The Evolution of Reading Habits

In this episode of the IELTS Speaking for Success podcast, hosts Maria and Rory engage in a candid discussion about the role of reading in their lives. The conversation provides valuable insights into how professional commitments can influence personal leisure activities and how reading habits shift from childhood to adulthood.

The Impact of a Busy Schedule on Reading

Rory admits that his current reading habits have been significantly impacted by his professional life. He explains that he has had to put his "regular reading on the back burner" due to his demanding "work schedule." This idiom perfectly captures the struggle many face when trying to balance intellectual hobbies with daily responsibilities. Rory expresses a clear desire to reclaim this time, hoping that once the Christmas season passes, he will be able to return to his former pace and start "reading a lot more."

Nostalgia and the Frequency of Reading

When reflecting on how his habits have evolved, Rory notes that he "used to read much more avidly" in the past. He highlights a common sentiment among adults: missing the luxury of time associated with childhood. During those earlier years, he enjoyed the freedom of "having all that time to read," an experience he hopes to "get back in the future." This shift from avid reading to sporadic engagement underscores the common transition from the leisure-focused life of a child to the time-constrained life of a working professional.

Literature and Cinematic Adaptations

The discussion touches upon the intersection of literature and film. When asked about novels adapted into movies, Rory initially struggles to recall examples "off the top of my head," suggesting that he may not prioritize mainstream adaptations. However, he eventually identifies Harry Potter and Jurassic Park. While he acknowledges Harry Potter as a ubiquitous example, his mention of Jurassic Park reveals a deeper personal connection, as he later identifies it as his "favorite book as a child."

Personal Preference: Books vs. Movies

Perhaps the most telling part of the conversation is Rory’s clear preference for books over movies. He describes the immersive experience of "switching off" and "plowing through a novel" in a single day or evening as a deeply satisfying activity. This phrase, "plowing through," implies a focused, energetic, and enjoyable engagement with a text. Despite admitting that it has been "a while since that happened," his enthusiasm for the act of reading remains palpable. The episode concludes with Rory reminiscing about his childhood, having to "cast my mind back pretty far" to identify his favorite literary work, ultimately settling on Michael Crichton’s Jurassic Park.

Conclusion

This dialogue serves as an excellent example of how to articulate personal experiences and preferences in an IELTS-style interview. Rory’s use of idiomatic expressions—such as "on the back burner," "off the top of my head," and "cast my mind back"—along with descriptive verbs like "avidly" and "plowing through," provides a high-level vocabulary model for students aiming for a Band 9 score. The conversation highlights that while our habits may change due to circumstance, the intrinsic love for reading often remains a constant.