IELTS Speaking Part 2
Describe a story or novel you have (recently) read that you found to be
particularly interesting.
You should say:
• what the plot of the story or novel was
• who wrote it
• why you read it
• how much time it took to read it
And explain why you thought it was interesting.
Answer
I would like to talk about my favorite classic novel called The Godfather, which is written by a well-known Italian author, Mario Puzo. I came across this novel when I was trying to find a dictionary at a bookstore. It was published in hard-cover version and there was a colourful illustration on the front which caught my eye.
At first, although I was not much impressed by the novel’s preview, I still bought it and started to read the story right after getting home. Surprisingly, the more I read “The Godfather”, the more it appealed to me. This novel told the story of an Italian imaginary character named Vito Corleone, who was a mafia boss in America after World War I. What attracted me in this story was the way the author described Vito’s tricks to survive in a chaotic society. Thanks to this novel, I learned a lot about the course of American history in that lawless period.
After finishing this book, I read some more novels by Mario Puzo and they were all fascinating. I realize that reading books is a good way to gain knowledge; therefore, everyone should get into the habit of reading.
Vocabulary:
– classic: [adjective] accepted as being one of the best or most important of its type.
Example: The story of Romeo and Juliet is a classic tale of love and revenge.
– come across: [phrasal verb] to meet or find somebody or something by chance.
Example: Yesterday, I came across some old photographs in a drawer.
– hard-cover: [adjective] with a stiff cover which does not bend.
Example: The hard-cover version of the book is expensive, so I am waiting for the paperback version to be published.
– caught my eye: [expression] attracted my attention.
Example: As I looked at the shop window, a dark blue jacket caught my eye.
– right after: [adverb] immediately after.
Example: Yesterday, I spoke to the teacher right after the class.
– appeal to: [phrasal verb] attract or interest someone.
Example: The company’s new website is designed to appeal to people of all ages.
– chaotic: [adjective] confused and without any order.
Example: At busy times, the traffic situation is chaotic in New York.
– lawless: [adjective] where laws do not exist or are not obeyed.
Example: Chicago was known as a lawless city, controlled by gangsters and the mafia.
– fascinating: [adjective] very interesting.
Example: She has written a fascinating book about the history of crime in America.
– get into the habit of: [expression] do something regularly, so that you do it almost without thinking.
Example: My sister has got into the habit of turning on the TV when she arrives home.
