CAE part 3

 Speaking part 3

Now I'd like you to talk about something together for about two minutes. Here are some ways of encouraging young people to spend more time reading and a question for you to discuss. Talk to each other about how useful each of these experiences might be in encouraging young people to read more for pleasure. 

Do you have many books, Ivan?

Not many, to tell the truth. 

Well, I do. I'm studying literature at university, so I read a huge number of books -not all for my own enjoyment, though I do read some because they give me pleasure as well. 

Well, let's look at the task. Yes, I remember when I was at school that we used to read books together in class, you know, the teacher would read a bit, then we would take turns round the class and then from time to time we'd discuss the book. 

Yes, I loved doing that. For me, it was the high point of the week. I think that's what made me determined to study literature. That and reading with my mother when I was very small. 

Hmm, I'm not sure about reading in class. I found it rather, how do you say, tedious, especially when it was the turn of someone who couldn't read very well. That was sort og painful. 

Yes, but I had a teacher who loved books and was able to communicate her enthusiasm, which was fantastic. And she helped us to dig below the surface, so we could really understand what the book was all about. 

Well, maybe you were luckier with your teacher than I was. I often felt I was just reading out of obligation, you know, something we had to do. 

Well, actually I think they might work quite well at getting young people to read more because kids get more involved if they can interact. I remember books when I was a child where you could choose options and then you were directed to another page depending on the options, so you were really choosing how the story developed. I like that idea…

Part b

Now I'd like you to talk about something together for about two minutes. Here are some ways of encouraging young people to spend more time reading and a question for you to discuss. Talk to each other about how useful each of these experiences might be in encouraging young people to read more for pleasure. 

Well, I think reading the book when you've seen the film is really effective because people want to continue the experience or find out more. 

Yes, although they are often disappointed by the book, or the film, I mean, one is usually much better than the other. Then using e books: I'm not sure. I think children often get distracted, especially when they're using one of those tablets and there are lots of other things, games, and so on not connected with the book. 

Well, maybe if they haven't picked up a reading habit by the time they're teenagers, it's too late. 

Yeah, maybe. I don't think library visits on their own are enough, do you? I mean, young people have got to take out a book and do something at the end, like discuss it or write a review. 

You're probably right, but I used to have writing reviews. I think if you do that, you're not encouraging young people to read for pleasure. It sort of becomes just another chore, another piece of homework. 

Advanced vocab

They give me pleasure, the high point of the week, made me determine, I found it rather tedious, communicate her enthusiasm, out of obligation, get more involved, get distracted, picked up a reading habit, just another chore.

Exercise

Now I'd like you to talk about something together for about two minutes. Here are some creative or artistic activities which young people can study at school and a question for you to discuss. Talk to each other about how young people might benefit from doing each of these activities. 

Now you have a minute to decide which activity it is most important for young people to study at school.