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?

75 unique answers with expert feedback

What themes in 'Shatter Me' resonated with you the most?

The themes of identity and power really resonated with me. Juliet's struggle to understand her abilities and the moral dilemmas that come with them are compelling. Additionally, the theme of love and sacrifice is beautifully woven into the story, making it relatable and thought-provoking.

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

The development of Juliet and Aaron is crucial to the story. Juliet evolves from a scared girl into a powerful woman, which is inspiring. Aaron's complexity adds depth, as he struggles with his own identity and morality. Their growth keeps the reader engaged and invested in their journey.

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

Absolutely! I would recommend 'Shatter Me' because it's not just a fantasy novel; it explores deep emotional themes and has a gripping plot. The writing style is unique, with beautiful prose that enhances the reading experience. It's perfect for anyone who enjoys a mix of action and character-driven stories.

Band 7

00:00

The novel that I read was The Immortals of Meluha, which was written by Amish Tripathi. This is one of the most special book that will stay very close to my heart. I came across this book in the year 2020 during the time of COVID. I was preparing for my boards, so I used to take out time in the night to read. I came across this book through my cousin. He used to read this book and I saw him get drawn to Lord Shiva and I wondered what exactly was in the book that made him so close to him. So that was when I picked up the book. When I read it, it made me realize that how we consider God as super beings when they are just humans. It tells us about the fact that even Gods had their own issues, had their own way of tackling the problems and they were just as humans. I have read multiple books in the past, however, this book was like a gateway to heaven. This is how I entered into the world of reading and I have not looked back. I would highly recommend this book to each and everyone. This book is really inspiring, the way it is written, the way the sentences are formed, the way the feelings are expressed is beautiful and I have learnt a lot from this book.

Follow up questions

What themes in 'The Immortals of Meluha' resonated with you the most?

The themes of humanity and divinity really resonated with me. The book portrays gods as relatable figures with their own struggles, which made me reflect on how we often idealize them. It taught me that even the most revered beings face challenges, making their stories more relatable and inspiring.

How did reading this novel influence your perspective on mythology?

Reading this novel changed my perspective on mythology significantly. It made me see myths not just as stories, but as narratives that reflect human experiences and emotions. It encouraged me to explore other mythological tales with a more open mind, seeking the deeper meanings behind them.

Have you read any other books by Amish Tripathi? If so, how do they compare?

Yes, I have read other books by Amish Tripathi, such as 'The Secret of the Nagas.' I found them equally engaging, but 'The Immortals of Meluha' holds a special place for me due to its profound insights and character development. Each book builds on the themes of humanity and divinity in unique ways.

Band 7

00:00

Talking about the novel that I found interesting would definitely, no, no, no, I'd like to talk about a novel that I read recently, it was called, I'd like to talk about a novel that I read recently, in summer this year, it was called We Were Liars by the author named E. Lockhart. This novel was absolutely one of the best books that I have ever read in my entire life, I can say this very confidently. The one feeling I think that I would like to describe thinking about this novel in retrospect would definitely be the feeling of being overwhelmed. I got to know about this novel from my friend who had watched the same series that were based on this novel. I got to know about it from him, I watched the whole series and then I started reading the novel. It was, it was absolutely the craziest novel. It contains, it is a story of basically four friends and these friends live in a huge mansion during their summer vacations with their families and it's a whole big deal with a lot of family drama and a friend and the twist, this whole novel is filled with mind boggling twists and I was so heartbroken at the end. I remember sobbing on my bed and like 3 in the morning, I could not know, I could not feel anything, I didn't know what to do. I was so moved by the whole concept, by the idea of, by the idea of friendship. I would not like to reveal the whole plot of the novel because I would like other people to read it as well and to enjoy it as much as I did. I think that I would love to read some more.

Follow up questions

What themes did you find most compelling in 'We Were Liars'?

The themes of friendship, betrayal, and family dynamics were incredibly compelling. The way the author portrayed the complexities of relationships made me reflect on my own friendships and the impact they have on our lives.

How did the novel's ending affect your view of the story?

The ending was shocking and left me in tears. It completely changed my perception of the characters and their relationships. It made me realize how fragile trust can be and how secrets can alter everything we believe about those we care about.

Would you recommend 'We Were Liars' to others? Why or why not?

Absolutely! I would recommend it because it’s a beautifully written story that keeps you guessing until the end. The emotional depth and the unexpected twists make it a memorable read that resonates long after you finish it.

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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 impact of childhood experiences on adult behavior adds depth to the story, making it not just a thriller but also a psychological exploration.

How did the character development influence your reading experience?

The character development was crucial as it allowed me to connect with the protagonist's struggles. The psychiatrist's perspective added layers to the narrative, making me empathize with both characters. This depth made the twists more impactful and the story more engaging.

Would you recommend this book to others? Why or why not?

Absolutely! I would recommend The Silent Patient to anyone who enjoys thrillers and psychological dramas. The writing style is gripping, and the unique structure with clues at the end of each chapter keeps readers engaged. It's a thought-provoking read that stays with you long after finishing.

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 multiple 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 explore how these themes challenge our understanding of reality.

How do you think reading thrillers affects your perspective on life?

Reading thrillers like The Dark Matter can heighten my awareness of the unpredictability of life. They encourage me to think critically about my decisions and the potential consequences, making me more reflective about my own reality and choices.

What do you enjoy most about visiting bookstores?

I love the atmosphere of bookstores; they are filled with the scent of paper and ink, and the excitement of discovering new stories. The experience of browsing through shelves and finding a book that resonates with me is incredibly fulfilling and energizing.

Show all 75 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.

IELTS Cue Cards asked last week

Reported by Leap students who gave IELTS

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

Reported by

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.