Cue Card Sample
Storybook or novel that was particularly interesting - Cue Card # 675
- Details
- Written by IELTS Mentor
IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.
Describe a storybook or a novel that was particularly interesting to you.
You should say:
- what the storybook/novel was
- what it was about
- why you read it
and explain why you think it was so interesting.
[You will have to talk about the topic for one to two minutes. You have one minute to think about what you are going to say. You can make some notes to help you if you wish.]
Model Answer 1:
I never really got a book as a gift on any of my birthdays, but when I got “To Kill a Mockingbird”, a classic novel, on my 16th birthday instead of some unique gifts, I asked myself why I never thought of a book as a perfect gift for a birthday before!
I didn’t open the book until after 3 months then, and as I got a long vacation from my college afterwards, I planned to read it. It is a super classic novel, written by Harper Lee during the 1960s, that talks about the past American society in the 30s of the 20th century in a very realistic way when racism was prevailing in every corner and every activity of the said society, even though everybody talked about how racism was wrong. This classic book also describes how one man’s good intention is just not enough to make a difference in a town which is full of racism, and that sometimes it takes another generation (generation of character “Scout”) to break away from the cruel and rather limited way of thinking of the previous generation.
This book was a really interesting read primarily because, in my humble opinion, even though, it talks about serious issues like rape and racial inequality, it has done so by perfectly blending warmth and humour.
I liked reading this great classic also because it very nicely tried to advocate a female “protagonist” character without defending her actions or inactions because of her gender. Besides, the pragmatic and easy-flowing conversation among different characters falls in the “realm of truthfulness and no pretence” is simply outstanding. Another thing, which I found really interesting about this book, is that even though this is a classic novel, it doesn’t shy away from portraying the different phases of child growth in a very wonderful manner.
Finally, I found this book fascinating also because even though this book was written a long time ago, it is still very relevant because racism, cruelty, prejudices and discrimination still shockingly exist today in many societies in the same ugly magnitude or perhaps in a more severe form.
Model Answer 2:
One storybook that deeply intrigued me is "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho. It's a captivating novel that delves into themes of destiny, dreams, and the journey of self-discovery. It has so profound an effect on me that I have decided to talk about it here today.
"The Alchemist" follows the journey of Santiago, a young shepherd who embarks on a quest to find his personal legend or his true purpose in life. Along the way, he encounters various obstacles, meets colourful characters, and learns profound lessons about following one's dreams and listening to the universe.
The novel takes readers on an enchanting adventure across exotic lands, from the bustling markets of Tangier to the vast deserts of Egypt. As Santiago travels, he discovers the importance of intuition, perseverance, and faith in achieving his goals. Alongside Santiago, readers explore timeless wisdom about the interconnectedness of all things and the power of the human spirit.
I was drawn to "The Alchemist" after hearing rave reviews about its inspirational and philosophical themes. Additionally, as someone who enjoys introspective literature that explores the deeper meaning of life, I felt compelled to dive into Santiago's transformative journey and uncover the universal truths woven throughout the narrative.
What makes "The Alchemist" particularly fascinating is its ability to resonate with readers on a profound level. Through Santiago's quest for treasure, readers are encouraged to reflect on their own aspirations and the obstacles they encounter on their path to fulfilment. Coelho's eloquent prose and timeless wisdom captivate readers from start to finish, leaving them inspired to pursue their dreams with unwavering determination and faith in the unknown.
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