Reading Books: IELTS Speaking Part 1 Sample Answers

Reading books has been a favourite pastime among people of all generations. Although with the advent of audiobooks and electronic devices the popularity of books has lessened, it is still one of the recurrent topics in exams like IELTS Speaking. As a result, practising topics like reading books IELTS Speaking Part 1 through IELTS Speaking recent actual test will make you IELTS-ready.

So, let's delve into some sample answers for books IELTS Speaking Part 1 that can help you prepare effectively for this section of the IELTS exam.

Reading Books - IELTS Speaking Part 1

Let’s start with some sample responses to books IELTS Speaking Part 1 related questions from IELTS Speaking, and we’ll look at some relevant words and phrases that you can use in your answers.

1 Do you like reading?/Do you like reading books?

Sample Answer 1

Yes, I’m definitely a bibliophile! I believe that books are a way to not only escape, but also gain more knowledge. By the same token, people who read tend to have a richer vocabulary and a higher level of general knowledge, so they tend to have more to talk about, and are thus more interesting.

Sample Answer 2

To be honest, I am not quite a bookworm. But I read newspapers, magazines and online journals occasionally to keep myself updated on the recent trends worldwide.

2 How often do you read?

Reading is my favourite pastime and so I read daily. Usually, I end my day reading a book after dinner and before going to bed to unwind myself after a long day. However, sometimes when I am exhausted, I end up falling asleep.

3 Do you have many books at home?

Sample Answer 1

I have been reading and collecting books since childhood. Consequently, I have over 2000+ books at home and my mother threatens me to donate or sell them due to lack of space.

Sample Answer 2

Honestly, I don’t remember the exact number of books I have at home. However, before migrating to (mention the country you are moving to), I wish to take some of my favourite books with me and donate the rest to a nearby library or orphanage.

4 What kind of books do you like to read?/ What books do you like to read?

Sample Answer 1

I love reading anything that falls under literary fiction. By this I mean authors like Virginia Woolf, Jane Austen and Haruki Murakami. I can’t get enough of Kafka on the shore!

Sample Answer 2

I mostly read non-fictions like biographies of well-known personalities, self-help books and books on skill development to upgrade my knowledge and develop my personality according to the changing norms. However, on rare occasions, I also read classics by Rabindranath Tagore, Shakespeare, Ruskin Bond, James Joyce and Virginia Woolf.

5 What was your favorite book as a child?

I remember being very fond of a book called “My Sister’s Keeper”. I recall that it was the story of two sisters, one of which needed a kidney transplant. Although the sister was initially apprehensive to do so, she ended up donating a kidney to her sister and saving her.

6 What book have you read recently? What did you learn from it?

Sample Answer 1

I recently finished reading "The Silent Patient" by Alex Michaelides. It's a gripping psychological thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat. From it, I learned the power of perspective and how our perceptions can shape our reality in profound ways.

Sample Answer 2

Recently, I delved into "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" by Yuval Noah Harari. It's a thought-provoking exploration of the history of our species, from the emergence of Homo sapiens to the present day. One of the key takeaways for me was the idea that many of the constructs we consider fundamental to society, such as money, religion, and nation-states, are essentially collective fictions that humans have created and agreed upon. It made me reflect on the power of human imagination and the role it plays in shaping our reality.

7 Do you like to read at home or in other places?

I enjoy reading both at home and in other places. At home, I can cozy up with a book and immerse myself in the story without any distractions. However, reading in other places, like a park or a coffee shop, can be refreshing and provide a change of scenery.

8 In what places do you think it is difficult to read?

It can be difficult to read in noisy or crowded places where it's hard to concentrate, like on public transportation during rush hour or at a busy cafe during peak hours. Similarly, reading in uncomfortable environments, such as extremely hot or cold temperatures, can also make it challenging to focus.

9 Do you like to read by yourself or with other people?

I prefer to read by myself most of the time. It allows me to fully immerse myself in the story and connect with the characters without any external distractions. However, I do enjoy discussing books with others after I've finished reading them, as it can provide new insights and perspectives.

10 Do you read professional books ?

At the moment, I’m getting bogged down with work! So I can’t manage decent time for reading books related to my major field of study, but in the past during my university years, I had to say I was a bookworm, and purchased books every week to enhance my expertise.

11 Do you read electronic books?

Definitely yes. I’m a real sucker for e-books as they are portable. I often download my favorite books and copy them to my smartphones or Ipads and when I’m on the bus in other public places, I will take my hi-tech devices out and start to read right on my phone.

12 Have you lent books to others?

At times, I reckon. My friends and I are avid readers and would love to exchange books with one another. So, I often lend my books, mostly English books to my besties and get in return some comic books to read in my free time.

13 Have you borrowed books from others?

As I have said, I have a circle of friends who are bookworms! which means I’m in the habit of borrowing some comic books from my friends to while away the time during days off or just to catch up on things in the Manga world.

14 Do Indian people do enough reading?/Do people in your country read enough?

The reading habits of people vary greatly in India (mention your country name), as they do in any country. While some individuals are avid readers and regularly engage with books, others may not prioritize reading as much. Factors such as access to books, education levels, cultural attitudes, and personal interests all play a role in determining how much reading individuals do.

15 What kind of people like reading and what kind of people don’t like reading very much?

People who enjoy reading often have a natural curiosity about the world around them and an appreciation for storytelling. They may find joy in exploring different genres and perspectives through books. On the other hand, those who don't enjoy reading as much may find it challenging to concentrate on longer texts or may simply prefer other forms of entertainment or learning.

16 How much should a child read every day?

The amount of reading a child should do every day can vary depending on factors such as age, reading level, and personal interests. However, establishing a daily reading habit, even if it's just for a short period of time, can be beneficial for children's language development, vocabulary acquisition, and overall cognitive skills.

17 What type of books do children read nowadays?

Children nowadays read a wide range of books across various genres and formats. Picture books, early readers, chapter books, graphic novels, and young adult fiction are all popular choices among young readers. Additionally, children's literature often covers diverse themes and topics, catering to different interests and preferences.

18 Do you think children have lost their interest in stories?

It's unlikely that children have lost interest in stories altogether. However, with the rise of digital entertainment and technology, children today have more options for leisure activities than ever before. While some may gravitate towards screen-based entertainment, there are still many children who enjoy the magic of storytelling through books.

19 What can be done to encourage the habit of reading among children?

Encouraging the habit of reading among children can be done through various means. Providing access to a diverse range of books, creating a supportive reading environment at home and in schools, and being role models who prioritize reading are all effective strategies. Additionally, incorporating reading into everyday activities and making it a fun and rewarding experience can help foster a love for books from a young age.

20 Should reading be compulsory at school?

Reading can play a crucial role in a child's education and personal development, so making it compulsory at school can be beneficial. However, it's important to ensure that the reading material is engaging, relevant, and accessible to students of all backgrounds and abilities. Additionally, fostering a positive reading culture within schools, with support from teachers, librarians, and parents, can further encourage students to develop a lifelong love for reading.

Reading Books: IELTS Speaking Part 1 Vocabulary

Given below is a list of IELTS Speaking vocabulary that has been used in the above sample answers.

• Bibliophile

Meaning: a person who loves to read

Example: Mr. Roy is a bibliophile and wants a library of his own.

• Literary fiction

Meaning: works of fiction are those that tell made up stories; it focuses on characters and themes rather than plot

Example: "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee is considered a classic work of literary fiction.

• Self-help books

Meaning: books written with the intention of providing guidance, advice, or strategies for personal improvement, growth, or problem-solving

Example: Nowadays, people read self-help books more than fiction.

• Apprehensive

Meaning: scared; nervous

Example: She is apprehensive about talking on the stage.

• Bookworm

Meaning: one who loves books

Example: Piya calls her sister a bookworm.

• Biography

Meaning: a detailed account of a person's life, written by another individual

Example: My father is currently reading the biography of Mahatma Gandhi.

• Perception

Meaning: the way in which something is understood or interpreted by the mind

Example: Talking to people and reading books provides a different perspective to everything.

• Thought-provoking

Meaning: something that stimulates or prompts deep consideration, reflection, or contemplation

Example: The movie's ending was thought-provoking, leaving audiences pondering its deeper meanings for days.

• Getting bogged down

Meaning: becoming overly immersed or stuck in something, often causing delays or difficulties in progress

Example: Josh is getting bogged down by the family responsibilities.

• Sucker for

Meaning: someone who is easily swayed or attracted by a particular thing

Example: Manu is a sucker for video games.

• Magna

Meaning: an umbrella term for a wide variety of comic books and graphic novels originally produced and published in Japan

Example: My brother collects and is very fond of Magna books.

• Genres

Meaning: categories or classifications of artistic works, such as literature, music, or film, based on similar characteristics or themes

Example: Some popular literary genres include mystery, science fiction, romance, and fantasy.

• Cognitive

Meaning: relating to the processes of thought, perception, memory, reasoning, and understanding

Example: Cognitive therapy focuses on changing negative thought patterns to improve mental health and well-being.

• Graphic novels

Meaning: a genre of literature that presents a story using a combination of words and sequential art, similar to comic books but often with more complex narratives

Example: "Watchmen" by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons is a famous graphic novel.

• Gravitate

Meaning: to be naturally drawn or attracted towards something or someone

Example: She tends to gravitate towards friends who share her interests and values.

• Young adult fiction

Meaning: a genre of literature targeted primarily at teenagers and young adults, typically featuring protagonists who are of a similar age group and dealing with issues relevant to that demographic

Example: "The Hunger Games" trilogy by Suzanne Collins is a popular series of young adult fiction novels set in a dystopian future.

Tips to Answer Reading Books: IELTS Speaking Part 1 Questions

Now, explore some topic-specific IELTS exam preparation tips for responding to questions on reading books IELTS Speaking Part 1.

• Be specific: Instead of just saying "I like to read," provide specific examples of books or authors you enjoy. This not only demonstrates your engagement with reading but also gives the examiner a clearer picture of your tastes and preferences.
• Show variety: Mentioning different genres or topics you enjoy shows that you have diverse reading interests. It also indicates that you are open to exploring a range of subjects, which can be seen as a positive trait.
• Highlight benefits: Discussing how reading has benefited you, such as improving your vocabulary or broadening your perspectives, adds depth to your response. It shows that you recognize the value of reading beyond just entertainment.
• Share personal experiences: Connecting your reading habits to your own experiences or interests makes your response more relatable and authentic. It also allows you to showcase how reading intersects with other aspects of your life.
• Express future goals: By mentioning your plans for future reading, you demonstrate your ongoing commitment to learning and personal growth. It also gives you an opportunity to show enthusiasm and initiative, which can leave a positive impression on the examiner.

Make Your Speaking Skills Stand Out with IELTSMaterial

Speaking well involves more than just being fluent and confident. You also have to express your ideas concisely, use a variety of language, and proper IELTS grammar. Achieving all these on your own through just practicing IELTS Speaking practice tests might be a little challenging.

So, you can connect with our IELTS experts or join the free webinars for tips to take your IELTS Speaking preparation to the next level!

Additional Reads

• Books: IELTS Speaking Practice Test
• IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topics and Questions with Answers
• IELTS Books | IELTSMaterial
• Study in the Morning or Evening: IELTS Speaking Part 1 Sample Answer
• Best IELTS Speaking Books
• Mastering IELTS Speaking: Learning Fluency and Coherence
• Common English words in IELTS Speaking
• Ough words
• IELTS Study Plan for 1 month (30 Days) / 15 Days / 7 Days
• Idioms for IELTS Speaking
• IELTS Speaking preparation tips
• Linking words for IELTS Speaking