Books have always been a faithful companion to people of all ages. Despite the rise of modern entertainment platforms, reading books continues to hold a special place in many people’s lives. Therefore, it is no surprise that “Describe a book that you have read many times” is a popular topic in the IELTS Speaking test.
Let’s dive into ideas, high-scoring vocabulary, and sample answers to boost your speaking performance.
1. Common Questions in the Topic - IELTS Speaking Part 1
Do you like reading?
Do you prefer reading physical books or e-books?
What kind of books do you like to read?
What were your favorite books as a child?
What book have you read recently? What did you learn from it?

2. Sample Answers - IELTS Speaking Part 1
Question: Do you like reading books?
Yes, I am definitely a bibliophile. I believe that books are not only a way to escape but also to gain knowledge. By the same token, readers tend to have a richer vocabulary and better general knowledge, making them more interesting to talk to.
Useful Vocabulary:
Bibliophile: a person who loves reading
Gain knowledge: to learn
Richer vocabulary: having more words to express ideas
By the same token: in the same way
Question: What kind of books do you like to read?
I enjoy literary fiction and encyclopedias. Speaking of my favorites, I can never get enough of Kafka on the Shore. I am also a big fan of the author Haruki Murakami.
Useful Vocabulary:
Literary fiction: imaginative, character-driven stories
Encyclopedia: a reference book with facts
Can’t get enough of: really enjoy
Question: What book have you read recently? What did you learn from it?
Recently, I delved into "Sapiens" by Yuval Noah Harari. It is a thought-provoking exploration of human history. One key takeaway is that many things we consider fundamental to society, like money and religion, are shared myths. It made me appreciate the role of human imagination in shaping reality.
Useful Vocabulary:
Delve into: study deeply
Thought-provoking: making you think deeply
Human imagination: creative thinking
Shaping reality: influencing how we live
3. Topic Breakdown - IELTS Speaking Part 2
Cue Card: Describe a book you have read many times
What the book is
What it is about
How often you read it
Why you read it
What effect the book has on you
Preparation tip: Use your one-minute preparation time wisely to plan a clear and structured response.
4. Sample Outline - IELTS Speaking Part 2
Introduction:
Nowadays, many people like to read books in their free time and some people have hobbies of reading books in their leisure time.
I have read so many books on various topics like mystery, motivation, biography, etc.
What the book is:
I am going to talk about a famous book which is read by almost all book lovers, it is Harry potter.
There are a total of 7 Harry Potter books in the series. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone is the first book.
I got this book on my 11th birthday from my dad and after that, I completed seven books and read it repeatedly due to my craze for its storyline.
What book is it about:
The book is about a magic story, good vs evil in which the evil is represented to be too strong for the boy.
It's about a boy and his journey of becoming an adult in an adventurous way of living after magic came into his life.
Why do you like the book:
The storytelling and the progress of the story are just perfect in this book and the author has written this book in the most perfect way possible.
The main thing I liked about this book is that the characters are children and every child while reading the book sees themselves in the story.
And explain what effect the book has on you:
The book has had a significant effect on me, both as a reader and as a person.
It has instilled in me invaluable lessons concerning empathy, justice, and fortitude, kindling within me a commitment to appraise the world through a discerning lens.
It has also introduced me to the power of literature and storytelling to provoke thought and inspire change.
5. Sample Answer - IELTS Speaking Part 2
Đề bài: Describe a book that you have read many times
First of all, I must say that I am a self-described avid reader. I mean I have read a lot of books and I have had enormous enjoyment in reading them. However, the book that left the most profound impression on me was The Hunger Games and I’d like to tell you about it.
The Hunger Games is a series of young adult dystopian novels penned by American author Suzanne Collins. She’s widely regarded as one of the most incredibly talented novel writers in the world. The novel is set in a future dystopian North America and revolves around the protagonist – Katniss Everdeen. A 16-year-old from a poor, coal mining community. She along with 23 other children are selected at random to participate in a televised death match. In that, they are forced to brutally murder one another until only one is left standing.
The book received so much international fame that it was soon after adapted into a popular film series. And it came as no surprise that its film adaptation enjoyed enormous commercial success upon its release.
I really enjoyed being immersed in the science fiction world that Collins creates. The plot is amazing, the acting skills are on-point, the sound effects are top-notch. All in all, I believe this is probably one of the most engaging and riveting reads I’ve ever had.
Useful Vocabulary:
Avid reader: someone who reads a lot
Protagonist: main character
Riveting: extremely engaging
Adapted into: turned into a film
Compelling: very interesting
Profound impression: deep impact
6. Sample Questions and Answers - IELTS Speaking Part 3
Question: Is it important for children to read books?
Absolutely. Books are like magical portals that expand children’s imagination and vocabulary. They help improve comprehension and introduce young readers to different ideas and cultures.
Question: Why should adults continue reading books?
Learning is lifelong. Books help reduce stress, provide new knowledge, and enrich one’s mental and emotional life. Reading is a healthy habit for any age.
Question: Should people read the book before watching the movie version?
Not necessarily. Some prefer the visuals and sounds of movies. However, reading the book first often provides a deeper understanding of the story and its message.
Useful Vocabulary:
Magical portals: books as gateways to imagination
Stress reliever: helps reduce stress
Comprehension: understanding
Catchy images: visually appealing
Broaden perspective: expand your worldview
7. Vocabulary for the Topic “Describe a Book That You Have Read Many Times”
Book Genres
Term | Meaning | Example |
Non-fiction | Factual book | I read one non-fiction book a week. |
Memoir | Personal life story | She wrote a memoir of her time in France. |
Science fiction | Futuristic theme | He enjoys reading science fiction comics. |
Detective book | Crime solving story | The novel is based on a real-life case. |
Fantasy novel | Imaginative setting | She is writing a fantasy novel about dragons. |
Autobiography | Life story written by self | Have you considered writing an autobiography? |
Thriller | Suspenseful story | Thriller books keep readers on edge. |
General Vocabulary
Term | Meaning | Example |
Thought-provoking | Inspires thinking | The book is thought-provoking. |
Compelling | Captivating | It tells a compelling story. |
Page-turner | Very engaging book | This novel is a real page-turner. |
Character development | Growth of characters | The character development is impressive. |
Enrich one’s soul | Deepen inner life | Reading helps enrich your soul. |
Idioms and Collocations
Idiom | Meaning |
Keeps me coming back | Very engaging story |
A deeper appreciation | Understand something better |
Broaden your perspective | Open your mind |
Intellectually stimulated | Mentally challenged and inspired |
Let your imagination run wild | Be creative |
Insatiable thirst for knowledge | Never-ending desire to learn |
Hits home | Strong emotional impact |
On the edge of your seat | Very excited or anxious |
Read between the lines | Understand hidden meanings |
Expand Your Vocabulary and Ideas with IDP
We hope this article has helped you expand your vocabulary and ideas for the topic “Describe a book that you have read many times”. Visit the IDP website to explore more speaking topics and vocabulary resources to improve your communication skills.
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