IELTS Speaking Topic: Books Part 1 2 3 – Vocabulary and Sample Answers

For many candidates, the IELTS Speaking test is considered the most challenging of all four components. It not only evaluates your natural speaking ability but also your range of vocabulary and grammatical accuracy. Thankfully, "Books" is a familiar topic in IELTS Speaking, so you should not feel too stressed when it appears.

This article provides model answers for all three parts of the IELTS Speaking test – Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 – focused on the topic of Books. Read on to collect useful ideas and vocabulary that will help you speak with confidence and impress the examiner.

In Part 1, questions are usually short and personal. You should answer based on your own experiences and speak confidently to make a great first impression.

Question: Do you have many books at home

I love to read, so I have depleted a lot of my savings on books. I keep a stack of books by my bed that I often flip through, including both fiction and nonfiction. In my opinion, reading is crucial for both education and entertainment.

Vocabulary highlights:

• deplete: to use up

• stack: a pile of books

• flip through: to browse quickly

• crucial: essential or very important

Question: Are your reading habits now different than before

Yes, they are. As I have grown older, I have become more selective about what I read and enjoy. As a result, the genres I used to love as a child, like comedy or ghost stories, no longer appeal to me.

Vocabulary highlights:

• discriminating: selective or thoughtful

• appeal to: attract or interest

Question: How often do you read books

It really varies. I used to read a lot when I was younger. But during my teenage years, I got distracted by other things. Watching YouTube videos felt easier than reading books. However, I have now made reading a daily habit. I always carry a book when I travel, as it is a great way to pass the time.

Vocabulary highlights:

• vary: to change depending on circumstances

• distraction: something that takes your attention away

• concentrate: to focus

• pass the time: to occupy yourself while waiting

In Part 2, the task becomes more challenging. However, you have 1 minute to prepare and can jot down notes to help structure your response.

Cue Card: Describe a book you read that you enjoy reading

I would describe myself as an avid reader. I have read many books and gained enormous enjoyment from them. But the book that left the most profound impression on me is The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.

It is a young adult dystopian novel set in a future version of North America. The story revolves around the protagonist, Katniss Everdeen, a 16-year-old girl from a poor coal-mining district. She is chosen along with 23 other children to participate in a televised death match where only one person can survive.

The book became internationally famous and was later adapted into a blockbuster film series. I truly enjoyed being immersed in the fictional world Collins created. The plot was gripping, the acting in the film adaptation was on point, and the sound effects were top-notch. All in all, it was one of the most engaging and riveting stories I have ever read.

Vocabulary highlights:

• avid reader: passionate book lover

• profound impression: strong impact

• protagonist: main character

• death match: life-and-death competition

• film adaptation: movie version of a book

• immerse in: be deeply involved

• top-notch: excellent

• riveting: extremely interesting

Question: Why do adults still need to read books I believe learning is a lifelong process, and people have an insatiable thirst for knowledge. Reading helps relieve stress and enriches both your knowledge and inner life. That is why I think everyone, regardless of age, should read as much as possible.

Vocabulary highlights:

• insatiable thirst for knowledge: endless curiosity

• stress reliever: something that reduces stress

• enrich knowledge and spiritual life: improve mental and emotional well-being

Question: What kind of books do children like

I think most children enjoy fairy tales because they are fascinated by magic and unexpected storylines. Fairy tales allow them to escape into a fantastical world. I used to love stories like Cinderella, especially the moment when the fairy godmother transformed her into a beautiful princess.

Vocabulary highlights:

• surprising turn: unexpected plot twist

• fantastical: magical or dreamlike

• away from: escape from

• gorgeous: very beautiful

Question: How will reading habits change in the future

With the rise of technology, paper books may become obsolete as digital books grow in popularity. People now prefer reading on mobile phones, tablets, or Kindle devices because they are more convenient. Still, many readers enjoy the feeling of holding a physical book while reading.

Vocabulary highlights:

• technological advancements: progress in technology

• obsolete: outdated or no longer used

• Kindle: a type of e-reader

Useful Phrases

• a lasting impact: long-term effect

• send shiver down one's spine: feel chills or emotion

• keep someone on the edge of their seat: make someone excited or nervous

• encourage childrens reading activities: promote reading habits

• let their imagination run wild: inspire creativity

• develop imagination and creativity: boost creative thinking

• be a great form of entertainment: be enjoyable

• widen their horizons: broaden perspective

• enrich their knowledge: gain more knowledge

Common Idioms

• you cannot judge a book by its cover: appearances can be deceiving

• have your nose in a book: read attentively

• hit the books: study hard

• read someone like a book: understand someone easily

• out of the ordinary: unusual or unique

Confidently Conquer the Books Topic in IELTS Speaking with IDP

The above guide provides essential vocabulary and model answers for the IELTS Speaking topic Books. In addition to learning vocabulary, you can gain inspiration from reading news articles, books, or even watching movies with English subtitles.

Visit IDP’s website for more vocabulary and sample answers across other IELTS Speaking topics. You can also explore IDP’s IELTS resource hub, including practice tests, webinars, expert tips, and online prep courses to help you master every part of the exam.

When you are ready, register for your IELTS test with IDP today!