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IELTS Speaking Part 2: IELTS Cue Card/ Candidate Task Card.

[The topic for your talk will be written on a card which the examiner will hand over to you. Read it carefully and then make some brief notes.]

Describe a book that you enjoyed reading because you had to think a lot.

You should say:

• what this book was
• why you decided to read it
• what reading this book made you think about

and explain why you enjoyed reading this book.

[Instruction: 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.]

[Examiner: All right? Remember you have one to two minutes for this, so don't worry if I stop you. I'll tell you when the time is up. Can you start speaking now, please?]

Model Answer 1:
I have had the opportunity to read many books outside of my academic reading lists, which helped me learn every time something new and interesting. While some of these books make us happy, some others make us sad. However, there are some books which make us think at a different level which we were never used to doing before, and today I would like to talk about one such book.

The name of this book was “Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption”. As the name suggests, this book is written on the story of World War II, written by an American author named “Laura Hillenbrand”.

In this book, the author has tried to tell us an unforgettable story of a man's journey, whose name was Lieutenant Louis Zamperini, into extremity after crashing an American air force bomber in the Pacific Ocean. Then, the book also went on to describe the epic struggle of the young lieutenant who faced thousands of miles of open ocean ahead of him, leaping sharks, a foundering raft, thirst and starvation, enemy aircraft, and, beyond, a trial even greater.

Driven to the limits of endurance, the book also goes on to reveal how Zamperini would answer desperation with ingenuity; suffering, hope, resolve, humour, and brutality with rebellion.

Anyway, I decided to read this book because I wanted to learn a bit more about many untold stories about the most devastating war in human history. After reading the book, I thought that the story on it was an ultimate testament to the resilience of the human mind, body, and spirit of a person who could see nothing but death ahead of him. 

Anyway, I enjoyed reading the book because it offered a very beautiful and vivid description of the events surrounding Louis Zamperini. I enjoyed reading it also because the book brought out a particular phase of World War II into the light with a very well-researched story which only had got overlooked by historians in the past. In fact, it is arguably the most inspirational war-related book, I have ever read.

Model Answer 2:
A couple of years ago, I was really stressed out about my job because my new boss wanted me to complete the yearly audit work within an insanely short period of time. I was so stressed out and frustrated that I actually wanted to divert my mind and attention to something else for a while. So, I walked to a bookstore in my town one day and randomly started to check the books there until one particular book title caught my attention. The book was titled “The Prophet”. By the way, I never really had a philosophical mind, nor was I spiritual, but still something in some hidden corner of my heart told me that I should have read that book. So, I bought the book and started reading it.

The book, written by a Lebanese-American author called “Khalil Gibran”, was a collection of some timeless spiritual wisdom, express in some prose poetries, on a range of subjects where the chosen and beloved prophet, the main character in the book, delivers his wisdom, observation and recommendations on many aspects of life and death before ending his exile of 12 years.

It was a short read, but it actually made me think a lot as it introduced the concept of love, friendship, passion, pain, work, crime and punishment, beauty, self-knowledge, and so much more, to me in a completely new light to awaken the philosophical and spiritual side of me. In fact, for a while, I even started to believe that some of what the prophet actually said in the book seemed very much in tune with some of my own philosophy of life – the philosophy which I never cared to nurture for my personal growth.  

Anyway, I enjoyed reading the book, mainly because I felt like it provided some kind of road map to living a full and meaningful life. Besides, what I really liked about the book was that even though, I didn’t quite agree with some of the philosophies of life, presented in it, I was forced to reckon with them due to some realities of our world today.

Sample Answer 3:
Thank you for this interesting topic. I would like to talk about a book called "Thinking, Fast and Slow" written by Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman for this topic. Also, I am grateful to you for the opportunity you have given me to talk about this topic

I had heard about this book from a friend who recommended it to me, as it discusses the cognitive processes involved in decision-making and provides a unique perspective on the way we think. I was immediately intrigued by this idea and decided to read it.

Reading this book made me think about the way we make decisions and how we often rely on heuristics or mental shortcuts, which may not always lead to the best outcomes. The book describes the two systems of thinking: System 1, which is fast and intuitive, and System 2, which is slow and deliberate. The author explains how both systems interact and how we can use this knowledge to improve our decision-making processes.

I enjoyed reading this book because it challenged my thinking and provided insights into the complexities of the human mind. The author presents his ideas in a clear and engaging way, with plenty of real-world examples to illustrate his points. The book is thought-provoking and encourages the reader to reflect on their own decision-making processes.

"Thinking, Fast and Slow" is a fascinating book that explores the way we think and make decisions. It challenged my thinking and provided valuable insights into the workings of the human mind. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in psychology, decision-making, or simply wants to understand more about how their mind works.

Model Answer 4:
A book that I enjoyed reading because it required a lot of thinking was "The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy. I picked up this book after hearing a lot of good things about it from friends and family. I am glad to be able to tell you something about this book here.

It is a novel that tells the story of a family living in the state of Kerala, India, and how their lives are impacted by a tragic event.

Reading this book made me think deeply about the themes of love, loss, and the intricacies of human relationships. The author weaves together different narrative threads and jumps back and forth in time, which can be challenging to follow, but also adds to the richness of the story. It made me contemplate the way that small moments in our lives can have a huge impact on our futures and how our decisions can shape the lives of those around us.

What I enjoyed most about this book was the way that the author used language and imagery to create a vivid and immersive world. The writing was beautiful, and I found myself constantly re-reading sentences and paragraphs to fully appreciate their meaning. The characters were also incredibly well-developed, and I became emotionally invested in their stories.

"The God of Small Things" was a challenging and thought-provoking read that I thoroughly enjoyed. It made me think deeply about the complexities of human relationships and the way that our actions can have unintended consequences.

Idea generation for this Candidate task card / Cue card topic:

Here are some thought-provoking books that require deep reflection and critical thinking. You can choose any of these and expand on them in your answer.

1. "1984" by George Orwell [Political and Social Commentary]:
This dystopian novel explores themes of government surveillance, totalitarianism, and the manipulation of truth. It made me think about how propaganda can shape public perception and the importance of freedom of thought in society. I found it deeply unsettling yet fascinating, as it forced me to question modern-day political structures and media influence.

2. "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" by Yuval Noah Harari [History and Philosophy]:
This book offers an insightful look into the history of human civilization, discussing how culture, economics, and science have shaped our world. It made me rethink how human beliefs and social structures evolved over time. I enjoyed reading it because it provided a fresh perspective on the way societies function.

3. "Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman  [Psychology and Decision Making]:
This book delves into the two systems of thinking: one that is fast and intuitive and another that is slow and rational. It made me reflect on my own decision-making processes and how cognitive biases influence our choices. I enjoyed it because it helped me understand human psychology in everyday situations.

4. "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho  [Personal Growth and Philosophy]:
This novel tells the story of a young shepherd searching for his personal legend, touching on themes of destiny, ambition, and self-discovery. It made me reflect on the importance of following one’s dreams and the role of fate in our lives. I enjoyed it because of its profound life lessons and philosophical depth.

5. "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley [Science Fiction and Ethics]:
This book presents a futuristic society where people are controlled through pleasure and conditioning, raising questions about free will and morality. It made me think about the potential dangers of technological advancement without ethical consideration. I enjoyed it because of its deep exploration of societal control and human behavior.

6. "Crime and Punishment" by Fyodor Dostoevsky [Morality and Psychology]:
This novel follows a young man who commits a crime and struggles with guilt and redemption. It made me contemplate moral dilemmas and the psychological impact of guilt. I found it engaging because it deeply explores human nature and morality.

7. "Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius [Philosophy and Stoicism]:
This book is a collection of personal reflections from the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius on stoicism and self-discipline. It made me think about how to handle adversity with wisdom and patience. I enjoyed it because of its timeless advice on resilience and inner peace.

8. "Gödel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid" by Douglas Hofstadter [Mathematics, Logic, and Art]:
This book explores deep ideas in mathematics, music, and philosophy through the works of Gödel, Escher, and Bach. It made me think about the connections between logic, creativity, and artificial intelligence. I enjoyed it because of its challenging yet fascinating approach to abstract thinking.

9. "Man’s Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl [Psychology and Resilience]:
This book is based on the author’s experiences in Nazi concentration camps and discusses the search for meaning in suffering. It made me reflect on the importance of purpose and resilience in difficult times. I enjoyed it because of its deep philosophical insights and inspiring message.

10. "The Selfish Gene" by Richard Dawkins [Evolution and Biology]:
This book presents a gene-centered view of evolution, explaining how genetic traits are passed down through natural selection. It made me think about the role of biology in shaping human behavior. I found it fascinating because it provided a new way of looking at evolution and survival.

11. "The Ten Types of Human" by Dexter Dias – Human Behavior and Ethics:
This book explores different aspects of human nature by analyzing real-life cases and psychological research. It made me think about why people act in certain ways, especially in extreme situations. I enjoyed it because it provided deep insights into human morality and survival instincts.

12. "The Psychology of Money" by Morgan Housel – Finance and Human Behavior:
This book discusses how people’s emotions and behaviors influence their financial decisions. It made me rethink my own approach to money and the importance of long-term financial habits. I enjoyed it because it provided practical lessons on wealth and financial independence without using complicated jargon.

14. "Animal Farm" by George Orwell – Politics and Power:
This allegorical novel uses animals to represent political figures and systems, critiquing totalitarian regimes. It made me reflect on how power can corrupt leaders and societies. I enjoyed it because of its clever storytelling and deep political commentary, which remains relevant today.

15. "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel – Survival and Spirituality:
This novel tells the story of a young boy stranded in the ocean with a tiger, exploring themes of faith, survival, and reality. It made me think about the power of storytelling and human resilience in extreme situations. I enjoyed it because of its philosophical depth and imaginative narrative.

Necessary vocabulary for this topic:

Here are some important words and phrases related to books that provoke deep thought. These will help you express your ideas effectively in the IELTS Speaking test:

Philosophical novel – A book that explores deep and abstract ideas about life, existence, or morality.
Thought-provoking – Something that makes you think deeply about a subject.
Introspective – Involving deep self-reflection and personal thought.
Complex narrative – A story with multiple layers, perspectives, or meanings.
Symbolism – The use of symbols to represent ideas or concepts.
Allegory – A story, poem, or picture that has a hidden meaning, often political or moral.
Profound insights – Deep and meaningful understandings about life or human nature.
Analytical thinking – The ability to break down complex ideas and examine them critically.
Metaphorical language – Language that uses figures of speech to create deeper meaning.
Existential questions – Fundamental questions about human existence, purpose, and meaning.
Challenging concepts – Ideas that are difficult to grasp but intellectually stimulating.
Unconventional perspective – A way of looking at things that is different from the usual or traditional approach.
Intellectual stimulation – Something that engages and challenges the mind.
Philosophical dilemma – A situation in a book that presents a difficult moral or ethical choice.
Ambiguous ending – A conclusion that is open to multiple interpretations and requires deep thought.

Part 3 - Details Discussion

Discussion topic: "Children and reading"

Q.  What are the most popular types of children's book in your country?
Q.  What are the benefits of parents reading books to their children?
Q.  Should parents always let children choose the books they read?

Discussion topic: "Electronic books"

Q.  How popular are electronic books in your country?
Q.  What are the advantages of parents reading electronic books (compared to printed books)?
Q.  Will electronic books ever completely replace printed books in the future?

Answer to these Part 3 questions - Speaking Sample 110: Part 3 - Details Discussion

• IELTS Cue Card
• Candidate Task Card
• Speaking Part 2

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