IELTS Speaking Practice: Digital Books vs. Physical Books

This practice question set is designed to help you prepare for all three parts of the IELTS Speaking test, focusing on the topic of “Digital Books vs. Physical Books.”

The IELTS Speaking test is divided into three parts with approximate timings as follows:

• Part 1: 4-5 minutes (Interview-style questions)
• Part 2: 3-4 minutes (1-minute preparation + 1-2 minutes speaking)
• Part 3: 4-5 minutes (Discussion of more abstract ideas)

Use this practice set to familiarize yourself with the format and develop your speaking skills on this common topic.

Part 1: Interview Questions

In this section, the examiner will ask general questions about you and familiar topics. Answer these questions about books and reading habits:

1. Do you prefer reading physical books or e-books? Why?
2. How often do you read books in your free time?
3. What kind of books did you enjoy reading as a child?
4. Has your reading preference changed since digital books became available?
5. Do you think people in your country read more or less than before? Why?
6. Is there a book you’ve read recently that you would recommend to others?
7. Do you ever listen to audiobooks? Why or why not?
8. How do you choose which books to read?

Note: The examiner may ask follow-up questions based on your responses.

Part 2: Individual Long Turn

In this section, you will be given a topic card. You will have 1 minute to prepare, and then you should speak for 1-2 minutes on the topic. The examiner will tell you when to stop.

Topic Card:

Describe a book that had a significant impact on you.

You should say:
- What the book was about
- When and why you read it
- Whether you read it in physical or digital format
- And explain why this book was particularly meaningful to you

Part 3: Discussion Questions

In this section, the examiner will ask more abstract questions related to the topic from Part 2. These questions explore your ability to express and justify opinions and discuss more complex ideas.

1. How do you think digital books have changed the way people approach reading?
2. What are the environmental implications of digital books compared to printed books?
3. Do you think physical bookstores will survive in the digital age? Why or why not?
4. How might the shift to digital reading affect children’s literacy development?
5. What factors do you think influence whether someone prefers digital or physical books?
6. In what ways might the experience of reading a physical book differ from reading a digital one?
7. How do you think the publishing industry has adapted to the rise of e-books?
8. Do you believe some types of books are better suited to digital format than others? Why?

Sample Answers

Part 1 Sample Answer:

Q: Do you prefer reading physical books or e-books? Why?

“I actually enjoy both formats, but I tend to prefer physical books for longer reads. There’s something special about the tactile experience of turning pages and the smell of a new book that I find comforting. However, when I’m traveling, e-books are incredibly convenient since I can carry dozens of books on my tablet without adding any weight to my luggage. I also appreciate the ability to adjust font size on e-readers, especially when reading in poor lighting conditions.”

Part 2 Sample Answer:

“I’d like to talk about a book called ‘Educated’ by Tara Westover, which had a profound impact on me. This memoir chronicles the author’s journey from growing up in a strict and isolated household in rural Idaho to eventually earning a PhD from Cambridge University.

I read this book about two years ago during a period when I was questioning the value of formal education. A friend recommended it to me, and I decided to read it in physical format because I wanted to lend it to others afterward.

What made this book particularly meaningful to me was how it portrayed the transformative power of education. Westover didn’t just gain academic knowledge; she developed critical thinking skills that allowed her to redefine her identity and relationship with her family. The book challenged me to reflect on my own educational journey and the privileges I’ve often taken for granted.

The author’s determination to overcome enormous obstacles was truly inspiring. It helped me appreciate that education isn’t just about career advancement—it’s about expanding our understanding of the world and ourselves. I’ve recommended this book to many friends since reading it, and I still think about it frequently.”

Part 3 Sample Answer:

Q: How do you think digital books have changed the way people approach reading?

“Digital books have fundamentally transformed reading habits in several ways. Firstly, they’ve made reading more accessible and convenient. People can now carry entire libraries on a single device, making it easier to read on commutes or while traveling. This convenience has likely encouraged more frequent, but perhaps shorter reading sessions.

Additionally, digital platforms have altered how we discover new books. Rather than browsing physical bookstores or relying on recommendations from friends, many readers now find books through algorithms and online reviews. This has opened up markets for niche genres and independent authors who might not have found shelf space in traditional bookstores.

However, I believe digital reading has also created some challenges. The same devices we use for reading are filled with distractions—notifications, social media, and other apps compete for our attention. This might be contributing to a decline in deep, sustained reading, where people fully immerse themselves in a text for hours.

Overall, while digital books have democratized access to reading material, they may have also changed our relationship with reading, making it more fragmented and less immersive for some people. That said, the ability to instantly access almost any book has tremendous value for education and lifelong learning.”

We encourage you to practice answering these questions, perhaps with a study partner or by recording yourself.

Comment with your responses below, and we’ll provide brief feedback on your performance.

For more IELTS speaking practice tests, you can also visit Gender Equality Topic.

---