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?

66 unique answers with expert feedback

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

The themes of identity, power, and survival are very compelling in 'Shatter Me'. Juliet's struggle with her powers and her quest for self-acceptance resonate deeply. Additionally, the moral complexities of Aaron's character add layers to the theme of good versus evil.

How did the characters develop throughout the story?

Juliet evolves from a scared girl into a strong, independent woman as she learns to embrace her powers. Aaron also undergoes significant development, revealing his vulnerabilities and motivations, which makes him a more relatable and complex character.

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

Absolutely! I would recommend 'Shatter Me' because of its engaging plot and well-developed characters. The twists keep you on the edge of your seat, and the emotional depth of the characters makes it a memorable read for anyone who enjoys fantasy and dystopian genres.

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 exploration of how past experiences shape a person's actions and the psychological depth of the characters kept me engaged throughout the novel.

How does The Silent Patient compare to other crime thrillers you've read?

Unlike many crime thrillers, The Silent Patient stands out due to its unique narrative style and the psychological focus on the characters. The constant clues at the end of each chapter create a different kind of suspense, making it more engaging than typical thrillers.

Would you recommend The Silent Patient to others? Why or why not?

Absolutely, I would recommend it! The writing is brilliant, and the plot twists are unexpected. It's a gripping read that not only entertains but also makes you think deeply about the characters' motivations and the nature of truth.

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 they could lead to different outcomes in various realities, which is a fascinating concept.

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

Reading thrillers like The Dark Matter can enhance my critical thinking and imagination. They challenge me to consider different scenarios and outcomes, which can lead to a broader perspective on real-life situations and decision-making.

Why do you prefer buying books from physical bookstores?

I prefer physical bookstores because they offer a unique atmosphere that enhances the reading experience. The tactile sensation of browsing through books and the excitement of discovering new titles create a joyful and energizing experience for me.

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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 in 'Chahal Pahar' resonated with you the most?

The themes of courage and adventure really resonated with me. The protagonist's journey to overcome obstacles and pursue his dreams inspired me to face my own challenges with bravery.

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

My father's storytelling made the book come alive for me. His enthusiasm and the way he narrated the story helped me visualize the scenes and connect emotionally with the characters, making it a memorable experience.

Have you read any other books that impacted you similarly?

Yes, I have read several other books that inspired me, but 'Chahal Pahar' remains special. Books like 'The Alchemist' also taught me about following dreams and the importance of perseverance.

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 strength of women in the face of adversity, which is both inspiring and heartbreaking.

How did the author's background influence the story?

Khaled Hosseini's Afghan background provides authenticity to the narrative. His personal experiences and understanding of Afghan culture enrich the story, allowing readers to connect with the characters and their struggles on a deeper level.

Would you recommend this book to others? Why?

Absolutely, I would recommend 'A Thousand Splendid Suns' to anyone. It offers profound insights into Afghan culture and the plight of women, making it not only an engaging read but also an important one that raises awareness about social issues.

Show all 66 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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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

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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

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.