A cue card for the question “Describe An Exciting Book That You Enjoy Reading” can be found in this IELTS speaking blog. The IELTS Speaking Test is divided into three parts: the introduction, the cue card round, and the follow-up discussion. You’ll have about 11 to 15 minutes to show your communication skills and fluency.
In this IELTS speaking blog, we’ve included model responses for the IELTS Speaking Cue Card, along with possible follow-up questions. This will help you prepare effectively for the IELTS exam and practice your ideas for similar IELTS Cue Card topics.
IELTS Speaking Part 2 – IELTS Speaking Cue Card
For IELTS Exam Speaking Task 2 (Part 2), you’ll be given a cue card with a topic and some sub-questions. You’ll have 1 minute to prepare and then speak for 1–2 minutes. The examiner will stop you when enough has been said.
You should say:
- When you read it?
- What kind of book it is?
- What it is about?
- And explain why you think it is exciting?
Model Answer 1 – Describe An Exciting Book That You Enjoy Reading
Introduction
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is one book that I greatly like and cannot get bored with reading. It has accompanied me throughout my reading life and whenever I read it, I get a different meaning between the lines.
When you read it
The Alchemist was the first book that I read in high school. It had been recommended to me by a friend and would inspire me, I understood. I recollect that I finished it within few days as the story was very captivating. I have since, at least, three or four times, reread it.
What kind of book it is / What it is about
It is an inspirational and philosophical novel that discusses about a shepherd called Santiago who pursues his dream in search of hidden treasure. On his journey, he encounters other characters, who educate him on life lessons that touch on courage, destiny, and faith.
Why you think it is exciting
I find most intriguing in The Alchemist the manner in which the novel merges such a straightforward narrative and life lessons. Each chapter ends with a message to keep pursuing what you want and not give up, and thus it is very motivational.
Conclusion
I personally really like reading The Alchemist as it is amusing and informative at the same time. It also helps me always be hopeful and energetic to pursue my own dreams.
Model Answer 2 – IELTS Cue Card: Describe An Exciting Book That You Enjoy Reading:
Introduction
The other interesting book I have loved is Harry Potter and the Philosopher Stone by J.K. Rowling.
When you read it
I read it first when I was on my school summer holidays. I found the magic world so captivating that I had to move through it in a duration of less than a week.
What kind of book it is / What it is about
It is a fantasy book which also brings about the school of magic, the Hogwarts school. It tells a tale of Harry who is a young wizard, and his exploits alongside his friends as they battle black magic.
Why you think it is exciting
The book is memorable due to the exciting plot twists, magic spells, and the special characters. Harry, Ron and Hermione friendship also bring friendliness to the story. Whenever I read it, I sense that I am entering the new world where there are so many wonders.
Conclusion
Harry Potter is not a book, it is an experience. I love it as it is a mixture of magic, adventure, and emotions.
Model Answer 3 – Describe An Exciting Book That You Enjoy Reading (IELTS Speaking Cue Card)
Introduction
I also would like to discuss Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life.
When you read it
I recently read this book when I was in my college years in search of inspirational material.
What kind of book it is / What it is about
It is a self-help book founded on Japanese philosophy. It describes how happiness and fulfilment are possible through discovery of your Ikigai, the reason you wake up every morning.
Why you think it is exciting
I am excited about the book since it offers effective solutions on how to live a better and healthier life. The illustrations of the Japanese culture are understandable and can be implemented in everyday life.
Conclusion
Ikigai is thrilling since it provides not only knowledge but also a means of making life better. I would always recommend it to friends who desire to be motivated.
IELTS Speaking Part 3 – Follow-up Questions
In IELTS Speaking Part 3, the examiner will ask related questions for 4–5 minutes. Here are some sample follow-up questions with answers for the topic “Describe An Exciting Book That You Enjoy Reading.”
- Are you a book or a movie reader?
Personally, both of them are fun to me, although books enable me to engage my imagination whereas movies are more concerned with visual amusement.
- Do children read books? Do you think that is important?
Yes, definitely. Reading can also enable children to be more vocabulary-wise, creative and patient which are all important in learning.
- What genre books are well-received in your country?
It is common in India where young people tend to read novels, fantasy series or self-help books as opposed to older generations who tend to read religion, biographies.
- Is e-book superior to print books?
E-books are portables and more convenient though I do love printed books after all as they provide a feeling of reading.
Related Vocabulary Table
| Vocabulary / Phrase | Meaning / Usage | Example Sentence |
| Page-turner | A very interesting book that you cannot stop reading | “The novel was such a page-turner that I finished it in two days.” |
| Gripping | Extremely exciting or interesting | “The plot was so gripping that I stayed up all night to finish the book.” |
| Engrossing | Something that completely holds your attention | “It was an engrossing story about courage and friendship.” |
| Well-crafted characters | Characters that are detailed, believable, and memorable | “The author created well-crafted characters that felt real.” |
| Imaginative | Full of creativity or originality | “The book was imaginative and opened a new world to me.” |
| Philosophical | Related to deep thinking about life or existence | “The novel had a philosophical tone that made me reflect on my life.” |
| Inspirational / Motivational | Something that gives you courage or determination | “The story was inspirational and encouraged me to follow my dreams.” |
| Classic | A book considered outstanding and timeless | “Pride and Prejudice is a classic that people read even today.” |
| Fast-paced | A story that moves quickly and keeps you interested | “The book was fast-paced and thrilling.” |
| Thought-provoking | A book that makes you think deeply | “The ideas in the book were thought-provoking and stayed with me.” |
Conclusion
In conclusion, the IELTS Speaking Cue Card question, “Describe An Exciting Book That You Enjoy Reading”, can enable the candidates to demonstrate their storytelling skills, vocabulary, and fluency. You can impress the examiner by formulating your answer in a concise introduction, explanation, and personal reflections.
It is equally important to remember that it is not just about what you describe but how you describe it. It is more interesting to use such a rich vocabulary as page-turner, gripping, or thought-provoking. With various different model answers and follow-up questions, you can feel good on exam day.
It may be a motivational book, such as The Alchemist, or a fantasy, such as Harry Potter, or even a text on philosophy, such as Ikigai, but the point is to show your enthusiasm in the most natural way possible.
FAQs
You may take any book that really interests you: fiction (thrillers, fantasies, classics), some non-fiction that motivates (self-help, biographies), or philosophy. It is necessary to make the book affective and be able to describe the factors which make it interesting.
Seek to combine description with personal commentary. Overview the plot or themes in a brief summary, and then talk more about how it impacted you- what made you feel excited or thoughtful, and why.
Yes–it can be well to pick a less-known or local book. It enables you to express actual enthusiasm and personal attachment, which can at times be stronger than just choosing a well known book.
Absolutely. Describing how you came to choose the book (e.g. was it recommended or picked on a whim or because you were curious) and how it affected your thinking or feelings makes your answer even stronger.
Be genuine–be natural when you speak about your feelings and experiences. Speak with phrases and impromptu comments. Do not read a pre-written script but speak as though you are telling a friend.
Yes, you can add more profound ones such as life lessons, symbolism, or philosophical concepts and make your response higher. It reflects a critical thinking and a profound comprehension of the book.
You will get 1 minute to prepare and 1- 2 minutes to speak. Make sure to cover all cue card prompts within that time when you read your answer: type of book, summary, and why you like it, etc. Experience assists in keeping the clarity and time.
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