IELTS Speaking Part 2: Describe a Book That Influenced You

Now, I'm going to give you a topic to talk about.

Please describe a book that has influenced you.

You have one minute to prepare. Here's some paper.

Thank you. I already know which book to choose.

All right, your time is up. Please start now.

I'd like to talk about The Little Prince.

It's a short French novel from the nineteen forties.

My grandmother gave it to me on my fifteenth birthday.

She said I'd understand it better when I was older.

At first, I actually found it rather boring!

I thought it was just a children's story about a prince.

So it sat on my shelf for years, collecting dust.

Then, at university, I went through a difficult period.

I was stressed about exams and felt quite lonely.

One night, I picked up the book and reread it.

This time, it felt like a completely different book!

It's really about what matters in life, like friendship.

One line really stayed with me,

what is essential is invisible to the eye.

After that, I started calling my grandmother every Sunday.

I also reconnected with old friends I'd been ignoring!

So the book really changed how I spend my time.

Now I always keep a copy on my desk.

Have you recommended the book to anyone else?

Yes, to almost everyone I know! A few even read it.

And do you prefer paper books or e-books?

Paper books, definitely. I love writing notes in the margins.

Thank you. That's the end of part two.