear the IELTS speaking test.

IELTS Speaking Part 2: Cue card

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The IELTS speaking test consists of 3 parts. The cue card section falls under part 2. A topic like describe a story or a novel that was interesting to you could be present in the cue card. You will be given 1 minute for preparation with a pen and paper to write down your thoughts. Later, you have to speak in front of the examiner for about 2-3 minutes until the examiner asks you to stop.

Describe a story or a novel that was interesting to you

You should say:

• What story or novel was it?
• Where you came to know about it?
• When did you read it?
• How did you feel about it?

Describe a story or a novel that was interesting to you - Model answer and follow-up questions

The model answers for the cue card topic describe a story or a novel that was interesting to you are given and the corresponding follow-up questions are presented for your reference.

Describe a story or a novel that was interesting to you - Model answer 1

Introduction

I always read self-help books whenever I get time. While reading one such book, the author of the book mentioned a short story that was an eye-opener for me.
 
What story or novel was it?

The name of the story is called The Bamboo Tree. This story tells us how consistency is important in our life. A bamboo seed when planted takes more than 4 years to see growth.  But in the fifth year, a tiny sprout emerges and it will grow 6 feet tall within 6 weeks. This shows us the power of patience, consistency, and hard work. It also conveys that we will never fail in life if we have these 3 things aligned. 
 
Where you came to know about it?

I read this story from the novel “Atomic Habits” written by James Clear. He mentioned this story while he was talking about self-improvement and consistency.
 
When did you read it?

I read this a few weeks back when I bought this book from an online store.
 
How did you feel about it?

This story inspired me a lot. Whenever I feel that my hard work is going in vain and nothing is working out, I recall this story and keep myself motivated.

Describe a story or a novel that was interesting to you - Model answer 2

Introduction

I love to read suspense thriller novels during traveling. It makes me hooked on the story and makes my travel a wonderful experience.
 
What story or novel was it?

The novel is called “The Girl in Room 105”. This story is about an IIT student who comes to wish his ex-girlfriend on her birthday and finds murdered in her room. He does not want to leave this murder case unresolved. The story moves further to how he finds the murderer and fights for her justice after her death. The author of the novel Chetan Bhagat has written this story with a great plot. 
 
Where you came to know about it?

I came to know about this novel when my sister gifted me this book on my birthday and I’m glad she gifted it to me.
 
When did you read it?

I started to read this novel while I’m traveling to Trivandrum and I finished reading this within two weeks.
 
How did you feel about it?

The plot was interesting and it makes the readers hooked on the story. It is a good novel for people who want to kill time while traveling on the train.

IELTS speaking part 3 - Describe a story or novel that was interesting to you follow up questions

The following are the follow-up questions for the topic “describe a story or novel that was interesting to you”. The part 3 round of the IELTS speaking test is conducted for 4-5 minutes.
 
1. What kinds of stories do children like to learn?

Children love fantasy and cartoon stories a lot since there are a lot of creative characters involved in the story. Children also like story books that have a lot of colorful pictures that are relevant to the story.
 
2. How often do people in your country read novels?

I think it is according to people’s interests. People who love to read novels read daily. Some people prefer to read occasionally like during travel or leisure time.

3. What kinds of novels do older people like to read?

 Older people mostly prefer books that remind them of their past such as historical books, autobiographies, religious books, etc. They are more into classic stories so that they can relate to their life.

4. What is the benefit of listening to stories or reading novels?

Reading novels will improve vocabulary and communication skills whereas listening to stories will improve storytelling skills. Both have their own benefits.

5. Do you think it is important to read the book before watching the movie version of it?

No, if you read the book and watch the movie you will not like it. When the director has to make the movie in 3 hours it is impossible to cover all details present in the book to reflect on the screen and if you watch the movie after reading the book you will not be satisfied with the output.
 
6. Are you a good storyteller?

I think I’m good at storytelling because I convey stories in an interesting manner which make my friends hooked up and involved in the story.

Related IELTS cue card topics

• Describe a leisure activity near or on the sea
• Describe a dinner you really enjoyed
• Describe a town where you live in future
• Describe a photo of yourself that you like 
• Describe a piece of international news

Conclusion

We have discussed the topic "describe a story or a novel that was interesting to you” through different sample answers. You can take this as an example and present it in your style. We have also given follow-up questions to give you a brief idea of how the questions are asked related to the topic.