B1 Dialog #12. Talking about books
Do you like to read? What’s your favorite book?
In this dialogue we are talking about books in English. You can download a PDF transcript for our dialogue from the link above. We will be grateful if you like the video and subscribe to our channel. Thank you!
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Talking about books
How important are books to you?
Books are important of course. Reading good books makes us smarter. Unfortunately, it’s not so popular nowadays because of the Internet.
What would life be like without books?
We would know nothing about our history. Our life would be more boring and we would have less subjects to talk about.
What kinds of books do you like?
In childhood I liked adventures and detectives. Now I’m more interested in history.
Do you prefer paperbacks or hardbacks?
For me it’s not that important. If I buy a book for myself I prefer paperbacks, they are cheaper and more convenient. If I need a book as a present, a hardback is more appropriate I think.
If you wrote a book, what would you write about?
That’s an interesting question. I like learning foreign languages and a few years ago I wrote a book about my experience of learning English with some useful information for learners. When I’m older and have time, I would write some adventure story or a detective. I think it would be quite interesting.
If you could have only one book for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
This is a hard question. I have a few favorite books. If I have to
choose only one, I would take “Three Comrades” from Erich Maria
Remark. This is a very interesting and deep story about love and friendship. I like to read about people, about their lives, about how they help each other and what they do in hard situations of life.
Do you think the Internet will make books disappear?
I don’t think so. People will always read books. The problem is that children read less, because of the Internet and computer games
What do you think of the idea of E-books?
It’s very convenient and I’m glad that E-books exist. However, when I’m at home I prefer reading a real book. I like to have a good book in my hands, turn the paper and so on. There is something pleasant in it.
What book would you recommend for children?
I’d recommend Oliver Twist by Charls Dickens.
How many books have you read in English?
About ten I think. It was a long time ago when I just started learning English. I prefer reading books in my mother tongue, in Russian.
Rinat —-> Anya
Who is your favorite author?
I can’t choose only one author.
What do you think of Google’s idea to put all the world’s books on the Internet, accessible for free?
I think it’s not bad, if they are still available in shops as an option. Some people don’t like E-books.
Why doesn’t everybody enjoy reading?
They didn’t find their book I think. When you start reading a good book you usually can’t stop. And after you finish it you look for another one.
Do you prefer to keep the books you read?
I like to exchange them.
What’s the most number of times you have read the same book?
I’ve read “The Insulted and Injured” by Dostoevsky two times, because I forgot what it was about. After I read it the second time, I was impressed again.
Which is better, the book or the movie?
It’s definitely the book.
Do you prefer fiction or non-fiction?
I prefer reading fiction, but now I’d like to read something about the history of the Second World War.
Do you spend a long time browsing in bookshops?
Not much. I always have a list of books I want to buy. When
I don’t know what kind of book I want, I go to the section of classics. It’s always good.
Do you ever read the last page before you start reading a book?
Never! I like reading one chapter by another. It’s much more interesting.
How often do you want the story in a book to never end?
Very often. After I finish the book, I start missing the characters and the story. That’s why I always begin looking for a new book.