Partner A
Easier: Do you enjoy reading in your free time? Why or why not?
Which book would you recommend to almost anyone?
More challenging: How might reading habits change in the next twenty years?
Jamesleads the live roundsSimmonds · live on simmonds.onlineB15 min · English
Books and reading in English: vocabulary, dialogue and conversation questions
Editorially responsible: James Simmondspublished 21 Oct 2026AI-generated text (learn more – how we use AI on these pages)
Live rounds with a trainer and a small group. To warm up: Theo asks, you answer.
Allow the microphone – Theo asks the first question.
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Question of the day
What is mentioned as a way to relax from daily stress?
Show the answer – Open the answer to the question of the day
Correct answer: Reading a few pages
You can find the answer in the English introduction.
Listen to the introduction
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Transcript
Hi, I'm Theo, and this is a two-minute conversation starter. Today: books and reading. In a world full of screens, getting lost in a good book is a wonderful way to relax. Some people love reading paperbacks – Jump to the vocabulary entry for reading paperbacks before bed, while others prefer to listen to audiobooks – Jump to the vocabulary entry for listen to audiobooks on their way to work. Reading a few pages every day can help you switch off – Jump to the vocabulary entry for switch off from daily stress. You don't have to read heavy literature – Jump to the vocabulary entry for heavy literature. An engaging story – Jump to the vocabulary entry for engaging story or a clever biography can be just as rewarding. You can borrow books from the local library – Jump to the vocabulary entry for local library or swap them with friends. Finding the right story makes all the difference. What kind of books do you enjoy reading the most?
Vocabulary
- reading paperbacks/ˌriː.dɪŋ ˈpeɪ.pə.bæks/
- Meaning: Reading books that have a flexible paper cover.
- Example: I prefer reading paperbacks on holiday because they are light.
- listen to audiobooks/ˌlɪs.ən tʊ ˈɔː.di.əʊ.bʊks/
- Meaning: To hear a recorded reading of a book.
- Example: Many drivers listen to audiobooks on long journeys.
- switch off/ˌswɪtʃ ˈɒf/
- Meaning: To stop thinking about work or problems and relax.
- Example: A hot bath helps me switch off in the evening.
- heavy literature/ˌhev.i ˈlɪt.rə.tʃə/
- Meaning: Serious or difficult books that require a lot of thought.
- Example: I am too tired for heavy literature after a long day.
- engaging story/ɪnˈɡeɪdʒɪŋ ˈstɔːri/
- Meaning: A story that keeps you interested.
- Example: The book tells an engaging story about two old friends.
- local library/ˌləʊ.kəl ˈlaɪ.brər.i/
- Meaning: A nearby public building where you can borrow books.
- Example: The children visit the local library every weekend.
Dialogue
- AnnaHave you read anything good recently?
- TomYes, I just finished an engaging story. I couldn't put it down.
- AnnaI enjoy reading paperbacks too, but I rarely have time.
- TomYou should try to listen to audiobooks. They are great when you are driving.
- AnnaThat's a good idea. It might help me switch off after work.
- TomExactly. I borrow audiobooks through my local library app.
- AnnaOh, I didn't know they offered that. I'll check it out.
- TomLet me know if you need any recommendations!
Questions for your conversation
Partner B
Easier: Do you prefer fiction to non-fiction? Why or why not?
Where and when do you usually read?
More challenging: Why do you think some people prefer physical books even though digital versions are more convenient?
Partner A
Easier: Have you ever listened to an audiobook? Why or why not?
What makes a story interesting to you?
More challenging: If you had to write a book, what topic or genre would you choose and why?
Useful phrases
- I highly recommend this book.
- I couldn't put it down.
- I prefer physical books.
- It helps me switch off.
- What is it about?
- I read a few pages before bed.
Topic quiz
Five quick questions check vocabulary and listening comprehension.
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Who is Theo?
Theo is an AI conversation partner for warming up, not a teacher. The voice is synthetic. In the live rounds, a trainer talks with you.
Is my conversation stored?
We store neither audio nor a transcript. During the conversation, your voice is sent to Google (Gemini) for processing. The conversation ends after no more than five minutes.
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