IELTS Speaking · 13

Yes, I really enjoy reading, though I have less time now than I used to. As a child, I mostly read adventure stories and fairy tales, which sparked my imagination. These days I prefer printed books because I like the feel of the pages and they don't strain my eyes like a screen does. I still use e-books when I travel, since they're lighter to carry. As for libraries, I rarely visit them now, but I pop into a bookshop maybe once a month, usually just to browse and discover something new.

I'd like to talk about a novel called 'The Alchemist' by Paulo Coelho, which had a profound effect on me. It tells the story of a young shepherd named Santiago who leaves home to follow his dreams and search for treasure, and along the way he learns about listening to his heart and recognising signs in life. I read it about five years ago, when I was feeling quite uncertain about my future and what career path to choose. A close friend recommended it, saying it had helped her through a difficult period. What I took away from the book was the idea that pursuing your personal goals, even when it feels risky, is more rewarding than playing it safe. It also taught me to pay attention to small opportunities that I might otherwise ignore. The reason it had such a strong impact is that it came at exactly the right moment in my life. The simple, almost fable-like writing made the message feel timeless and universal. After finishing it, I genuinely felt more confident about taking chances, and I even decided to apply for a job abroad. Whenever I feel discouraged now, I reread certain chapters, and they always give me a renewed sense of purpose and motivation.

I think people read less mainly because of competing distractions like social media and streaming services, which offer instant entertainment with little effort. Technology has changed habits in mixed ways: it makes books more accessible through e-readers and audiobooks, yet it also shortens our attention spans, so many people prefer brief articles to long novels. Schools should definitely promote reading for pleasure, because it builds vocabulary, empathy and concentration in a way that academic reading alone can't. As for printed books, I doubt they'll vanish entirely; many readers cherish the physical experience, so I expect print and digital formats to coexist for a long time.