IELTS Speaking 2025 Part 1: Books and Reading

1. Do you read more or less now than when you were younger? (Why?)

• Useful expressions:
  • “I used to read a lot more when I was younger because…”
  • “These days, I don’t have as much time, but I try to…”
  • “I still enjoy reading, but…”
• Grammar structure: Past simple vs. present simple
• Sample answer:
  • I used to read a lot more when I was younger because I had fewer distractions. These days, I don’t have as much time, but I try to read whenever I can. I still enjoy reading, but I find myself watching videos more often now.

2. Have you ever watched a film/movie and then read the book? (Why/Why not?)

• Useful expressions:
  • “Yes, I have! I watched…”
  • “I wanted to read the book afterward because…”
  • “Usually, I prefer to read the book first, but in this case…”
• Grammar structure: Present perfect (have + past participle)
• Sample answer:
  • Yes, I have! I watched “Harry Potter” first and then decided to read the books. I wanted to read the book afterward because I felt the movie didn’t include all the details. Usually, I prefer to read the book first, but in this case, I didn’t mind!

3. When do you have the most time to read? (Why/Why not?)

• Useful expressions:
  • “I usually have time to read when…”
  • “I find it easier to focus on reading in…”
  • “If I’m really busy, I try to squeeze in some reading during…”
• Grammar structure: Present simple
• Sample answer:
  • I usually have time to read when I’m traveling or before bed. I find it easier to focus on reading in the evening when everything is quiet. If I’m really busy, I try to squeeze in some reading during my lunch break.

4. How often do you buy books? (Why/Why not?)

• Useful expressions:
  • “I don’t buy books that often because…”
  • “Whenever I find an interesting book, I try to…”
  • “These days, I prefer to read online, so I don’t buy as many…”
• Grammar structure: Present simple
• Sample answer:
  • I don’t buy books that often because I usually borrow them from the library. Whenever I find an interesting book, I try to get a digital copy. These days, I prefer to read online, so I don’t buy as many physical books.