Describe a book you read that you found useful: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

What it is
When you read it
Why you think it is useful
And explain how you felt about it

97 unique answers with expert feedback

What specific techniques from the book did you find most helpful?

The book outlines four key components to effective communication: observation, feelings, needs, and requests. I found these techniques particularly helpful as they provide a clear structure for expressing myself and understanding others. Using these components has improved my interactions significantly.

How has reading this book changed your communication style?

Since reading Nonviolent Communication, I've become more mindful of my words and how they affect others. I now focus on expressing my feelings and needs clearly, which has led to more constructive conversations and fewer misunderstandings in both personal and professional settings.

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

Absolutely, I would recommend this book to anyone looking to improve their communication skills. The practical framework it provides is easy to understand and apply, making it suitable for people from all walks of life. It has the potential to enhance relationships and resolve conflicts effectively.

Band >7

00:00

So, the book that I read and found quite useful was recently, it is a really famous book. It is the Bhagavad Gita, the sacred book for Hindus. I am a kind of a person who would never read a book as I am more into seeing podcasts. But there was a time when I felt really low and I thought I didn't have a purpose in life. That's when someone recommended to me to try reading. Initially I thought that it was really stupid advice but once I started reading the book, I got to understand the realities of life. The book is really, I was really intrigued by the book in the sense that if I open a random page from the book, I knew that I am going to get the answer that I am looking for. It was not like that I have to read the book chapter by chapter or sentence by sentence. I feel it's really extraordinary but in a good way, unusual book as I got the answers to my life and it really helped me to feel a lot more better about myself and look forward to the life in more positive way. I thank the person who advised me to read a book and that's when I felt that reading a book isn't really a boring thing to do if you get the right book.

Follow up questions

What specific lessons did you learn from the Bhagavad Gita?

The Bhagavad Gita taught me about the importance of duty and righteousness. It emphasized that one should act according to their dharma, or duty, without attachment to the results. This perspective helped me to focus on my actions rather than worrying about outcomes.

How has reading this book changed your perspective on life?

Reading the Bhagavad Gita shifted my perspective significantly. I learned to embrace challenges and view them as opportunities for growth. It encouraged me to adopt a more positive mindset and to seek purpose in my daily activities, which has made a big difference in my life.

Do you think reading can be as impactful as listening to podcasts?

Absolutely! While I enjoy podcasts, reading offers a different depth of engagement. Books like the Bhagavad Gita allow for personal reflection and deeper understanding. Each medium has its strengths, but reading can provide a unique connection to the material that resonates deeply.

Band 7

00:00

So, a few months ago I picked up a book from the Oxford Bookstore in Kennaught Place. It was The Grand Design, written by Stephen Hawking. Stephen Hawking is a well-known cosmologist and astrophysicist. I've always admired him because of his skills in science and also because he had a lot of problems. Even though he faced cerebral disability and his whole body was paralysed, still he was one of the greatest minds known by my generation. So when I picked up his book and I read his name on the cover, I was immediately interested and I wanted to learn more about him and the subject that he studied. So before that, I had only seen him in TV shows like Big Bang Theory and I had seen his biography, a film called The Theory of Everything, but in that moment I just felt like this could be something that could get me more into the subject of science, which is something that I've always been interested in. I studied science in high school and I was just immediately interested. So I bought that book and that book just changed a lot of the perspectives that I had had on the formation of the universe. It had small details about the black holes, the planets, the Milky Way galaxy and the universe beyond it as well. So from our eyes, it may seem small, but it has just such a big space and I've just, I've still been reading that book.

Follow up questions

What specific concepts from the book did you find most intriguing?

I found the concepts of black holes and the nature of time particularly intriguing. Hawking's explanations made complex ideas more accessible, and I was fascinated by how he described the universe's expansion and the role of black holes in it.

How has reading this book influenced your views on science?

Reading The Grand Design has deepened my appreciation for science and the universe. It has encouraged me to think critically about scientific theories and has inspired me to explore more scientific literature and topics beyond what I learned in school.

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

Absolutely! I would recommend this book to anyone interested in science or the universe. Hawking's ability to explain complex ideas in a relatable way makes it a great read for both science enthusiasts and those new to the subject.

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Band 7

00:00

Last year, I remember reading the book called Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. This book is written based on the letters which Marcus Aurelius had written to his friends and I would say people who were close to him. He recommended or suggested them to follow paths in life or rather lessons for life which is useful for everybody. This was very important to me as it was recommended to me by one of my office colleagues at a point in my life where I was low and I needed some motivation to go forward or to seek out my goals. I needed that. When I started reading the book, I felt it suggested some great life lessons but more important part was the practical application of these lessons in our day-to-day lives. I finished the book in almost a week and I felt actually great by incorporating those life lessons in my daily day-to-day activities. For example, to calculate the amount of words which I speak on a daily basis and how I respond towards other people's emotions. For example, if a person is angry, how I respond to it, I started controlling these factors. I also recommend this book for other people as it would be a great turning point in their lives after reading this book.

Follow up questions

What specific life lessons did you learn from Meditations?

One of the key lessons I learned was the importance of self-control and how to manage my reactions to others. Marcus Aurelius emphasizes the value of maintaining inner peace, especially when faced with challenges or negativity from others. This has helped me respond more calmly in difficult situations.

How do you think reading can impact a person's life?

Reading can provide new perspectives and insights that can inspire personal growth. It allows individuals to learn from the experiences of others, gain knowledge, and develop critical thinking skills. Books like Meditations can motivate readers to reflect on their own lives and make positive changes.

Would you consider reading more books in the self-help genre?

Absolutely! I find that self-help books can offer valuable guidance and strategies for personal development. They often provide practical advice that can be applied to everyday life, helping individuals navigate challenges and improve their overall well-being.

Band 7

00:00

The book I read which I found really useful was one named Deep Work by Carl Newport. It is a really good book which was recommended to me by a friend and also I saw many online influencers recommending it. I read it during the lockdown probably around Jan Feb 2021. When I first started reading it, it was a little boring, but then after a few pages, it got really interesting. The book basically teaches you how to work efficiently instead of working for long hours. It suggests that we can only work for around 3-4 hours effectively and those 3-4 hours we should give it a roll and it shares some tips and tricks for us to follow using which we can do what we do more efficiently. It helped me in many ways, especially in studies. It made my studies more efficient in many ways. I also recommended it to many friends and they also liked the book very much. I think the book is really underrated. I think more people should read the book. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone. Doesn't matter if the person is in school or is in college. It just makes your life easier and more happier because you invest a very little time but you can do a lot of work and enjoy the rest of the day.

Follow up questions

What specific tips from 'Deep Work' did you find most helpful?

One of the most helpful tips was the idea of time blocking. By scheduling specific blocks of time for focused work, I was able to minimize distractions and maximize productivity. This method allowed me to concentrate fully on my studies and complete tasks more efficiently.

How has reading this book changed your approach to studying?

Reading 'Deep Work' changed my approach by making me realize the importance of focused work. I now prioritize deep work sessions over long hours of study, which has led to better retention of information and a more enjoyable study experience overall.

Would you consider reading more books on productivity? Why or why not?

Yes, I would definitely consider reading more books on productivity. I believe that learning different strategies can further enhance my efficiency. Each book offers unique insights, and I’m eager to discover more techniques that can help me balance work and leisure effectively.

Show all 97 answers

Cue 1:What it is

Begin by naming the book and its author clearly.
Provide a brief summary of the book's main theme or subject.

Example

The book I found particularly useful is 'The Power of Now' by Eckhart Tolle. It focuses on mindfulness and living in the present moment, which I believe is essential in today’s fast-paced world.

Cue 2:When you read it

Mention the time period when you read the book, such as during a specific year or season.
Share any relevant context about your life at that time that influenced your reading.

Example

I read this book last year during the summer while I was on a break from college. I was feeling quite stressed about my future and needed some guidance on how to manage my thoughts.

Cue 3:Why you think it is useful

Explain the key lessons or insights you gained from the book.
Discuss how these lessons have impacted your daily life or mindset.

Example

I found it useful because it taught me the importance of being present and not getting lost in worries about the past or future. This perspective has helped me reduce my anxiety and focus more on my studies and relationships.

Cue 4:And explain how you felt about it

Share your emotional response to the book, such as whether it inspired or motivated you.
Mention any changes in your behavior or attitude after reading it.

Example

After reading 'The Power of Now', I felt a sense of relief and clarity. It inspired me to practice mindfulness daily, and I noticed a positive change in my overall well-being and happiness.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, 'The Power of Now' has been a transformative read for me. It not only provided practical advice but also changed my outlook on life, making me more present and appreciative of each moment.

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: Vague Descriptions

Using vague language can make your answer unclear and unengaging. It's important to provide specific details about the book to make your response more interesting.

Tip

Include specific examples from the book, such as key themes or memorable quotes, to illustrate your points clearly.

2: Ignoring Personal Feelings

Failing to express your personal feelings about the book can make your answer less relatable. Sharing your emotions helps the examiner connect with your response.

Tip

Discuss how the book impacted you personally, mentioning any changes in your perspective or feelings after reading it.

Rushing Through Points

Rushing through your points can lead to a lack of clarity and depth in your answer. It's important to take your time to explain each cue thoroughly.

Tip

Practice pacing your speech by elaborating on each cue, ensuring you cover all aspects without feeling rushed.

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Anonymous student Band 7.5

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.