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IELTS Speaking Sample Test: Topic 23 - Books and Literature

Posted on 03-10-2024 by theylem | 29 views

Part 1 (Introduction)

1. Do you like reading books?
"Yes, I love reading books. It’s one of my favorite ways to relax and escape from reality. I enjoy getting lost in different stories and learning from both fiction and non-fiction books."

2. What kind of books do you like to read?
"I enjoy reading a variety of genres, but I particularly like mystery novels and historical fiction. Mystery novels keep me engaged with their suspenseful plots, while historical fiction allows me to learn about different time periods and cultures in an entertaining way."

3. Do you prefer e-books or printed books?
"I prefer printed books because I enjoy the feeling of holding a physical book and turning the pages. There’s something comforting about the smell of a new book. However, I do read e-books occasionally because they’re more convenient when I’m traveling."

4. Is there a book you would recommend to others?
"Yes, I would highly recommend To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. It’s a classic novel that deals with themes of justice, race, and empathy. The characters are well-developed, and the story is both powerful and thought-provoking."

5. Do you think it’s important for people to read books?
"Yes, I think reading books is very important. It helps improve language skills, enhances imagination, and provides knowledge on various subjects. Reading also allows people to see the world from different perspectives, which can help develop empathy and critical thinking."


Part 2 (Long Turn)

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

  • What the book is about
  • Why you chose to read it
  • What you liked or disliked about it And explain how this book has influenced you.

Response:

"Recently, I read a book called Atomic Habits by James Clear. It’s a non-fiction book that focuses on the power of small habits and how they can lead to significant changes in one’s life. The book emphasizes the idea that making tiny improvements consistently can lead to remarkable long-term results.

I chose to read it because I wanted to learn how to build better habits and improve my productivity. The book came highly recommended by friends and online reviews, and I thought it would be helpful for my self-development.

What I liked about the book is its practicality. It provides clear and actionable advice that can be easily applied to daily life. The writing is straightforward and motivating, with a lot of examples and tips on how to make positive changes.

Reading this book has influenced me to be more mindful of my daily habits. It has taught me to focus on small, consistent actions rather than aiming for drastic changes, and I’ve already noticed an improvement in my daily routine."


Part 3 (Discussion)

1. How do you think books can impact a person’s life?
"Books can have a profound impact on a person’s life. They can inspire and motivate, provide new knowledge, and even shape the way someone thinks and sees the world. Fiction can enhance creativity and imagination, while non-fiction can provide practical skills and life lessons. Books can also help people reflect on their values, broaden their horizons, and encourage self-improvement."

2. Do you think people read more or less nowadays compared to the past?
"I think people read less traditional books nowadays compared to the past, mainly because of the rise of digital media. However, while fewer people may be reading physical books, many are consuming content through e-books, audiobooks, and online articles. So, although the medium of reading has changed, people are still accessing written content, just in different forms."

3. Why do some people prefer reading fiction over non-fiction?
"Some people prefer reading fiction because it allows them to escape reality and immerse themselves in a different world. Fiction provides an emotional experience and lets readers explore new ideas, characters, and adventures. On the other hand, non-fiction is often more informative and focused on real-world issues, which may not be as entertaining for some readers. It really depends on what someone is looking for in a book — entertainment, learning, or both."


Key Vocabulary and Pronunciation

Vocabulary Pronunciation (IPA) Meaning Example Sentence
Fiction /ˈfɪkʃən/ Literature that describes imaginary events and people "I enjoy reading fiction because it transports me to another world."
Non-fiction /ˌnɒnˈfɪkʃən/ Literature based on facts and real events "Biographies and self-help books are popular forms of non-fiction."
Mystery novel /ˈmɪstəri ˈnɒvəl/ A book involving a suspenseful and puzzling story, often about solving a crime "A good mystery novel keeps me turning the pages."
Historical fiction /hɪsˈtɒrɪkəl ˈfɪkʃən/ Fictional stories set in the past that blend real and imaginary events "Historical fiction is a great way to learn about history in an engaging way."
Empathy /ˈɛmpəθi/ The ability to understand and share the feelings of others "Reading can develop empathy by exposing readers to different experiences."
Practicality /ˌpræktɪˈkælɪti/ The quality of being useful and sensible in real-life situations "The book's practicality made it easy to apply its advice."
Enhance /ɪnˈhæns/ To improve the quality, value, or extent of something "Reading regularly can enhance language skills."
Self-improvement /ˈsɛlf ɪmˈpruːvmənt/ The act of improving one's knowledge, character, and skills "Books on self-improvement are very popular among readers."
Broaden horizons /ˈbrɔːdən həˈraɪzənz/ To expand one’s experiences, knowledge, and understanding "Reading books from different cultures helps broaden horizons."
Emotional experience /ɪˈmoʊʃənəl ɪkˈspɪriəns/ An experience that involves strong feelings or emotions "Reading a good novel can be an emotional experience."
Classic novel /ˈklæsɪk ˈnɒvəl/ A book that has been acknowledged for its excellence over time "Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice is a classic novel."
Perspective /pərˈspɛktɪv/ A particular way of viewing or considering something "Books offer different perspectives on life."
Audiobook /ˈɔːdiəʊˌbʊk/ A recording of a book being read aloud "I listen to audiobooks during my daily commute."
Suspenseful /səˈspɛnsfʊl/ Filled with uncertainty or excitement about what might happen next "The suspenseful plot kept me on the edge of my seat."
Motivating /ˈmoʊtɪˌveɪtɪŋ/ Providing a reason to act in a particular way; encouraging "The book was motivating and inspired me to change my habits."
Thought-provoking /ˈθɔːt prəˈvoʊkɪŋ/ Stimulating or challenging thought or discussion "The novel's themes are thought-provoking and relevant today."
Escape from reality /ɪsˈkeɪp frəm riˈælɪti/ To take a break from real life by immersing oneself in something different "Many people read to escape from reality for a while."
Imagination /ɪˌmædʒɪˈneɪʃən/ The ability to form new ideas and concepts not present to the senses "Reading fiction stimulates the imagination."
E-book /ˈiːbʊk/ A digital version of a printed book that can be read on a device "E-books are convenient for reading on the go."
Immersive /ɪˈmɜːrsɪv/ Deeply involving or engaging; giving the feeling of being part of something "An immersive story can make you forget about everything else."