Describe a story or a novel that was particularly interesting to you | Speaking for IELTS PDF Download

You should say:

• What the story/novel is
• What it is about
• Why you find it interesting

Sample Answer:

• I am a huge bookworm. I like collecting books and spending hours reading them. So, recently, I read The Great Gatsby, which is written about F. Scott Fitzgerald.
• The story of the book is set in Jazz Age New York. It talks about the tragic story of Jay Gatsby, who is a self-made millionaire. The novel talks about his pursuit of Daisy Buchanan, a wealthy young lady. Nick Carraway, who is a Yale graduate from the Midwest, moves to New York and narrates this story. Nick talks about the events of the summer that he spent in the East two years later. He has reconstructed his story through several flashbacks. The book vividly demonstrates the historical moments, such as the economic boom of postwar America, the free-flowing illegal liquor, the new jazz music, and more.
• What’s more interesting is that Fitzgerald regarded The Great Gatsby as one such book that was his biggest achievement. However, it was unsuccessful – both commercially and critically – when it was published. It did not take much time to get things moving. And, today, it is regarded as one of the best classics of American fiction and has been tagged as the Great American Novel. I like history-oriented books a bit more than other genres. Therefore, I liked the way the story is portrayed and the instances shown in this book.

Follow-ups
Q1: Why do you think novels are so popular around the world?
Ans: Novels are popular because they offer an escape into different worlds, spark imagination, and allow people to experience emotions and events they may not encounter in their own lives. They can also provide valuable lessons or insights about human nature, society, and culture.

Q2: Do you think the themes in novels are relevant to modern society?
Ans: Yes, many themes in novels are timeless and remain relevant to modern society. For example, themes like love, power, greed, and the pursuit of happiness are explored in countless novels and continue to resonate with readers today. They reflect universal human experiences that transcend time.

Q3: How does reading a novel influence your thinking or perspective on life?
Ans: Reading novels can broaden our understanding of different cultures, perspectives, and worldviews. It often challenges our assumptions and encourages empathy by showing us life through the eyes of diverse characters. Novels can also inspire critical thinking about society and human behavior.

Q4: Do you think it's better to read books or watch movies based on novels?
Ans: While both have their merits, I believe reading books is better for fully immersing oneself in the story. Books allow for deeper character development, detailed descriptions, and more complex plots. Movies, on the other hand, offer a quicker, visual experience of the story but often condense or alter parts of the novel.