Hello, dear listeners! Welcome to the IELTS Time Podcast! My name is Archer. Today, we’re diving into the IELTS Speaking Part 2: Describe a person who likes to read a lot. You should say: Who this person is; How you knew him or her; What he or she likes to read; And explain why you think he or she likes to read a lot. Now, let’s hear what Joseph has to say about this topic.
Well, I have to say, when it comes to avid readers, my childhood friend Emma is the first person who pops into my mind. We grew up next door to each other, and our families were always hanging out—barbecues, holiday celebrations, you name it. Emma and I spent endless hours playing outside, but it was always obvious that she had a special thing for reading.
Even as a kid, you’d often find Emma tucked away in her favourite spot by the window, totally lost in a book. I remember how excited she got when she discovered the Harry Potter series—she couldn’t stop talking about it for days and was always urging everyone to read it too. As we got older, her taste in books grew even more diverse. She got into fantasy, mystery, and even historical fiction. Emma particularly loved novels that took her to different times and places, letting her explore experiences far beyond our little suburban bubble.
I think Emma’s love for reading mostly comes from her family. Both her parents are big readers, and they’ve created a home that really encourages a passion for books. They’re always sharing books and discussing stories together, making reading a family affair rather than a solo activity. This family vibe has definitely influenced Emma’s reading habits and preferences. Plus, since she’s a bit on the shy side, books give her a comfy escape to explore different worlds and perspectives without having to step out of her comfort zone.
Alright, let’s revisit Joseph’s response. He mentioned his friend Emma is an ‘avid’ reader. Now, avid doesn’t just mean she likes to read; it means she has a real ‘passion’ for it. She’s really ‘keen’ on reading, always eager to pick up a new book. Think of it this way: She is an avid reader, always ready to explore the pages of a new book.
Remember how Joseph mentioned that Emma is the first person who ‘pops into his mind’? This means she immediately comes to his thoughts when he thinks about someone who loves to read. In other words, she is the first person who comes to mind. Think of how a favourite song pops into your mind when someone mentions your favourite band.
Joseph mentioned their families were always ‘hanging out.’ This means they spent time together socially, having fun and enjoying each other’s company. They would often have ‘get-togethers’ or ‘social gatherings.’
Imagine this: A group of friends laughing together at a local park, enjoying a picnic while playing frisbee. This perfectly captures the essence of ‘hanging out’ – spending quality time together, having fun, and simply enjoying each other’s company.”
Joseph also used the phrase ‘you name it.’ This is an informal way of saying ‘and many other things.’ He was saying their families did all sorts of activities together – ‘barbecues, holiday celebrations, you name it!’ – basically everything you can imagine.” To give you an idea, they enjoyed a variety of activities together– hiking, camping, you name it!
Remember how Joseph said Emma was often ‘tucked away’ in her favourite spot? ‘Tucked away’ means she was in a cozy and secluded place, like a corner of her room or a comfy armchair. She was really ‘settled in’ and enjoying the peace and quiet while she read. For example, the child is tucked away in a cozy corner of the library, reading a captivating storybook.
Then, Joseph used the interesting phrase ‘suburban bubble.’ This refers to the sheltered environment of the suburbs. It might seem a bit ‘isolated’ from the real world. It’s like living in a small, protected world, a bit removed from the hustle and bustle of city life. But Emma, through her reading, was able to ‘escape’ that ‘bubble’ and explore different cultures and experiences. For example, growing up in the suburbs, I sometimes felt like I was living in a ‘suburban bubble’ sheltered from the realities of the wider world.
Joseph mentioned that Emma’s parents are always “sharing books and discussing stories together,” making reading a “family affair” rather than a “solo activity.” This means reading isn’t just something Emma does alone. It is a shared activity for the whole family. Everyone enjoys reading and discusses books together, making it a “group activity” rather than a “solo activity.” For example, a family affair could be a Sunday dinner where everyone contributes to cooking and enjoys the meal together. In contrast, a solo activity could be a single person going for a run in the park, enjoying being alone and focusing on their fitness.
Joseph also mentioned the ‘family vibe,’ which refers to the atmosphere created by the family. In this context, it’s a positive and supportive environment where reading is encouraged and celebrated. The family vibe is warm and welcoming toward reading. However, the term ‘family vibe’ can also be used in a negative way, depending on the context. While it generally describes the overall atmosphere of a family, this vibe can sometimes be tense, stressful, or overbearing if there is constant arguing or high expectations. For example, a family vibe could feel heavy and uncomfortable if family members are often in conflict or under significant pressure.
Finally, Joseph said books provide Emma with a ‘comfy escape.’ This means reading allows her to relax and forget about her worries. It is a ‘pleasant’ and ‘stress-free’ way for her to explore different worlds and perspectives. ‘Comfy’ is a short for comfortable, and ‘escape’ implies a temporary departure from reality, a break from the stresses and anxieties of daily life. For example, finding a comfy spot with a good book can provide a pleasant escape from the day’s worries.
So there you have it! We’ve explored some key vocabulary from Joseph’s response. We learned that ‘avid’ describes someone with a real passion for something, like Emma’s love for reading. We also learned that ‘pop into one’s mind’ means something comes to mind instantly, like when you think of your best friend.
We discussed phrases like ‘hanging out’ to describe spending time socially, ‘you name it’ for including many things, and ‘tucked away’ for being in a cozy spot. We even explored the concept of a ‘suburban bubble,’ which refers to the sheltered life of the suburbs.
We also learned about the difference between a ‘family affair’ and a ‘solo activity,’ and how a ‘family vibe’ can encourage certain activities. Finally, we discovered how reading can provide a ‘comfy escape’ from daily stresses.
That wraps up today’s episode! Thanks for listening. Take care and see you next time!
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