Describe a Book You Read That You Found Useful | IELTS Speaking Cue Card September to December 2025 | Band 8 Sample
What it is
When you read it
Why do you think it is useful
And explain how you felt about it
Vocab/ Idioms
1. Hard nut to crack → Tough problem
2. Pleasantly → Nicely happy
3. Tiny → Very small
4. Like a charm → Works perfectly
5. Eye-opener → Big surprise
6. Rome wasn’t built in a day → Needs patience
7. Stepping stone to success → First step
Well, to begin with, I strongly believe that reading is one of the best ways to gain knowledge because it not only improves vocabulary but also shapes our thinking. Here, I would like to talk about a very useful book that I read recently, called Atomic Habits by James Clear.
If I talk about when I read it, a few months ago one of my close friends suggested it to me when I was struggling with time management. To be honest, at first I thought it would be boring and a hard nut to crack because I was not really into books. However, as I started reading, I was pleasantly surprised since the examples and stories were simple, practical, and easy to relate to.
Moving further, this book mainly explains how tiny daily habits can create massive results in the long run. For instance, it mentions that even a one-percent improvement every day can lead to outstanding success over time. What I found most useful was the “two-minute rule,” which says if a task takes less than two minutes, just finish it right away. Honestly, that tip worked like a charm for me, and I could manage my tasks much better.
Last but not least, I would say this book was a real eye-opener because it taught me that success comes from small, steady actions. As the saying goes, Rome wasn’t built in a day. So, all in all, I believe this book is extremely helpful for anyone who wants to build good habits and break bad ones.
Follow-ups
1. What are the types of books that young people like to read?
Young people have different choices. Some enjoy storybooks and novels, while others prefer self-help or motivational books. For example, many students read books like Atomic Habitsto improve their lifestyle.
2. What’s the difference between the reading habits of old people and young people?
Well, old people usually prefer newspapers, history, or spiritual books because they want peace and knowledge. On the other hand, young people are more into novels, online articles, and e-books as they find them modern and entertaining.
3. What’s the difference between paper books and e-books?
In my view, paper books give a traditional reading feel and don’t strain the eyes. However, e-books are more convenient because people can carry many of them on a single device. For instance, students often prefer e-books for quick access.
4. Some people say that it is easier for children who start reading from a young age to succeed. Do you agree?
Yes, I agree because early reading builds vocabulary and sharpens the mind. For example, my cousin started reading storybooks in childhood, and now she performs very well in studies. Truly, reading from a young age is like a stepping stone to success.