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Describe a Person Who Likes to Read a Lot – IELTS Cue Card Sample Answers

Updated on 02 April, 2025

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

In the IELTS Speaking test, you might receive a cue card asking you to describe a person who likes to read a lot. To answer effectively, you should discuss who this person is, what kind of books they enjoy, how reading has impacted them, and why you admire their habit.

A well-structured response will help demonstrate your fluency, vocabulary, and storytelling ability. In this guide, we will cover how to approach this cue card topic, provide two sample answers, and explore common follow-up questions to help you prepare confidently.

How to Approach This Cue Card Topic?

To answer this cue card effectively, structure your response by covering these key points:

  • Who this person is – A friend, family member, mentor, or even a famous personality.
  • What kind of books they read – Fiction, non-fiction, self-help, classics, or academic books.
  • Why they enjoy reading – For knowledge, relaxation, creativity, or professional growth.
  • How reading has influenced their life – Improved intelligence, career prospects, or personality traits.
  • Your personal opinion – Why you admire their reading habit and how it inspires you.

Adding specific examples and personal anecdotes will make your response more engaging and natural, helping you showcase fluency and vocabulary in your IELTS Speaking test.

Sample Answer 1: Describe a Person Who Likes to Read a Lot

Introduction

One person I know who loves reading is my uncle, Mr. Sharma. He has been an avid reader for as long as I can remember. His love for books is evident in the way he talks about them, and his home is filled with an impressive collection of books.

Who This Person Is & Their Reading Habit

  • A Retired Professor – He taught literature and developed a deep appreciation for books.
  • Reads a variety of genres – From history and philosophy to fiction and poetry, he reads almost everything.
  • Spends Hours Reading Daily – He sets aside at least three hours a day to read, whether at home or in a library.

Why They Love Reading

  • For Knowledge – He believes reading expands one’s mind and provides new perspectives.
  • For Relaxation – Books help him escape reality and explore different worlds.
  • For Intellectual Stimulation – He enjoys analyzing texts and discussing literature with others.

How Reading Has Influenced Them

Reading has made my uncle incredibly knowledgeable and articulate. He often shares interesting insights and recommends books that help others grow intellectually. His ability to recall facts and narrate stories makes him a fascinating person to talk to.

Conclusion

I deeply admire my uncle’s passion for reading. He has inspired me to read more and explore different genres. His habit has not only enriched his own life but has also encouraged those around him to develop a love for books.

You can also check this guide out: IELTS Cue Cards Samples with Answers 2024 (LATEST)

Sample Answer 2: Describe a Person Who Likes to Read a Lot

Introduction

A person I know who loves reading is my best friend, Aisha. She has been a bookworm since childhood and spends most of her free time with a book in hand. Her love for reading has significantly shaped her personality and career choices.

Who This Person Is & Their Reading Habit

  • A Literature Student – She studies English Literature and dreams of becoming a writer.
  • Prefers Fiction & Poetry – Her favorites include classic novels, fantasy series, and modern poetry.
  • Always Carries a Book – Whether at school, on a bus, or in a café, she always has a book with her.

Why They Love Reading

  • For Emotional Connection – She finds comfort in stories that resonate with her emotions.
  • For Expanding Creativity – Reading fuels her imagination and helps her develop her writing skills.
  • For Escaping Reality – Books transport her to different worlds, offering a break from daily stress.

How Reading Has Influenced Them

Reading has made Aisha a thoughtful and empathetic person. She expresses herself beautifully in writing and has even started working on her own novel. Her passion for books has also made her a great storyteller and conversationalist.

Conclusion

Aisha’s love for reading is truly inspiring. She has taught me that books are more than just words on paper—they can shape minds, spark creativity, and provide lifelong learning. Her enthusiasm has motivated me to read more and appreciate the power of storytelling.

For a more detailed guide, read this: IELTS Speaking test: What all you should know

IELTS Speaking Part 3: Follow-up Questions

Here are some possible follow-up questions the examiner might ask:

  1. Do people read more or less than in the past?
    • With the rise of digital media, some people read less, but others read more due to the availability of e-books and online articles.
  2. What are the benefits of reading books?
    • Reading improves vocabulary, enhances creativity, and provides knowledge. It also helps reduce stress and improve focus.
  3. Is reading fiction more beneficial than non-fiction?
    • Both have benefits—fiction boosts imagination and empathy, while non-fiction provides factual knowledge and personal development.
  4. Should children be encouraged to read more?
    • Yes, reading helps children develop cognitive skills, creativity, and a love for learning. It also improves language proficiency.
  5. How has technology changed reading habits?

E-books and audiobooks have made reading more accessible, but social media distractions have also reduced people’s attention spans.

Conclusion

In the IELTS Speaking cue card, describing a person who likes to read allows you to demonstrate vocabulary, storytelling, and structured speaking. Whether you talk about a family member, a friend, or a famous personality, focus on their reading habits, preferences, and how reading has shaped them. Preparing well for such cue card topics will help you answer confidently and improve your overall speaking score.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I describe a famous person who likes to read a lot?

Yes, you can describe a famous author, philosopher, or intellectual known for their reading habits. Just ensure you provide personal insights on why you admire them, what impact reading has had on their life, and how their reading habit inspires others.

How can I structure my answer effectively in the IELTS Speaking test?

Start with an introduction about the person, followed by their reading preferences, reasons for their love of books, and how reading has influenced their life. Conclude with your personal opinion or admiration for their habit. A structured response improves fluency and clarity.

What vocabulary should I use to describe a person who loves reading?

Use words like avid reader, bookworm, bibliophile, well-read, intellectual, literature enthusiast, insightful, knowledge seeker, deep thinker, and articulate. Using varied vocabulary will help demonstrate your language skills and improve your IELTS Speaking score.

Is it better to describe a family member or a friend in this cue card?

It depends on your comfort level. Describing a family member (like a parent or uncle) allows you to share lifelong observations, while a friend lets you include relatable experiences. Choose someone you can describe in detail to make your answer more natural.

How can I make my answer more engaging in the IELTS Speaking test?

To make your response engaging, add personal experiences, emotions, and examples. Instead of simply stating that the person likes to read, explain how their reading habit influences their daily life, conversations, and decisions. Storytelling makes your answer more compelling.

Can I mention both digital and physical books in my answer?

Yes, you can! Mentioning both paperbacks and e-books shows a broader understanding of reading habits. You can describe how the person enjoys collecting physical books but also appreciates the convenience of digital platforms like Kindle or audiobooks.

What if I don’t know anyone who reads a lot?

If you don’t personally know a book lover, you can make up a story about an imaginary person or describe a well-known figure. Just ensure your response sounds natural and includes details that support your answer. IELTS examiners focus on fluency, not factual accuracy.

How can describing a reader help improve my IELTS score?

This cue card helps you practice descriptive vocabulary, sentence structuring, and fluency. You also get to showcase your ability to narrate experiences, express admiration, and organize thoughts logically, which are essential skills for scoring well in the IELTS Speaking section.

What are some common mistakes to avoid in this cue card topic?

Avoid giving vague answers, repeating ideas, or speaking in a monotonous tone. Don’t just list facts—add emotions and storytelling. Also, ensure you don’t memorize answers word for word; instead, practice speaking naturally with different variations.

Can I describe a child or a young student in this topic?

Yes, you can describe a young student who enjoys reading. Talking about a child’s curiosity, their love for storybooks, and how reading enhances their knowledge can make your answer unique and interesting. Just be sure to include details that highlight their passion for books.

How can I extend my answer if I run out of things to say?

If you run out of ideas, elaborate on how reading has shaped the person’s personality, their favorite books, or how they influence others. You can also discuss whether you share their love for reading and how their habit has impacted your own reading interests.

upGrad Abroad Team

upGrad abroad Editorial Team

We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education process for all. Our diverse experience as journalists, content writers, editors, content strategists, and marketers helps create the most relevant and authentic blogs for our readers.

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