Describe a Book You Read that You Found Useful: IELTS Speaking Cue Card Sample Question

IELTS exam speaking part will involve speaking on one specific option from a range of cue card topics. For a cue card like, ‘Describe A Book You Read That You Found Useful’, there are several points which you can prepare in your first minute of note-making. A book has generic content of its own, and a lot can be discussed about its chapters, and what is your understanding of it.

Once the description part from the cue card is over, the examiner will ask one or two questions related to the topic to conclude the task. Follow up questions will also be asked in part 3 of the IELTS speaking test, which will be similarly related to the cue card topic. The overall duration of the speaking part is 11 to 14 minutes, out of which the cue card task takes 4-5 minutes.

IELTS Exam Answer-  Describe a Book You Read that You Found Useful

The first 1 minute is given so that the candidate can prepare his pointers for speaking about the topic. This is followed by speaking on the topic for 1 to 2 minutes while being face to face with the examiner over a computer screen. Making pointers in the preparational 1 minute ensures that speech goes uninterrupted and fluent.

The following points can be included for describing a book:

• When did you read it?
• What type of book is it?
• What is it about?
• Why did you find it useful?

Also Read: Describe an Ambition That You have for a Long Time: IELTS Exam Cue Card Questions

Introduction

I like to read books not just from my prescribed course, but also additional ones according to my own interest. I personally gain a lot from reading books, as they improve my intellect and make me learn about new concepts. The book that I’m going to talk about is ‘The Secret’ by Rhonda Bryne.

When did You Read It?

I read this book almost a year ago for the first time. I knew about it from before but I really never got the chance to read it. I finally looked for it online and bought it.

What Type of Book is It?

‘The Secret’ by Rhonda Bryne is a self-help motivational book that shows readers positive aspects of life, and also encourages them to strive for success. The book discusses the law of attraction and how to use it in almost every aspect of life.

What is It About?

The book beautifully explains how thoughts influence your actions and in turn, the experiences that you have in your life. It focuses on setting a goal in the mind and then believing in yourself to achieve that goal. The law of attraction is linked to every walk of life like possessions, dreams, goals, success, and even health. The logic is quite simple, that if ambition is clearly visualized in the mind, then the motivation will attract everything you want.

Why Did You Find it Useful

The Secret is a powerful yet simple book that encouraged my visualization and boosted my motivation. It made me realize that we are the creators of our own reality in a very practical manner. It gave me immense positivity, and the confidence to succeed in work and relationships. It basically gave me the key to be happy.

Follow Up Questions for IELTS Exam

Once the cue card topic task is finished, the examiner may ask more questions relating to the topic on which you spoke. In this case, the questions will be relating to books and reading. Following are a few follow up questions with answers:

Do You think Electronic Books will Eventually Replace the Paper Books?

Electronic books have emerged quite popularly among readers and I think that eventually paper books might get completely replaced. With technological advancements, the paper book reading segment might shrink. There are certain advantages of e-books as well. They are easy to carry while travelling and require less storage space. Also, you can do font adjustments while reading.

Also Read:  Describe An Old Friend You Got In Contact With Again: IELTS Cue Card Sample Answers

Why do You think Reading is Important?

Reading is important because it helps in developing creativity and imagination. It will enable the reader to develop a better vocabulary and get hold of the language. It will eventually lead to better speaking and listening skills as well since it will instil confidence in the reader. Reading is a great way to learn and explore, and it surely improves the intellect of a person.

Can Storybooks be Ideal Gifts for Children?

Storybooks can definitely be very good gifts for children. They enable children to visualize characters in their minds, which is really helpful in developing creativity. Also, storybooks can impart the knowledge of moral values, culture, tradition, and religion in the mind of children. Also, children who read storybooks are curious and their mental growth is enhanced when they ask questions and get answers.

Summing Up the Speaking Test

The IELTS Exam for speaking is conducted in 3 parts. The first part will be self-introduction and sharing personal information in general. The second part consists of the cue card topics, which are given by the examiner. For the 2 minutes in which the candidate speaks, the examiner will not interrupt and it is important to keep on speaking as per the time.

Part 3 will include further questions based on part 2 cue card topics, but the questions will be more abstract and generalized. Overall performance in the IELTS exam for speaking is assessed by the examiner on the basis of fluency and coherence, grammatical range and accuracy, lexical resources, and pronunciation.

Conclusion

Making mind maps and working on the vocabulary will help in enhancing the speaking for the cue card topics. It will not only boost your confidence but also make access to your inner ideas and creativity very efficient. The IELTS exam for speaking is all about the proper delivery of speech with fluency and accuracy. The next time you get a cue card topic like describing a book you read that you liked, you know just exactly what to speak and bag a score you want.

Also Read: Describe An Energetic Person You Know: IELTS Speaking Cue Card Sample Answers