IELTS Speaking Part 2 Sample – Topic: Describe a book you have read recently

Describe a book you have read recently

You should say:
– what it is
– who wrote the book
– what the book is about
– and explain how you felt about it

(what it is) Reading books has been a hobby since I was in grade 7, and since then, I’ve read 70-plus books. The last book I read was My Promised Land: The Triumph and Tragedy of Israel by Ari Shavit. Many literary critics have complimented the book on its enormous amount of information about the history of modern Israel from its very first days.

(who wrote the book) The author of this book, Ari Shavit, is a journalist and a writer based in Israel. Another notable book of his is On Gaza Beach. Shavit was born in Rehovot, Israel, and his father was a scientist and his mother was an artist. Some of his ancestors were early leading Zionists, and he provides in-depth information about them in the book.

(what the book is about) In accordance with the title, the book is mainly about Israel’s history. Shavit covers the activities of Theodor Herzl, a Jewish journalist who gave birth to Zionism, and how he and other Zionists, including Shavit’s ancestors, instigated campaigns to re-establish the Land of Israel. This was a national movement of the Jewish people to re-establish a Jewish homeland in the historic territory of the Land of Israel.

(and explain how you felt about it) I agree with critics who say that there is an enormous amount of information in the book. In fact, it took me more than 3 weeks to finish the book, as it was too long and made me rack my brain at some points to compare what I’d read with other information I’d previously read. The book gave me a chance to broaden my knowledge about Israel, its history, and its citizens.

IELTS SPEAKING PART 3

Do you think parents should continue reading?
(Give a direct answer to the question) Of course, not only parents but everybody should maintain reading habits (Explain your reason or reasons) Parents as adults read to keep themselves updated and accumulate knowledge, thus being a role model for their kid. (Give an example) For example, a mother who read books on a daily basis would probably nurture the love for books in her daughter. (Explain the opposite or alternative) Understandably, an enormous workload may sometimes deter adults’ enthusiasm for such a time-demanding activity like reading books.

In your country, who would ask children to read, schools or parents?
(Give a direct answer to the question) Normally, it is the parents’ responsibility to encourage their children to fall into the reading habit. (Explain your reason or reasons) The daily interaction with kids enables parents to influence them more profoundly. (Give an example (often a personal example)) At school, reading more academic books is strongly required, so that students could have a better grasp of
subjects. (Explain the opposite or alternative) Yet, reading in my nation has been seemingly out of the child’s willingness and curiosity to learn about things, rather than parental incentive.

Do you prefer paper books or E-books?
(Give a direct answer to the question) Well, I would say paper books, without hesitation (Explain your reason or reasons) To me, the satisfaction derived from finishing the last page of a book is much more rewarding. (Explain the opposite or alternative) Sometimes, I would read online books to save money, but as a last resort. The sheer feeling of having a new book and adding it to your own bookshelf is
irreplaceable for genuine book lovers.

Do you think printed books will continue to exist?
(Give a direct answer to the question) I believe the prospect of books disappearing is very unlikely (Explain your reason or reasons) E-books are getting more popular each year but they will never replace regular books completely. Some people will always want to hold and have a physical book that they can read through and share with others. (Explain the opposite or alternative) Possibly, some forms of digital media will supplant books as a delivery method for information and eventually the printing and publishing of hardbound books will be a niche industry.

What kind of books do children read?
(Give a direct answer to the question) As kids begin to read books on their own, they will develop a preference for stories of different genres. Many children like to read books involving adventure, mystery or fantasy. Many tweens and teens also enjoy realistic fiction, that is stories where the protagonist must deal with hard issues, such as divorce and peer pressure. (Explain the opposite or alternative) Older children may also enjoy reading informative books about different animals, vehicles or sports that interest
them.