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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?

describe a book that you have read many times ielts

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.

If you are planning to take the IELTS test, consider choosing the IELTS on computer option. IDP offers flexible test schedules and convenient locations across Vietnam.

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About this Article

Published on 24 October, 2024

About this Author

One Skill Retake - IELTS Australia
Quynh Khanh

Tôi là Quỳnh Khanh - Content Writer có hơn 5 năm kinh nghiệm về lĩnh vực giáo dục