I saw someone online talking about this. When taking the IELTS test you are asked questions and expected to answer those questions. To not answer them is not a good thing. Think of it like this
“When in Rome, do as the Romans do”
“Monkey see monkey do”
Put that another way.
“Obey”
So if you are asked to choose two answers then you choose two answers, not one or three but two.
If you are asked to say what book you like then give a book, not a movie, song or view on politics etc.
Let me show you an example.
1. Bad. Try to change topic.
Q - “Can you tell me a book you like”
A - “I don’t read I like to watch TV”
Here we have someone that doesn't read and there is nothing wrong with that. I personally don’t read fictional novels these days either. I read news and a lot of non-fiction and like to write about things myself.
If you notice the question here, it says “book”. So this does not have to be a story book in this case, so if you read the history of “grass cutting advances in the 20th century” that would be fine to comment about.
Q - “Can you tell me a book you like”
A – “I am really interested in lawn care so when I got my hands on the book ‘grass cutting advances in the 20th century’ I couldn't put it down, it was so fascinating”
Confrontational
2. Bad. saying the topic is rubbish and wanting to talk about something else.
Q - “Can you tell me a book you like”
A - “Reading is a waste of time; why not ask me about a movie or something that stimulates all the senses?”
A very bad answer. First off the question has not been answered and secondly the person is a jerk. Examiner will be thinking “Who does this guy think he is? Telling me what to ask, they probably can only answer easy questions they prepared earlier. God I have to put up with jerk for 15 minutes, kill me now”
Q - “Can you tell me a book you like”
A – “Yes”
*Umm*... So they say they can but it is best to actually say what it is too
Q - “Can you tell me a book you like”
A – “No”
*Sigh*…. Need I say more….
A similar example but now a Novel.
3. Bad. Tries to change to another topic.
Q - “Can you tell me a novel you like”
A - “I don’t like novels, I like to watch TV”
So again a bad answer as the golden rule is broken of not answering the question. What would I do here seems I don’t read novels…. Well I have in the past so I’m sure I could say something about those. It isn’t whether you understand the book or even get the content right; it is about if you can talk about something that someone is asking you.
Q - “Can you tell me a novel you like”
A – “The last novel I read and liked was from the song of ice and fire series by George R. R. Martin. When I heard it was being made into a TV program I actually didn’t want to read the rest of the series as I like to be able to see and hear what is going on.”
So I said a book and that I LIKED it as that was in the question. The second sentence wasn’t needed but seems I had already answered what was needed (monkey see monkey do) and I want to come across as someone that can give opinions and reasons for something. I am still talking about the novel and comparing to TV and why I prefer one over the other. I want at least 8 in my speaking test after all. :)
4. Make it up from what you know.
Q - “Can you tell me a novel you like”
A - “I really like Harry potter.”
I have never read these books but who cares as I have seen the movies and heard people talk about them in person, online and on the news. So I just take what I saw from the film and use that as the answers for the novel, may not be 100% correct but there is little chance that J. K. Rollings is going to be your examiner. The films are just OK to me but if asked, I will say that they changed my life because as a Muggle you have to try harder to be successful in life….. I only know what a Muggle is because someone explained it to me but it sounds like I now know details of the book so I must like it, right? Yeah it does.
Last example is a little sad and not recommended.
5. No experience can lead you to the answer.
Q - “Can you tell me a novel you like”
A - “Unfortunately I can’t. I came from an illiterate family and at school we only ever read short stories or poems because of the lack of resources. I can tell you about a short story if that would be ok?”
So this is an example that could happen in poor areas. “Can you…” In this case the Romans are flying through the sky which is impossible to follow. The student gives the example of how they can't and by offering something similar shows they are both articulate and smart enough to find a common solution.
Give your answer and then wait for the next question. Don't um and ah after you have said your part.. Ums and ahhs are a very bad thing in English. In China it is common to make sounds while listening but very bad in English.