Books have the power to transform our worldview, making this topic a frequent choice in IELTS Speaking tests. Learning to articulate how a book influenced your perspective can demonstrate sophisticated language use and critical thinking skills.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview Questions
Common questions examiners may ask:
- Do you enjoy reading books?
- What types of books do you usually read?
- How often do you read books?
- Where do you prefer to read?
Sample answer (Band 8-9):
“I’m quite passionate about reading and try to dedicate at least an hour each day to it. I particularly gravitate towards non-fiction books, especially those focusing on psychology and personal development. I find reading in my home library most conducive to concentration, as it provides the perfect ambiance for deep reflection.”
Student discussing reading habits during IELTS speaking test
Part 2: Cue Card
You should say:
- What the book was
- When you read it
- What it was about
- How it changed your perspective
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“I’d like to talk about Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari, which fundamentally altered my understanding of human civilization. I read this thought-provoking book last summer during my vacation.
The book masterfully chronicles the history of humankind, from the emergence of Homo sapiens to the present day. What particularly captivated me was Harari’s unique perspective on how shared beliefs and stories have shaped human cooperation and progress.
This book completely transformed my perspective on human society. It made me realize that many things we consider ‘natural’ or ‘given’ are actually human constructs. For instance, the concept of money or nations are merely stories we collectively believe in.
The author’s compelling arguments about how these shared myths shape our reality profoundly impacted my worldview. It helped me understand that many of our social structures are not fixed natural laws but rather products of human imagination and cooperation.”
Sample Answer (Band 6-7):
“I want to talk about a book called Sapiens. I read it last year when my friend recommended it to me. It’s about human history and how we developed from early humans to modern society.
The book changed how I think about many things. It showed me that many things we think are normal, like money and countries, are just ideas that people agreed on. I never thought about this before reading the book.
It made me think differently about how humans work together and why we believe in certain things. Now I understand better why society works the way it does.”
Student describing influential book during IELTS speaking test
Part 3: Discussion Questions
Q: Why do you think some books have such a powerful impact on people’s perspectives?
Sample Answer (Band 8-9):
“Books can be tremendously influential because they offer us the unique opportunity to immerse ourselves in different viewpoints and experiences. When we engage with thought-provoking content, our minds are more receptive to new ideas and perspectives. Furthermore, the intimate nature of reading allows us to process information at our own pace, facilitating deeper understanding and reflection.”
Key Vocabulary and Expressions
- To fundamentally alter (v): To change completely
- Thought-provoking (adj): Stimulating careful consideration
- To masterfully chronicle (v): To record events skillfully
- Compelling arguments (n): Convincing reasoning
- To profoundly impact (v): To affect deeply
- To immerse oneself (v): To become deeply involved
Examiner’s Tips
- Use specific examples to illustrate your points
- Demonstrate critical thinking through analysis
- Employ a range of sophisticated vocabulary naturally
- Maintain coherent structure in your responses
- Show genuine engagement with the topic through personal insights
For more guidance on improving your IELTS speaking skills, you can learn about effective preparation strategies and track your progress.
