Describe a Story or a Novel that was Particularly Interesting to you IELTS Cue Card

IELTS CUE CARD TOPIC

Describe a Story or a Novel that was Particularly Interesting to you

You should say

What story or the novel was?
Where you came to know about it?
When you read it?
Explain how you felt about it?

NOTE – The examiner gives you one minute to plan your answer, and to help you prepare for the topic, the examiner provides you with a pencil and a notepad. You’ll have to answer the questions given on the topic for one-to-two minutes

Sample Answer 1

Introduction:

Being a voracious reader, I am a big fan of storybooks. Although I have read many stories, one of them is exceptional, and it is worth mentioning.

What story or novel was it?

This story is about a poor farmer. One day he comes to know from the locals that there is gold on his farms, and he needs to dig a particular area to extract it.

Upon hearing this, the poor farmer gets excited, and wherever funds he has, he buys a digging machine from that. And he works with determination, dedication and discipline for two months.

However, despite his hard work, he didn’t find gold. So he gets dejected and, in anger, sells his farm to another person.

The new owner of the farm restarts the digging process, and within half an hour, he manages to find the gold.

Where you came to know about it? And When did you read it?

This story is written in the famous book “Think And Grow Rich“.I read it during my college days.

Explain how you felt about it.

This story teaches us an excellent lesson: our focus should be on our work, not the results. On many occasions, we do not achieve our target because our attempts are half-hearted,

The farmer made the same mistake. He started with a lot of enthusiasm, but when the result was not visible, he showed frustration and missed the reward.

Furthermore, it teaches us to have a central focus on our work and success is a journey. Being consistent can lead our lives toward an impressive growth trajectory.

Vocabulary from Sample Answer 1

1. Worth mentioning

Meaning: Important enough to require a comment.

Sentence: The role of the library in enhancing our knowledge is worth mentioning because it is the place that creates the environment to foster learning.

Sample Answer 2

Introduction

As an avid reader, I have read umpteen stories, but one is exceptional, and hence it is worth mentioning.

What story or the novel?

The story was about Japan. During the Second World War, Japan was in dire straits because of the Nuclear bombing of two of its cities, Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

The president of Japan organized a speech to give a public message. When he was about to speak, the audience said in unison ‘We need revenge; let’s attack America”.

Upon hearing this, the president said this is not the time to take revenge, and we do not want to lose more people. And he said in a high tone, ‘Throw the gun and pick the tool“.

This particular sentence changed the direction of Japan because it brought a paradigm shift in the mindset of the Japanese people. From that day, Japan diverted its focus toward work instead of war.

Where you came to know about it? And When did you read it?

From childhood, I was curious to know about the success of Japan. I wanted to know how it turned into an electronics giant from a warmonger.

Seeing my interest, my teacher gave me a book named “History of Japan”.I read that book with determination, dedication and discipline to gain knowledge.

Explain how you felt about it.

This story was truly inspirational for me because it teaches us a wonderful lesson which is that we should always have the central focus on growth and we should refrain from getting indulged in hatred and revenge.

Vocabulary from Sample Answer 2

1.Umpteen

Meaning: A lot

Sentence: There are umpteen examples of people who are, despite doing much physical exercise, in good health and thrive primarily on a diet.

Follow up Questions

Here are some follow-up questions the examiner might ask during your speaking part 3 related to the cue card “Describe a Story or a Novel that was Particularly Interesting to you”.

1. What kinds of stories do children like to learn?

Children prefer to read fairy tales, stories depicting the lives of kings and queens, stories exhibiting animal characters and stories containing pictures.

2. How often do people in your country read novels?

Being a diverse country, India has people who possess varied interests. Those who are interested in reading novels read them regularly, sometimes daily. At the same time, the rest of the population read books occasionally. And a large percentage of the population refrains from reading novels.

3. What kinds of novels do older adults like to read?

Older adults are usually voracious readers and prefer to read fiction, biographies, autobiographies and religious content.

4. What are the benefits of listening to stories or reading novels?

Such pursuits lead to a considerable improvement in imagination and creativity. Moreover, they enhance language and soft skills.

5. Are you a good storyteller?

I firmly believe that I am a consummate storyteller. I narrate informative stories to my friends when they come to my home. They remain focused while listening to my stories.