Last Updated on July 22, 2025
A cue card for the question “Describe a book that you have read many times” can be found in this IELTS speaking blog. The three sections of the IELTS speaking test are the introduction, the cue card round, and the follow-up discussion round. You will have 11 to 15 minutes to present your ideas and communication abilities to the examiner. We have included four model responses for this Cue card IELTS (Speaking) along with follow-up questions to help you improve your skills and help you come up with ideas.
IELTS Speaking Part 2 – IELTS Cue Card
You must prepare a cue card that will be provided by your examiner for IELTS Speaking Task 2 (Part 2). You can find your topic in that cue card “Describe a book that you have read many times” along with some sub-questions to talk about the cue card for a minute or two, where you will be given a minute to prepare your cue card. You have to keep talking, and the examiner will stop you once you cover all the given questions. The IELTS speaking part 3 will have a follow-up section, which will be a discussion around, based on the topic on your cue card.
Describe a Book That You Read Many Times
This section will guide you through the key aspects of describing a book you have revisited often. Consider these points as you reflect on your chosen title:
- When you first read it, and when you have re-read it?
- What kind of book it is?
- What is it about?
- And explain why you think it is exciting or compelling?
Model Answer 1: Describe a Book That You Read Many Times
There are many books that have adorned my shelves and none of them have been as perennially popular as Douglas Adams’ The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. This book is a book that has been read by me no less than a hundred times. It is not a mere story, but a very special prism through which one can look through the absurdity of life.
The first time you read it, and when you read it again
My introduction to the Hitchhiker’s Guide came early, when I happened on it at a time of intense revising, during my final year at School. I wanted to escape from the monotony of my text books, and a friend shoved it into my hands excitedly. I literally gulped it down in two days and laughed out wholeheartedly in my solitary corner where I read. I have since then established a tradition to read it at least once a year and most times when I need a good laugh or to get rejuvenated on this little (and big) dilemmas in life. It has become my comfort food in literature.
What type of book is it
It is a sci fi comedy, but this label is only just the top of the iceberg. It is a philosophical scribbling, a mocking masterpiece, a case of completely bizarre situations and a slightly British sense of humor. It is a type of book that can cause you to ponder deeply at the same time making you spray tea up your nose.
What is it about?
The novel opens with the life of a truly typical Englishman, Arthur Dent, whose house was to be destroyed to construct an overpass. Soon, even the Earth is destroyed to create a hyperspace bypass. He is rescued by his alien friend, Ford Prefect, and together they begin a succession of more and more unlikely adventures throughout the galaxy, his way directed by the eponymous Hitchhiker, a galactic electronic encyclopedic guide. It is the story of finding the sense of life, the universe, and everything, and it seems that the answers are most frequently found in the last places people think of them.
And say what is the reason it seems to you exciting or compelling
The wit in the book is immeasurable and the ability by Adams to make complicated concepts palatable and funny to the extent of rolling in laughter is what makes the book so appealing to me. The characters themselves are memorable, as is the always-depressed robot, Marvin, or the two-headed former President of the Galaxy, Zaphod Beeblebrox. Each subsequent reading has somehow or other disclosed another stratum of parody, or a bit of phraseology which I failed to notice before. The novel is one that tells me I should not take life so seriously, and that everything can be absurd, that those answers sometimes are simple 42. It is a really special reading experience that will never be old.
Model Answer 2: Describe a Book That You Read Many Times
Although my reading preferences are rather diverse, one of my all-time favorite novels I cannot part with is undoubtedly the work of Jane Austen titled Pride and Prejudice. It is an absolutely ageless revelation that always amazes me with its witty dialogues and well-established characters.
As you read it the first time and as you read it a second time
My initial commentary on pride and prejudice comes in the form of an early teenage reading assignment on the novel. But, to tell the truth, I felt intimated with its classic period and the language at first, but after pushing myself to start reading, the young and rebellious nature of Elizabeth Bennet and brooding nature of Mr. Darcy took me over. I have been sure to re-read it every few years since that initial reading. It is a pleasant habit, like getting reacquainted with old friends. Even I have one of those special marked up versions on which I made notes of thoughts during various re-readings.
What type of book is it
It is a typical romantic fiction with the setting of early 19 th -century in England. It is more than a love story, it is a brilliant social commentary, a comedy of manners, and a masterline on character development. By incorporating satire and irony, Austen is able to discuss the issues of classes, image, marriage and self-development.
What is in it?
The novel traces the turbulent affair between Elizabeth Bennet hard-beat and independent young lady and the pompous and deep pocketed Mr. Darcy. Their impressions of one another are tainted by their personal prejudices, and by what society would have them to expect. Story progression happens in a sequence of social occasions, misunderstandings and racy banter as they gradually come to realize and value the real nature of each other. It is basically a story of breaking first impressions and discovering love on the ground of real knowledge.
And tell me why it is enthralling or thrilling to you
The enduring themes in “Pride and Prejudice,” as well as the pure genius in Austen writing, make the novel exciting to me. The verbal exchange is brilliant, the characterization is amazingly developed and the slow build of the romance between Elizabeth and Darcy is impossible to resist. Whenever I reread it, I never fail to notice something new hidden in the social critiques or something broader hidden in the nature of the inner battles of the characters. It is an exciting tale of intelligence, the good that is, and the successful love of real affection against the pressures of society. It also teaches me an important lesson, in that sometimes the real truth lies behind all the initial appearances.
Model Answer 3: Describe a Book That You Read Many Times
There are some books that, whenever you read them, leave an impact on your soul, and they become part of your philosophy. In my case, it is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, the novel that I have already read numerous times, and each time I do it, new knowledge can be learned.
When you first read it, and when you reread it
The first time I read The Alchemist was at a time of severe self-doubt in my life, just after leaving college and being somewhat confused in terms of how to proceed with my work. It was suggested by a mentor who said it would provide a certain perspective. I read it almost in one sitting and the message it carried was instant Welsh. I picked up the book since then every time I felt like at a crossroads or whenever I needed to be told that I should just trust my instincts and follow my dreams. I have it as the book on my nightstand because I am always ready to travel again.
What type of book is it
It is a philosophical novel and it is commonly referred to as a modern fable or allegory. It is a very straightforward story with an epiphany feel to it and touches on the essence of adventure, spirituality, as well as self-discovery.
What is it about
The novel focuses on an Andalusian shepherd boy Santiago and his dreams about unrecognized treasure hidden somewhere around the Egyptian pyramids. He goes on a hunt in the desert and as he goes on it, he comes across many characters that lead him, teach him, and make him understand the things about the soul and world and the need of pursuing his own legend in life. It is basically a metaphor of the path in life, chasing of what one wants in their heart and the directions the universe gives us in that pathway.
And tell me why you find it thrilling or fascinating
The Alchemist is a good book as its message applies to all and is very inspirational. It is not a matter of where but the process, and the knowledge attained during the process. The language that Coelho uses is not complicated but poetic so that the complicated spiritual concepts can be understood. Every time I read it, I discover another sentence or another encounter which addresses me directly in my current state of life. It makes me be courageous and listen to my heart, to explore difficulties, and to trust that universe helps a person to realize their dreams in case a person is firmly determined. It is a continuous inspiration and a piece of art that reminds everyone about the effectiveness of perseverance.
Follow-up Questions: Describe a Book That You Read Many Times
Here are some common follow-up questions related to books and reading, along with potential responses:
1. Do you prefer books or movies?
But to be honest, I really like both, albeit not in the same reason. To give it straight, I find myself attracted to quick visual and auditory immersion seen in movies most of the time. The characters, the settings, the action, you get to have them unroll in front of you instead of visualizing everything yourself and this can be an extremely captivating experience.
Nevertheless, the contour of character and inner monologue is possessed by books and is hard to grasp on film. Using a book, my mind is working in full creativity, where I build the world and its people in my own mind, which is a unique and powerful experience. Therefore, in as far as movies are fun when you want to get a quick entertainment, books tend to offer more fulfilling experience.
2. Do you think it is important to read the book before watching the movie version of it?
To my mind, it really depends on the particular book and film, yet, in most cases, I suppose, reading the book first can be crucial. Reading the book, you create your own impressions about the characters and scenes of the book and obtain much closer grasp of the details of the plot and the motives of the characters. Movies at times, simplify or even change the story to a great degree and when you have seen the movie then you might view the book in that way.
As an example, I recall that I read the book Life of Pi and watched a film based on it; though the movie was beautiful to watch, the philosophical overtones of the novel and the inner conflict of the lead character were much deeper indeed. Having read it prior to watching the movie gave me a chance to enjoy it as an independent piece of art, instead of being spoiled by all that was probably omitted.
3. Do boys and girls like the same kind of books?
I believe that reading tastes are much more personal than gender-related. They may have, of course, certain general tendencies, such as classic adventurous books being targeted more toward the male population and young girls toward romantic ones, but I must have noticed that most of it is a societal construct than a part of their interests. Nowadays, boys read romantic novels, and girls are eager consumers of thrillers full of action or fantasy epic.
It depends on the personality of the individual, his or her interests and what he is exposed to. It is not so vital as to make people read in any of the genres, irrespective of gender so that everyone develops affinity towards tales.
4. What kind of books do people in your country like to read?
It is a very interesting question and the answer is all dependent on the age group and individual interests. As an example, younger children tend to be attracted to comic books, graphic novels, and fairy tales, which arouse their imagination. Young adults and teens will be interested in popular fantasy novels, social dystopia, or modern romantic books. The preferences of adults vary much as well, some prefer best-selling thrillers or historical fiction, others self-help and biographies. There is also the love of classic literature and books by homeland authors that can tell us about our culture and history. Finally, the reading field is highly diversified, and everyone can find something potentially interesting, as different interests embrace our population.
IELTS Cue Card Topics:
- Describe a Historical Building You Have Been To
- Describe an Item of Clothing Someone Gave You
- Describe an Invention That Is Useful In Daily Life
- Describe a Place Where There Was a Lot of Noise
Final thoughts on the Describe a Book That You Read Many Times
Review sample responses for the cue card “Describe a book that you have read many times” as it will help you when creating your own responses. You can try coming up with your own solutions using these answers as a starting point. Additionally, you can get a sense of the follow-up inquiries.
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