Describe Your Favourite Book: IELTS Speaking Cue Card

You should say

What book is it?
Who wrote this book?
What is it about?
Explain why this is your favourite book.

16 unique answers with expert feedback

What specific lessons from 'Atomic Habits' have you applied in your life?

One key lesson I've applied is the idea of small, incremental changes. By focusing on 1% improvements each day, I've been able to build better habits over time, such as reading regularly and maintaining a disciplined routine.

How do you choose which books to read next?

I usually look for recommendations from friends or check online reviews. I also consider the author's credibility and the book's relevance to my personal growth. I enjoy books that challenge my thinking and provide practical advice.

In what ways do you think reading can impact a person's life?

Reading expands knowledge, enhances empathy, and improves communication skills. It allows individuals to explore different perspectives and cultures, which can lead to personal growth and a better understanding of the world around them.

Band 6-7

00:00

My favorite book is Atomic Habits. It's by Henry Murray. It is about the habits which all individuals should have in their life, which makes their life a great perspective for everyone. Atomic Habits have those clarifications of life which most of the students don't have in their life. For example, adult clearance and everything. And to be very honest, at this moment of time, I must say that Atomic Habits is the book which can inculcate basic habits in your life which can change your whole perspective of your life. For example, waking up early in the morning, respecting your parents, respecting your elders, respecting your faculties. It's a great way to showcase your skills whether you are an individual, you are a student, you are a professor, anything. But to be very honest, at this moment of time, I must say that Atomic Habits is the book which everyone should give it a try.

Follow up questions

What specific habit from Atomic Habits do you find most impactful?

The habit of waking up early has been the most impactful for me. It allows me to start my day with a clear mind and plan my tasks effectively. This simple change has increased my productivity and given me more time for personal development.

How has reading Atomic Habits changed your daily routine?

Reading Atomic Habits has encouraged me to implement small changes in my daily routine, such as setting specific goals and tracking my progress. This has helped me stay focused and motivated, leading to better time management and overall well-being.

Would you recommend Atomic Habits to others? Why?

Absolutely! I believe Atomic Habits offers practical advice that can benefit anyone, regardless of their background. The concepts are easy to understand and apply, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their habits and life.

Band 6-7

00:00

Over the period of my time, I have read many books and I think the one that stands out and the one book that changed my life is Tuesdays with Maury. I came across this book when my friend gifted it to me on my 20th birthday. This book represents everything. I think everyone should read this book once in their life. It is a very transformational book. This book is about a professor who is on his deathbed and is talking to his student and giving him life lessons. Many of the quotes he said and the stories he said I think implies to everyone in their day-to-day world. It changes the perspective on the thing. It is actually a very small book, but when you read it, you find that it is a very heavy book. There are some quotes in the book that have my heart, especially the ones that if you rest, you rest and if you want to feel something, if you want to detach from something, first you have to attach to it and there are many life lessons in this book which help me in my day-to-day life. Whenever I feel low, I just open one page of the book and start reading it from any random page and I bet it will give you a lot of information and it will instantly uplift your mood. Also, one of my favorite series to read is the Harry Potter series. I think the entire series I have read and watched multiple number of times. It is a very light-hearted book.

Follow up questions

What life lessons did you learn from 'Tuesdays with Morrie'?

The book teaches valuable lessons about love, relationships, and the importance of living in the moment. It emphasizes that we should cherish our connections with others and not take life for granted, which has profoundly influenced my outlook on life.

How does reading affect your mood and mindset?

Reading has a therapeutic effect on me. Whenever I'm feeling down or stressed, diving into a book allows me to escape reality and gain new perspectives. It helps me relax and often provides insights that uplift my spirits and motivate me.

Why do you think 'Harry Potter' resonates with so many readers?

The Harry Potter series resonates because it combines adventure, friendship, and the struggle between good and evil. It captures the imagination of readers of all ages, and its themes of bravery, loyalty, and love are universal, making it relatable and timeless.

Practice other cue cards

Describe an ideal and perfect place where you would like to stay (e.g. a house, an apartment)

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Describe your ideal home or place to live.

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Band 6-7

00:00

I belong to a country where the mythological history has its root deep within the culture and traditions that we follow today. Since I am keen on learning about the mythological history of my country, I read a book The Secrets of Mahabharata. The story of Mahabharata interested me as soon as I heard the... I belong to a country, India, where the roots of culture and traditions that we follow today lies in the mythological history of the country. I was keen on learning about the same and decided to unveil some secrets of Mahabharata. As soon as I heard the story of Mahabharata, I found it quite interesting to learn about various characters. As my father says, each and every character in Mahabharata has its own different story. They used to follow separate principles which resulted in a clash among two sides. Though the destruction was widespread, yet one can draw out some key benefits as well as lessons which further help in development of an individual as a whole. I decided to read a book, Unveiling the Secrets of Mahabharata, which was written by a local writer. I am not sure about his name, but since he belonged to... in Gujarat, the dialect was a bit traditional too. I would also like to say that the book had a lot of mysteries interrupted within it and the answers to some questions which were raised when I was reading Mahabharata. It continues to be my favourite book because some of the facts just kept me spellbound throughout the read. I wish to read it again because I seem to have forgotten some of those.

Follow up questions

What themes from the Mahabharata do you find most relevant today?

The themes of duty, righteousness, and the moral dilemmas faced by characters in the Mahabharata are incredibly relevant today. They teach us about the complexities of human nature and the importance of making ethical choices in our lives.

How has reading this book influenced your perspective on life?

Reading 'The Secrets of Mahabharata' has deepened my understanding of human relationships and the consequences of our actions. It has encouraged me to reflect on my own values and the importance of integrity and compassion in everyday life.

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

Absolutely! I would recommend this book because it offers profound insights into Indian mythology and culture. It not only entertains but also educates readers about the moral lessons embedded in the stories, making it a worthwhile read for anyone interested in mythology.

Band 6-7

00:00

Well, my favorite book is The Alchemist written by Paulo Coelho. It is a story about a boy who wants to experience life and know about the elixir of life, which I think is the meaning or essence of life. And I really love how the story unfolds and it makes me sit at the edge of the seat while reading it, although I know what happens in the end, every time I read the book, it makes me tensed and nervous, but it really has a happy ending. So when I keep reading, it makes me feel better. I've read the book almost three to four times and every time it opens a new perspective in me, I understand the book differently every time I read it. So that is my favorite book. And also I've read various other books that didn't appeal me as much as The Alchemist appealed me. It's the story about a boy and a girl who get separated in their ways and when the boy goes on to find life, he remembers the girl and he experiences the girl's laughter and sweet talks in the air around him. That is one beautiful scenario I love from the book and it is written especially beautifully by the author, describing the essence of life is not anything but finding yourself in the journey of letting go.

Follow up questions

What themes in The Alchemist resonate with you the most?

The themes of self-discovery and pursuing one's dreams resonate deeply with me. The journey of the protagonist reflects the importance of following one's heart and understanding that the journey itself is as valuable as the destination.

How does reading The Alchemist impact your perspective on life?

Every time I read The Alchemist, it offers me new insights about resilience and the importance of dreams. It encourages me to embrace challenges and reminds me that life is about the experiences we gather along the way.

Have you recommended The Alchemist to others? What was their reaction?

Yes, I have recommended it to several friends. Most of them found it inspiring and thought-provoking. They appreciated the way it encourages readers to reflect on their own life journeys and aspirations.

Show all 16 answers

Cue 1:What book is it?

Start by clearly stating the title of your favorite book.
Mention any notable features of the book, such as its genre or publication year.

Example

My favorite book is 'The Alchemist' by Paulo Coelho, published in 1988. It's a philosophical novel that falls under the genre of adventure and self-discovery.

Cue 2:Who wrote this book?

Provide a brief background about the author, including their nationality and other famous works.
Mention why the author's writing style appeals to you.

Example

The book was written by Paulo Coelho, a Brazilian author known for his spiritual and philosophical themes. His other famous works include 'Brida' and 'Veronika Decides to Die'. I admire his simple yet profound writing style that resonates deeply with readers.

Cue 3:What is it about?

Summarize the main plot of the book without giving away spoilers.
Highlight the central themes or messages conveyed in the story.

Example

The story follows a young shepherd named Santiago who dreams of finding treasure in Egypt. Throughout his journey, he learns valuable lessons about following one's dreams and listening to one's heart. The central theme revolves around the idea that the journey is just as important as the destination.

Cue 4:Explain why this is your favourite book.

Share personal reasons for your attachment to the book, such as its impact on your life.
Discuss any specific moments or quotes from the book that resonate with you.

Example

This book is my favorite because it inspired me to pursue my own dreams, no matter how impossible they seemed. One quote that particularly resonates with me is, 'When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.' This has motivated me during challenging times.

Conclusion

Example

In conclusion, 'The Alchemist' is not just a book for me; it’s a source of inspiration and guidance. Its powerful messages about dreams and destiny continue to influence my life choices, making it my all-time favorite.

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

Avoid giving vague or general answers about the book. This can make your response less engaging and informative, leading to a lower score.

Tip

Provide specific details about the book's plot, characters, and themes to create a vivid picture for the examiner.

2: Neglecting Author Information

Failing to mention the author's name or background can weaken your response. It shows a lack of depth in your knowledge of the book.

Tip

Always include the author's name and a brief background to add credibility and context to your answer.

Ignoring Personal Connection

Not explaining why the book is your favorite can make your answer seem impersonal and less passionate.

Tip

Share personal anecdotes or feelings related to the book to convey your genuine connection and enthusiasm.

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.