Speaking Part 22 min

Describe a book you read that you found useful

By Jaimin
September 11, 2025
Story Book
Cue Card Topic

Describe a book you read that you found useful.

You should say:

  • When have you read it?
  • What type of book is it?
  • What is it about?
  • Why did you find it useful?

💡 You have 1 minute to prepare and should speak for 1-2 minutes.

🚀 FREE IELTS Cue Cards Practice - Get Band 7+ in 2 Weeks!

Practice this exact topic with instant AI feedback - completely FREE!

Sample Answer

I would like to talk about a very useful book I read called “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey. I read this book about two years ago during my college holidays, when I wanted to improve my personal habits and time management skills.

What type of book it is?

It is a self-help and motivational book. Unlike novels or stories, it gives practical advice on how to manage your life, work, and relationships in a more effective way.

What it is about?

The book talks about seven key habits that successful people usually follow. For example, one habit is to be proactive instead of just reacting to situations. Another habit is to prioritize important things first, which helps in managing time better.

There are also habits about thinking positively, working in teams, and constantly improving yourself. The language of the book is very simple, and it also includes real-life examples, which made it easy for me to understand.

Why I found it useful?

I found this book extremely useful because it taught me how to organize my daily routine and focus on my goals. Before reading it, I used to waste a lot of time on unimportant activities, but after reading, I started planning my day in advance.

It also gave me confidence to take responsibility for my actions instead of blaming circumstances. Even today, I try to follow some of the lessons from this book in my studies and personal life.

Conclusion

So, this is the book I read and found really useful. I believe it not only helped me during my college days but also continues to guide me in my everyday life.

Follow-up Questions (Part 3)

Do people in your country like to read books?

Yes, many people in my country enjoy reading books. Students read textbooks and reference books, while young people often like novels, biographies, or motivational books. Reading is also common among older people, especially newspapers and spiritual books.

What kinds of books are most popular in your country?

In my country, educational books are the most popular because students prepare for exams and competitive tests. Apart from that, fiction, self-help, and religious books are also very common among people of different age groups.

Do you think reading is important?

Definitely, yes. Reading improves our knowledge, vocabulary, and imagination. It helps us think critically and also reduces stress by giving us a break from daily life. In fact, I believe reading is one of the best habits a person can have.

Do you think electronic books will eventually replace paper books?

I don’t think so. E-books are convenient and cheaper, but paper books have their own charm. Many people still prefer holding a physical book, highlighting points, or even collecting them. So, while e-books will grow in popularity, paper books will not completely disappear.

Some people like to collect books. Why do you think they do this?

I think people collect books because they see them as treasures of knowledge. Some also collect them as a hobby or as memories of what they have read in the past. For many, books are not just for reading but also for emotional value and decoration in their homes.

Speaking Part 2 Tips
  • Use the 1-minute preparation time to make notes and organize your thoughts
  • Speak for the full 1-2 minutes - don't stop too early
  • Use past tense when describing experiences or events
  • Include specific details and examples to make your answer interesting
  • Practice transitions between different points in your answer
  • Stay calm if you can't think of a perfect example - any relevant story works

Related Cue Cards

More Speaking Part 2 practice topics