Describe an exciting book that you enjoy reading IELTS Cue Card

“Describe an exciting book that you enjoy reading” is an IELTS cue card from the IELTS Speaking Part 2. You need to talk about the book that made you happy, then the author, genre, story, important characters and what made you enjoy reading. You will get 1 minute to get prepared. After 1 minute, you need to speak about the topic for 2 - 3 minutes, followed by answering the subsequent questions by the IELTS examiner.

You should say

When you read it?
What kind of book is it?
What is it about?
And explain why you think it is exciting?

Model Answer 1: Describe an exciting book that you enjoy reading - Wings of Fire

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Introduction:

There is a widely popular quote called ‘Readers are leaders,’ for me, it is true. Books act as a guiding compass. I read several books in my life. Among them, the exciting book I enjoyed reading is Wings of Fire, originally published in 1999.

When you read it? And what kind of book is it?

I read this book in 11th grade, recommended by my class teacher in school. This book is the autobiography of the Missile Man of India and the former President of India, Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam. The Wings of Fire book tells how he pursued his goal from a small town to becoming a renowned scientist in India. While reading this book, I felt many goosebumps as the story contains many ups and downs. Since each chapter is beautifully written, I hardly stopped reading until the end. Moreover, many students and adults reading this book have drawn inspiration from his early life and work experience in the Indian Space Research and Organisation and Indian missile programs. 

What is it about?

This book describes how the young boy who was born in a middle class family becomes a notable person in Indian space research and Indian missile programs and the President of India after a series of falls and odds. It covers all the information about how he was during his childhood, schooling, career and things he achieved. 

And explain why you think it is exciting?

I am always amazed by the figure of APJ Abdul Kalam and this book satisfied my curiosity and inspired me to achieve things that I considered impossible. 

Model Answer 2: Describe an exciting book that you enjoy reading - The Alchemist

Introduction:

Today, I read a wide variety of books. However, my reading habit started with a book which changed my whole perspective about books in a positive way. 

When you read it? And what kind of book is it?

The book that I really liked is called The Alchemist, which is written by Paulo Coelho. Initially, I was not a great fan of reading books but my friend is a voracious reader. One day when I was sad, he gave me a book to read which he found interesting. I read the book that day itself since it is interesting and inspiring. I should say that I got this book at the right time. This book is a novel, the character Santiago ventured into a journey to discover the treasure in Egyptian Pyramids, after having a recurrence of dreams about it.

What is it about?

This book focuses on the journey of Spanish shepherd Santiago and the lessons he learned. He is repeatedly having the same dream, in which a boy impels him to seek a treasure in Egyptian pyramids. And, he talked about the dream to the gypsy woman. She told him to go to Egypt. Afterwards, he sold his sheeps and began his journey by going to Tangier. It also deals with the theme of fear. It is like, if you are getting into an unknown path, the fear will emerge. It is important to beat fear in order to live life to the fullest. Perseverance is another thing that is embedded in the story. It says that even if you fall, you need to get back up and fight to improve your life.

And explain why you think it is exciting?

The way the story is written and structures itself hooked me into reading. I would say that the characters such as Santiago, a boy etc., all are characterised well and are easily relatable. The themes pursued in the novel are inspired and changed the perspective of my life. 

Model Answer 3: Describe an exciting book that you enjoy reading - Scent of Time

Books have the potential to transform people's outlook on life. It contains the author's perspective on different aspects of life which challenges our conceptions and opinions. The book I am going to talk about pushed me to rethink the way I am living my life.

When you read it? And What kind of book is it?

The book's name is the Scent of time by Byung Chul Han. During my college life, I had deeper questions. I read books voraciously to seek answers. I came to know about this book as a result of my search. This book is a philosophical essay that impels us to think about our relationship with time. This book plotted out how our relationship with time evolves and changes.

What is it about?

The author of this book did an analysis on how the fragrance of time is destroyed. He says that we are overly valuing the vita activa and rejects the vita contemplativa. Vita activa concerns about labouring and working. Vita contemplativa puts an emphasis on thinking and reflecting. This book suggests that we should not subordinate leisure to work, like using leisure time as a relaxation period for working more. But, everybody must subordinate the work to leisure. It means that we need to work to have time for relaxation and leisure.

And explain why you think it is exciting ?

This book excited me because it altered my perception towards time, leisure and life. It proves to me that there are different ways to think and live. 

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Describe an exciting book that you enjoy reading Follow Up Questions

1. Do you prefer books or movies?

I prefer books to movies. Movies are already created and our job is to just watch and enjoy it. In books, I can direct my own movie with imagination. It enables me to exercise my imagination and I find it more fulfilling and satisfying. 

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

There is no need for it. Both are different forms of medium of communication. It is an individual preference whether he wants to watch a movie or read a book. I don’t think it is essential to read a book before watching a movie version but it depends upon individual taste. 

3. Do boys and girls like the same kinds of books?

I think gender does not play a role in reading. Reading is based on individual preferences, taste and curiosity. So, there is a possibility that boys and girls would like the same books or different books. 

4. What kind of books do Indian people like to read?

Once again, reading doesn’t depend upon nationality. Indian people might prefer books which deal with topics related to India. For example, Indian History, Indian Philosophy etc., But, I don’t think all Indian people have a common preference on the genre of book. 

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