Describe a book that had a major influence on you

Describe a book that had a major influence on you | IELTS Good Score

You should say:

• What the book was about
• How you first heard of the book
• What is the main story of the book
• And why it plays such an important role in your life

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Model Answer: "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho

Books have a unique way of finding us when we need them most, and that was certainly the case with "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho.

I first heard about this internationally acclaimed novella during my final year of high school. I was under an immense amount of stress regarding my upcoming university entrance exams and felt completely conflicted about my future career path.

Sensing my anxiety, my elder sister handed me her worn-out copy of the book and told me it might give me some much-needed perspective.

The narrative follows the journey of a young Andalusian shepherd boy named Santiago, who has a recurring dream about finding a hidden treasure located near the Egyptian pyramids.

Driven by a desire to discover his purpose, he sells his flock and embarks on a perilous trek across the African desert.

Along the way, he encounters several symbolic characters, including an enigmatic alchemist who teaches him to listen to his heart and read the omens of the universe.

Ultimately, the story is a beautiful allegory about pursuing one's dreams—referred to in the book as one's "Personal Legend"—and learning that the true treasure often lies in the journey rather than the destination.

This novel plays an invaluable role in my life because it acted as a catalyst for my personal growth during a very turbulent time.

Before reading it, I was terrified of making mistakes and constantly worried about failing to meet societal expectations.

Santiago’s journey taught me that fear of failure is often worse than the failure itself, and that setbacks are just an inevitable part of anyone's life path.

Ever since I closed the final page, I have approached my personal and professional goals with a much more optimistic and courageous mindset.

Whenever I face a major crossroad in my life—such as preparing for this high-stakes IELTS exam—I remind myself of the book's core message: to embrace the journey and trust the process.

Vocabulary:

• Acclaimed novella: A widely praised, short novel.

• Immense amount: A very large or great amount.

• Perilous trek: A highly dangerous and difficult journey.

• Enigmatic: Mysterious and difficult to fully understand.

• Allegory: A story that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden, deeper moral or spiritual meaning.

• Catalyst: Something that precipitates or accelerates a major event or change.

• Turbulent time: A period characterized by conflict, disorder, or confusion.

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