Describe A Story Or Novel That Was Interesting To You: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

What story or novel was it?
Where did you come to know about it?
When did you read it?
How did you feel about it?

67 unique answers with expert feedback

What themes did you find most compelling in 'Shatter Me'?

The themes of power, isolation, and identity really stood out to me. Juliet's struggle with her abilities and Aaron's complex background add depth to the story, making readers reflect on how power can affect relationships and self-perception.

How do you think the characters' development impacted the story?

The development of Juliet and Aaron is crucial. Juliet evolves from feeling powerless to embracing her strengths, while Aaron's journey reveals his vulnerabilities. Their growth not only drives the plot but also deepens the emotional connection with the readers.

Would you recommend 'Shatter Me' to others? Why or why not?

Absolutely! I would recommend it because of its engaging plot and well-developed characters. The twists keep you on the edge of your seat, and the emotional depth makes it relatable. It's a great read for anyone who enjoys fantasy and character-driven stories.

Band 7

00:00

A story or novel that I was really intrigued in the recent times would be a book called The Silent Patient. It was given to me by a dear friend called Bhanavi. She also shares the same interest that I have in books. The genre we really love is crime thrillers and something that keeps us engrossed while we are reading the book. She had given it to me on a Saturday and I started reading it on that day itself. The book was so engrossed and captivating that I finished it over the weekend. The plot revolves around a famous painter who has had some trouble in childhood but eventually made her way to the top. She is accused of killing her husband in the living room of their house and since then she does not utter a word from the trial to the end of the book, justifying the title of the book. The novel is written in the perspective of the psychiatrist who is trying to help her come back to her original self and possibly find a few clues about what happened. The writing is brilliant in this book particularly because there is a clue at the end of every chapter. Generally, in books that have crime or suspense in them, there is suspense every few chapters to keep you engrossed and captivated but in this book, there are certain clues that are revealed at the end of every chapter, keeping you at the edge of the seat and wanting you to read more at the end of every chapter, so that is something I really liked in the book. There is a lot of twists and turns throughout the book but the main twist that comes at the end of the book is mind-boggling, it can be something you have never ever even imagined and that is something I really enjoyed.

Follow up questions

What themes did you find most compelling in The Silent Patient?

The themes of trauma, silence, and the complexity of the human mind were particularly compelling. The way the author explores the psychological aspects of the characters, especially the painter's past and her relationship with her husband, adds depth to the story.

How did the book's structure enhance your reading experience?

The structure, with clues at the end of each chapter, created a unique reading experience. It kept me engaged and eager to uncover the mystery. This technique made me feel like an active participant in solving the puzzle alongside the psychiatrist.

Have you read other books by the same author? How do they compare?

Yes, I've read other works by Alex Michaelides. While The Silent Patient stands out for its gripping plot and twists, his other books also explore psychological themes but may not have the same level of suspense or intricate plotting.

Band 6-7

00:00

The novel which I have found very fascinating was The Dark Matter. I don't really remember the name of the author. I have read this book 6 months back and I found this very interesting and engaging because of its genre. The genre of this novel is thriller and it is based on time travel and various realities. Because of that it was very thought provoking. I was thinking what will happen if this is reality. For instance, if there are multiple realities, how would our life will be. Moreover, this book was very exciting and it helped me to think in a different manner. Also, I like to buy books from bookstores because when I physically go into the bookstore and buy the books, it will feel very different and I definitely like that feeling. When I stand in the bookstore, I will feel very happy and energetic.

Follow up questions

What themes did you find most compelling in The Dark Matter?

The themes of time travel and alternate realities were particularly compelling. They made me ponder the implications of our choices and how different decisions could lead to entirely different lives. It was fascinating to consider how our reality might change based on these concepts.

How do you think reading influences your perspective on life?

Reading broadens my perspective by exposing me to different ideas and cultures. It allows me to explore complex situations and emotions through characters, which helps me understand various viewpoints and enhances my empathy towards others.

Do you prefer physical books over e-books? Why?

Yes, I prefer physical books because of the tactile experience they provide. The smell of the pages, the weight of the book in my hands, and the atmosphere of a bookstore all contribute to a more immersive reading experience that I find very enjoyable.

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Band 6-7

00:00

I was 12 years old when I fell in love with a book called Chahal Pahar. I was in my 8th standard and the book was part of the Bengali curriculum. At first it was quite difficult for me to read because it contained a lot of difficult Bengali words. But as I read, I found the character very courageous. But since it was part of the curriculum and I had to read it for all the exams, I was not much interested. However, later on, my father was the one who helped me finish the book. Basically, when I was about to go to sleep, my father would recite the whole story to me. It was about a young man who was dreaming about an adventure in Africa in hopes of finding a buried treasure. The story was explained in such detail with such vibrancy that it felt like I was literally standing there beside Ashok, the main protagonist of the story. And that story gave me a sense of independence because the main guy who had nothing, who was poor, went through all the hurdles of the life, went through all the uncertainties to find himself in a position that very few people can even imagine. That is why I think what I have learnt from the book is courage.

Follow up questions

What themes did you find most compelling in Chahal Pahar?

The themes of courage and perseverance really stood out to me. The protagonist's journey through challenges and his determination to find treasure resonated with me, especially as a young reader. It taught me that even in difficult situations, one can achieve great things with courage.

How did your father's storytelling influence your reading experience?

My father's storytelling brought the characters and scenes to life. His enthusiasm made the story more engaging and helped me understand the difficult parts. It created a special bond between us and made me appreciate the book even more, turning a chore into a delightful experience.

Have you read any other books that inspired you similarly?

Yes, I have read several other books that inspired me, such as 'The Alchemist' by Paulo Coelho. It also explores themes of dreams and personal journeys. Each book adds to my understanding of courage and the importance of pursuing one's dreams, similar to Chahal Pahar.

Band 6-7

00:00

The favorite novel that was interesting to me is A Thousand Splendid Sons by Halid Hussaini. He is an Afghan author and he talks about the freedom fighting journey of the Afghanistan through this book. It actually says about the miserable life of Afghan women clearly and the chauvinism shown by the men in Afghanistan and also the revolution, the battles and the wars happened in Afghanistan before the freedom happened is clearly depicted in this book and it literally made me cry to the end. The characters named Mariam and Leila, the pathetic life they have faced in Afghan they are deprived of their basic fundamental rights is shown in this book clearly and we just feel like living their life with us and the author has done a great job writing this book. This is such a must read book for a book lover.

Follow up questions

What themes in the novel resonated with you the most?

The themes of resilience and the struggle for women's rights deeply resonated with me. The portrayal of Mariam and Leila's hardships highlights the importance of fighting for freedom and equality, which is a universal issue that many can relate to.

How did the author's background influence the story?

Khaled Hosseini's background as an Afghan author provides authenticity to the narrative. His personal experiences and understanding of Afghanistan's history enrich the story, making it a powerful reflection of the country's struggles and the strength of its people.

Would you recommend this book to others? Why?

Absolutely! I would recommend 'A Thousand Splendid Suns' to anyone who appreciates profound storytelling. It not only offers a glimpse into Afghan culture but also evokes empathy and understanding towards the plight of women, making it a significant read for all.

Show all 67 answers

Cue 1:What story or novel was it?

Begin by mentioning the title of the story or novel clearly.
Briefly describe the main theme or genre of the book.

Example

The novel I found particularly interesting is 'The Alchemist' by Paulo Coelho. It is a philosophical story about a young shepherd named Santiago who dreams of finding treasure in Egypt.

Cue 2:Where did you come to know about it?

Share how you first heard about the book, whether through a friend, school, or online.
Mention any specific recommendations or reviews that influenced your decision to read it.

Example

I first came to know about 'The Alchemist' from a friend who recommended it during our college days. She spoke highly of its inspirational messages, which piqued my interest.

Cue 3:When did you read it?

State the time period when you read the book, such as during a specific year or season.
You can also mention any particular circumstances that made you choose to read it at that time.

Example

I read this novel about two years ago during my summer vacation. I had some free time, and I wanted to read something that could motivate me.

Cue 4:How did you feel about it?

Express your emotions and thoughts after reading the book.
Discuss any lessons learned or how it impacted your perspective on life.

Example

After finishing 'The Alchemist', I felt inspired and hopeful. The story taught me about following my dreams and listening to my heart, which has influenced my decisions since then.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, 'The Alchemist' is not just a novel; it’s a journey of self-discovery that resonates with many readers. Its timeless message encourages us to pursue our dreams, making it a memorable read for me.

Following this structure will ensure you cover all the essential points while providing a clear and engaging response to the cue card topic.

Tips to answer this Cue Card

1: Avoid Vague Descriptions

Using vague language can make your answer less engaging and informative. It’s important to provide specific details about the story or novel to capture the examiner's interest.

Tip

Include key plot points, character names, and specific themes to make your description vivid and memorable.

2: Don't Rush Your Response

Rushing through your answer can lead to unclear explanations and missed details. Take your time to think about each cue and structure your response logically.

Tip

Pause briefly to organize your thoughts before answering each cue, ensuring clarity and coherence in your response.

Neglecting Personal Feelings

Failing to express your personal feelings about the story can make your answer less relatable. The examiner wants to hear your unique perspective and emotional connection.

Tip

Share how the story impacted you personally, discussing your feelings and thoughts to create a more engaging narrative.

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Describe your favourite food at a traditional festival or a special event in your country

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Anonymous student Band 7.5

Pitampura Test Centre, New Delhi

Answer

I like to taste different types of cuisine. Here I would like to talk about my favorite dish at my traditional festival of Onam which is Sadya. Sadya is popular in my city. We are experimenting these cuisines on Onam festival day. Onam is a famous festival in my city. All family members get together in my home and we make a delicious Sadya. There are many ingredients includes that Sadya. Moreover, we make a big feast that day as well as we create a lot of memories together and we wear that day the traditional dress called Sari and men wear the Dhotis. That festival is really important to us because the whole day we are conducting different kinds of games at our homes and all the family members came together. It's a memorable day in my life. This is the festival. We are making the Sambar and Aviyal. These all the kinds of foods are making with the vegetables.

Talk about a toy you liked in your childhood

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 8

Sector 34 Test Centre, Chandigarh

Answer

The toy which I liked in my childhood was a panda doll, which makes me pleasant and makes me more blush. The pandas are the most beautiful creatures of the world, which looks gigantic and has pooshy cheeks and they are like stars in the clouds and they dream in me. Furthermore, these have been given by my father. My father is a very very beautiful artistic person, who makes me think of that. Every day you will face every difficulties and make you suffer and move forward. Pandas are always seen in Japanese countries. It is my lifelong dream to visit a Japanese country and click a photo with the original pandas, which makes sounds better.

Describe a time you were in a place where you didn't know the local language

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 6.5

Whitefield Test Center, Bengaluru

Answer

As India is a very large country full of diversity, so there are many places which have their own language and speak their native language. The place which I visited and I didn't know about their language was Leladakh, which is about 300 km away from my hometown and it is a very good place as it consists of different kind of trees, animals and have many scenic views and I visited over there last year in summers as it was the best time to visit because it has many, it was cold over there and we had summers in our area so it was the best time to visit over there and I went over there with my whole family.

Describe a time when your friend damaged something you owned

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7

Begumpet Test Centre, Hyderabad

Answer

When I was a kid, I had a little pencil box which had these four buttons which gave the pencil box an operative use. When you press the button, the box would open up. When you press the second button, a little part of it would slide out. Basically it was just a little electronical and a fun thing to have and I owned it when I was in 6th. One day after break, I was standing and talking there with one of my friends and another friend of mine was running through the hallway and accidentally she pushed my shoulder and my pencil box hit the ground and it broke into multiple pieces to the point that it was not functional anymore.

Describe a book you recently read

Reported by

Anonymous student Band 7.5

CBD Belapur Test Centre, Navi Mumbai

Answer

It Ends With Us is a book I read recently. It's by the author Colleen Hoare. It's mainly a story about two teenagers, Atlas and Lily, and how they just handle their life going through high school, adolescence, and just domestic violence at home. Both of them come from very, very different families. However, they have one common determining factor between them, which is domestic violence. The abuse that they've seen their moms go through is just insane, and they connect through that on a different level. They're actually in the same high school, but they never speak to each other until Atlas actually crashes into an empty house next to Lily's villa. When Atlas is homeless and he doesn't have anywhere to go, he just comes and breaks into the house next to Lily's, and Lily helps him with all the daily necessities like clothes and food, medicines and stuff. Furthermore, their friendship blossoms into love, but it doesn't really fructify as Atlas has to leave. This book really gave me a lot of knowledge about domestic abuse and how to deal with it.