Describe a Book You Enjoyed Reading and That Made You Happy

The IELTS Speaking Part 2 cue card asks you to talk about a book you enjoyed reading and explain why it made you happy. This topic gives you an opportunity to describe a personal experience while using a range of vocabulary, linking words and grammatical structures.

IELTS Speaking Part 2 Cue Card

Describe a book you enjoyed reading and that made you happy.

• What kind of book it was
• What it was about
• Why you read it
• And explain why it made you happy

Useful Vocabulary and Idioms

• Extremely interesting: Very interesting
• Quite hard to put down: Difficult to stop reading
• See the glass as half full rather than half empty: Stay positive and focus on the good side of a situation
• Appreciate: To value something or be thankful for it
• Convenient: Easy or suitable for a particular situation

IELTS Speaking Sample Answer

Well, I have read quite a few books in my life, especially during my school and college days. However, the book that immediately comes to my mind is The Way to Happiness. It is a self-help and motivational book, and I found it extremely interesting and inspiring.

The book is mainly about how we can live a happier and more meaningful life by making positive choices in our everyday lives. It talks about being honest, treating people with respect, taking responsibility for our actions, maintaining healthy relationships and developing a positive attitude towards life.

I decided to read this book because I have always been interested in personal development. At that time, I was quite busy with my daily routine and had several responsibilities, so I wanted to read something that could help me relax and look at life from a different perspective. A friend of mine recommended it to me, and once I started reading it, I found it quite hard to put down.

What I particularly liked was that it gave me practical ideas that I could use in my daily life. It made me realise that happiness does not always come from money or achieving big goals. Sometimes, it comes from spending quality time with loved ones, helping others, being grateful and having peace of mind.

The book made me happy because it changed the way I looked at problems. Instead of constantly worrying about difficulties, I started focusing more on finding solutions. In a way, it helped me see the glass as half full rather than half empty.

All in all, The Way to Happiness was more than just a book for me. It was a source of motivation and a reminder to appreciate what I already have. That is why it has stayed in my mind and remains one of the books I remember most positively.

Watch the IELTS Speaking Video

Watch the video below to practise this IELTS Speaking cue card and improve your fluency, vocabulary and answer development.

IELTS Speaking Part 3 Questions and Answers

1. How can parents help children develop a love of reading?

Well, I think parents can develop a love of reading in children by making books a part of their daily routine. For example, they can read bedtime stories with their children and let them choose books according to their interests. Moreover, parents should avoid forcing them to read and instead make reading an enjoyable activity. This can gradually turn reading into a healthy habit.

2. Why do some people prefer watching movies to reading books?

I would say the main reason is that watching movies is more convenient and requires less effort. People can understand a story through visuals, music and dialogue without spending hours reading. Moreover, those with hectic schedules may prefer watching a two-hour movie rather than reading a long book. For instance, after a tiring day, people may find it easier to relax and watch a movie.

3. Do you think people today read less than before, and why?

Yes, to some extent, I think people read less than they did in the past. One major reason is the widespread use of smartphones and social media, which provide quick and entertaining content. Moreover, people have increasingly busy lifestyles, so they often choose short videos or online articles instead of reading books. For example, many young people spend their free time scrolling through social media rather than picking up a book.

4. Are success books useful to everyone?

Not necessarily. I think success books can be useful, but their impact depends on the individual and how they apply the advice. For example, a book may teach someone about discipline, time management or goal-setting, but simply reading it is not enough. In my opinion, people need to put those ideas into practice to see real results.

5. Do you think people should read the original book before watching the movie?

Personally, I think it is better to read the original book first, especially if the story is interesting. The book usually contains more details about the characters, emotions and events, which may be left out of the movie. Moreover, reading the book first allows people to imagine the story in their own way. However, if someone prefers movies, I do not think reading the book should be compulsory.

6. What kind of books are most popular in India?

I would say self-help, motivational and fiction books are quite popular in India. Many people enjoy self-help books because they provide practical advice about personal growth, career and success. At the same time, fiction, especially novels and romantic stories, is also widely read. For example, young people often choose books that are entertaining but also offer useful life lessons.

IELTS Speaking Tips

• Speak naturally instead of memorising the complete answer.
• Use relevant vocabulary and idioms naturally.
• Give specific reasons and examples to develop your ideas.
• Use linking words to make your answer coherent.
• Try to extend your answers instead of giving very short responses.
• Focus on fluency, vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation.

Conclusion

This IELTS Speaking cue card is a useful opportunity to talk about a personal reading experience while demonstrating a wide range of vocabulary and grammatical structures. Practise the ideas and vocabulary, but try to express them naturally in your own words during the IELTS Speaking test.