IELTS Speaking Part-3 Reading Books

1. Do you generally read a lot of books or do you prefer watching TV? Why?

Well, I must admit that I'm more of a bookworm than a couch potato. I find diving into a good book quite captivating, you know? It's like embarking on a journey without leaving the comfort of my own space. I guess I appreciate the escapism that books offer, allowing me to immerse myself in different worlds and perspectives. TV, on the other hand, tends to be a bit more passive for me. I mean, don't get me wrong, a good show can be entertaining, but books just have this magical way of sparking my imagination.

2. What kind of books are considered good reads in your opinion?

I'm a sucker for novels that have a gripping storyline with well-developed characters. I mean, who doesn't love a page-turner, right? I'm also into books that shed light on different cultures or explore thought-provoking themes. You know, the ones that make you reflect on life and maybe even teach you a thing or two. I'd say a good read is like a rollercoaster of emotions – it takes you on a ride, and you come out feeling a mix of satisfaction and contemplation.

3. Do you think that people read nowadays as they did in the past?

Oh, it's definitely a different ballgame nowadays. Back in the day, folks might have been more inclined to curl up with a physical book, but now, with the hustle and bustle of modern life, people often turn to digital platforms for their literary fix. It's like the whole reading landscape has shifted. With e-books and audiobooks gaining popularity, it's all about convenience and multitasking. I reckon people still read, but the medium has evolved to suit our fast-paced lifestyles.

4. Do you regard famous writers as good role models?

Absolutely! I mean, think about it – these wordsmiths have a way with language that's downright inspiring. They've poured their hearts and souls into crafting stories that resonate with people from all walks of life. It's not just about the writing prowess; it's about perseverance, creativity, and the ability to connect with others through words. If that's not a recipe for a good role model, I don't know what is.

5. If a movie is based on a book, would you prefer to read the book or to watch the film? Why?

I'm more inclined to grab the book before hitting the cinema. There's something special about experiencing the story in its original form – the author's words on the page. Don't get me wrong, I love a good movie adaptation, but sometimes the depth and nuances of the narrative can get lost in translation. Plus, reading the book first allows me to create my own mental images and immerse myself in the world the author envisioned. It's like savoring the appetizer before the main course.

6. How does our reading habit change as we grow up? Why does it happen?

Well, it's like our reading tastes mature along with us, you know? As kids, we might be all about fantastical adventures and whimsical tales, but as we grow older, we start craving more depth and complexity in our reads. It's a natural evolution. I think it happens because life experiences shape our perspectives, and we seek out literature that resonates with our evolving understanding of the world. It's like a literary coming-of-age story – our reading habits grow alongside us, reflecting the journey of self-discovery.

7. Do people read more nowadays?

Reading can be seen a part of modern culture and has become easier than ever thanks to the advent of technology. If books and specialized documents were only available for scholars and those with high social status in the past, anyone with curiosity and burning desire to learn can now get access to such materials easily. People can read not only from printed materials such as newspaper or magazines but digital ones like eReaders or online.

Scholar (n): a person who knows a lot about a particular subject because they have studied it in detail

Social status (n): a person's standing or importance in relation to other people within a society

Curiosity (n): a strong desire to know about something Get access to: to get the right to see

8. Do you read before going to bed?

I don’t have a habit of reading before going to sleep but in the morning instead.

I am an early riser, which spares me lots of time to schedule my day, starting with reading. Normally, I often exercise first, make myself breakfast before grabbing my unfinished book. I don’t have a study room in my apartment so the balcony is my favorite place to read. There’s nothing I rather do than sipping a cup of coffee and immersing myself in a good book for hours.

Early riser (n): a person who usually gets out of bed early in the morning Spare (v): to make something such as time or money available to somebody or for something

Schedule (v): to arrange for something to happen at a particular time Immerse (v): to become or make somebody completely involved in something

9.What’s the difference between films and books?

I presume it’s not only me but the vast majority of avid readers are left unsatisfied, or more honestly, disappointed when books are adapted into movies since its lack of persuasion and significant details. Original books are always more in-depth with consecutive plot line, which makes them more fulfilling and convincing. Movies, on the other hand, tend to focus more on visual and sound effects that they fail to deliver the true message of the story.

Hence, most people who have read the story find its film adaptation unappealing.

Unsatisfied (a): not having got what you hoped; not having had enough of something

Adapt (v): to change a book or play so that it can be made into a play, film/movie, television programme, etc.

Persuasion (n): the act of persuading somebody to do something or to believe something

In-depth (a): very thorough and detailed

Consecutive (a): following one after another in a series, without interruption Film adaptation (n): a movie based on a book

Unappealing (a): not attractive or pleasant

10. How will ebooks affect paper books?

Ebooks are the advancements of modern technology and have rapidly becoming popular among readers, especially those who constantly commute.

You can store hundreds of ebooks in your cellphone or eReader and read anywhere you happen to be, which is probably one of the best advantages ebooks have over paper ones. However, with those who prefer the smell of printed papers and the weight of an actual book on their hands like me, nothing can replace printed materials, not even ebooks.

Advancement (n): the process of helping something to make progress or succeed; the progress that is made

Commute (v): to travel regularly by bus, train, car, etc. between your place of work and your home

Have an advantage over something: be in a superior position to something 

11. How often do people in your country read novels?

Personally speaking, I’m not a fan of novel but from my observations, only the teenagers have time to read novels. I guess for others, they have to spend time on working and studying but as far as teenage girls are concerned, I have to say that they read a great deal.

25.5.  What kinds of books that old people like to read?  

Since I’m not an elderly person, what I’m going to say is just guesswork but old people are really into novels which tell about the daily lives of ordinary citizens or those books which give them the chance to reflect on their life. This is because, they are at an age where spiritual well-being is of more importance, and many old citizens would choose books containing some philosophy or moral lessons to read. The reason I feel this way is they can not only can while away the time, they can also improve their personality and pass the experience they read onto their grandchildren.  

12. Does reading books become a less common activity because of ebooks?

I strongly disagree with this view. Although the advent of the internet gives us a wide array of options when it comes to reading, like we can read ebooks on our laptop or Ipad, nothing can compare to the experience of holding a book in your own hands, and read it from cover to cover. Another point is that you can jump to the page you want to read by turning your fingers and browsing for the desired contents with your eyes, which is much more convenient and user-friendly than having to use a computer screen or a mouse to do the job.

13. What benefits do young people get from reading?

As far as I can tell, reading brings people a wide range of benefits. Firstly, I’d put it down to the fact that you can broaden your horizons and improve your outlook on life. The thing is the more you read, the more knowledge you acquire regarding the world around, and this helps you learn to accept and tolerate differences in life. The second point worth mentioning is reading can be an entertaining activity as well. Comic books are a prime example, which gives you a good time through the witty comments and funny drawings as well as a suspenseful storyline.