Free IELTS Speaking practice card: BOOKS

Topic 13: Books

Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions

Directive for Part 1:

  • Preparation Time: None (Answer immediately)
  • Speaking Time: 4–5 minutes
  • Kind of Answer Expected: Short, direct answers with personal experiences or opinions.

Questions:

  1. Do you like reading books?
  2. What kind of books do you like to read?
  3. How often do you read?
  4. Do you prefer reading physical books or e-books?

Sample Answers for Part 1:

  • Band 9 (Expert User):
    “Yes, I absolutely love reading books. It’s one of my favorite pastimes.
    I enjoy reading both fiction and non-fiction, but lately, I’ve been more interested in historical novels and self-development books.
    I try to read every day, usually for an hour or so in the evening, as it helps me unwind after a busy day.
    I prefer physical books because I like the tactile experience and the smell of paper, though I do read e-books when I’m traveling because they’re more convenient.”
  • Reason for Band 9:
    • Detailed answers that provide insight into personal preferences.
    • Complex sentence structures with a range of vocabulary.
    • Well-organized and fluent response.
  • Band 7 (Good User):
    “Yes, I do enjoy reading books. I mostly read fiction, especially thrillers and adventure stories.
    I try to read a few times a week, especially on weekends when I have more free time.
    I prefer physical books because I think they are more enjoyable to read, but I also use an e-reader sometimes for convenience.”
  • Reason for Band 7:
    • Clear, relevant answers but less detailed than Band 9.
    • Uses a range of vocabulary and sentence structures, but more straightforward.
    • Good coherence and fluency, but lacks complexity in parts.
  • Band 5 (Modest User):
    “Yes, I like reading books. I read sometimes, mostly novels.
    I prefer real books, not e-books, because I like the feel of them.”
  • Reason for Band 5:
    • Simple, direct responses with minimal elaboration.
    • Basic vocabulary and sentence structures.
    • Limited development of ideas.

Part 2: Cue Card

Directive for Part 2:

  • Preparation Time: 1 minute
  • Speaking Time: 2 minutes
  • Kind of Answer Expected: A detailed and well-organized response with clear personal examples.

Cue Card:
Describe a book that you recently read.
You should say:

  • What the book is
  • What it is about
  • Why you decided to read it
  • And explain what you learned from reading it.

Sample Answer for Part 2:

  • Band 9 (Expert User):
    “A book I recently read is Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari. It’s a non-fiction book that explores the history of humanity from the Stone Age to the modern age. It delves into how Homo sapiens became the dominant species on Earth and how our societies, cultures, and technologies have developed over time.
    I decided to read it because I’ve always been fascinated by history and human evolution, and I had heard many positive reviews about the book.
    What I learned from reading Sapiens was not only about the evolution of humanity but also about how our collective myths and ideologies shape our societies. It really made me think critically about our future as a species and our impact on the planet.”
  • Reason for Band 9:
    • Fully developed and coherent response with a clear structure.
    • Uses a wide range of vocabulary and complex sentence structures.
    • Provides detailed explanations and personal insights.
  • Band 7 (Good User):
    “The book I recently read is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. It’s a novel about a young shepherd named Santiago who embarks on a journey to find treasure. The book is about following your dreams and listening to your heart.
    I decided to read it because I had heard it was an inspiring story.
    From reading this book, I learned the importance of perseverance and not giving up on your goals, no matter how difficult the journey may be.”
  • Reason for Band 7:
    • Clear, relevant answers with some detail.
    • Uses a variety of vocabulary but with simpler structures compared to Band 9.
    • Good organization and fluency, though ideas could be developed further.
  • Band 5 (Modest User):
    “I read a book called Harry Potter. It’s about a boy who goes to a magic school.
    I read it because it’s popular.
    I learned that friendship is important in life.”
  • Reason for Band 5:
    • Simple and basic response, lacking development.
    • Limited vocabulary and basic sentence structures.
    • Only general comments with little elaboration.

Part 3: Discussion Questions

Directive for Part 3:

  • Preparation Time: None (Answer immediately)
  • Speaking Time: 4–5 minutes
  • Kind of Answer Expected: Longer, more detailed answers with explanations, opinions, and examples.

Questions:

  1. How important is reading in today’s society?
  2. What kind of books are most popular in your country?
  3. Do you think books are more important than other forms of entertainment, such as movies or video games? Why or why not?
  4. How can reading books improve a person’s life?

Sample Answers for Part 3:

  • Band 9 (Expert User):
    “Reading is incredibly important in today’s society, particularly because it helps develop critical thinking and imagination. It also broadens your knowledge and enhances communication skills. In an age where digital media is so dominant, reading books allows us to slow down and focus deeply on a subject.
    In my country, fiction books, especially bestsellers like thrillers and historical novels, are very popular, but there’s also a strong interest in self-help books and biographies.
    While movies and video games offer different forms of entertainment, I think books have a unique value because they allow for greater depth and imagination. A good book can immerse you in a way that movies or games can’t quite replicate.
    Reading books can improve a person’s life by expanding their worldview, improving their vocabulary, and offering new perspectives. Books also promote empathy, as they allow you to step into the shoes of others.”
  • Reason for Band 9:
    • Fully developed, thoughtful answers with clear, detailed reasoning.
    • Uses sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures.
    • Well-organized response with multiple points of view and examples.
  • Band 7 (Good User):
    “Reading is still very important today because it helps people learn new things and improve their language skills. Even though digital media is growing, books offer something unique that other forms of entertainment cannot.
    In my country, fiction books are very popular, but books about self-improvement and health are also widely read.
    I think books are more important than movies or video games because they encourage deeper thinking and creativity. Movies and games are often more passive experiences, while reading requires more effort and engagement.
    Reading books can improve life by teaching new ideas, helping people understand different cultures, and making people more thoughtful.”
  • Reason for Band 7:
    • Clear, organized ideas with good detail, but could be more elaborated.
    • Vocabulary is appropriate but not as varied as Band 9.
    • Generally accurate grammar, but some simpler structures.
  • Band 5 (Modest User):
    “Reading is important because it helps people learn. In my country, people like to read fiction and self-help books.
    I think books are better than movies because books are more interesting.
    Books can make life better because they teach new things.”
  • Reason for Band 5:
    • Simple, basic response with minimal detail.
    • Limited vocabulary and sentence complexity.
    • Lack of elaboration or specific examples.
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