IELTS Speaking Part 1: Books and Reading Questions

Common books and reading questions

Here are some useful reading IELTS speaking questions to practise:

1. Do you enjoy reading?
2. How often do you read books?
3. What kind of books do you like?
4. Do you have a favourite book?
5. Who is your favourite author?
6. Do you prefer fiction or non-fiction?
7. Did you read much when you were a child?
8. Have your reading habits changed?
9. Do you prefer paper books or e-books?
10. Where do you usually read?
11. When do you normally have time to read?
12. Do you ever reread books?
13. Do you think reading is important?
14. Do you like receiving books as gifts?
15. Is there a book you would like to read in the future?

You do not need to prepare a fixed answer for every possible question. Instead, prepare a few genuine ideas that you can adapt.

Band 7+ sample answers

These books IELTS speaking questions and answers demonstrate how to develop a short answer naturally. They are examples to learn from rather than scripts to memorise.

Do you enjoy reading?

Yes, definitely. I find reading quite relaxing, particularly in the evening when I want to get away from screens for a while. I probably read more non-fiction than novels these days, though.

Why this works:

• answers directly
• gives a reason
• adds a personal detail
• naturally introduces a contrast

What kind of books do you like?

I’m mostly interested in non-fiction, particularly books about psychology, history and travel. I like reading something that gives me a new perspective or teaches me something I can actually use.

The speaker does not simply list genres. The second sentence explains the preference.

Do you have a favourite book?

I don’t think I have one single favourite, but there are a few books I’ve gone back to more than once. I usually remember books because of a particular idea or character rather than because I think the entire book is perfect.

It is completely acceptable not to have one favourite book. If you want to develop this topic into a longer response, practise our Part 2 cue card Describe a book you have read.

Do you prefer fiction or non-fiction?

Probably non-fiction overall. I enjoy learning about real people and events, although if I’m travelling or on holiday I sometimes prefer a novel because it’s easier to switch off and just enjoy the story.

This response uses overall, although and a personal situation naturally.

Did you read much when you were a child?

Quite a lot, actually. I used to read adventure stories and comics, especially during school holidays. I think I read more regularly as a child because I had far fewer distractions.

This gives you an opportunity to use used to naturally.

Do you prefer paper books or e-books?

I still prefer physical books because I like being able to put my phone away and focus properly. That said, e-books are much more convenient when I’m travelling because I can carry dozens of books on one device.

That said is useful for adding a contrasting point without changing your overall opinion.

Have your reading habits changed?

Yes, definitely. I used to read mostly for entertainment, whereas now I’m more likely to choose something connected to work or a topic I’m interested in learning about. I also read far more online than I did in the past.

This answer naturally compares past and present habits. Reading is also a natural free-time activity, so practise describing other leisure habits with our IELTS Speaking Part 1 free-time questions.

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Useful reading vocabulary

Good IELTS reading vocabulary should help you describe your real habits and preferences.

Other useful collocations include:

• read for pleasure
• read regularly
• finish a book
• start a novel
• a favourite author
• fiction and non-fiction
• a bestselling book
• a compelling story
• an interesting character
• an e-book reader
• borrow a book
• recommend a book
• read online
• develop a reading habit
• lose interest in a book

Use these selectively. One natural expression is more effective than filling every answer with memorised vocabulary. You do not need rare vocabulary to score well. Our guide to IELTS Speaking vocabulary explains how to prioritise natural collocations and accurate word choice.

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Talking about reading habits

Reading questions become much easier if you practise a few flexible structures.

Describe how often you read

I read almost every day.

I tend to read before bed.

I read whenever I have a bit of free time.

I go through phases where I read a lot.

I don’t read as much as I used to.

Describe what you enjoy reading

I’m mostly into historical fiction.

I tend to prefer non-fiction.

I’ll read almost anything if the topic interests me.

I’m not particularly keen on long novels.

Explain why you like something

I like it because it helps me relax.

I enjoy learning about different cultures.

I like books that make me think.

I find it easier to concentrate on a physical book.

Compare past and present habits

I used to read a lot of fiction, whereas now I mostly read non-fiction.

I read much more online than I did when I was younger.

I’ve started reading more regularly recently.

I don’t have as much time to read as I used to.

Common mistakes

Giving only the name of a book

Question:

What is your favourite book?

Weak:

Harry Potter.

Better:

I don’t really have one favourite, but I enjoyed the Harry Potter series when I was younger because it was one of the first series that really got me interested in reading.

Add a reason or personal connection.

Saying read books very much

Unnatural:

I read books very much.

Natural:

I read quite a lot.

Or:

I read books quite regularly.

Confusing novel and book

A book is the general category.

A novel is a fictional book.

So a history book or biography is not normally called a novel.

Saying informations

Information is uncountable.

Incorrect:

I read books to get more informations.

Correct:

I read books to get more information.

Or:

I read to learn more about different topics.

Trying to invent a sophisticated favourite book

If you do not have a favourite book, say so.

Natural:

I don’t really have one particular favourite.

You do not need to invent a famous literary novel just to sound impressive.

Turning the answer into a book review

Part 1 answers should remain conversational.

If asked:

Do you enjoy novels?

You do not need to spend two minutes explaining the entire plot of a book.

Answer the question, explain why and give one short example if useful.

Extra practice questions

Try answering these aloud.

1. What was the last book you read?
2. Do you ever read on public transport?
3. Do your friends enjoy reading?
4. Is reading popular among young people where you live?
5. Do you prefer long books or short books?
6. Have you ever stopped reading a book because you disliked it?
7. Do you read news online?
8. What kind of books did you enjoy at school?
9. Do you like visiting bookshops?
10. Would you prefer to borrow or buy books?
11. Do you often get book recommendations?
12. Is there an author you would like to meet?
13. Do you prefer reading in the morning or evening?
14. Do you think you will read more in the future?
15. Has technology changed the way you read?

Quick practice method

Choose five questions and answer each for two or three sentences.

Use this pattern when it feels natural:

Direct answer + reason + personal detail

For example:

Do you prefer paper books or e-books?

I prefer paper books because I find them easier to concentrate on. I already spend a lot of time looking at screens, so reading a physical book gives me a chance to switch off.

Then listen to your recording and ask:

• Did I answer immediately?
• Did I explain my opinion?
• Did I use specific rather than vague vocabulary?
• Did I repeat book, read or like too often?
• Did I use different tenses when appropriate?
• Did I sound natural rather than rehearsed?

For IELTS Speaking Part 1 books and reading, you do not need to be an avid reader. Prepare honest ways to describe what you read, how often you read and how your habits have changed. Expressions such as page-turner, thought-provoking, get into a book and read for pleasure are useful when they accurately match what you want to say.

More IELTS Speaking practice

• Describe a Book You Have Read: Part 2
• IELTS Speaking Part 1 Free Time
• IELTS Speaking Part 1 Topics and Questions

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