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Reading and Books
Lesson
26
Level 4
IELTS Speaking Test Preperation
Lesson Target
In this lesson, you'll talk about your reading habits, favorite books, and the role of reading in learning. You'll practice using descriptive language and giving opinions on books.
Warm-Up
Discuss the warm-up words with your tutor.
book
read
story
Vocabulary
Practice saying these words with your tutor. If you don’t know one, ask your tutor to explain it.
Word
Definition
Definition
advice
noun
stay positive
phrasal verb
mysteries
noun (plural)
daily life
phrasal verb
digital
adjective
situation
noun
novel
noun
decisions
noun (plural)
romance
noun
Use these words in sentences with your tutor to check that you fully understand their meaning and how to use them correctly.
Useful Phrases
I enjoy reading...
My favorite book is...
I like books that...
I prefer reading...
Reading helps me...
Response Structure
Begin with a clear answer or opinion. Then support it with details or examples using who, what, when, where, why, or how.
1
Give your main idea directly and briefly.
Reading is interesting to me because...
2
Add details or examples to explain your main idea.
For example, I enjoy stories about...
3
If you have a second idea, repeat steps 1 and 2.
Another thing I like about reading is...
Practice 1
Read the dialogue with your tutor. Then, work together to analyze the student's responses. Try to understand the speaker’s purpose and find useful words or phrases you can use in your own answers. Finally, practice responding to the same questions with your tutor.
Examiner
Do you enjoy reading books?
Ethan
Yes, I really enjoy reading books. I usually read at night before I go to bed because it helps me relax. Sometimes, I read for about 30 minutes while drinking tea. Reading helps me forget my stress from work and learn something new.
Examine the Response
-
Why is this a good response?
-
What's the main idea?
-
Key details: Find the who, what, where, when, why, or how in the response.
-
Which words or phrases can you use from these responses?
Examiner
What is your favorite book?
Ethan
I really like reading the Bible. It gives me good advice for daily life, like how to stay calm in difficult situations and focus on a real hope for a better future. I often read it in the morning before I go to work. The advice helps me make better decisions and stay positive.
Examiner
Do you prefer reading paper books or digital ones?
Ethan
I prefer paper books. I like the feeling of holding a real book and turning the pages. When I read digital books, my eyes get tired after looking at the screen too long. Also, paper books don’t need batteries, so I can read them anywhere, even outside.
Practice 2
Read the dialogue with your tutor. Each sentence is missing either the main idea or a key detail. Use the dialogue to fill in the missing parts and complete the sentences.
Examiner
What kind of books do most people enjoy in your country?
Ethan
In my country, many people enjoy reading novels, especially romance and mystery stories.
________________________________________. (fill in the supporting details)
Examiner
When do you usually read during the day?
Ethan
I usually read in the evening after dinner.
________________________________________. (fill in the supporting details)
Examiner
Do you think reading can be as exciting as watching a movie or playing video games?
Ethan
________________________________________. (fill in the main idea)
Movies and games have sounds and pictures, but books let me create the scenes in my mind. Sometimes, a good book can feel even more interesting than a movie.
Practice 3
Answer each question clearly and completely. Start with the main idea, then support it with key details or examples.
Examiner
Should people read more often?
What are the benefits of reading over watching TV?
How has technology changed the way people read?
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