IELTS Speaking Part 1: Reading

Sample Answer

Do you like reading?

Yes, I love reading! It can always set my mind at ease. If I’m feeling stressed out, I just pick up a good book and get lost in the story. I think that more people should read; it can really help you blow off steam. There’s nothing more calming to me.

What kind of books do you read?

I like reading historical fiction. It might sound boring, but the past is really fascinating. So reading stories about it is definitely my cup of tea. It’s very cool to see how different authors can tell the same part of history in different ways. Plus, it’s very educational, but fun as well.

Do you read electronic books?

Well, I only read electronic books from time to time. I don’t really make a habit of it, because I like paper books way more. I just like holding something physical in my hands. But e-books are very convenient, especially if you’re going on vacation. It’s such a pain to have to carry physical books around.

What kind of books do you like to read, an E-book or a real book?

I definitely like reading real books more. It’s nice to be able to turn the pages and hold something physical in your hands. E-books are nice for traveling since physical books can be a pain to lug around, but I definitely like physical books more. There’s something irreplaceable about paper copies.

Do you think reading is for fun or for work?

Well, I believe that reading should just be for fun. You don’t have to read a book because you think it’ll teach you something. You just read books to be entertained. It shouldn’t feel like a chore; you should be able to blow off steam by reading a book. So I don’t think it should be for work at all.

Vocab Highlights

set/put sb’s mind at rest/ease: to stop someone from worrying about something

lost in: absorbed in; engrossed in

my cup of tea: something that someone likes or is good at —usually used in negative statements

not make a habit of doing something​/​not be in the habit of doing something: used for saying that you do not usually do something that you have just done

blow off steam: to do or say something that helps you to get rid of strong feelings or energy